Best Hidden Gem Vacation Spot in US You Have Found

[shoxlax]

Can be a destination in and of itself or a little known piece of a popular choice.

Example I: Red Lodge, Montana

Example II: Ybor City, Florida (part of Tampa)

Describe what makes it great to you.

[shoxlax]

Red Lodge, Montana. Nestled in the Beartooth Mountains about 60 miles NE of Yellowstone. Has a very unspoiled feel to it. Plenty of activities such as hiking, fishing (stream runs through middle of town), camping, and a downtown area full of local shops, bars and restaurants. Welcome relief from wall to wall people in Yellowstone.

Drawbacks: It is a legit two day drive from Wichita.

[WuShock16]

My family had a family friend who lived in Buffalo, WY, about 400 miles north of Denver. We visited him twice when I was in high school. Nothing super spectacular about that town, but it just seemed like a nice little town at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Beautiful area that wasn’t too crowded at all.

[shoxlax]

My family had a family friend who lived in Buffalo, WY, about 400 miles north of Denver. We visited him twice when I was in high school. Nothing super spectacular about that town, but it just seemed like a nice little town at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. Beautiful area that wasn’t too crowded at all.

Been there and totally agree!

[WuShock16]

This could be construed as political, which is not my intent or shoxlax’s intent either. But just a travel thought that I had.

I will occasionally see social media posts that ask people to mention a place where everyone should travel. My answer to that, at least for Americans, is Washington DC. I think that can ring true, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. We grow up hearing so much about that city and all the history that has taken place there. It just makes sense to see it with your own eyes.

My wife and I went there for our honeymoon. I love history, so I was awestruck to see all of the different notable landmarks there. I was literally brought to tears when I saw the Lincoln statue inside of the Lincoln Memorial. JFK is probably my most fascinating American from history, so standing at his grave was so surreal. DC is also a great family trip because basically everything is free to visit.

[SubGod22]

I wish I could remember the name of the small mountain town within the San Juan National Forest I traveled through a few years ago when I spent time in and around Durango. It wasn't one of the ones you always hear about (Silverton/Ouray/Telluride/Ridgway).

[shoxlax]

I wish I could remember the name of the small mountain town within the San Juan National Forest I traveled through a few years ago when I spent time in and around Durango. It wasn't one of the ones you always hear about (Silverton/Ouray/Telluride/Ridgway).

Creede?

[shoxlax]

This could be construed as political, which is not my intent or shoxlax’s intent either. But just a travel thought that I had.

I will occasionally see social media posts that ask people to mention a place where everyone should travel. My answer to that, at least for Americans, is Washington DC. I think that can ring true, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. We grow up hearing so much about that city and all the history that has taken place there. It just makes sense to see it with your own eyes.

My wife and I went there for our honeymoon. I love history, so I was awestruck to see all of the different notable landmarks there. I was literally brought to tears when I saw the Lincoln statue inside of the Lincoln Memorial. JFK is probably my most fascinating American from history, so standing at his grave was so surreal. DC is also a great family trip because basically everything is free to visit.

Actually a hidden gem (sort of) within DC is the International Spy Museum. Must visit for Cold War junkies.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Natchitoches, LA (knack-a-dish)

Founded in 1714, it is the oldest settlement in what became the Louisiana Purchase.

It has a mile long stretch of shops, restaurants, and bars and sits on what was one part of the Red River but now is an oxbow lake.

If you come on spring break, you might even see the Wichita State crew team competing.

The fully in tact Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are just south of town.

It is where Jim Croce died in a plane crash after the pilot had a heart attack shortly after take off.

[wichshock65]

A bit closer to home but my family is headed to Lake Tenkiller tomorrow for a week. It's located southeast of Tulsa in Oklahoma's Green Country. Absolutely gorgeous area. Unlike Kansas lakes, you can be in the water up to your neck and still see your feet. And your clothes don't turn out brown!

I grown up spending summers there and so excited to be headed back. Found a guy who built a home over the winter on the lake and now offering it through Airbnb. Sleeps 16 and absolutely beautiful. We were the first to book it so will report back how it was.

Can't wait!

[shoxlax]

Natchitoches, LA (knack-a-dish)

Founded in 1714, it is the oldest settlement in what became the Louisiana Purchase.

It has a mile long stretch of shops, restaurants, and bars and sits on what was one part of the Red River but now is an oxbow lake.

If you come on spring break, you might even see the Wichita State crew team competing.

The fully in tact Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are just south of town.

It is where Jim Croce died in a plane crash after the pilot had a heart attack shortly after take off.

Casinos?

[Kung Wu]

Awesome thread! Keep em coming!

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Casinos?

If you drive down, can hit Sam’s Town or Ballys in Shreveport. Or Winstar in Oklahoma north of Gainesville. Or both?

[pogo]

Speaking of the San Juan National Forest my dad and I back packed into it and camped and fished at Emerald lake and Moon lake. The last time my five year old son went with us. He had his own back pack and had his stuffed rabbit and a couple of changes of under wear while our packs were a little over 50 lbs apiece. Durango is a nice place with the Cliff Dwellings of Mesa Verde is still a favorite place to visit.

[WuDrWu]

Actually a hidden gem (sort of) within DC is the International Spy Museum. Must visit for Cold War junkies.

I would love to see this someday.

While on an excursion throughout the US, my wife and I took in a traveling Museum called WWII through Russian Eyes.

Now, absolutely nothing will ever compare with Pearl Harbor and the Museum and the Arizona etc, (there are always so many Asian visitors, mostly Japanese obviously....if the moment doesn't drive you to tears, I don't want to know you) but this historical perspective (saw it in Memphis) was powerful and informative and something we just wouldn't normally get in the US.