5 Underrated Places to Visit in the U.S.
5.30.2024
By: Ray SaVonne
As travel season approaches, we wanted to highlight a few affordable and underrated places to visit here in the United States! These destinations offer unique and memorable experiences for travelers:
1. Page, Arizona - A sunny city with a laid-back vibe, surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, mountains, and national parks. Page offers plenty of affordable outdoor adventures and cultural experiences - especially the beautiful and picturesque Antelope Canyon!
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico - A charming city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities including the annual International Balloon Fiesta! The International Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event occurring in the first full week of October, where over 500 hot air balloons gather at once and is the largest balloon festival in the world!
3. Cleveland, Ohio - The most populous city on Lake Erie, Cleveland is known for its vibrant art and music scene, as well as its delicious food and affordability. From world renowned orchestras, to peaceful botanical gardens, to beautiful art museums, and the historic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland has something for people of all ages to enjoy!
4. Kansas City, Missouri - Home to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City is a city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, barbecue hot spots, jazz music, and beautiful fountains. With plenty of affordable attractions and a friendly Midwestern vibe, Kansas City is considered to be one of the most underrated places to visit in the United States.
5. Tulsa, Oklahoma - One of the most historic locations in the United States! Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to the Original Black Wall Street (also known as the Greenwood District). The district was a thriving African American business district in the early 20th century, known for its prosperity and entrepreneurship. But, in 1921, the district was devastated by the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the deadliest and most destructive racially motivated attacks in American history. During the Tulsa Race Massacre, a white mob attacked and destroyed much of the Greenwood District, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless. Many businesses and homes were burned to the ground, and the thriving community was left in ruins. Visitors can explore the Greenwood Cultural Center, which serves as a museum to highlight and educate the public about the history of the district, the race massacre, and overcoming the odds.
In addition, Tulsa also has:
1. Vibrant arts and culture scene: The city has a thriving arts community with numerous galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues showcasing local and international talent.
2. Route 66: Tulsa is located on the historic Route 66, offering a glimpse into the iconic American highway's past with retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and nostalgic motels.
3. Outdoor recreation: The city has plenty of outdoor spaces to explore, including the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, bike trails along the river, and scenic parks perfect for picnics and relaxing.
We hope this list of underrated places in the U.S. helps spark some interest in visiting some of the hidden gems located in our own backyard!
Safe travels and happy exploring!
XO,
The Kléi
