10 SPECTACULAR HIDDEN GEM LOCATIONS in the US We All Love the Chance to Travel and Hit the Open Road, but Often the Destinations Seem Fairly Familiar
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10 SPECTACULAR HIDDEN GEM LOCATIONS IN THE US We all love the chance to travel and hit the open road, but often the destinations seem fairly familiar. We know that you want to make sure your vacation is extra special, that’s why we’ve plucked a few of the very best hidden gems from across the country to spice up your vacation this summer. EXTRA TIPS ROYAL ARCHES LOOP Keen backpackers looking to get even further off-road will want to check out the Royal Arches Loop. Considered one of the trickiest routes in the area, the ARIZONA five-day trek takes hikers right through the mesmerizing Royal Arch, a natural arch forged by millions of years of ero- havasupai sion. falls KOLB STUDIOS Museums might not be what springs to mind when you think of the Grand Canyon, but Kolb Studio is an amazing Often overlooked due to its proximity to art gallery perched on the edge of the one the country’s most famous attractions, canyon. The views and the story of the the Grand Canyon, Havasupai Falls is an building aren’t to be missed for anyone idyllic setting for anyone looking to get off with a love of history. the beaten track. The falls can be reached by driving to Hualapai Hilltop (a 4 hour drive west from Las Vegas) and then hiking down Havasupai Falls Trail. The hike should take just over 3 hours, so depending on where you’ve come from you may want to consider camping at the falls overnight. For the more adventurous travellers, Havasupai Falls is around 15 hours hike from Grand Canyon Village in the east. The time taken to get to Havasupai Falls often puts visitors off the idea of trekking to this amazing spot. But don’t let time become a factor - the trek takes you into scenic canyons and past breathtaking views before arriving at the Havasupai reservation. Anyone wishing to camp will need to make a reservation in advance as will visitors wishing to use the nearby lodge. If you’ve got a lot to carry, you can also hire a pack mule for a real taste of the Grand Canyon experience! EXTRA TIPS FAIRMOUNT PARK In central Philadelphia, Fairmount Park is full of activities with plenty of out- door space. The Please Touch Museum offers young children a chance to learn with its fascinating exhibits. SMITH MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND Just across Schuylkill River is Smith Me- PHILADELPHIA morial Playground which hosts events throughout the year aimed at younger children. The playground is the size of 6 ringing rocks football fields! county park E PASSYUNK AVENUE Head to the corner of E Passyunk Avenue and S 9th Street and you’ll find yourself between Geno’s Steaks and An hour and a half north of central Philly is Pat’s King Of Steaks, both Philly Cheese Ringing Rocks County Park. The rocks ring Steak legends. loudly when hit with a hammer, making it a fun attraction for both kids and adults. Ideal for a picnic, it’s recommended that you wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes if you want to go rock hopping. The park is also home to Bucks County’s tallest waterfall, which can be reached after a short walk. Scientists are still at odds as to why the rocks ring as they do, and Ringing Rocks County Park has become one of the main locations for those interested in these musical rocks as many other sites have been destroyed by urban development. Open bright and early from 8 a.m. until sunset, it’s free to park at the site but to avoid missing out on a space, it’s best to get to Ringing Rocks County Park nice and early. Pets are also welcome as long as they are kept on a short leash and visitors to the park are also reminded to consider the weather as it can get pretty snowy during the winter months. EXTRA TIPS FORT PULASKI History buffs will want to check out Fort Pulaski National Monument on the other side of the South Channel Savan- nah River. This civil war landmark offers GEORGIA guided tours as well as a number of trails to satisfy your curiosity! CAPTAIN DEREK’S tybee DOLPHIN ADVENTURE For your chance to see dolphins in their island natural habitat, make sure to book a tour with Captain Derek’s Dolphin Adventure. Away from the confines On the border of South Carolina and of theme parks you can watch these awe-inspiring creatures swim and play Georgia, Tybee Island is a wonderfully in the Tybee Knoll Spit. secluded barrier island that makes the ideal getaway for two. Less than a half hour’s drive from Savannah, the small town is sometimes referred to as Savannah Beach due to its temporary renaming during the 