Must-Visit USA Towns You’ve Never Heard Of

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The idea for an article on Must-Visit USA Towns You’ve Never Heard Of was born from what seemed like a joke, at first. I often notice travel articles with enticing titles to the effect of “Must-Visit Cities”, but upon perusal it turns out to be a rehashed list of the most already-famous cities. Paris, London, Rome, what else is new? I don’t need travel bloggers to inform me that the Eiffel Tower is kind of a big deal.

As a once-goth from yesteryear, I also tend to resent anyone telling me what I “must” do or where I “must” go. I find it extra funny when a list of “musts” includes frivolous activities that I could absolutely go my whole life without doing and be just fine. All I “must” do is eat, sleep, breathe, and make money, really. Trying to think of someplace that seems like it has nothing going on, I made a joke online that no, I really don’t have to go to Scranton.

Travel writer friends quickly informed me that I was wrong, that Scranton, Pennsylvania is actually pretty cool and has a ton of surrounding wilderness areas that I would love as a hiker. Huh. Color me corrected. This got me thinking about my own hometown, and how nobody from anywhere else in the country would ever do a write-up about the culture there, but for those of us who know it it’s completely unique. In fact, I’ve been through countless small towns on road trips throughout the United States that have caught my interest, but that I otherwise never would have known about or planned to visit as a final destination. What other unusual American towns might be out there waiting to be discovered, hardly ever mentioned in the canon of popular road trip destinations, but full of quirk and character and beauty nonetheless? In short, what towns in America deserve more hype?

Travel bloggers answered the call to inform me of some of their favorites. Perhaps next time you’re driving towards an overtouristed roadside “must”, you’ll consider taking a detour through one of these towns instead.

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Scranton, Pennsylvania is probably not on the top of your list unless you are a big The Office fan, but there is more to the Electric City than just a television show. Nestled in the Appalachian mountains in a place called the Wyoming Valley is where you will find Scranton.

In the 1800s, Scranton experienced rapid growth due to the expansion of the railway, invention of electric trolleys, industry (iron and steel), and coal mining in surrounding areas. While these industries are not flourishing today they have shaped the region to its current form in many ways. 

One of those ways can be seen at the various museums around Scranton such as Electric City Trolley Museum, Steamtown National Historic Site, Anthracite Heritage Museum, and the Lackawanna Coal Mine. All of these are interesting experiences to learn more about the (post-colonial) culture history of this area. If you only have time for one, as a local, I suggest the Steamtown National Historic Site. You can see various trains and exhibitions documenting the impact of trains on the local area. For a free museum, it is very thorough and worth a walkthrough.

Another way it was shaped was through the immigrants who came seeking work. Today Northeastern Pennsylvania has a thriving food scene defined by its European roots. If you are visiting Scranton around Labor Day I suggest checking out La Festa Italiana, the local Italian food festival. Otherwise, try Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N. Washington Ave), yes the building looks like a strange relic from Atlantic City, but the food is great and it is a fun spot in the summer. Vegans head over to Eden Vegan Cafe (344 Adams Ave), and for coffee, Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe (536 Spruce St) is an institution in central Scranton. 

Nightlife in Scranton benefits from the nearby Universities, but if you want to skip the crowds and top hits from the radio you can find live music at The V Spot Bar (906 Providence Rd). If you are into craft beer head over to Backyard Ale House (523 Linden St.) where they have over 500 beers to choose from.

Because Scranton is not your typical American city, there is also the opportunity to experience nature at Nay Aug Park. There you can try a walking trail, visit a museum, or even go for a swim! If you are into more serious hiking there are some incredible trails to check out in the region.

For those seeking a bit of adventure or sports head over to Montage Mountain (a 10-15 min drive from the center). In the summer, they have a water park and during the winter skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Right next to this is an outdoor amphitheater which puts on large events and concerts during the summer. Finally, you can even catch a baseball game at PNC Park where the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. They are the professional Minor League team affiliate of the New York Yankees!

There is no shortage of interesting things to learn, explore, or experience in Scranton – or any small city for that matter. It just needs a bit of ingenuity and spontaneity! 

Honorable Mentions:

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe has to be Pennsylvania’s greatest secrets. Colorful Victorian-style houses line the streets of this picturesque town. You can easily spend the day browsing independent stores, restaurants, wine cellars, and museums.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem was an industrial powerhouse producing steel during the 1800-1900s. Today this region has gone through a revival and is known for its yearly festivals like Musikfest or its Christmas Markets. The food scene is thriving and worth stopping by one of the markets or specialty restaurants. 

