10 Underrated travel locations

Ty here! Happy to be back on the blog! When we get the opportunity to talk about travel with others, there are a number of spots that come up on most individuals travel radar. Many people have visited or plan to visit the the PNW or Colorado. These places are absolutely amazing--so it makes sense that they are high on our lists, too! However, there are a tremendous amount of small towns that get overlooked. That is the precise point of this post! In our adventures across America, we've had the opportunity to experience 48 states. We've found several extremely underrated spots that we think y'all might like!

After many conversations, we formulated a Top 10 list of places that we found to possess underrated beauty and travel worthiness!
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1. Manchester, Vermont

A quaint, charming Green Mountain nestled town, Manchester is a popular area for skiers. It has a small, but darling downtown, which features a number of speciality outlet shops that are in old homes around the town center! The Green Mountains are nearby, and well within view from many vantage points of the town. See our Vermont travel guide here. 

Highlights: ​Zoey's Deli (featured the best chicken salad I have ever had), Mystic Cafe and Wine Bar, Equinox Pond, Equinox Hotel 
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2. Big Sky, Montana
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Big Sky is also best known for skiing, but for those of you who do not ski, it is an exceptionally underrated location for a mountain getaway! The natural beauty surrounds you in all directions, and the proximity to Yellowstone and Tetons make this location more than worth a visit in the summer, too! 

Highlights: Gallatin Riverhouse (amazing BBQ and views!), Acre Kitchen (in Big Sky Town Center), Ousel Falls, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Tetons National Park
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3. ​Saratoga Springs/Lake George,New York
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We stopped in this area merely as a pit stop on our first out east excursion only to find out how cool it is! Just a 45 minute drive north, Lake George has a beautiful lake and  excellent hiking in the Adirondacks.

Highlights: Hattie's (southern fare served in the same place since 1938!), KRU Coffee, Saratoga Coffee Traders, Lake George
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4. ​Baraboo, Wisconsin

A surprisingly beautiful Midwestern weekend getaway, Baraboo is a cute and quaint town in Wisconsin, about an hour from Madison. The fall leaves were rich with autumn colors, and the hiking was a blast! GR friends--only a 5 hour drive as well! 

Highlights: Devil's Lake State Park (pictured below) 
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5. Cannon Beach/Heceta Beach, Oregon

The Oregon coast is VASTLY underrated. Highway 1 in California is among our favorite drives and routes on Earth; but please don't sleep on Oregon! From Heceta Beach, to Manzanita, to Cannon Beach, they offer vistas from a winding highway that will knock your socks off.

Highlists: Iconic Haystack Rock, Heceta Head Lighthouse
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6. Newport, Rhode Island

We didn't know much about Newport when we stumbled upon it. Newport is a small city on the coast which has preppy, coastal vibes, but is abounding in history and  charm. The city streets and cobbled sidewalks feel like another century, in only the best fashion. The eateries and shops that dot the streets are rich with life, energy and  passion. Plus, one of our favorite New England shops, KJP, is located in Newport on Bowen's Warf. 

Highlights: KJP Flagship store, Diego's Mexican Restaurant, Cliff Walk, Ocean Drive
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7. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California​ 

Located near Monterey, Carmel is a hidden gem, best known for Pebble Beach. The eclectic, artistic community has a variety of eats and a cute shopping area. It also essentially dead ends into an incredible beach, and has a bevy of unique and magnificent homes, which make Hannah happy! Carmel-by-the-Sea is always just one hour from Big Sur, which is one of the country's most magnificent drives.

Highlights:  Forge in the Forest, Pebble Beach, Carmel Beach, Big Sur

8. Leland, Michigan

Leland is a morsel of a town located 30 minutes north of Traverse City in Northern Michigan. It' s known locally as "Fish Town," and still operates one of the only commercial fishing villages in Michigan. Beyond that, it has two beautiful beaches just a stones throw from the shopping and restaurant area. Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of Michigan's premier destinations, is located under 30 minutes from the village of Leland, as well. (last photo) 

Highlights: ​Blue Boat Coffee; Village Cheese Shanty; Van's Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes
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​9. Santa Barbara, California
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It feels like a bit of a juxtaposition to put anywhere in California on this list, but so many others places in California get more hype than Santa Barbara. It has shops, history, beaches, mountain views, great coffee..literally what else does one need? 

Highlights: Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Dune Coffee, East Beach, Inspiration Point 
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10. Kennebunkport, Maine​

A bevy of Maine towns could be fixtures on this list. Kennebunkport stood out as a crown jewel among many incredibly delightful Maine spots. 

Highlights: Pier 77 restaurant, Gooserocks Beach, Drive Ocean Avenue on the coastline
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How many of the Top 10 have you been to?! I hope some of these make your lists for upcoming destinations!

Happy Travels, friends!

​-Ty + Han