16 Underrated Spots in the US, According to Community Experts
At Livability, we love discovering the hidden local spots that make a city feel like home.
So, at this year’s Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) annual convention, we asked chamber leaders and community insiders one simple question: “What’s your city’s best-kept secret?”
Their answers did not disappoint! From spaceports in Texas to secret kayak trails in Louisiana, here are 16 underrated travel destinations in the US, straight from the people who know their hometowns best.
Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Escapes
Adirondack Relaxation in Schroon Lake, NY: Nothing captures classic small-town summer quite like sitting by the water. In Schroon Lake, the town beach’s Adirondack chairs offer the ultimate front-row seat to peaceful mountain lake views.
Birding Paradise at Bear River Refuge (Brigham City, UT): Tucked away in Brigham City, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is one of the premier birding destinations in North America. Sitting along the lower delta of the Bear River, it offers stunning wetland views and unbeatable wildlife watching across 80,000 acres.
Paddling the Bayou in Monroe, LA: Monroe’s best-kept secret is its peaceful bayou system. The city features scenic paddle trails perfect for quiet kayaking adventures through lush Louisiana greenery.
Conquering Mount Monadnock (Monadnock Region, NH): Did you know New Hampshire is home to the most-hiked mountain in the Americas? Mount Monadnock offers accessible, rewarding trails with panoramic views stretching across New England.
River Access in Spartanburg, SC: Locals know that Spartanburg offers fantastic direct river access. It is a local favorite for quick paddling trips, fishing, and cooling off on warm Southern afternoons.
Local Eats & Drinks
World-Class Pizza in Jersey City, NJ: Forget the long lines across the river in Manhattan. Jersey City locals proudly claim their city serves up some of the best pizza in the entire United States.
Beachside Soft Serve in Sheboygan, WI. Sheboygan takes summer treats seriously. The ultimate local routine involves grabbing delicious soft-serve ice cream and enjoying it by a bonfire right on the beach.
America’s Original Wine Country (Augusta, MO, Area): Move over, Napa Valley! Missouri is home to America’s very first designated American Viticultural Area (AVA). This historic region produces incredible regional wines surrounded by rolling Midwestern hills.
The Legendary Spudnut in El Dorado, KS: If you haven’t had a donut made from potato flour, you are missing out! El Dorado’s famous “Spudnuts” are light, fluffy, and a beloved local delicacy.
Art, Music & Walkable Downtowns
Environmental Art at Spiral Jetty (Box Elder County, UT): Located along the remote shores of the Great Salt Lake, Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty is a world-renowned piece of earthwork sculpture. It is an unforgettable bucket-list destination for art lovers and desert explorers alike.
The Bushy Tail Art Trail (Henry County, GA): Henry County blends outdoor fun with public art on the Bushy Tail Art Trail. This charming, family-friendly trail features hidden squirrel sculptures painted by local artists throughout the community.
A Surprising Blues Scene in Spartanburg, SC: Spartanburg isn’t just about outdoor recreation; it also holds a rich musical heritage. Insiders name it the best city for live blues in South Carolina.
Modern Gathering at Lenexa City Center (Lenexa, KS): Lenexa City Center has quickly redefined community spaces in Kansas. This walkable hub pairs civic space, dining, shopping, and public art into one lively urban anchor.
Local Claims to Fame
A Texas-Sized Spaceport in Midland, TX: Midland might be famous for oil, but locals are looking straight to the stars. The city is home to the Midland International Air and Space Port, serving as an active hub for commercial space flight and tech exploration.
Extensive Trails in Fort Dodge, IA: Cyclists, take note! Fort Dodge is home to the second-longest bike trail system in the State of Iowa, offering miles of smooth, paved paths through Midwest scenery.
Heartland Hospitality in Kansas City: Above all, the Midwest is defined by its warmth. The Kansas City region prides itself on offering world-class culture with genuine, welcoming Heartland hospitality.
Whether you are looking for an unexpected weekend road trip or an off-the-beaten-path relocation candidate, these insider picks prove that America’s best travel spots are often hidden in plain sight.
📬 Where to Next?
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