Underrated Vacation Destinations
We all know that you can go to the Grand Canyon and have your mind blown, but it's amazing how many great underrated vacation destinations continue to fly under the radar
When you're planning your next road trip, keep in mind that some of the best vacation ideas in the U.S. are ones you may not have even heard of.
Portland, Maine
Often overshadowed by its namesake on the other side of the country, Portland, Maine, has plenty to offer in its own right, including a wonderfully walkable downtown packed with shops, restaurants and bars. The Portland Museum of Art is a must for art lovers, and the city offers a ton of historic attractions from the Victoria House to the Portland Head Light—one of six lighthouses in the Portland area. The city also serves up some of the best seafood around, such as the fantastic locally caught fare at Street & Co.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Easily one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. that few have heard of, Mackinac Island is just a short boat or ferry ride from Mackinaw City on the Michigan mainland. About 500 people live on Mackinac Island, where the shops along the picturesque Main Street offer all sorts of goodies—especially fudge. Murdick's Main Fudge Shop has been making it on the island using all-natural ingredients since 1887. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the 4-acre island, but bike rentals are readily available, making it easy to explore the streets and beaches at your own pace.
Ozarks, Missouri
Extending into the neighboring states of Arkansas and Oklahoma, the Ozark Mountains of Missouri offer one of America’s most underrated outdoor playgrounds. Explore more than 700 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails in Mark Twain National Forest, or fish for trout in one of America’s best trout streams in Roaring River State Park. The city of Branson Missouri is at the heart of the Ozarks region, offering great restaurants, historic theaters, vibrant nightlife and easy access to the surrounding area’s ample outdoor attractions.
Thousand Islands, New York
The official island count is 1,864, but the name Thousand Islands sounds catchier, even if it sells this amazing region in upstate New York a little short. Scattered along the New York side of the St. Lawrence River, the islands offer incredible fishing and boating opportunities. Many islands are the site of private homes and even castles, some of which, like the historic Boldt Castle, are open for public tours. Fish for bass and pike in Goose Bay, tour the islands on a guided riverboat cruise, and have a picnic on Wellesley Island State Park. The town of Alexandria Bay, in many ways the gateway to the region, offers everything from dockside ice cream stands to guided fishing charters.
Ready to travel? Find your hotel in Portland, Mackinaw City, Branson, Alexandria Bay.
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