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Do you have your heart set on Vail or Aspen? You'll experience plenty of adventure and a mountain town vibe in Estes Park, Colorado, without battling the crowds or burning a hole in your wallet. A base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), this laid-back town is surrounded by majestic mountains and abundant wildlife, and is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the national park. In fall, admire the golden aspens; in winter, go cross-country skiing; and in the spring, try fly fishing, mountain biking and hiking.
Don't miss: Take a ride with Wild side 4×4which offers on- and off-road options and excellent photo opportunities for wildlife in the RMNP. It's a unique way to visit the park in any season (yes, even winter with snow), and it's possible to get out of your vehicle to see the waterfalls and wilderness up close.
Where to stay: With more than 860 acres bordered on three sides by the RMNP, the YMCA of the Rockies offers stunning views, miles of trails, and a variety of family activities. It’s basically a camp for families! Family cabins are especially popular for multi-generational getaways, and a multi-family vacation here can actually cost less than staying at home.
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New York City threw major shade at Cleveland last year with a nasty viral tweet that read, “A dark day in New York is always better than a sunny day in Cleveland.” » People were quick to jump to the defense of this little-known city, pointing out the many ways in which Cleveland is cool. Sure, there's no place like the Big Apple, but you'll be surprised by how much there is to do here, which is exactly why it landed on our list of best travel destinations under -estimated in the country.
Just like New York, there's a museum of natural history and modern art, a museum of contemporary art, a zoo, destination restaurants like Little Italy, and even a world-class orchestra. But unlike New York, you won't be turned away due to overcrowding or exorbitant prices. For example, the Cleveland Contemporary Art Museum is free, while the Whitney Museum in Manhattan costs $25 per person.
Don't miss: Oh, and did we forget to mention the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? This is the ideal place if you are a music lover. Explore six floors of music history, including curated interactive exhibits, in a venue unlike any other in New York.
Where to stay: THE Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade is built inside the old Arcade shopping center, so a walk to your room feels like a stroll through a historic department store. It's also within walking distance of all the major attractions, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the East 4th Street entertainment district, and Progressive Field.
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The Appalachian Trail passes through this small West Virginia town, named the third most popular underrated American vacation destination that travelers want to visit in the Talker poll. Although best known for being the site of John Brown's Raid and three Civil War battles, Harpers Ferry is also a beautiful destination in the fall. Bordered by the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, it's the perfect place to admire the magnificent colors fall foliage blazing along the river paths in the fall. And any time of year, you can walk in the footsteps of history at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Overall, it's a great alternative to Baltimore and Washington, DC, located about 90 minutes north.
Don't miss: Lace up your hiking shoes to take in panoramic views on fabulous, free hikes. The Loudoun Heights Trail offers views of the Shenandoah Valley, especially beautiful in fall, and the Maryland Heights Trail is an easy five-mile loop with views of Harpers Ferry.
Where to stay: The centrally located Clarion Hotel is just minutes from the National Historical Park and features a restaurant, game room, and pool.
