Talk to the modest traveler about where in the United States they’re most likely to want to visit and they’ll likely hear Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Big cities with great attractions have always been the staple of a good and exciting vacation. For lesser-known vacation spots like Arkansas, Texas, and Illinois; Is it possible to find such an exciting vacation? I ventured to find the answer to this question; and what I found was a pleasant surprise for me.
Indian Harbor Beach, Florida is probably not the first (or last stop for most) when you venture to the Sunshine State. Places like Daytona, Miami, even Key West keep score here. Known as ‘Florida’s Biggest Little Town,’ Indian Harbor Beach is located along the coast in Brevard County, Florida, offering everything that epitomizes a relaxing vacation. Close to Orlando and the Kennedy Space Center , is a link between a quiet getaway and excitement.Just a few minutes from Melbourne International Airport, this place is perfect to get away from the routine.I also found the best hotel deal in Indian Harbour.The Lexington Hotel offers a package of 3 days/2 nights for $97/night Including luxury accommodations for 4 and a $20 credit towards Doubles, their on-site restaurant, this is the classic definition of a “diamond in the rough.”
Another lesser known vacation spot is in Illinois and has some of the most beautiful scenery on the bluffs high above the Rock River. “The City of the Forest” as it is known beloved; Rockford is an integral park of the Rockford metropolitan area. Experience any of the nation’s top 50 golf courses or get in touch with nature with a tour of Anderson Japanese Gardens, which has been ranked the best Japanese garden in North America. I was lucky enough to stay at the Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort, which was located 12 miles from many attractions, right on Bluff overlooking the river. With prices starting at $129/nt, this is an affordable way to see the great sites of Illinois.
Sure, Illinois and Florida could be two places vacationers could be high on their list, but Arkansas? At first glance, I couldn’t believe this was going to be on my list of off the beaten path places to visit, but then I found Hot Springs and started to change the way I looked at this state. Hot Springs is the 10th most populous city in Arkansas and, as the name suggests, is known for its national spring water. The city hosts a number of art shows such as the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and the Hot Springs Music Festival. Other events include the Hot Springs Jazz Festival held in September and the downtown bathtub races in the spring. Ranked #4 on “America’s Top 100 Small Arts Town”. They also have a racetrack and casino which, lucky for me, was located just a block from my hotel. Americas Best Value Inn has all the necessities that are needed in this city.
They say that in Texas everything is bigger and better; and I am not one to argue with that line of thought. My next stop took me to the Lone Star State and San Antonio. This lively and vibrant city is unlike any other I have visited and with its serene valleys and rolling cedar-studded hills, it was no wonder why I fell in love with it as quickly as I did. I stayed right on Salado Creek and enjoyed the sense of history this place brought me as well. With 300 days without rain, there is never a short list of outdoor activities. The Alamo is almost impossible to forget as it is the main tourist attraction in Texas. The San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas are just a few of the other activities this wonderful city has to offer. Shell Vacations Hospitality has all the information you need to turn anyone into a real life cowboy!
My only stop in the Great Northeast was Newport, Rhode Island. You may be wondering if this really should be on this ‘unique destinations’ list but I thought it doesn’t get as much attention as some of its counterparts; mainly because of the price associated with the mere mention of his name. With presidents getting married there and others making Newport their “Summer White Houses,” it not only seems unattainable, it almost seems like there’s nothing else to do but wander the streets and look at some incredibly expensive homes. But Newport has something for even the most frugal traveler. Besides being full of culture, the city of Newport boasts the Cliff Walk, which is considered one of the most popular attractions. A 3-mile boardwalk that skirts the shoreline and has been designated a National Recreation Trail; and for lovers of folk, country, and blues music, the Newport Folk Festival also takes place in Newport. If this all sounds like a big budget break, don’t worry. I found a great deal on a place to stay right in Newport just in time for summer. The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina is everything its name implies. Close to all activities and some of the best restaurants in the world, this resort is one not to be missed. Use the Exclusive Corporate Number: DUN, and stay at this impressive resort for only $235.
To the west, another little-known escape is Gunnison/Crested Butte, Colorado. With so much to do in this quaint Colorado town, Gunnison will leave you wanting more. Enjoy mountain biking and hiking to the top of Mount Crested Butte for one of the most spectacular 360-degree views you’ll ever see. My stay was complete when I found this wonderful deal of $160 for 2 nights. It included ½ day of one of my favorite activities, rafting. For all it’s worth, this vacation is sure to inspire your passion for the Colorado Rockies.