Boise gets a great deal of recognition as being one of the most livable and thriving cities in America, but outside the City of Trees, Idaho is overflowing with rural small-town charm that has received its own share of national accolades over the years. Quaint, cozy, historic small towns represent the heart and soul of Idaho as a hardworking, prominent piece of American history. In no particular order, here are 10 idyllic Idaho towns that offer much more than their small populations would suggest.

1. Hailey

Voted as one of America's top 50 small towns, Hailey is bursting at the saddle seams with beauty and rural je nai sais quoi. In addition to being home of one of the best festivals in Idaho, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Hailey hosts the Northern Rockies Music Festival and boasts the

oldest functioning courthouse in the state. But really, this view alone is reason enough to love this city, yes?

2. Stanley

Tucked away at the entrance to the Sawtooth Mountains, this charming, isolated town of under 100 people does everything right when it comes to rural community and rustic ambiance. Year-round beauty, fantastic people, hidden gems galore, and equally incredible dining--it doesn't get any better than this idyllic Idaho town.

3. Featherville

Rustic, overlooked, and nestled in the truly spectacular Trinity mountains near Mountain Home, the Featherville-Pine area is the perfect place to settle down for some peace and quiet or enjoy the abundance of natural amenities that Idaho provides. Carefree and welcoming, this tiny slice of Idaho embodies everything there is to love about Idaho, while still offering some incredible opportunities, such as a stay at the Hayhurst B&B or Featherville Resort, or enjoying some grub at Cyndie's Featherville Cafe, a drink at the Featherville Saloon, or enjoy some small town community BBQ in the summer.

4. Stites

Situated in a rich valley near the Clearwater River, but just outside the more populated town of Kooskia, this rural beauty is charmingly rugged no matter how you look at it. Check out Battle Ridge for a quintessential Idaho view, or prance through the meadow-like fields near Cemetery Road. Take a drive around the area and you'll find the abandoned Clear Creek and Pleasant Valley school sites, which still stand full of history and time-worn beauty.

5. Weiser

This humble town on the Oregon border gets a great deal of recognition for its annual Oldtime Fiddle Contest and Festival, but it has much more going for it than just incredible musical talent, despite being all-too-often overlooked. Nestled at the convergence of the Weiser and Snake rivers, Weiser's expansive rural farmscape and orchards make for picturesque rural views in every direction. The town's historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot was once a bustling transportation hub, and dozens of century-old buildings dot the quaint historic districts. Weiser is also the proud home to one of small-town Idaho's best school systems.

6. Ketchum

Once a wealthy pioneer and mining community and home of Ernest Hemingway, Ketchum is now a year-round destination in the heart of the Sun Valley area, Idaho's most visited resort locale. Though a picturesque small town at its core, Ketchum boasts an incredible combination of old Idaho architecture, world-class recreation, and fine art. Not to mention, some fantastic eats, making it one of the best places to visit in Idaho.

7. Priest River

Priest River began as a town fueled by the lumber industry until the mid 1900's. A dense tree-filled location on the shores of its namesake waterway makes Priest River a vibrant outdoorsman's paradise, while the annual Timber Days festival pays tribute to the town's logging history. Priest River's scenic setting-reminiscent of Sandpoint but without the crowds-begs to be shown off, yet despite all odds, has remained a hidden gem along Idaho's western border.

8. Wallace

Incredible history meets vibrant beauty in Wallace, which means this adorably photogenic haven has no shortage of small-town distinctions. First and foremost, the entire city of Wallace is on the National Historic Register. Literally. It's also recognized as The Center of the Universe, as officially declared in 2004. A manhole cover in Wallace's city center pays homage to this accolade. But what sets Wallace apart is something that is indescribable: a lively, energetic community spirit, easy access to some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Idaho, and a history that is interwoven into the very fabric of the town culture.

9. Preston

Known by some as simply "The Flat," Preston borders the Idaho-Utah state line and earned its nickname because of its low setting at the base of the Wellsville Mountains. A peaceful, prairie-like destination, Preston is well-known for its Famous Preston Night Rodeo and the Idaho Festival of Lights, but as of 2004, however, will forever be marked as the hometown of Napoleon Dynamite, for better or worse. But with a low crime rate and idyllic setting, Preston is the perfect combination of natural beauty and quintessential southern Idaho small-town hospitality.

10. McCall

Arguably one of the most beautiful towns in Idaho, thousands flock to the gorgeous, snowy McCall on the shores of Payette Lake to soak in the views and the plentiful snow. The annual Winter Carnival is the town's biggest tourism draw, but plentiful recreation, a charming downtown, and scenic state parks that are just a short drive away make it a little extra special. Not to mention, it boasts one of the best school systems in the state. But equally delightful is the close proximity to tiny, unincorporated and historic communities nearby, so you'll never run out of beauty or adventure.

Gosh, this state is beautiful! What are your favorite idyllic Idaho towns? Which ones would you add to this list?

These idyllic Idaho towns aren't the only towns that belong on your must-visit list. Idaho is actually home to the coolest town in the West.

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