#us destination

[the-beaten-path-us-destinations]

Exploring Off-the-Beaten-Path U.S. Destinations: A Traveler’s Guide

When most people think of travel in the U.S., their minds immediately jump to New York City, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas. But if you're a traveler seeking unique experiences and hidden gems away from the usual tourist crowds, the U.S. has a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations waiting to be explored. These off-the-beaten-path locations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local culture that will make your trip memorable. Let’s dive into some underrated destinations across the U.S. that you won’t want to miss.

1. Marfa, Texas

Tucked away in the West Texas desert, Marfa is a quirky, artsy town with a fascinating mix of small-town charm and avant-garde art installations. Known for the famous Marfa Lights—a mysterious, unexplainable light phenomenon—and large-scale art installations by artists like Donald Judd, Marfa is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Visit the iconic Prada Marfa art installation, explore local galleries, and soak in the eerie beauty of the desert at sunset.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. With its stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and vibrant arts scene, Asheville offers an authentic, laid-back experience. Wander through the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned house in the U.S., or enjoy craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries. Asheville’s farm-to-table dining scene is one of the best in the country, offering fresh, locally-sourced dishes that reflect the flavors of the region.

3. St. Louis, Missouri

Often overlooked in favor of larger Midwestern cities, St. Louis is a city rich in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. The iconic Gateway Arch is just the start. Explore the city's thriving music scene, especially its roots in jazz and blues, and indulge in local favorites like St. Louis-style BBQ and the famous gooey butter cake. Take a walk through Forest Park, home to free museums and outdoor spaces larger than New York’s Central Park, or visit the stunning Missouri Botanical Garden.

4. Mendocino, California

While much of California’s coastline is well-traveled, Mendocino remains a quiet, picturesque escape. Located north of San Francisco, this coastal town offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. Explore scenic hiking trails, visit local vineyards, and enjoy fresh seafood in cozy coastal restaurants. Mendocino’s peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those looking to escape into nature, with beautiful spots like Russian Gulch State Park and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.

5. Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tulsa, often overshadowed by bigger cities, is a hidden gem in the Midwest. Rich in art deco architecture and Southern hospitality, this city offers a surprising amount of culture and history. Visit the Philbrook Museum of Art, housed in an Italian Renaissance-style villa, or explore the revitalized Greenwood District, known for its history as Black Wall Street. Tulsa’s culinary scene is blossoming with farm-to-table restaurants, and its vibrant downtown area is home to local shops, cafes, and live music venues.

6. Sedona, Arizona

While the Grand Canyon draws in millions of tourists each year, nearby Sedona is an equally stunning yet quieter alternative. Known for its red rock formations, spiritual vortexes, and thriving arts community, Sedona offers travelers a unique mix of natural beauty and holistic experiences. Whether you’re hiking through the Coconino National Forest or meditating at one of the city’s famous energy vortexes, Sedona is a place that nourishes both the body and soul.

7. Hotel Experiences that Add to the Journey

While exploring these hidden U.S. gems, your accommodations play a huge role in making the trip truly memorable. With b0arding.com, you can easily find hotels that match the local vibe of each destination. Imagine staying in a cozy mountain lodge in Asheville, where your mornings start with a fresh, farm-to-table breakfast. Or perhaps you’re winding down after a day in Marfa with a dinner made from locally sourced ingredients, set against the backdrop of the West Texas desert.

At b0arding.com, each hotel is carefully selected to reflect the essence of the location, ensuring your stay feels as personal and unique as your travels. Whether you’re enjoying a simple, hearty breakfast in a downtown Tulsa café or savoring fresh seafood in Mendocino, your lodging experience enhances your connection to the destination.

Conclusion

If you're seeking adventure off the typical tourist path, these U.S. destinations offer the perfect blend of discovery, culture, and tranquility. From the artsy streets of Marfa to the serene cliffs of Mendocino, every location brings its own special flavor and stories. And, with b0arding.com, you can rest easy knowing your accommodations are just as exciting as the journey itself. So why not take the road less traveled and create memories in places few others have explored? The U.S. is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered—pack your bags, and start your adventure!