Contributed by Helene Jelenc of Wandering Helene | Website | Instagram | Twitter 

Stehekin, Washington

Stehekin is a small unincorporated town in the heart of the North Cascades wilderness in northern Washington. Settled at the northern tip of Lake Chelan and at the southern mouth of a long valley, the town is surrounded by high mountain peaks. No roads lead into this wilderness; the town is only accessible by foot, ferry, or floatplane. It is most commonly known as a resort town for the North Cascades National Park. However, don’t expect any luxuries in this frontier town – all amenities have to be barged up the 50-mile-long Lake Chelan.

Some of the first residents of this area were the Chelan Tribe. They lived in various villages around the lake and in the large meadows of the Stehekin Valley. In the language of the Skagit Indians the word ‘Stehekin’ means ‘the way through.’ The lake and valley formed a passage through the North Cascades for trade between tribes.

Early European explorers visited the Stehekin Valley in the 1800s for hunting, trapping, prospecting and forestry. Homesteads, farms and orchards were established and tourism followed. Hikers and mountaineers started exploring nearby valleys and mountains, often comparing the jagged snow-topped peaks to the Swiss Alps.

Today Stehekin lies within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, at the edge of North Cascades National Park. The town is home to about 80 permanent residents. The ferry dock, known as ‘The Landing’, is the center of activity in Stehekin. Visitors will find the North Cascades Visitors Center, the North Cascades Lodge and Dining Room, a small convenience store, post office, laundry facilities, camping and boat and bike rentals. In the summer, a shuttle bus transports visitors 11 miles along the Stehekin Valley road to access the Stehekin Pastry Company, the Stehekin Valley Ranch, Buckner Orchard and Homestead, and trailheads to dozens of hikes, including the Pacific Crest Trail.

In the winter, Stehekin becomes a quiet wonderland for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Pack your winter camping gear or book one of a small handful of winter cabins in the valley to enjoy near-private access to the North Cascades. Day trips are also possible thanks to the ‘Lady Express’ ferry, providing a cozy cabin and informative narrative along the scenic 2.5-hour ride from Chelan to Stehekin.

Perhaps one of the most exceptional qualities of Stehekin is its fierce streak of independence and community. The valley is something of a time capsule, with craftsman cabins and homes, Datsun trucks, and century-old orchards and gardens. The residents of Stehekin are proud of their frontier heritage.

Most visitors to the North Cascades drive through without ever hearing mention of Stehekin. For the select few with an extra day or two to spare, a visit to this remote town offers a taste of what life is like on the edge of true wilderness.

Honorable Mentions:

Winthrop, Washington
The old-west town of Winthrop is located in the heart of the Methow Valley, about 30 miles east of North Cascade National Park. Enjoy a host of outdoor recreation activities throughout the summer and winter or meander along the wood boardwalks in town and visit the oldest legal saloon in Washington.

Holden, Washington
Originally a remote copper mining town located in a high mountain valley, Holden Village has been transformed into a retreat center welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds, providing unique programming in an incredible wilderness setting. Accessible only by ferry from Lake Chelan, Holden is one of the most isolated continuously inhabited places in the lower 48.

Contributed by Lisa Pulsifer of West Coast Hiker Girl | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Wildland Trekking offers a multi-day guided North Cascades hiking tour to Stehekin called “Mountain Traverse to Lake Chelan Lodge”.

Jarbidge, Nevada

Holding the designation as the most isolated town in the lower 48, Jarbidge, Nevada is one of America’s hidden gems. Lacking a paved road within 20 miles, getting here is an adventure in itself. With fewer than 100 permanent residents a trip to Jarbidge promises solitude and natural beauty.

There are two bars in the town, owned by the same person and operated by the same staff. Which one is open depends on the time of day. There is also a small hotel, perfect for those who don’t feel like roughing it. The closest town is located in Idaho but Jarbidge is in Nevada which makes law enforcement tricky. Because the closest prison is 3 hours away if you find yourself in trouble, the local sheriff will throw you into a 100-year-old prison, complete with iron bars and adobe walls. 

Jarbidge Wilderness

The real draw to this remote location is the other-worldly Jarbidge wilderness area. Surrounded by the Owyhee desert, a sage-covered arid grassland, the Jarbidge mountains rise over 10,000’ above the surrounding landscape. The extreme elevations have the same weather patterns as the Sawtooth Mountains, over 100 miles north. This mountain sanctuary is home to elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and even the occasional moose! The snowy peaks feed the headwaters of the Jarbidge River, which flows northward, helping to carve the Bruneau Canyon. 

Historically, this wilderness area received one of the first designations in the 1970s and its beauty continues to inspire. The town of Jarbidge is located in the Jarbidge canyon, a steep-walled geographic feature carved by the river it’s named after. During the summer months, the monarch butterfly migration comes right through town – truly a natural wonder of the world. Perennial water, heavy snows, and beautiful scenery make this corner of Nevada as unique as it is special. 

