It’s a pity most guidebooks don’t have room to mention the smaller towns, but if you want to win a Lonely Planet book, visit http://www.indietravelpodcast.com – there’s a competition running.

But I think your article is great Unexpected stops in small towns can be great – you arrive with no preconceptions, open for anything. I’ve had some great stopovers in small places.

I want to add one point to your list:

If you can afford it, check in to a up-market hotel if the town has one. They’re always a lot cheaper outside the tourist trail, and you can use the stop to relax, pamper yourself and get back some strength for further travel. Look out for the other guests in the same hotel, they might not be your normal travelers and could have some interesting stories to tell about why they too came to this place.

One thing I’d like to add though: I’ve found that many places, including small towns, have free walking tours (usually available online or through the tourist office). The tours usually provide a basic map and some historical information to get you started with the exploring.

I’m living in Central Illinois right now, and there are plenty of places like this in my backyard, so to speak. Thanks for inspiring me to explore them!

Like when on a whim, we diverted from our road trip itinerary and drove to Hoven South Dakota at the suggestion of a road crew guy.

Being from California, it was a good surprise to meet down to earth people that actually wanted to talk to us and help us out. We love small towns like Hoven.