Feed Your Soul with These 8 Off-Beat Places in the USA

This 2020, I have pledged myself to focus more on less-visited places and off the beaten paths to get a new perspective and experience, which you won’t get at fancy and glittering places like Los Angeles or New York.

When I was in the Grand Canyon last year, it was a life-changing experience to explore the geological history of the age-old red rock, pristine Colorado River, white-water rapids, and sweeping vistas. During my entire stay, I could feel a spiritual relationship with the mountains.

If you also want to experience such a thing, then it’s time to choose unexplored over congested destinations. Need help? Head straight to the below list of exotic destinations that you probably won’t find in any other typical American travel guide.

Read more: 30+ Best Places For First Time International Travelers

8 Off-Beat Travel Spots in the U.S.

I am sharing with you my bucket list for 2020. Hit it!

1. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Just have a look at the quintessential Sandia Mountains! 

This adventurous place located in America’s southwest is loaded with unique picturesque in all quarters. It is known worldwide for its pop culture and also as the place when America’s famous drama series ‘Breaking Bad’ was set.

This desert paradise will overwhelm you with magnificent views on one of the longest aerial tram rides, historic old town, hiking activities, gorgeous sunsets at Sandia mountains, and the best authentic Mexican food. Yes! Food overwhelms me a lot. Isn’t it the case with you?

2. Nashville, Tennessee

Do you love American country life (just like I do!)? Then, it’s time to visit this amazing place that gave birth to the old-time country music ‘Hillbilly’. Head out straight for Nashville’s most transcendent food experience – the hot chicken!

There are loads of other things to explore, along with hogging on food. Take a ride around Radnor Lake and stroll multiple walking tours discovering facts about the city. After you visit the Nashville Zoo, Centennial Park, Gallery of Iconic Guitars, etc. Don’t forget to sip on some Tennessee whiskey too.

3. Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia

This one is an ideal weekend getaway, which makes it an exceptional place to call home. Start an early tour by visiting the Morris Arboretum filled with Victorian-era rose gardens, Woodmere Art Museum, swan-filled ponds, and rare flora and fauna. The town looks gracious with its cobbled streets, fountains, parks, art galleries, and mouth-watering delicacies.

4. Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is a top-rated tourist destination bursting with a variety of natural wonders, galleries, museums, cultural attractions, wilderness experiences, and a plethora of family-friendly activities.

During my visit in September last year, I was blown by the beauty of the Northern Lights in the Arctic skies. I recommend you to have a glimpse of the resplendent ‘aurora borealis’- it’s a lifetime experience. Believe me! I don’t know about you, but I am surely going there this year too!

If you don’t get a chance to watch this beauty, then Alaska’s interior provides year-round activities, including unique museums and nature-inspired art.

Read more: Top Things To Do In Alaska [Alaska Bucket List]

5. Sedona, Arizona

You are at the most beautiful place in America, and it will excite you with its new-age vibe and spectacular red rock formations. The desert city has a thriving arts culture with several galleries, wine trails, and food scenes.

If you consider the epic nirvana, then it’s hard to find a reason to stay indoors. Enrich yourself with biking, hiking (especially the Devil’s Bridge Trail), rafting, stargazing, and the hot air balloon ride. Hop in on local galleries, discover ruins at Palatki Heritage Site, and ponder the universe while stargazing.

6. Portland, Maine

Many of you may mistake Maine with Portland, Oregon, which is located on the opposite side of the country. Portland is the largest city in Maine that manages to maintain its charming small-town feel.

This classic coastal town is a perfect frame of cobbled streets, fishing piers, lighthouses, local food, and warm people. Portland has a vibrant food scene and has earned titles as ‘The Foodiest Small Town in America’ and ‘Restaurant City of the Year’. It has a reputation of providing a perfect nightlife and live entertainment, notably the Portland Symphony Orchestra.

7. Glacier National Park, Montana

Drench yourself in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains of Montana. It is one of the places on my bucket list this year.

This is more than a heavenly abode with its gorgeous Lake McDonald, Avalanche Gorge Lake, Logan Pass, Two Medicine Lake, Hidden Lake, and much more. What caught my attention is the famous Grinnell Glacier! It’s a 7.6-mile out and back trail with an 1840-foot elevation gain. Just the thought of it gave me goosebumps!

8. Huntsville, Alabama

Alabama is known for its military technology, aerospace industries, and space-related attractions, thus nicknamed ‘Rocket City’. Even if you are there for one day or a month, the city has a lot to offer such as local museums, art performances, botanical gardens, parks, historic districts, entertainment venues, etc. to spend a perfect family vacation.

The Panoply Arts Festival is a great time to visit the city. Head to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Space Camps, and Planetariums to explore the nuances of space. The Monte Sano Nature Preserve is a fantastic place to discover ancient caves, former railway tracks, springs, and wildflowers.

Final Thoughts!

I hope this list has inspired you to explore some of these lesser taken places and discover the raw, unknown side of the country. I personally believe that the U.S is rich in diversity and will give you more and more reasons to explore yourselves. Head out to less busy roads and find yourself smitten by its allure.

I am incredibly thankful to my job for providing me such immense travel knowledge. At any of the places, you can choose vacation rentals, recreational vehicles, and residential vacation rental without any hidden fees (that shocked me too!).

About the author:

Charlie Johnson is an avid traveler who has RVed across the United States and also works at FRBO. He feeds his obsession by sharing his travel experiences. He calls himself a total nomad living his dream life.

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