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Weekend Guide To Galveston For the Families

Weekend Guide To Galveston For the Families

Hello there! Probably at least by now, the one who follows Funterest noticed that if I am not sharing about the park, I am sharing about the ocean/beach, or the historic town. For now, this is the easy thing we can at least do and enjoy as a family getaway. If you have kids and looking for a place to spend a weekend, you might want to consider visiting Galveston. Galveston will keep you…

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Turtle Bay Resort Oahu, Hawaii

TURTLE BAY RESORT OAHU, HAWAII

COMPARE PRICES ON  AGODA | BOOKING.COM | HOTELSCOMBINED

If you want to stay away from a crowded strip of Waikiki beach, you might like staying at the Turtle Bay Resort. It is secluded and private, you can definitely enjoy and just relax by the pool or snorkel/surf at the beach. They have tons of outdoor activities for families, surfing lessons, and the perfect location on a peninsula that juts…

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EXPERIENCE POLYNESIA IN HAWAII

A family fun activity #PolynesianCulturalcenter #PCC #Hawaii

The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a Polynesian-themed theme park and living museum located in Laie, on the northern shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Featuring 6 villages that represent the island culture of Hawaii.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY POLYNESIAN CULTURAL CENTER

Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands. Wander through 42 acres of tropical…

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Artistry of the Desert: Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Utah)

Approaching Monument Valley

Monument Valley is one of those places that is worth revisiting time and time. You get different perspectives at different times of day, with stunning views in so many places – from the Visitor Centre, from the valley drive (the North Window is my favourite, and easily missed by those tempted to stop at the jewellery stalls), the views from Gouldings, the views from…

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

The cliff  Palace dwelling of the native Americans at Mesa Verde, Colorado 600 years ago. Recent studies reveal that Cliff Palace contained 150 rooms and 23 kivas and had a population of approximately 100 people and nearly 600 cliff dwellings. The primary construction materials for the cliff dwellings were sandstone, mortar, and wooden beams. The Ancestral Pueblo people shaped each sandstone block using harder stones collected from nearby river beds. The mortar between the blocks is a mixture of local soil, water, and ash.

The Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace

Scott took a break

Climb up to exit

Cliff Palace

Cliff Palace is the largest of the cliff dwellings in the park and certainly very impressive. The amount of time and energy that went into making it is amazing! Reaching the dwellings involves walking down a pathed trail. The trail is not very steep, and if you’re able to walk a block, it shouldn’t be a problem. When we got 3/4 of the way down, the ranger had us all sit under a stone overhang to (1) cool off and catch our breath for those who needed it and (2) explain the history of the ancient Pueblo Indians who constructed them, etc. From there, we walked the remainder of the way to the actual dwellings in which the ranger explained what some of the buildings were used for. We climbed a couple very short ladders (five rungs or so), walked around within some of the dwellings and then headed out. On the way out, the trail isn’t super steep, but there is a fairly long ladder you have to climb to reach the top of the canyon and the walkway that takes you to the parking lot. The ladder is surrounded by a rock enclosure so you shouldn’t get the feeling of possibly falling or even the feeling of being high up (for those who may be afraid of heights).

This is a good tour to take if you are fearful of small places and semi-fearful of heights. Everything is basically on a low level and out in the open.

Balcony Houses

Stunning stone-age ruins framed surrounded by an incredible view of the valley below. Balcony House is just a lot of fun. The views of the valley below it are pretty spectacular and seeing these stone dwellings built 700-800 years ago using only stone tools in such a forbidding location is impressive. I’m usually not one who enjoys having to follow a guide on any trip, but the ranger who conducted our tour was amazing. The story he told about the rise and fall of the Puebloans and how their history tied into their architecture really added a lot of value to the trip. I only expected our ranger to be a babysitter since these ruins are so fragile, but his narration was an integral part of the trip

Balcony Houses

Balcony Houses from across the canyon

Balcony Houses tunnel

Balcony Houses Entrance Ladder

Balcony Houses exit tunnel

Balcony Houses exit

Balcony Houses exit ladder

Balcony Houses Entrance Ladder

Balcony Houses Exit

Inside Balcony Houses

Balcony Houses Exit

Balcony Houses Climb Up Entrance Ladder

Balcony Houses view from the balcony

Balcony Houses hits you with Adrenaline. Looking back I don’t know how I did it, but I did climb a 30 ft long ladder. If you are scared of the height like me, my tips do not look down/below just focus on climbing. What I did is that I follow a kid climbing up the ladder. If that kid can do it, I should be able to do it.

Spruce Tree House

View from the Lookout (Image by Google|Google image)

Spruce Tree House

Inside Spruce Tree House

Spruce Tree House

After seeing the Cliff Palace and the Balcony Houses, you might get disappointed a little bit how small the Spruce Tree House is.  It is a self-guided tour down into the dwelling, but there are very knowledgeable Park Rangers there to answer questions. This is a special place because you can climb down a short ladder into the only covered Kiva in the Park which makes this a unique experience.

This room is called Kiva, kivas are square-walled and underground, and are used for spiritual ceremonies and political meetings.

Going Down to a Covered Kiva Of the Spruce Tree House

Inside Down to a Covered Kiva Of the Spruce Tree House. This room is called Kiva, kivas are square-walled and underground, and are used for spiritual ceremonies and political meetings.

Amazing place! Words could never describe seeing this place or the feeling you get while being there! Wow, just wow!

The Long Houses

This is my third favorite of the cliff dwellings (Cliff Palace being the first, and Balcony House the second). Very beautiful, and easy to get around. There is a short ladder (10 feet if I remember right), a very easy climb. We really enjoyed our tour guide. He obviously knew his subject and had a good sense of humor.

The Long House (Image by Google|Google Image)

The Long House

The Long House Kiva

The Long House Kiva

The Long House

Scott climbing up to the ladder

The Long House

The Long House

Step

The art of the ancient Puebloans. (Can you see there were 6 fingers?)

This one look like a Deer painting.

Seeps spring formed when the winter snowmelt. This is where they source for water.

These are called “mano” and “Metate” used to grind the corn into cornmeal

Accommodation

                   Far View Lodge

Far View Lodge Balcony

View From The Balcony

If you are going to visit Mesa Verde National Park, and don’t want to camp, this is a great option. We stayed in the less expensive standard room. We went over peak season. The rates were reasonable considering the lodge is the only lodging in the area and is in the heart of the Park. Our view was unobstructed and spectacular.

The room was small, simple, old, but clean. The bed was uncomfortably firm, and the linens and pillows were not overly comfortable. The shower was clean, but it looked well used. The room was clean but showed a lot of wear and tear. As the website advertises there is no TV, no airconditioning, and no cell service or internet. Its the location makes it a place I’d like to revisit.

Where to Eat

Spruce Tree Terrace Restaurant34879 Hwy 160 Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330

Very casual, typical cafe for parks but good to be there when hungry. Sandwiches, salads, burgers, hot dogs and similar stuff. Outside also a grill with some brisket and other stuff. The food is nothing special but tasty.

Far View Terrace Restaurant

Far View Terrace Restaurant

Located close to Far View Lodge and Far View Visitor Center, Far View Terrace Café is the perfect place to take in a great meal – and an unforgettable view.

The casual food-court setting features breakfast burritos and omelet station, a yogurt bar, and standard breakfast fare. For lunch, daily specials including our signature Navajo tacos, sandwiches and salad station. We make every effort to offer sustainable foods that are grown and harvested with respect for the land.

Explore The Culture and History of Mesa Verde Colorado Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado The cliff  Palace dwelling of the native Americans at Mesa Verde, Colorado 600 years ago.

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Volcano National Park – Big Island Hawaii

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on Hawaii Island (the Big Island). At its heart are the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes. The Crater Rim Drive passes steam vents and the Jaggar Museum, which features volcanology exhibits and a viewpoint overlooking Halema’uma’u Crater. Thick ferns mark the entrance to the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku). The Chain of Craters Road weaves over lava. Trails crisscross the park.

