There’s something to be said about exploring a hidden gem and traveling an off-beaten path. While the Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas casinos, and Times Square are hot spots for a reason, there are a lot of destinations that are just as beautiful but often overlooked. That’s a good thing because these destinations provide the ideal escape and perfect retreat for those seeking quality time away from the bustling crowds and constant activity.
Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts
The Pioneer Valley is a trough carved by the Connecticut River, located in central Massachusetts. This region is home to several vintage mill cities that have modernized significantly in recent decades. Basketball enthusiasts will appreciate the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, where the sport was born. Other illustrious spots, such as the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum & Sculpture Garden in Springfield, are just as alluring as any other iconic tourist attraction.
The delightful shops and restaurants of Northampton, the New England hiking trail, and the clear and stunning Connecticut River are some other nearby spots worth visiting.
Pennsylvania Wilds
North-central Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of natural treasures, from the abundant wildlife and cascading mountain streams to ancient trees in the Forest Cathedral. Pine Creek’s Mid-Atlantic version of the formidable Grand Canyon and the rugged Allegheny Plateau are a few other spots that make the Pennsylvania Wilds an underrated gem. This part of Pennsylvania is home to the Allegheny National Forest and 29 state parks. History and archeology enthusiasts will also want to visit Kinzua Bridge to explore the area’s historical significance and learn about human relics.
Radnor Lake, Nashville
While this city in Tennessee is known for its music scene and food, an often overlooked aspect of Nashville is the Radnor Lake State Natural Area and State Park. This spot is approximately a 25-minute drive from Lower Broadway and has some of the country’s most diverse and breathtaking wildlife. The 1,389-acre park is home to animals, including waterfowl, otters, and owls.
Radnor may be only 10 miles away from Nashville’s urban center, but its overall vibe drastically differs from that of the Music City. Whereas Nashville is almost always bustling with noise and color, Radnor has a perpetual shade of tranquility and peace. Travelers can visit this park for free all year round, from six in the morning until sunset. One of its main highlights is the 7+ miles of hiking trails, surrounded by mosses, wildflowers, and fungi, on which visitors can jog, stroll with pets, or ride their bikes.
Castle Noel in Medina, Ohio
Surprisingly, this Christmas museum in Ohio is still untouched and not as visited. Castle Noel, located in Medina, is the largest Christmas museum in the United States and a hidden gem among vacation spots. The museum features a wide array of iconic Christmas movie memorabilia, stunning New York department store window displays, unique props, and fascinating representations of beloved movie characters.
Those who run this museum opened it to celebrate the spirit of Christmas every single day as if it were the 25th of December. This place features incredible displays and highlights, letting visitors bask in Christmas. The museum regularly undergoes revamps, witnesses renovation projects, and adds new props and design objects annually. These revamps help give the structure a fresh and unique visual appeal for visitors who return annually to evoke festive memories here.
Amid all the Christmas decor, this place contains other highlights, too. One such highlight is the tropical twist of the summer Hawaiian luau attraction, which features Hawaiian music and dancers.
St. Augustine, Florida
Another one of the hidden gems in the US is this quaint Florida city. This charming city offers stunning views, a rich and fascinating history, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels lazy and indulgent. In many ways, St. Augustine captures the laid-back vibe of the nearby metropolis, Jacksonville.
Some highlights of St. Augustine include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a fort built in the 17th century, and the beautiful St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum featuring 219 steps. The city boasts abundant wildlife resources and is home to the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, a non-profit sanctuary for rescued exotic animals. St. Augustine’s jewelry, clothing, and home decor stores are equally beautiful and worth visiting. For seafood lovers, the Sunset Grille, St. Augustine Fish Camp, and other restaurants serve some of the best coastal cuisine in the country. The city is also renowned for its ghost tours.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
This beach features several picturesque sights, including a large rock known as Haystack Rock, which rises hundreds of feet from the Pacific Ocean just offshore. There are also two smaller rocks that create a stunning view during sunrises and sunsets.
This monument of a stone piece is known as the Haystack Rock, and it rises hundreds of feet from the Pacific Ocean just offshore. This beach is a good location for those interested in whale watching. Many migrating whales can be seen in the waters of this beach. Besides these highlights, the food and sunny weather make it a must-visit destination.