Fishing in Jarbidge, Nevada

The river still provides one of the last remaining spawning habitats for the critically endangered bull trout. The fishing within the Jarbidge river is low-key world-famous among trout aficionados. Before dams prevented the ocean-running salmon migration, this was one of the furthest inland waterways ocean run fish would swim. Remnants of this fish migration are the red-band rainbow trout. Genetically unique from other rainbow trout, their geographic isolation makes them a sub-species that can be found nowhere else. Their abundance in the Jarbidge canyon is sustainable and allows fishermen to harvest several fish a day – if they choose. 

Getting To Jarbidge

The closest route – and most popular – is to access the town from Twin Falls, Idaho, nearly 3 hours east. From Nevada, the closest town is Elko to the south, but during the winter months this route is usually snowed in and impassable. Plan your trip accordingly but all 4 seasons provide an unforgettable experience. 

Honorable Mentions:

Fairfield, Idaho
Some of the tastiest bar food and burger stand food in all of Idaho. Unassuming, this small town is located in the heart of the Camas Prairie and overlooks the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Cascade, Idaho
The state’s best backcountry skiing, free and easy to access hot springs, and the best ice fishing for perch in the country, Cascade has it all. 

Contributed by Joel Salvino of Wild West Trail | Website | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Livingston, Montana

Burrowed up against the Yellowstone River, under the gaze of the Bridger, Absaroka and Crazy Mountain ranges, the native lands of the Cheyenne, Sioux and Crow Nations have been called home for millennia. The thundering herds of bison, howling packs of wolves and roaming grizzlies are now sadly gone, replaced by one of the most underrated and iconic western towns in the country. Overshadowed by the ever-growing city of Bozeman, 25 miles west on I-90, the town of Livingston, Montana is steeped in history and surrounded by unrivaled beauty and recreation. 

Livingston is found along the Yellowstone River, where the river swings east. Bringing together writers and cowboys, anglers and mountain climbers, tourists and hermits, Livingston is for everyone, granting access to some of the most iconic western landscapes in America. Known by locals for the Katabatic winds that blow down from the 9,000+ foot mountains and renowned by celebrities and nobodies alike, Livingston might just be the West’s most idyllic town to explore.

Livingston was the original National Park gateway town, serving as a hub for tourists visiting Yellowstone. As the halfway point between St. Paul and Seattle on the Northern Pacific Railroad, this was a major stopping point before cresting the Continental Divide. Once Yellowstone Park was created, a rail-line leading to the northern entrance of Yellowstone was built. As riders waited for their train to the park, they rested and explored Livingston. To this day, rumors circulate in the bars and breweries that tunnels sit under the town. Running from the iconic train station, which was designed by the first architects for New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, the tunnels led to the old town’s saloons and now defunct brothels. 

While Yellowstone National Park is a 55 mile drive south from town, adventure is found much closer. Within minutes of leaving Livingston, one can enter the truly stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The AB Wilderness, as it is locally called, is a nearly one million acre swath of land with 700 miles of trails leading to mountains, rivers, lakes, glaciers, tundra and the largest unbroken area of land 10,000’ above sea level in the country, outside of Alaska.

Today, Livingston has a population of over 7,000 and was a favorite of the late Anthony Bourdain. Incorporated as a city in 1882, Livingston and Paradise Valley to the south have seen their fair share of famous and infamous residents, from singers like John Mayer, actors Jeff Bridges and Margot Kidder and even the notorious Calamity Jane. What brought them here is what brings most everyone to Livingston – a vibrant town with an Old West feel and access to unrivaled Big Sky beauty.

Livingston has embraced its Old West character, which is visible as one explores the bars, restaurants and shops downtown. Livingston is like nowhere else in the world, as old facades on historic buildings blend with neon lights and mountain views, all while adventure awaits and the Yellowstone River provides a faint, yet soothing soundtrack.

Honorable Mentions:

Hoodsport, Washington
A gateway to Olympic National Park’s eastern edge. I wrote about it here.

Elbe, Washington
A gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. I wrote about it here.

Contributed by Douglas Scott of The Outdoor Society | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Mount Airy, North Carolina

You know those towns that transport you back in time? Well a visit to Mount Airy puts you right in the middle of an Andy Griffith Show episode. For those who have never seen it, it’s on Netflix and is 60s television gold. Andy Griffith was originally from Mount Airy and based the fictional town of Mayberry on his little Surry County hometown. Walking down Main Street you can visit Snappy Lunch to get the famous pork chop sandwich, Floyd’s barber shop, and a replica courthouse. You can even take a tour in the Sheriff’s squad car. Andy Griffith reproductions aren’t the only thing this town offers though.

Venture a little further down Main Street and down side streets like Market or Oak and you’ll find a culinary scene to rival the big city. For fine dining and award-winning wine head to Old North State Winery. If you’re looking for the best burger in North Carolina head to the Loaded Goat (maybe not the best, but I believe it did win 2nd place). You’ll also find White Elephant Beer Co. and Thirsty Souls Brewing just down the road from each other.

Don’t forget to catch a movie at the historic Earle Theater which was built in 1938. Mount Airy also offers festivals throughout the year like Mayberry Days, the Autumn Leaves Festival, and the Budbreak Wine Festival.

If it’s outdoor activities that you’re looking for, then you’re in the right place. The Greenway goes right through town if you want a short walk, but there are three beautiful State Parks within an hour from downtown. Pilot Mountain State Park is a short 15 minute drive then Hanging Rock and Stone Mountain are about 45 minutes away. My personal favorite is Hanging Rock with sweeping views at the top of the mountain and three waterfalls that are an easy hike towards the bottom.

One way I love spending time outside is at local wineries. I think my favorite part may be the wine though. Even on a rainy day I enjoy a glass just as much from inside the winery. Mount Airy is in the Yadkin Valley Wine Region which is North Carolina’s first American Viticulture Area. I’ve already mentioned Old North State downtown, but a few others that I love in the area are Carolina Heritage, Round Peak and Herrera Vineyards.

Honorable Mentions:

Elkin, North Carolina
Elkin is a smaller town about 30 minutes from Mount Airy, but it is the heart of the Yadkin Valley. With so many incredible wineries I recommend spending a few days in town to try them. A few more good ones are Slightly Askew, Elkin Creek Vineyard (go Sunday afternoon for the best pizza), and Grassy Creek.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Another notable town in the area is Winston-Salem. A bit bigger than the other two, it was built by R.J. Reynolds, the tobacco company. The Reynolds’ family history can still be seen on the Wake Forest Campus which they helped relocate to Winston and at the Reynolda House. There has been a focus to revitalize downtown and many cute cafes, breweries, and restaurants with patio seating line the streets.

Contributed by Anna Cook of Stuck On The Go | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Oro Grande, California

Find folk art and a haunted cemetery in this Southern California desert town

Even most native Southern Californians would be hard pressed to point out Oro Grande on a map. This quiet, dusty town isn’t officially a town. It’s an unincorporated community in the Mojave Desert, a half-dozen miles off Interstate 15, with fewer than 1,000 residents and an honorary mayor named Joe. But if you like folk art and antiques, history and quirk, ghost stories and great pizza, then Oro Grande makes for a great day trip or stop on road trips through the area.

If anyone does know about Oro Grande, it’s usually thanks to Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch. Elmer Long started planting his forest of trees made from colorful glass bottles in his front yard to pass the time in the early 2000s. Today, it’s a sprawling maze of sculptures made from guitars, typewriters, dashboard hula dancers, carousel horses and whatever else Elmer happened to get his hands on over the years. Elmer died from lung cancer in June 2019. But his family is generously keeping the property at 24266 National Trails Highway open so visitors can continue to be amused and inspired by his creation.

As great as Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if that’s your only stop in Oro Grande. This community sits along historic Route 66, so it’s littered with the ruins of old motels, water towers and gas stations to explore. There’s a historic bridge with overhead tresses that crosses the Mojave River, which is mighty but invisible, since it flows underground. And there are remnants all around of the community’s long ties to the mining and railroad industries, with a 100-year-old cement plant that’s still active, regular passes from BNSF trains and a name linked to the discovery of gold here in 1873.

The main stretch of town features a row of antique shops offering a wide range of products from friendly owners who are always willing to barter. Many of the buildings are also worth checking out, with old-fashioned storefronts and murals along the walls.

One little-known stop in Oro Grande is the town’s historic cemetery. Said to be the oldest in San Bernardino County, the cemetery features more than 100 marked graves dating back to the 1800s. Most are designated with white crosses, while a few have headstones. There are believed to also be many more unmarked graves from the time Native Americans called this land home. The cemetery is generally closed to the public, though you can still see much of it from outside the gates. Want to explore inside? Watch for a tour offered by the California Historic Route 66 Association or look up Honorary Mayor Joe Manners, who of course holds the keys. He’s even known to offer free nighttime tours, complete with tales of disembodied voices, for the less faint of heart.

No trip to Oro Grande would be complete without a stop at Cross Eyed Cow Pizza. This restaurant features funky decor inside and out, from the brightly painted cow on the roof to the row of old movie theater seats by the counter. But it also happens to have some of the best pizza you’ll ever taste at great prices. And trust us, leave room for the dessert pizza to cap off your trip to this unique desert town.

Honorable Mentions:

St. Elmo, Colorado
There are historic buildings aplenty surrounded by thick, lovely forest in this ghost town in central Colorado. But come for the chipmunks, who will gladly perch on your knee as you feed them sunflower seeds picked up for a song from the general store.

Laughlin, Nevada
This gambling town along the Colorado River is somehow fairly known on the international tourism circuit, but often overlooked by people who live just a few hours away. It’s a smaller and cheaper version of Las Vegas, with a great river and lake nearby for summer entertainment plus several ghost towns and other quirky desert sites for off-season adventures.

Contributed by Brooke Staggs of Staggs Crossing | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska has all the big city offerings wrapped up in a small city package. As the largest city in Nebraska, Omaha has an enviable amount of acclaimed, locally-owned restaurants, and a growing brewery scene, as well as more than a weekend’s worth of attractions to visit.

Most visitors start exploring the city by visiting the Old Market, a charming area in downtown Omaha with brick streets, eclectic shops, and some of the best restaurants. A few restaurants to try include La Buvette, The Boiler Room, and Ted and Wally’s. Some of my favorite shops include City Limits, Jackson Street Booksellers, Hollywood Candy, and Homer’s Music. Looking for that iconic Instagram-worthy spot? Plan a visit to The Passageway.

I also recommend venturing out of the Old Market and into some of the city’s popular neighborhoods like The Blackstone District, Dundee and Benson. The Blackstone District is the newest and trendiest revived neighborhood, and there you’ll find great restaurants like Stirnella and Butterfish, a brewery, and karaoke. Dundee is more of the place to go for superb restaurants. I recommend you try the French-style café Dario’s Brasserie or grab a patio spot at Mark’s Bistro. For pure fun, go to Benson where you’ll find a few breweries, popular restaurants, the unique Beercade (a bar and arcade combo), and maybe you can catch a live show at The Waiting Room.

For families, the city has a world-class zoo that’s often ranked among the best in the country and the most-visited museum in the state, Omaha Children’s Museum. Other recommended attractions for families include visiting The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, and Lauritzen Gardens. While they might not seem like kid-friendly places on the surface, I assure you, your kids will find something to love at each. The Durham Museum has permanent and traveling exhibits, and no kid can resist all the trains they can see and walk through. Joslyn Art Museum is free and has a fun space on the lower level just for kids to create and play. Lauritzen Gardens has a magnificent model train garden that young and old love. And if museums aren’t your thing, and you just want to play, take the kids to either Amazing Pizza Machine or Fun-Plex.

Honorable Mentions:

Wichita, Kansas
Wichita was an unexpectedly great find of a city to visit. With a growing food scene, and unique attractions like the Exploration Place, Botanica (Wichita’s Botanical Gardens), and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, you can easily plan a fun weekend visit.

Decorah, Iowa
Tucked in the Driftless Region in eastern Iowa, Decorah is an attractive town for outdoor lovers and foodies willing to go off the beaten path. You can enjoy wood-fired pizza at a farm, Norwegian treats at a café or just go for the beer at one of the local breweries like Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.

Contributed by Kim Reiner of Oh My Omaha | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Trinidad, Colorado

How many of you can boast visiting a town once dubbed “The Sex Change Capital of the US?”

Trinidad is a former coal mining town somewhere in between the Colorado – New Mexico border. Other than the two industries of which it was known for, the only reason I stayed overnight was Trinidad acted as one of the pit stops on my cross-country train journey from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles.

Trinidad’s Main Street is like any other Main Street in the American southwest – a line of historically preserved buildings housing mom-and-pop shops with a western art museum here and a history museum there. I dragged myself to the end of Main Street to drop my bag at the aptly named Trail’s End Motel and the owner Renee was kind enough to drive me to the nearest diner for an early lunch.

I can never forget the chili cheeseburger at Lee’s Bar-B-Q. 

When the plate arrived, I could not find my burger because all I saw was a thick layer of chili with a handful of fries on top of it. Sensing my confusion, the server shouted from across the counter telling me the burger was in the chili! The stew was so thick the whole half-bun patty was drowning in it but I had no complaints as I quickly devoured the best chili cheeseburger I had in my entire life.

I finished checking out main thoroughfare within an hour and decided to hike up Trinidad’s most famous landmark – Simpson’s Rest. The hill on the other side of Purgatoire River is known for having its own “Hollywood” sign. “TRINIDAD” in uppercase was the first thing I noticed when I alighted the Southwest Chief and it holds the distinction of having the letters “DAD” light up on Father’s Day. 

The clearly marked hiking trail of scraggly, barren landscape took 30 minutes to reach the peak and the view was much more rewarding than the effort taken to get up there. From the bluff, I got a sweeping panorama of Trinidad with the looming Fisher’s Peak, at 9,633’, which is the highest summit of Raton Mesa in the Rocky Mountains.

Trinidad may not be on everyone’s list but it does make a nice day trip or stopover if you’re on a grueling road or train trip like me. This obscure town might be the shortest stop on my month-long journey but the warmth and beauty of Trinidad always holds a special place in my heart.