  The Big Island Tour was the main thing on our must-see list from this whole Hawaiian Trip, to see the volcanoes and, hopefully, some lava. We left Honolulu the earliest we can by plane, our local friends was our tour guide with this whole Big Island Tour. We are not staying on the Big Island and renting a car was the best option. Way more flexible and scenic destinations are way easy to do on your own.

WHAT TO SEE ON THE BIG ISLAND

FIRST STOP: HILO FAMER’S MARKET

Plan to arrive early and check this fantastic Hilo Farmer’s market. It was packed with all kinds of locally grown produce and prepared foods. The market also offers artisans with a huge variety of handmade crafts. This is a must see destination in Hilo, Hawaii. Be aware that the Farmer’s Market is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and parking is limited. You might have to walk to get to the market.

I love all the tropical fruits and vegetables, we got some snacks and munchies to go so we don’t have to stop to eat somewhere. There aren’t many places to eat in the park, so bring something yourself. Keep in mind that the longer you eat lunch, the less time you will have for exploring.

  Hilo Farmer’s Market

Hilo Farmer’s Market

Hilo Farmer’s Market

Hilo Farmer’s Market

Scott can’t get enough of this fresh young coconut, it tastes sweet, and the juice was very refreshing.

SECOND STOP: KILAUEA VISITORS CENTER

You’ll get a free map at the park entrance and do a short stop at the Visitor’s Center. The visitors center has a packed of useful information, and the rangers can help plan your visit depending on your time constraints. Another thing to keep in mind is that it tends to rain a lot on that side of the island so be prepared with rain gear just in case.

If you are not staying on the Big Island be prepared to spend a full day, there are so much to see and experience. Be sure to bring plenty of water – it’s warmer on the crater than in the rain forest. It’s also a good idea to wear sturdy walking shoes. I saw women trying to do the hike in flip-flops, and the lava rocks are sharp and jagged in some areas.

THIRD STOP: STEAM VENTS

Steam vents were interesting, steam rising from the vents and several places around the park make the park really a neat place to visit. Some of the open steam vents were concreted around with railings so that visitors can get close.

Steam Vents

FOURTH: KILAUEA IKI OVERLOOK

The Kilauea Iki Overlook. Many of the hardened lava flows that you see took place not that long ago. In 1959, Kilauea Iki was a lava lake, and lava fountains could be seen as high as 1,900 feet! The crater is a mile long, 3,000 feet across, and the floor is 400 feet below the overlook.

Kilauea Iki Trail

The Kilauea Iki Trail is the best hike we took on the Big Island. It leads you through a lush, perfumed and ever-drizzling rain forest where one wonders if that is what paradise looks like, only to leave you staring in awe at the vast and gloomy bottom of the Iki Crater suddenly spreading before you.

FIFTH STOP: THURSTON LAVA TUBE

A lava tube is a natural conduit formed by flowing lava which moves beneath the hardened surface of a lava flow. Tubes can be draining lava from a volcano during an eruption or can be extinct, meaning the lava flow has ceased and the rock has cooled and left a long cave.

SIXTH STOP: JAGGER MUSEUM

Jagger Museum is a small museum but tons of information about Hawaiian Islands, Volcanoes and the park.  They also have a display of different kinds of lava rocks which you can touch and hold. I’ve also learned about Hawaiian mythology and the Goddess of lava, Pele which is very interesting.

From the museum, you can see Halema’uma’u Crater or use the telescope outside for better viewing. They have park rangers at the museum to answer any question you may have.

Halema’uma’u Crater

  Walking on the crust of a lava lake that took so many years to cool is something to brag about. Steam coming up through vents, crust that’s buckled and been pushed up to create a from outer space landscape. This hike was the highlight of our time at Volcanoes National Park.

    SEVENTH STOP: HOLEI SEA ARCH

This is where the lava flow ended and hardened to the ocean that formed like an arch. The drive to Holei sea arch was amazing,  it feels like you are in the alien planet. Along the way, you will see different and interesting formatation of lava rocks.

    In the background, you can see where the lava once flowed downward from Kilauea towards the sea.

Hope you enjoy reading my blog.

Cheers!

  Must see in the Big island in One Day (Hawaii) Volcano National Park - Big Island Hawaii Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on Hawaii Island (the Big Island).