1950s. Tybee Island’s beach is one of its main draws, with visitors also able to take part in yoga classes, surfing lessons and even rent jet skis. The beach runs along the entire eastern coastline of the island, allowing you to take long strolls along the shore and drink in its warm sunsets. The Tybee Pier and Pavilion is a quaint stop along the way which frequently hosts weddings and social functions. Right on the doorstep of the Atlantic Ocean, Tybee Island has a whole range of fantastic seafood eateries. Be it fish, shrimp or crab that you’re after, there’s something for everyone and the best part is that you know it’ll be fresh and delicious! EXTRA TIPS HICKSVILLE TRAILER PALACE After somewhere quirky to lay your head down for the night? Try Hicksville Trailer Palace, a series of trailers fantas- tically decorated around a number of different motifs. OUTDOOR DESERT ART MUSEUM To the north of the park, the Outdoor CALIFORNIA Desert Art Museum is a collection of eclectic sculptures that sit against the atmospheric backdrop of the Mojave joshua tree Desert. ROCK CLIMBING SCHOOL Before heading into the park, visitors national park may want to brush up on their rock climbing skills at the Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School just outside the park Another overlooked gem, Joshua Tree itself. Wannabe climbers can take a day- National Park in Southern California is a long crash course before heading to the wondrous location with a whole host of park to try it out for themselves! attractions and natural wonders. Named for its ubiquitous trees (not the U2 album) and just over 2 hours drive from Los Angeles, the park was founded as a national monument in 1936. Much of the park is designated as wilderness, meaning that any visitors to these areas must abide by the Leave No Trace principles. The rule is for good reason as the park’s rolling, arid landscapes make for picturesque views. Anyone looking to get a handle on Joshua Tree National Park should head to Cottonwood Visitor Center where you’ll find information as well as exhibits explaining the park’s history. Joshua Tree National Park is ideal for vacationers looking to hike, camp and stargaze. Its unusual flora and fauna also make it a great spot for any wildlife nut. Skull Rock Nature Trail is a short hike from the Jumbo Rocks Campground and gives trekkers a glimpse of the strange rock formation in the shape of a skull! EXTRA TIPS ISLAND CREAMERY Wanna satisfy your sweet tooth? On the way to Assateague Island, make sure to stop at Island Creamery on neighboring Chincoteague Island. MARYLAND / VIRGINIA FRONTIER TOWN For some wholesome family fun before assateague heading to the island, check out Frontier Town Western Theme Park in nearby island Worcester County. The park has mini golf, a water park and pony rides. CHINCOTEAGUE REFUGE Wild horses shouldn’t keep you away from To learn more about the local wildlife, this amazing island! visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Just off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, Refuge. One of the most visited refuges Assateague Island is less than 3 hours drive from in the country, the center also offers Washington DC and boasts one of the most eye- activities such as kayaking and pho- catching beaches on the East Coast. tography. One of the main attractions for wildlife lovers will be the wild horses, known locally as the Chincoteague Pony, which roam the island. Although technically horses, the salty diet of Chincoteague Ponies leaves them short with rounded bellies leading to their slightly misleading name. But horse or not, nothing can beat the sight of these majestic animals frolicking on the sand. Assateague Island was once intended to be used at a private resort until the Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 destroyed most of the structures on the island. Now the island is largely comprised of immaculate beaches free from urbanization. Camping is permitted on the beaches and visitors are allowed to use the picnic tables and grills on the island. Over-sand vehicles can be rented for the more adventurous vacationers and Bivalve Trail in the south of the island takes hikers on a dreamy waltz through the forest before emerging at a scenic marshland on the shore. EXTRA TIPS WESTBROOK WINE WARM You may not associate Yosemite with fine wine, but just to the the south of Glacier Point you’ll findWestbrook Wine Warm Vineyard and Winery. Renowned for some of the best wine in CALIFORNIA the region, a visit here would help add something different to your trip. PAOHA ISLAND glacier The more adventurous visitors to Yosemite shouldn’t pass up the chance point to visit Paoha Island.