We are planning a cross-country trip visiting such areas as New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Carlsbad Caverns NP, Petrified Forest NP, Grand Canyon NP, Vegas, Zion NP, Bryce NP, Capitol Reef NP, Arches NP, Mesa Verde NP, Denver, Rocky Mountain NP, Grand Teton NP, Yellowstone NP, Mt Rushmore, Minneapolis, Chicago, & returning home to Virginia. A lot of the big attractions are planned but what we don't have are interesting small towns. Can anyone recommend interesting/fun/unique/unusual small towns near any of the above places or along the way that are worth exploring?