Honorable Mentions:

Hell, Michigan   
The US is a treasure trove of unusual place names and Hell should be in the top 10. There’s nothing much to do in this Hell other than taking photos with signboards and buying tacky souvenirs, including sending postcards from Hell itself!

Fredericksburg, Texas
Deep in the Texas heartland is Fredericksburg, a town founded by German immigrants back in 1846. Its historic downtown is worth visiting if you’re looking for traditional German bread and bratwurst!

Contributed by Danial Ariff of Dan On The Road | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

It’s probably 15 years since that Amtrak ride from NYC up to Providence. I recall the woman seated next to me was heading farther north, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and telling her what a fan of that city I was. I noted that the major ones up and down the east coast get their fair due, but it’s those smaller ones in between—Savannah, Charleston, Annapolis and especially Portsmouth—that captivate me. We weren’t chatting long before she hushed me, I think only half-jokingly, saying that she didn’t want the secret that is Portsmouth getting out.

When invited to contribute to this post, it struck me how quickly that a city nearly four hours away was the first I wanted to mention. A gateway city to the White Mountains of New Hampshire and everything Maine, Portsmouth can firmly stand alone as an awesome detour from year-round activities in the upper right USA. Heading to the ski bucket-list mountain that is the Loaf from the tri-state or Mid-Atlantic? Check out Portsmouth. Have an urge to go whale watching? Well, the boats from Portsmouth go the same waters off of Jeffrey’s Ledge as they do from, say, Portland. Shopping urge? There’s plenty of that downtown, and plenty more right across the Piscataqua Bridge in Kittery, Maine, with loads of shopping outlets and outdoor supply stores, not to mention a number of good spots to eat (think lobster).

Portsmouth itself, though? It’s a perfectly walkable little town. From quaint cobblestone streets to a bustling center featuring lots of pubs, breweries and places to eat, this city has much to offer travelers. Personal favorites are the Portsmouth Brewery, a requisite stop on any trip there; the Thirsty Moose, which features something like 70 beers on tap, including many local ones; and the British Beer Company, which also features plenty of beverage options coupled with a wide-ranging New England / British menu. These are all great places to warm up on a cold winter evening.

But, if you’re there at other times of year, whale-watch boats leave the Portsmouth harbor and head for waters where humpback and finbacks abound. Passing some charming lighthouses on the way out, it’s maybe an hour until the excitement builds and those first whale sightings occur. Nearby parks and historic sites (such as the John Paul Jones House) can likewise be found for those interested. 

Lodging? Well, there are some nice hotels downtown, but I usually opt for cheaper ones about a mile outside of town. It’s usually an easy walk to the heart of downtown, although a cab/Uber is advisable in more inclement weather. 

No matter the season, I never miss an opportunity to stop in Portsmouth.

Honorable Mentions: 

North Conway, New Hampshire
As noted above, one of things I like about Portsmouth is how it can shave off the driving time to the slopes of New Hampshire and Maine, and really all of the Maine coast. If you venture 90 minutes north, you end up in North Conway, any outdoor adventurer’s paradise (well, unless you’re not into hiking (think the Presidential Range), mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, etc). Lots of ski areas are very reachable from here too, as is the iconic Conway Scenic Railway. The town has kind of a long, linear layout, and the one road going through can get backed up, but there are so many great stops in this town that I’m afraid to single any of them out. 

Portland, Maine
If instead of heading north from Portsmouth one decides to zip up the coast, Portland is not even an hour away. Again, think lobster. Actually, think Becky’s. And then think lobster: one of my all-time favorite omelets was the lobster one I enjoyed here. And the Allagash and Shipyard breweries, among others, call Portland home to boot. Beaches, boat cruises, and more can be enjoyed in town, and some iconic Maine ski resorts are just a few hours away.

Contributed by Tom Thrash | Website | Instagram | Twitter

Murphys, California

Want to stay at the same Hotel that Black Bart, Mark Twain and Ulysses S. Grant did? Want to see the World’s largest gold leaf? How about visiting 14 wineries on the same street? Or better yet, want to explore a cave over 125 years old and 190 feet below the surface? Now you can in a charming quiet town called Murphys, California.  

Named after two Irish brothers who paved their way during California’s Golden Years and were amongst the very first to bring wagons over the Sierras, Murphys, California has cultivated into a small golden nugget not many know about today. Murphys Hotel is one of the oldest continually operating hotels in California, originally built in 1856 and quickly rebuilt again after a fire in 1860. Signatures from Mark Twain, Ulysses S. Grant and other notable figures throughout history can been seen in the hotel. Old bricks and an old bar make this hotel an enriched one. 

The largest crystalline gold leaf is located at Ironstone Vineyards. It weights 44 pounds and is 98% pure. This gold was the largest single piece mined in North America since the 1880s. There were several others that were mined and discovered, but this piece is the only one left in existence. It is worth over $4 million dollars. 

