Lee and Stonewall Jackson led a successful Confederate attack on the strategic Union-held town. Harpers Ferry witnessed John Brown’s infamous 1859 raid that helped ignite the Civil War. While West Virginia may not be “almost heaven” for everyone, it certainly is for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to Allegheny National Forest, the region harbors 29 state parks, two national wild and scenic rivers, and a world-class stargazing center at Cherry Springs, as well as human relics like the Kinzua Bridge (dubbed the “8th Wonder of the World” when it opened in 1882). One of the least populated places east of the Mississippi River, the Wilds sprawl across a vast expanse of the rugged Allegheny Plateau. Karlsson Photo/Adobe Stockįrom abundant wildlife and untamed mountain streams to the old growth trees of the Forest Cathedral and Pine Creek’s gaping Mid-Atlantic version of the grand canyon, there’s still plenty of wild in north-central Pennsylvania. One-off shops, restaurants and the LGBTQ scene make Northampton worth a visit, or hop across the Connecticut River and hike a portion of the New England Trail through the north woods.īridge ruins are part of Pennsylvania's Kinzua Bridge State Park. Seuss Museum & Sculpture Garden celebrates the Springfield-born children’s author. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield is where the sport was born in 1891 as a rainy-day indoor activity, while the city’s Amazing World of Dr.

So what’s in the middle? A Pioneer Valley carved by the Connecticut River and several vintage mill cities that have reinvented themselves in modern times. They’re listed geographically from the Northeast to the Pacific:įar western Massachusetts boasts the Berkshires while the state’s eastern end is anchored by Boston and Cape Cod. While there are literally hundreds of locations that fit that description, here are 25 destinations – from cities and national parks to regions and even entire states – that remain refreshingly underrated despite the surge in travel this year. But there are plenty of other places across the United States that continue to fly beneath the travel radar.

Disney World, Times Square and Yellowstone National Park can be packed to the rafters with tourists.

Fishing planet rocky lake flies