Featured: Five Underrated Places to Visit This Summer

Everyone has a little bit of wanderlust in them. In the summer, that strong desire to travel comes with a certain demand to spend all your spare months of freedom out of the house and away from your everyday life. Because of this, summer is the season of traveling and vacations for a lot of people. Most opt to travel to the classic places such as Florida, California, and other big name cities. However, some of us want to escape the abundance of tourists and enjoy a more low-key, relaxing getaway before life starts back up again. And some of us just simply don’t have the money to visit all those exotic places listed in those travel magazines, as much as we’d love to go to Chile.

If you’re looking for somewhere unique and off the beaten path, here are five underrated and affordable places to visit this summer in the US!

The Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

Vermont offers a lot besides skiing, such as picturesque towns and beautiful forests. The Northeast Kingdom is comprised of three different countries in northeast Vermont, including several getaway towns such as St. Johnsbury at the southeastern corner, Newport and Derby to the north, and to the southwest, Hardwick and Danville. With weather in the low 70’s throughout summer, The Northeast Kingdom could be the relaxing getaway you’re looking for without the blistering heat. Visitors can go hiking, fishing or cycling comfortably; get caught up in the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, enjoy a day with your dog at Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, or even spend time with nature at Lake Willoughby in East Burke. Full of many things to do, your vacation will be quiet and away from many tourists, yet eventful and fun.

Williams, Arizona

Located on the Historic Route 66, Williams is a rustic and laid-back town that still channels that “Western” character from its past. Home to the famous Grand Canyon Railway, you can enjoy a scenic route to the Grand Canyon on a century-old steam-powered rail line. With Williams located just over 30 miles east of Flagstaff and about 60 miles southeast of Sedona, you’ll be surrounded by other vacation attractions in northern Arizona. In the average weather of high 80’s to low 90’s, you can even enjoy the abundance of outdoor attractions such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, camping at Cataract Lake, or downhill skiing at the popular Williams ski area. You’ll never be bored in this small town.

The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

With 22 islands and 12 miles of mainland, The Apostle Islands are bound to keep you interested during your adventures. In a unique blend of cultural and natural resources, visitors can enjoy the view of lighthouses shining over Lake Superior, experience the wilderness areas or even adventure into a sea cave such as Swallow Point on Sand Island, the North Shore of Devils Island or near Squaw Bay on the mainland. You can hike, sail, paddle or cruise this gem on Lake Superior. With temperatures averaging mid-70’s to low 80’s during the day, you’ll enjoy yourself without feeling overwhelmed by the summer heat.

The Ozarks, Arkansas

The Ozarks Mountains stretch across southwestern Missouri and northern Arkansas, packed with tons of things to do outdoors. From hiking to kayaking to camping, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you prefer to spend your summer with nature. You can visit Table Rock Lake, known for its award-winning bass fishing; Branson, a small town with charm and diverse entertainment in Missouri; or even Eureka Springs in Arkansas, an old-fashioned town that makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The weather averages around high 80’s to low 90’s during the summer, so you can always spend a day at the Buffalo River to cool off. No matter where you go along the Ozarks, you’re sure to find something fun, pleasant and memorable.

Falmouth, Massachusetts

This coastal town sits on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in refreshing weather averaging in the 70’s if you want a cool summer trip. Known for its beautiful beaches such as Falmouth Heights across the island of Martha’s Vineyard, Falmouth is a very charming town with plenty to do. You can travel inland and experience Highfield Hall & Gardens, an estate from the 19th-century that exhibits contemporary art, The Woods Hole Science Aquarium that homes marine life such as seals and lobsters, or you can visit a notable landmark, the Nobska Lighthouse at the town’s southern tip. This quaint town could be exactly what you’re looking for if you want something peaceful and away from the heat.

Special thanks to losing control. and Audrey T for editing!