In the spring, Murphys celebrates Irish days, with green roaming the streets (there is even a clover painted on the street). Irish music fills the air, and rustic Irish food teases your senses. In the summer, the town puts on live Shakespearean plays and classic American dramas. You can also explore the nearby Mercer Caverns where you can see stalagmites and stalactites 190 feet below the surface. Know the difference? Remember G (stalagmites) is for ground. C (stalactites) is for ceiling.

In the fall, visit Calaveras Big Trees State park where the aspen trees are blazing with fall colors. Lastly, visiting during winter where the town goes all out creating a winter wonderland. Main Street is closed so families can enjoy cocoa, hot cider, and strolling carolers, and you can taste actual chestnuts roasting on an open fire. If you stay long enough for the Christmas parade, you may even see ol’ Saint Nick. 

From its enriched golden past, to its proud future, Murphys is not short when it comes to food either. Some of the best fine dining, small gems and little bakeries have left their mark on this little town. What are you waiting for? Come visit Murphys, California where you can stay at historic hotels, see gold, explore caves but most of all, you’ll discover why they call Murphys the “Queen of the Sierra”. 

Honorable Mentions:

Fort Bragg, California
Created by lumberjacks and fisherman and now known for it’s larger than life, dreamlike, natural scenery. A coastal winding path leads you to a trash-to-treasure place known as Glass Beach, which is filled with smooth sea glass formed by years of crashing waves. Ride the World-Famous Skunk Train as it bobs and weaves through the redwoods. Botanical gardens bloom with life, and Fort Bragg has the most mesmerizing sunsets one could ever imagine. Generations of traditions, families, and stories are yet to be told.

Aptos, California
This seaside town just on the outskirts of Santa Cruz combines both land and sea backdrops. Nisene Marks State Park boasts over 40 miles of hiking trails. The village has unique antique shops, restaurants and some of the best BBQ on the west coast at Aptos Street BBQ. A “Cement Ship” emerging from the sea is picture perfect for sunset pictures. Aptos has one thing that no other place has on earth; it is home to the most popular Airbnb called the “mushroom dome”.

Contributed by Darren and Sasha Mendenhall | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Chattanooga, Tennessee

While Chattanooga may not have the clout of Memphis or the glitz of Nashville, it’s definitely a Tennessee city worth visiting. Its unique location along the Tennessee River and near the Appalachian Mountains provides limitless opportunities to visitors of all ages.

Downtown Chattanooga

City planners smartly took advantage of the city’s river location, building winding paths, viewing areas and one of the best aquariums in the country right on the river banks. 

The Tennessee Aquarium is one of a kind with freshwater and ocean exhibits. They have over 800 species of animals, special events and even an IMAX theater. Can you build an aquarium next to a river and not offer river tours? Turns out no you can’t, so the aquarium offers visitors a closer look at the river with tours of the Tennessee River gorge on their own catamaran.

Stroll across the Tennessee River on the first bridge to connect downtown with north Chattanooga. The Walnut Street bridge, built in 1890, is now a pedestrian walking bridge. Cross from downtown to the northside to sample some of the city’s best ice cream at Clumpies or take a ride on the historic carousel in Coolidge Park.

Perched high on a bluff overlooking downtown and the river is the Bluff View Art district. Art lovers and visitors can visit numerous galleries and sip coffee or dine while taking in some of the best views of the city.

The Southside

In the cute Southside neighborhood is one of Chattanooga’s most famous landmarks, the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo. Named after the song that put Chattanooga on the map, the Choo Choo is in the original Southern Railway’s Terminal Station that was used by train passengers arriving in the city. 

After the decline in train travel, the station sat empty and was close to demolition until the early 70’s when some local business men decided to purchase it and make it into a hotel. The hotel is now on the National Register of Historic Places, has authentic Pullman train car rooms, two restaurants, numerous bars, two music venues, a comedy club, a distillery and other retail shopping.

History Outside the City

For years barns, birdhouses and roadway signs around the south have been reminding people to “See Beautiful Rock City”. So, a visit to Chattanooga wouldn’t be complete without stopping to see those unique rock formations.

At Rock City you can hike, visit the waterfall and gardens and on a clear day, see features from seven states.

Located just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga on Lookout Mountain, Georgia, the best part of visiting may just be getting up the mountain.

If you don’t want to drive, you can make the trip in a hundred-year-old inclined funicular railway that takes you from downtown straight up the mountain at a 72.7% grade.

Once you arrive atop Lookout Mountain, among other things, take in the sweeping views of the Tennessee Valley below and visit the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park. 

So, the next time you plan a Tennessee vacation, instead of choosing one of the more popular cities in the state, why not visit Chattanooga?

Honorable Mentions:

Statesboro, Georgia
A college town near the Georgia coast with great sports including a USL League One soccer team, unique restaurants and an adorable downtown.

