Why you should visit: There’s so much more to the Bluegrass State than ponies and hooch (though, there’s certainly plenty of that to be found). And, of course, there’s brewery-packed Boise, an outdoorsy Denver/Portland hybrid at a fraction of the cost that’s one of the most underrated places to live in the United States. Spots like Stanley and Coeur d’Alene are also cool resort towns that don’t feel too cool for you, with friendly people and spectacular scenery. While everyone else is clogging up Jackson Hole, an easy jaunt over the Tetons and Wyoming state line will drop you at the two best small towns in the state, Driggs and Victor. It’s got all the jagged mountains, wild whitewater, and pristine lakes of places like Colorado, Utah, or California, but it doesn’t pack in the off-putting numbers of tourists. But find yourself on the shores of Redfish Lake with the snow-capped peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains reflecting in clear waters, and you won't be thinking about school lunch snacks, you'll be thinking about how Idaho is damn-near perfect-and wondering where all the people are. And look, we love tater tots as much as the next person. Why you should visit: For some ungodly reason, Idaho is forever associated with its primary agricultural product. There’s also plenty of art to enjoy, between a bounty of pristinely preserved Frank Lloyd Wright buildings to Newfields, the 152-acre creative wonderland that houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Further south, Indianapolis beckons, with its burgeoning chef-driven culinary movement, proliferation of breweries and distilleries, and prime live sports action, whether you’re looking for NFL thrills, auto racing greatness, NBA and WNBA fun, or all things college ball. The landscape is breathtaking-as are the restaurant, bar, shopping, and lodging options nearby. Kick back on the beach or set out on a rugged hike at Indiana Dunes National Park, located just over the border from both Michigan and Illinois. Why you should visit: The better question: Why haven’t you visited? Between Bloomington’s slick world-class music scene, global gastronomic makeup, and laid-back college town vibes, Indianapolis’s booming craft booze industry and sports-centric dance card, and northern Indiana’s gorgeous dune-filled lakefront and recent National Park status, the Hoosier State is ripe for exploration all year-round. And if you thought the New England charm stopped there, just hop aboard the Cog Railway, the world’s first-ever mountain-climbing cog railway that will cart you up New England’s highest mountain for some of the best views in the state. The state’s 54 covered bridges make it popular for road trippers as they cruise around winding roads lined by maple, beech, and birch trees (particularly worth the drive during leaf-peeping season). Yes, the scenery is postcard-perfect in every way, and the drives just add to the beauty. In the fall, go pumpkin patch hopping, pausing at one of the mills along the way for a mug of warm, freshly made apple cider (the official state drink and popular donut flavor), and in winter, you’ve got everything you need for a fairytale wonderland-sleigh rides and dog sledding included. The White Mountains (which are more than 100 million years old) also have some of the best hikes in the region. In summer, go climbing, tubing, or bask on the beautiful beaches in Rye, just an hour from Boston. This is a state that practically screams “nature”-and every season is as good as the next. Think historic river valleys, some of the highest peaks in the Northeast, those New England villages we all love to fawn over, and outdoor adventure that includes moose safaris (yes, you read that correctly). Why you should visit: New Hampshire may be one of the smallest states in the nation, but it packs a pretty mighty punch.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |