I’m an avid traveler who’s always on the lookout for hidden gems. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore some of the most underrated places in the US. These destinations offer unique experiences, stunning scenery, and a chance to escape the crowds. From historic cities to natural wonders, here are my top picks for the most underrated places to visit in the US⁚
Savannah, Georgia
I had the pleasure of visiting Savannah a few years ago, and I was immediately captivated by its charm. This historic city is filled with beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and lush squares. I spent my days exploring the city’s many historic sites, including the Savannah Historic District, which is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the US. I also took a leisurely walk along River Street, which offers stunning views of the Savannah River.
In the evenings, I enjoyed dining at one of Savannah’s many excellent restaurants. The city has a thriving culinary scene, and I was able to sample some of the best Southern cuisine I’ve ever tasted. I highly recommend visiting Savannah if you’re looking for a charming and historic city with plenty to see and do.
Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do in Savannah⁚
- Visit the Savannah Historic District and explore its many historic buildings and sites.
- Take a walk along River Street and enjoy the views of the Savannah River.
- Visit the Forsyth Park Fountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in Savannah.
- Take a ghost tour and learn about Savannah’s haunted history.
- Visit the Savannah African Art Museum, which houses a collection of over 1,000 pieces of African art.
a. Historic Charm
Savannah is a city with a rich and storied history, and its historic charm is evident everywhere you go. The city’s historic district is one of the largest in the US, and it’s home to a variety of architectural styles, from colonial to Victorian. I spent hours wandering the streets of the historic district, admiring the beautiful buildings and learning about the city’s past.
One of my favorite things to do in Savannah was to visit the many historic churches. The city is home to over 40 churches, each with its own unique history and architecture. I visited several of the churches, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which is the oldest Catholic church in Georgia.
I also enjoyed visiting the Savannah History Museum, which tells the story of the city’s past. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the colonial era, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era.
If you’re interested in history, then Savannah is definitely a city worth visiting. The city’s historic charm is undeniable, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do in Savannah if you’re interested in history⁚
- Visit the Savannah Historic District and explore its many historic buildings and sites.
- Visit the Savannah History Museum to learn about the city’s past.
- Visit the Savannah African Art Museum, which houses a collection of over 1,000 pieces of African art.
- Take a ghost tour and learn about Savannah’s haunted history.
- Visit the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a historic house museum that tells the story of a wealthy planter family and their enslaved workers.
b. Riverfront Beauty
Savannah is located on the Savannah River, and the city’s riverfront is one of its most beautiful features. I spent a lot of time exploring the riverfront, and I found it to be the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
One of my favorite things to do on the riverfront was to take a boat tour. I took a two-hour tour that took me up and down the river, and I got to see the city from a whole new perspective. I also saw a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, pelicans, and egrets.
Another great way to enjoy the riverfront is to simply walk or bike along the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a paved path that stretches for over 20 miles along the riverfront, and it’s a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the views.
If you’re looking for a place to eat on the riverfront, there are plenty of options to choose from. I had lunch at a restaurant called Vic’s on the River, and I had a delicious meal with a great view of the river.
The Savannah Riverfront is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do on the riverfront⁚
- Take a boat tour of the Savannah River.
- Walk or bike along the Riverwalk.
- Have lunch or dinner at a restaurant on the riverfront.
- Visit the Savannah Riverfront Market, which is a public market with a variety of vendors selling food, crafts, and other goods.
- Attend a festival or event on the riverfront. The Savannah Riverfront hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and fireworks displays.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. I’ve been to Asheville several times, and I’m always impressed by its natural beauty and vibrant arts scene.
One of my favorite things to do in Asheville is to hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails to choose from, and the scenery is breathtaking. I hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell, which is the highest peak in the eastern United States. The views from the top were incredible.
Asheville is also a great place to visit for art lovers. The city has a thriving arts scene, and there are many galleries and studios to visit. I visited the Asheville Art Museum, which has a collection of over 12,000 works of art. I also visited the Grove Arcade, which is a beautiful historic building that houses a variety of shops and galleries.
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Asheville, there are plenty of great options to choose from. I had dinner at a restaurant called Curate, which serves Spanish tapas. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great.
Asheville is a beautiful city with something to offer everyone. Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do in Asheville⁚
- Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Visit the Asheville Art Museum.
- Visit the Grove Arcade.
- Have dinner at a restaurant in downtown Asheville.
- Attend a concert or festival at the Orange Peel, which is a popular music venue.
a. Nature’s Paradise
Asheville is a nature lover’s paradise. The city is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there are miles of hiking trails to choose from. I hiked to the top of Mount Mitchell, which is the highest peak in the eastern United States. The views from the top were incredible.
In addition to hiking, there are many other ways to enjoy the outdoors in Asheville. You can go kayaking or canoeing on the French Broad River, or you can visit one of the many waterfalls in the area. I visited Looking Glass Falls, which is one of the most popular waterfalls in North Carolina. The falls are beautiful, and there’s a short hike to the base of the falls.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Asheville, there are plenty of options to choose from. I stayed at the Grove Park Inn, which is a historic hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has beautiful views of the mountains, and there are plenty of hiking trails nearby.
Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do in Asheville⁚
- Hike to the top of Mount Mitchell.
- Go kayaking or canoeing on the French Broad River.
- Visit Looking Glass Falls.
- Stay at the Grove Park Inn.
- Visit the Biltmore Estate, which is a large estate that was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s.
b. Artsy Vibes
Asheville is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The city is home to many art galleries, studios, and museums. I visited the Asheville Art Museum, which has a collection of over 12,000 works of art. I also visited the Grove Arcade, which is a historic building that houses many art galleries and studios.
In addition to the art scene, Asheville is also home to a thriving music scene. There are many live music venues in the city, and I saw a great show at the Orange Peel.
Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do in Asheville⁚
- Visit the Asheville Art Museum.
- Visit the Grove Arcade.
- See a live music show at the Orange Peel.
- Visit the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, which is the home of the author Thomas Wolfe.
- Take a walk through the Botanical Gardens at Asheville.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a small city in Arizona that is known for its stunning red rock formations. I visited Sedona with my family, and we hiked to the top of Cathedral Rock. The views from the top were incredible, and it was amazing to see the red rocks up close.
In addition to the red rocks, Sedona is also known for its spiritual vortexes. These are said to be places where the earth’s energy is particularly strong. I visited one of the vortexes, and I could definitely feel the energy. It was a very peaceful and calming experience.
Here are a few specific recommendations for things to do in Sedona⁚
- Hike to the top of Cathedral Rock.
- Visit one of the spiritual vortexes.
- Take a jeep tour of the red rocks.
- Visit the Sedona Art Center.
- Go for a swim in Oak Creek.