Time, budget, and logistics shouldn’t keep you from travelling. Consider a great weekend trip instead of a full week or two vacation in some distant location. There are great, underrated cities all over the United States just waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Here are our picks for the 15 best underrated U.S. cities for your next weekend trip.
Greenville, South Carolina
Enjoy a laid-back southern ambiance while strolling through a downtown filled with cute cafes and outstanding restaurants. There are plenty of green spaces and lots of shopping. You won’t want to miss the waterfall in the center of downtown at Falls Park on the Reedy and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which is great for jogging and biking.
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth too often gets lumped in with Dallas and isn’t seen for its own distinct flavor. You get a real cowboy vibe alongside world-class museums and artworks, and a vibrant downtown area. Expect outstanding Texas cuisine, live music, and ample opportunities for shopping. Fort Worth is also home to many luxury hotels if you are looking for overnight lodging.
Asheville, North Carolina
Creative types, free thinkers, and nature lovers will all fall in love with Asheville, North Carolina. You can check out antiques, arts and crafts, or the Biltmore Estate. If you’d rather be outdoors, check out the scenic trails, live music scene, or outdoor dining options. Asheville has something new to discover every time you visit.
Boise, Idaho
The Boise River Greenbelt, a craft beer tour, and farm-to-table dining should all be on the agenda for a great weekend getaway in Boise, Idaho. The city has a great art scene and plenty of shopping and dining. The best part is the relaxed atmosphere that lets you just chill for a weekend.
Louisville, Kentucky
Take a bourbon tour, go on an old-fashioned train ride, or enjoy traditional Bluegrass music in Louisville, Kentucky. The city offers beautiful river views. It is a charming place with an urban vibe that keeps things energetic. For a real adventure, consider a riverboat ride.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you want a real down-to-earth type of vibe, then you should visit Grand Rapids, Michigan, for your next weekend getaway. It is a big art town, both in terms of great museums and local artists. You can enjoy local cuisine, fantastic breweries, and indie markets, all located near downtown.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
River towns always have a unique culture, and that is certainly true of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Enjoy riverfront dining, cruises along the Susquehanna River, and boat races. This is a good place to visit if you are a foodie or an outdoor enthusiast. A big advantage to Harrisburg is its proximity to Gettysburg, Hershey, and Lancaster to add even more cool stops to your itinerary.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Some of the most jaw-dropping scenic views are in Tennessee, and Chattanooga has transformed itself into a uniquely modern outdoor city. Their downtown caters to outdoor activities and encourages dining and meeting outdoors with amazing venues and cool green spaces. They also have a terrific aquarium, superb riverwalk, and lots of cafes and breweries to socialize at.
Buffalo, New York
Visit the home of the original Buffalo wing! Buffalo, New York offers a revitalized downtown, waterfront parks, and a thriving arts scene with a variety of museums. It’s a great base for exploring New York State and Niagara Falls. You will find plenty of culture and natural beauty in Buffalo.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Overshadowed by the Rockies and the Great Smoky Mountains, the beauty of the Ozark Mountains gets overlooked. A weekend getaway to Fayetteville, Arkansas, gives you great scenery and a lively cultural scene. Arts, indie shops, farmers markets, and live music will keep visitors busy, and friendly locals will make you feel welcome.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is a moss-draped charmer full of history and culture. Check out amazing architecture, distinct cuisine, and even scary ghost tours. Cobblestone streets enhance the historic vibe and create a romantic touch, making this one great for a romantic retreat as much as a family day trip.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico has a dramatic landscape full of deserts, rust colored stone, and modern cities. Santa Fe offers art from Adobe architecture to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. The city is a colorful haven for artists. While you are there, don’t miss the trails and lookouts in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Providence, Rhode Island
Cobblestone streets and art galleries enhance the historic and cultural feel of Providence, Rhode Island. An enclave for lovers of the arts, People come from all over to see the nighttime art installation WaterFire, where flames dance atop the river. There is also a fresh and dynamic food scene fed by a local culinary school visitors will enjoy.
Spokane, Washington
Spokane, Washington, is a modern riverfront city that embraces tourists. You will enjoy dining on high-end cuisine and world-famous coffee, as well as farm-to-table local favorite. Enjoy a strong live and visual arts scene as well as a dynamic nightlife. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking local trails and exploring local fishing spots.
Reno, Nevada
Reno has so much more to offer than just casinos. Lake Tahoe has an undisputed beauty, and the art scene is far better than most people give it credit for. You could see shows, visit exhibits and museums, and see great natural sights for a full weekend and still not have enough time to see everything, without ever stepping into a casino.
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