Finding healthy vacation destinations can make a big difference if you want to live a substance-free lifestyle. Some towns and counties in the U.S. are dry. A dry area restricts or totally bans alcohol sales, erasing the temptation that bars and restaurant cocktail menus may present. These towns make great travel options for people in recovery, offering outdoor beauty, calming scenery, and the opportunity to gain more independence.
St. Gregory Recovery Center has Des Moines and Bayard locations, and we provide residential recovery programs in Iowa that help individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) build a strong recovery foundation so they can enjoy travel and family time more deeply. Since Iowa has no dry counties by law, choosing a dry travel destination outside the state might be a good way to experience a change of pace while still reducing alcohol exposure. Keep reading to learn more about dry town history and tips for dry destinations.
The History of Dry Towns
Before national Prohibition in the 1920s, many U.S. states had small communities that had already passed laws to prohibit alcohol sales. Maine was the first to do so in the early 1850s, followed by Delaware, Ohio, Illinois, and others. By the early 1900s, most states allowed local governments to go dry.
When the country repealed Prohibition in the 1930s, states regained control over alcohol laws, and some places stuck to their dry status. While many have since changed their laws, plenty of dry towns still exist today for moral, religious, or safety reasons.
A Look at Dry Communities Today
For some communities, dry laws are decades old, while others have recently voted to limit alcohol sales. No U.S. state is completely dry today, but certain counties and towns may uphold restrictions.
States like Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee are dry by default, meaning their alcohol sales are illegal unless a county or town actively votes to allow them. Meanwhile, states like Arkansas and Kentucky have a mix of dry, wet, or ‘damp’ areas where alcohol sales exist but with restrictions.
Travel Destinations With Limited Alcohol Sales
If you need a vacation spot without bars or liquor stores at every turn, these dry or partially dry towns and states are popular:
- Ocean City and Haddonfield, New Jersey. A popular summer destination with clean, pretty beaches and a lively boardwalk, Ocean City banned alcohol sales in 1909. It’s one of the most well-known dry towns in the country, especially in the tri-state area. Haddonfield is another charming, historic NJ town that has been dry since 1873. Visit for a quaint downtown experience with unique shops, cafes, and cultural attractions.
- Lynchburg in Moore County, Tennessee. People love Lynchburg for its Southern hospitality and historic sites, and the damp Moore County generally has beautiful landscapes, hiking, and fishing for the ultimate chill vacation.
- Arkansas, Alaska, Kansas, and Kentucky. These are a few states that still have numerous dry counties for exploration, adventure, and friendly locals to connect with.
Considerations When Visiting a Dry Town
While a dry town might seem like a good option for avoiding alcohol, it’s important to stay aware of a few things:
- Alcohol is often available just outside the town limits, so it’s easy for locals and visitors to access it nearby.
- Some dry towns allow private clubs or licensed establishments to serve alcohol, which can create mixed environments.
- In the case of New Jersey, recreational marijuana and THC-product sales might be legal, even if alcohol isn’t. This could present challenges, depending on personal goals for recovery.
- Social gatherings in dry towns might still involve alcohol, even if restaurants or bars don’t sell liquor and beer.
- Even in dry environments, using the tools you’ve learned in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage triggers during the trip is a great idea.
If you’re further along in your recovery journey, any friends or family accompanying you on vacation may also find it easier to enjoy a dry space with you. However, if they’re unwilling to keep drinking to a minimum around you—it may be best to travel solo.
Choosing the Right Destination for Your Recovery
Traveling to a dry town can be your chance to reach new recovery milestones, relax, and make memories in a substance-free environment. It’s not a guarantee that alcohol won’t be around, but it can reduce the temptation in many settings and show others how committed you are to your recovery journey.
No matter where you are with your AUD management, St. Gregory supports you when you’re close to home or traveling. We can provide tips on prioritizing relapse prevention and staying on track. Contact us today to learn more about avoiding substances and staying focused no matter where you vacation.
