8 Fictional Towns You've Always Wanted To Visit

One of the best things about being a book nerd is that no matter where you are in the world, you can always be transported to somewhere new within a book. From vast lands of fantastical creatures, to the heart of New York City, books have this way of sucking me in and making me forget where I am, which if often enough one of the most exciting things in the world. If only the opposite worked and your favorite fictional towns could come to life — but alas, we'll just have to keep on wishing.

Granted, the day that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened was truly one of the best days for book-lovers, because it meant a beloved fictional place was finally real. I've only been to the theme park once, but walking up and down the streets of Hogsmeade and into Hogwarts while waiting in line for the ride was honestly one of the most thrilling things I've ever experienced. And as much as I loved it, it was still a theme park full of kids and tourists (aka me).

If I had to choose where to go on a vacation, it's almost always going to be related to a place in a book — or at least somewhere with really great bookstores. In high school, I wanted to visit Forks, Washington because of Twilight (don't judge me), and as a kid I wanted to time travel like in The Magical Tree House series. I'll never stop wishing fictional places were real. With that in mind, here are eight fictional towns that book-lovers everywhere have always wanted to visit:

1. Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien

Spending a summer vacation in a New Zealand-like environment is already incredible, but to live among hobbits who eat amazing meals, throw fun festivals, and sleep in adorable underground hobbit houses? Sign me up.

2. Hogsmeade from the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

While living at Hogwarts is every Potterhead's dream, it's still a school where there are exams, teachers, restrictions, and probably a bunch of people you'd rather not be around 24/7. Hogsmeade, on the other hand, is nearby and has a bunch of fun little shops, restaurants, and activities. I'd love to spend a week in the tiny town of Hogsmeade sipping on butter beer.

3. Lakeview, North Carolina from Sarah Dessen's novels

Nearly all of Sarah Dessen's novels take place in or near Lakeview, North Carolina. This town is right on the ocean and is home of The World of Waffles, an awesome music club, and a whole lot of interesting characters. I mean, could there be a more perfect summer vacation destination?

4. Agloe, New York from Paper Towns by John Green

Anyone who has read Paper Towns knows that Agole is a paper town, aka a fake town made up by map makers — so why would it be a fun destination spot? The town itself isn't exactly a great place (it basically consists of farm land and a broken-down cabin), but the road trip necessary to get there is absolutely worth the adventure.

5. Henrietta, Virginia from The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater

Henrietta is full of oddities, including a magical forest, psychics, farms full of unreal things, and beautiful winding roads that you'll want to cruise through until sundown in your orange Camaro. For anyone who loves this series, it would be a dream come true to visit this fictional town and the woods that rest beside it.

6. Whoville from Dr. Seuss books

Whoville appears in multiple Suess books, and I've wanted to visit since childhood. It's full of whimsical people, and seems like an all-around lovely place to visit.

7. Camp Half-Blood in Long Island, New York from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Roirdan

Camp Half-Blood would be incredible to visit. Unfortunately, you can't attend unless you're a demigod. (Which I'm not, sadly.) It seems way cooler than the camp I attended during my childhood. I would always be up for a round of mythical tales told around a campfire.

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