The United States is home to such an abundance of variety. The rolling hills of Tennessee, the gorgeous beaches of California, the otherworldly, nostalgic ambiance of New Orleans…it’s a massive country with so many unique aspects to appreciate in every region. If you’re looking for a charming little getaway, particularly in a low-key town where you can just unwind and escape the chaos of a big city, look no further. Here are a few awesome hidden gems that are perfect for a secluded getaway.
Naples, Florida
If you can’t make it to Naples, Italy, opt for Naples, Florida, instead. You may not find the world’s greatest pizza in this Florida town, but you certainly will find some gorgeous beaches and unbelievable sunsets. Naples Beach with its white sand, clear, blue skies, and turquoise water, makes an inviting spot for anyone who wants to kick off their flip flops, bury their toes in the sand, and get a whiff of that fresh sea air. After a dip in the ocean and a serious tanning session on the beach, stroll along Naples Pier to watch the sunset, go fishing, or spot a few dolphins.
Consider renting a pontoon or a yacht and cruise around Naples Bay one afternoon before stopping off at Marco Island in Naples. Anyone traveling with kids should check out Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to hang out with monkeys on an island and even feed alligators! For serious shoppers, don’t leave Naples without first hitting up 5th Avenue South, a shopping strip along the water. Once you’ve soaked up the sun on the beach, check out the vibrant arts scene around downtown Naples. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a low-key dinner on an outdoor patio with some live music.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is that perfect blend of nature and art that you never even knew you needed. Downtown Asheville is surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountains. Within the town, you’ll be delighted to find an array of craft breweries, local boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants. As you walk the quaint downtown neighborhood, you’ll be serenaded with soothing tunes from traveling and local buskers. Wander into independent bookstores, find a vintage jacket at the thrift shop, appreciate local art at the galleries, pick up fresh produce at the flea market, and score the perfect handcrafted artisanal good at the craft shops.
Though Asheville isn’t known for modern architecture and skyscrapers, it does have a few rooftop bars with incredible views of the mountains. Thirsty Monk and SkyBar are a couple of the favorites among Asheville locals and visitors. Since the arts scene is just one part of Asheville, you’ll want to budget plenty of time to hit the trails. Experience the breathtaking beauty of national parks like Pisgah and Nantahala, bike along the scenic Blue Ridge, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like birds, elk, and bears! When you hit the trails around Asheville, you’re bound to end up discovering a few waterfalls along the way. Another hiking expedition you should include on your Asheville bucket list is a hike up Mount Mitchell, in Blue Ridge, which is the tallest mountain on the East Coast.
Carbondale, Colorado
Carbondale is a real outdoorsy person’s kind of vacation spot. If you’re all about strapping on your hiking boots, working up a sweat on a 15-mile hike, and kayaking down the Rio Grande River, Carbondale is the place for you. The best part about this little town in Colorado is that it really isn’t on anyone’s radar, so get yourself to Carbondale before the secret is out! Just about every outdoor recreational activity you can think of can be found in Carbondale. The town is home to plenty of prime camping locations, cycling routes, hiking trails, scenic drives, fishing spots, and skateboarding parks. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can plan a hunting trip or a ski and snowboarding trip.
Although the main objective for anyone vacationing in Carbondale is to experience the great outdoors, this town also has great culinary delights for foodies. You’ll find everything from gourmet dining to casual burgers to Japanese cuisine in this town. If you just need to quickly fuel up on something filling before a big hike, you’ll find plenty of sandwich shops and pizza parlors around town. If you are trying to figure out your dinner plans, you can choose from Chinese to Italian to Mexican to good ole’ fashioned American fare.
Ready to start planning your getaway? Make the first step by buying your bus ticket from BusTickets.com today!
