Top Ten Unknown Destinations in the U. S.

Ever want to get away from everything and see something new, but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of big tourist areas? Here’s a list of the top ten unknown destinations in the United States. Some of the best-kept secrets in travel, these spots offer everything a traveler could want in a vacation without the crowds.

#10 Yreka, California

A cozy little mining town with western-style architecture, Yreka has some beautiful sites, including the Yreka Third Street Inn B&B which was converted from a Victorian home built in 1897. Grandma’s House offers comfort foods such as might be found in the south, and includes a gift shop. Greenhorn Park is a great site for fishing and hiking. Yreka is a great place to just sit back and relax.

#9 Valentine, Nebraska

A small town near the Niobrara River Valley and north of the Sand Hills, Valentine has arts and crafts shops, bookstores, and one of the largest western wear stores in the area. Hike, bike, or take a horseback ride on Cowboy Trail to view the Niobrara Scenic River, see the tallest waterfall in Nebraska at Smith Falls States Park, or dress up to dance the night away and see the coronations of the King and Queen of Hearts at the city’s Valentine’s Day ball.

#8 Chetek, Wisconsin

Chetek is home to Canoe Bay, a 300 acre hardwood forest with three spring-fed lakes, and boasts in-room massages and romantic fine dining, making Chetek a beautiful romantic getaway. In the winter months tourists may also participate in horse-drawn sleigh rides and skiing, while the summer months provide opportunities to go kayaking and hiking. But with the Harvest fest in September and the fishing during the spring, Chetek is a great place to visit no matter the season.

#7 Talkilma, Oregon

An unincorporated community in Josephine County, Takilma is considered an alternative community and an informal artist colony. It’s best known as the site of a tree house resort, operated by Out’n’About—a southern Oregon company that operates tree house bed and breakfasts. Founded by hippies in the last sixties, the Takilma community is responsible for building up community health care and education in the Josephine County area, though the community’s stand on environmentalism still divides them from the rest of the county.

#6 Vernal, Utah

Located in eastern Utah near the Colorado State Line and 175 miles east of Salt Lake City, Vernal is home to the Uintah Indian Reservation. Thanks to the town’s roots in the Old West and it’s large site of ancient dinosaur fossils as well as a myriad of outdoor activities, Vernal is a great tourist spot. Vernal is home to the Dinosaur National Monument, which also exhibits the Dinosaur Quarry where fossils of many different types of dinosaurs have been found over the last hundred years. After checking out the dinosaurs, get outside for some fly-fishing, hiking, or hunting.

#5 Georgetown, Maine

An island accessible by car from the mainland, Georgetown is made up of a few villages. One of the villages is Five Islands, home of the Five Islands Lobster Company, which boasts the freshest lobster pulled in straight from the surrounding waters. Georgetown is also home to Reid State Park, whose naturally sandy beaches differ from the usually rocky coast of Maine. Reid State Park also has a natural inlet which provides a warmer and quieter swimming area during the summer months.

#4 Homestead, Florida

Primarily a Miami suburb and agricultural area, Homestead is also close to two national parks (Biscayne and Everglades). Besides being close to some great camping and hiking Homestead is home to ArtSouth, a 3.5 acre artist community, as well as Monkey Jungle, a 30 acre wildlife park for endangered monkeys, and Fruit & Spice Park, a botanical garden of fruit, nut, and spice trees.

#3 Pawleys Island, South Carolina

One of the oldest resort areas of the east coast, Pawleys Island is on the southern end of the Grand Strand and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Pawleys Island boasts world famous golf courses, as well as a local ghost legend called the Gray Man, a friendly ghost seen frequently on the west side of Highway 17 who warns of impending hurricanes, said to be dressed in gray and to look like the Phantom of the Opera.

#2 Williamsburg, Virginia

History buffs may be familiar with this location, but to those who didn’t pay close attention to U.S. history, this is a spot you may find interesting. Williamsburg was the center of political events leading to the Colonial War and served as the capital of the Colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780. President’s Park, a new educational attraction, displays statues heads of all of the presidents of the United States. But if history doesn’t strike a chord, Williamsburg also boasts two major theme parks, the Williamsburg Winery, and the Williamsburg Botanical Garden.

#1 Glacier National Park, Montana

“Green, green, green” is the best way to describe Glacier National Park. There’s no lack of hiking available at this park, and lucky hikers and camper get to walk right next to docile deer, who sometimes cross the hike paths despite the presence of human life. Bears and other large mammals are also prevalent in the area. There are many streams and waterfalls to admire. A fleet of restored 1930s White Motor Company coaches offer tours on all of the main roads in the park, and a number of historic wooden tour boats operate on several of the large lakes. And, of course, there are glaciers galore, many of which may be crossed on foot.

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