SOLVED. Boy hitchhiker gets lost in mysterious Appalachian(?) town [s]

[Catherine]

I read this book in elementary school probably about 8 years ago. In it, a boy was hitchhiking in the Appalachians, I think, and he got dropped off (I think it was raining) and found his way to a sort of utopian mountain town. I remember he fell in love with a girl there or something, but soon realized that whenever he tried to go back the way he came he couldn't, and would just end up in the town again. In the end I think he ended up leaving somehow. It's really bugging me that I can't remember the title, and I'd appreciate any help! Thanks!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Catherine, did you solve this yourself then?

[Catherine]

Yes I did some extensive Googling of young adult Appalachian literature and found it! :)

[Diana]

Sang Spell, eh? It looks really cool.

[Catherine]

Diana wrote: "Sang Spell, eh? It looks really cool."

It's quite good! It's been ages since I've read it but if you want a quick, light read I'd definitely recommend it.