When people talk about the must visit cities in the United States the list usually includes places like NYC, LA, New Orleans, and such. Those are great cities for sure but there are so many underrated cities to visit you don’t want to miss out on.
Sometimes the hardest places to be a traveler and not a tourist is in cities and towns known for their tourism. These five cities make it easy to feel at home and learn from the locals. Sure there is touristy shit to do too, but it’s easy to avoid if you really want to.
Savannah, GA
The city was a Christmas gift to Abraham Lincoln during the civil war. If that doesn’t qualify it as an underrated city then you’re in the wrong place because thats pretty dang cool. No one has ever given me a city for Christmas and I’m willing to bet you haven’t gotten one either.
Oak trees covered in Spanish moss, beautiful historic houses, 22 squares that were originally planned as tiny communities, southern comfort food, ghost stories, togo cocktails, and a kick ass St. Paddy’s celebration all situated on the river make Savannah my favorite city in America.
I first went into Moon River Brewing because I saw a shirt that said “shut up and drink your beer” and I knew I needed to own it. I stayed for the shrimp and grits and ghost stories. A trip to Savannah just isn’t complete with out a trip to Moon River.
Stay tuned for an in-depth traveler not tourist city guide coming soon here on the blog and over on YouTube.
Check out these hotels when planning your next getaway to Savannah.
Portland, ME
Portland is home to the International Cryptozoology Museum. Now, I know that wouldn’t draw a ton of people to a city and I don’t really recommend the museum. But it is a super fun fact to pack away for a rainy day. The real draw to Portland is a little more centered on lobsters, lighthouses, and the fishing village feel.
More bars and restaurants per capita than any other city in the US, as a foodie that just speaks to my soul. I’ve never seen a city quite like it, and those two things lands Portland on my list of top 5 underrated cities in America.
I can’t tell you the place I first ate Maine lobster, not in a super top secret kind of way, in a I don’t remember and none of the pictures say way. Eating a lobster in Portland that slept in the ocean the night before is a must do that can happen at a handful of places.
An in-depth traveler not tourist city guide is coming soon here on the blog and over on YouTube.
Here are some hotels to keep in mind when planning your trip to Portland.
Asheville, NC
The city of Asheville has its very own drum circle. On Friday nights downtown you can find and join the drum circle. How many other cities do you know that do live music quite like that? Yeah, me either. While we’re at it, the town mascot is a hula-hoop. If you know of anywhere else that is that eclectic, leave a comment because I need to go!
A mountain town with culture and quirk, Asheville is a city that is hard to describe and even harder to forget. There is even a bookshop Champagne bar and I don’t care who you are, that is cool af. Those are just a few of the things landing Asheville on my top 5 underrated cities in the US.
You can not go to Asheville with out hitting up the Biltmore. It’s basically a cardinal sin. If you’re planning your trip around Christmas time it’s even more important to see Christmas at the Biltmore. As a giant Christmas nerd, I’ve yet to find anything that tops it.
Stay tuned for a traveler not tourist city guide coming soon here on the blog and over on YouTube.
Here is a list of some Places to stay during your trip to Asheville.
Burlington, VT
The worlds largest filing cabinet is located in Burlington. I know you’re probably thinking, why does that make Burlington so special? Well, it really doesn’t. But it’s a super cool fact that you might be able to use to win trivia sometime.
A funky little college town sitting on a lake (with its own lake monster) and some of the coolest shops and food places makes Burlington sort of the Asheville of the north. They even host the Festival of Fools every summer and hold a special place on my list of favorite underrated cities.
Church Street marketplace is the most well known part of Burlington and for good reason. The shopping ares was inspired by a market in Copenhagen and includes two closed off downtown blocks. Don’t miss the Outdoor Gear Exchange when you’re exploring Church Street!
Coming soon: an in-depth traveler not tourist city guide on the blog and over on YouTube.
These are some of the hotels available to stay at in Burlington.
Chattanooga, TN
The first tow trucks were created in Chattanooga in 1913 and the city is home to the International Towing and Recovery museum in honor of that. Why does that make Chattanooga so special? Next time your car breaks down I bet you appreciate the tow truck that comes and gets it. Thats why it makes it special.
The “Scenic City” is home to one of the worlds longest pedestrian bridges, tons of outdoorsy things to do, a 16 mile river walk, and so much history it’s hard to get bored. It also serves as a home base for me so it gets a special place in my heart as well as on this list of underrated cities. If you’re looking for a city with a small town feel Chattanooga is the place for your next trip!
You know those birdhouses that say See Rock City on the roof? Those are based on the 900 barns in 19 states that were used to advertise Rock City from 1935 to 1969. While you’re on lookout mountain its said you can see seven states. I don’t know if you can actually see seven states but it is really pretty. Don’t pass up Rock City on your next trip to Chattanooga. *They also have a stellar Christmas display if you’re in the Nooga around December*
Stay tuned for an in-depth traveler not tourist city guide coming soon here on the blog and over on YouTube.
Check out these hotels for your trip to Chattanooga.
Which of these five cities are you most excited to visit? Let me know in the comments below!