Huntsville, Alabama
Home of Marshall Space Flight Center, plenty of natural beauty, breweries and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had.

Thomasville, Georgia
A small town in southwest Georgia that produces some of the best cheese in the state, has a huge oak tree from around 1680, and my favorite restaurant in Georgia.

Contributed by Lori Blalock of Southerner Says | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

Leadville, Colorado

Sitting at 10,152’ in elevation, Leadville, Colorado is the the highest incorporated city in North America. When I first strolled the historic Old West main street, my shortness of breath and altitude-inflicted nausea clued me into this fact before I knew the stats. Soon, though, all was forgotten as I became taken with the picturesque antique shops, historic buildings, and and their mountain backdrop, which boasts a handful of fourteeners. The Tabor Opera House, built in 1879 “to bring arts and culture to a cold, remote mining town”, is an elegant way to remind visitors of a lively and storied history. Though Leadville’s current population is under 3,000, it was once the second-most populous city in Colorado after Denver, bustling with mining activity from the Colorado Silver Boom. According to the opera house website, “eventually the Tabor became known as the finest opera house west of the Mississippi. Luminaries such as Oscar Wilde, John Philip Sousa, and Buffalo Bill appeared at the Tabor. So did live tigers, when a circus act came to town.”

With old buildings come old wives’ tales. In addition to the hauntings at the opera house and The Delaware Hotel, the most famous legend is probably that of “Baby Doe” Tabor, a glamorous and divisive local with a fascinating rags-to-riches-to-rags story. After everything, she ended up dying destitute in a cabin by the old Matchless Mine, found frozen after a snowstorm. Some say she still roams the area.

Other figures from Leadville include outlaw Doc Holliday and the suffragette and Titanic survivor dubbed “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. When entering the Silver Dollar Saloon with walls packed full of old portraits and trinkets from throughout the years, it’s not hard to imagine figures like this relaxing inside with a drink to escape the harsh winters as locals still do today (or raising havoc as in a stereotypical Western movie). 

Other favorite restaurants include the Scarlet Tavern, Quincy’s Steakhouse, the Treeline (with a roof seating area and fire pits outside for warmth), High Mountain Pies pizza, and Tennessee Pass Cafe. This is not to be confused with the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center and Cookhouse, which you hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski to for the reward of a cozy meal or overnight yurt stay.

Outdoor sports fanatics are most familiar with Leadville. It’s the home of the Leadville 100, a harrowing ultra-marathon run by superhumans, and annual ski joring tournaments. It’s also a popular basecamp for nearby skiing and snowboarding adventures in the winter (I personally take advantage of the awesome sledding hill!) and hiking or biking in the summer. A bike shop and an outdoor gear store make up two of the twenty-ish shops in town. The small city of Buena Vista nearby is famed for whitewater rafting, and in between the two is the village of Twin Lakes, a scenic lakeside hamlet home to the Twin Lakes Inn, the trailhead for Mount Elbert (the tallest mountain in Colorado), the 1800s ghost-town resort of Interlaken, and a stopping place along the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail. 

Related Post: 15 Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado in Winter

Honorable Mentions:

Minturn, Colorado
Most people know about Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts, but fewer have visited the nearby towns the employees live in. Although it features only one main street and a population just over 1,000, Minturn’s charm and quirk make it an irresistible stopover. Every single restaurant is good, including Minturn Saloon where they make their own delicious jalapeño jelly; you can ski there through the backwoods from Vail, a run called The Minturn Mile. Minturn is also the only place you can find budget accommodation in the Vail Valley, at the immaculate Bunkhouse Hostel.

Marfa, Texas
This artsy desert town has a lot more to it than just the Insta-famous Prada art installation, such as the Marfa Mystery Lights, El Cosmico’s hippie yurt, teepee, RV, and camping accommodations, a recreation of Bonnie & Clyde’s death car in the form of a giant yellow bullet-ridden van, and a charming downtown area with a bright pink fire station. Check out my post about Marfa here.

Allston, Massachusetts
Allston Rat City is to Boston as Brooklyn is to New York City. When I lived in Boston for university, my ultimate goal was to get out of student housing and make my way out towards Allston to rent a house with artist and musician friends. The best house/basement venues were there and the underground music scene was thriving, plus there were legit venues nearby like Brighton Music Hall and O’Brien’s Pub. I loved grabbing a bagel at Allston Diner, and Twin Donuts made it into a lot of local bands’ press shots for some reason.

Contributed by The Detour Effect 😉

Have you road tripped to any of these underrated must-visit USA towns? What would be on your own obscure “must-visit” list? I’d love for you to leave any additional suggestions in the comments section below. Maybe one day I’ll put together an alternative road trip itinerary that connects them all! An Anti-Road-Trip road trip, of sorts.

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