When it comes to your vacation, most people seek out places they've seen on TV or have heard about from friends and family. Fair enough. Now, let us introduce you to 40 unsung hot spots. These unheard-of towns across the U.S. might not have made it onto your bucket list yet, but believe us, they deserve a spot.
1. Welch, West Virginia
This town used to be all about coal mining, but today it's rich in history thanks to the Kimball War Memorial. We recommend grabbing a bite and sittings next to the Elkhorn Creek that flows through the town and into the Tug Fort.
2. Keene, New Hampshire
Even though downtown Keene is a must-visit destination, the countryside and lakes are the real treasures in this town. Make sure you take a tour of the covered bridges and hike up Mount Monadnock during your stay.
3. Healdsburg, California
This northern Sonoma County town is a lesser-known destination for wine tasting, but no less gorgeous. If you've had your fill of pinot, there's still plenty to do, including hiking, biking and even canoeing.
4. Little Compton, Rhode Island
This fishing town originally belonged to the Sakonnet tribe, but today it's known as Rhode Island's secret coast. It's a favourite place for locals to escape to the beach, take in local artwork or grab a lobster roll.
5. Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Near famous Cape Cod is this tiny, bustling town that was once a pass-through destination for Martha's Vineyard ferry travellers. Now it holds its own thanks to a waterfront filled with restaurants and shopping.
6. Cedar Key, Florida
This secluded beach community is less about the hustle and bustle and more about small town living. Proof: The restaurant and buffet filled streets of the mile-long historic district are filled with bicycles instead of cars.
7. Grand Haven, Michigan
Located on the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Grand River is this appropriately named town, which offers wine tasting, sand dune riding and an annual Coast Guard Festival at the end of every summer.
8. Damascus, Virginia
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is this small town (we're talking a population of 814 people) that is known as "Trail Town." Hikers and bikers seek it out since it's at the cross-roads of some of the most beautiful trails in the state.
9. Gallup, New Mexico
There's a reason this town is known as the Indian jewellery capital of the world: It's rich in Native American culture and the destination embraces it across the board. Another pro tip? The High Desert Trail System is an amazing way to take in the sights by foot.
10. Davis, Oklahoma
There's a reason Turner Falls Park is a favourite swimming hole for locals: It's home to an impressive 77-foot tall waterfall that you can swim underneath. After taking a dip, explore the rock castle that was built into the hillside nearby.
1. Welch, West Virginia
This town used to be all about coal mining, but today it's rich in history thanks to the Kimball War Memorial. We recommend grabbing a bite and sittings next to the Elkhorn Creek that flows through the town and into the Tug Fort.
2. Keene, New Hampshire
Even though downtown Keene is a must-visit destination, the countryside and lakes are the real treasures in this town. Make sure you take a tour of the covered bridges and hike up Mount Monadnock during your stay.
3. Healdsburg, California
This northern Sonoma County town is a lesser-known destination for wine tasting, but no less gorgeous. If you've had your fill of pinot, there's still plenty to do, including hiking, biking and even canoeing.
4. Little Compton, Rhode Island
This fishing town originally belonged to the Sakonnet tribe, but today it's known as Rhode Island's secret coast. It's a favourite place for locals to escape to the beach, take in local artwork or grab a lobster roll.
5. Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Near famous Cape Cod is this tiny, bustling town that was once a pass-through destination for Martha's Vineyard ferry travellers. Now it holds its own thanks to a waterfront filled with restaurants and shopping.
6. Cedar Key, Florida
This secluded beach community is less about the hustle and bustle and more about small town living. Proof: The restaurant and buffet filled streets of the mile-long historic district are filled with bicycles instead of cars.
7. Grand Haven, Michigan
Located on the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan and the mouth of the Grand River is this appropriately named town, which offers wine tasting, sand dune riding and an annual Coast Guard Festival at the end of every summer.
8. Damascus, Virginia
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is this small town (we're talking a population of 814 people) that is known as "Trail Town." Hikers and bikers seek it out since it's at the cross-roads of some of the most beautiful trails in the state.
9. Gallup, New Mexico
There's a reason this town is known as the Indian jewellery capital of the world: It's rich in Native American culture and the destination embraces it across the board. Another pro tip? The High Desert Trail System is an amazing way to take in the sights by foot.
10. Davis, Oklahoma
There's a reason Turner Falls Park is a favourite swimming hole for locals: It's home to an impressive 77-foot tall waterfall that you can swim underneath. After taking a dip, explore the rock castle that was built into the hillside nearby.