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We’re going to come right out and say it: the past year and a half has been tough. But we made it through, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun escape from the same four walls your whole family has been staring at for far too long?
Maybe you’re a travel junkie and you’ve seen most of the big cities and famous attractions in our country already. Or maybe you’re still looking for less-crowded locales off the beaten path to ensure some social distance for you and the fam. Either way, we’ve picked out some of the best—but sometimes overlooked—spots to explore on your next road trip. And, even better, you can easily book them all on Expedia.
Right now, Expedia customers can score 8% off $300+ hotel bookings and free cancellation with the promo code SAVE8RMN621. Or, get 3% cash back on all hotel purchases through RetailMeNot!
Expedia makes it easy to book all of your travel needs in one spot, including hotels, flights, car rentals, tours and other activities. And, yes, a lot of us may still feel a little unsure about travel right now (no surprise after all our nerves have been through), but you can rest easy with Expedia’s clear descriptions of safety and cleaning precautions as well as their flexible cancellation policies… just in case.
This summer and fall offer the perfect opportunity to get to know the good ol’ U.S. of A. just a little bit better. That’s why we’ve rounded up a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy below, from artsy locales and natural wonders to famous vineyards and breweries just for mom and dad.
Get ready to pack up the car, roll the windows down and get to cruising to your next perfect getaway.
Underrated Destinations for Your Next Road Trip
Driggs, Idaho
Everyone knows Jackson Hole on the other side of the Tetons, but if you’re looking for a more secluded spot for the family to enjoy this breathtaking mountain range, Driggs is the perfect choice. It’s still within driving distance of Grand Teton National Park (and Yellowstone, by extension), but you’ll be able to retreat from the crowds after your wilderness adventures is this contemporary town with Old West flair. In the warmer months, you can enjoy farmer’s markets, arts festivals, wildlife tours, drive-in movies, golfing at The Links and private hot air balloon rides to take in the beauty of this range from a whole new perspective.
Where to Stay: Apartment-style Grand Targhee Vacation Rentals (4.3/5) will make the fam feel right at home, as well as myriad other private rentals like this cute 2-bedroom Teton Creek Resort (4.7/5) condo with your very own hot tub.
![5 Awesome, Often Overlooked Spots for Your Next Road Trip 9 Native American Pueblo facade, detail, Santa Fe, New Mexico](https://i0.wp.com/www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/SantaFe2.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
New Mexico’s capital city is well-known as an arts mecca, and that is particularly on display in the city’s bustling downtown region. From the immersive and mind-bending art installations at Meow Wolf to the Santa Fe Opera, you could easily get lost in the wide variety of cultural highlights in this UNESCO-designated Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. There are also ample opportunities for rafting, hiking, biking and fly-fishing in the surrounding natural areas, so the whole family can get the well-rounded experience of both arts and adventure.
Where to Stay: Treat yourself to two on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa in the heart of downtown at La Fonda on the Plaza (4.7/5), or go for the laidback bed-and-breakfast vibes at Inn Of The Turquoise Bear (4.9/5) in the South Capitol area.
![5 Awesome, Often Overlooked Spots for Your Next Road Trip 10 An image of the west point of Eno River in Durham of North Carolina, captured early morning during summer season. This is a beautiful natural park for hiking and wildlife watching, located just few miles from Duke University.](https://i0.wp.com/www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/TheTriangle.jpg?resize=1000%2C633&ssl=1)
The Triangle, North Carolina
Also known as the Research Triangle for its proximity to major research universities, this geographical area encompasses the “triangle” formed by the bustling cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill. With the coastal locales of the Outer Banks to the east, and the artsy mountain vibes of Asheville to the west, this central region of North Carolina tends to get overlooked, but there are endless reasons for visitors to kick up their feet and stay awhile.
Durham’s Main Street (and, in particular, Brightleaf Square) and Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street offer dining and shopping opportunities that are easy to get lost in, and an abundance of museums, zoos and trampoline parks make the area extra fun for kids. Plus, the large network of trails in Duke Forest and Raleigh’s Umstead State Park offer relaxation and natural serenity for hikers, bikers, equestrians and boaters.
Where to Stay: Downtown Durham’s 21c Museum Hotel (4.4/5) offers easy access to local performing arts venues, while The Carolina Inn (4.7/5) is central to all the top destinations in Chapel Hill.
![5 Awesome, Often Overlooked Spots for Your Next Road Trip 11 Watkins Glen State Park waterfall canyon in Upstate New York](https://i0.wp.com/www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/FingerLakes.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
Finger Lakes Region, New York
A region best known for its waterfalls and wine, this is an ideal area for those seeking outdoor adventures by day and the ultimate relaxation by night. Whether hiking through some of New York’s most beautiful state parks—including Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls—boating on glistening lakes, touring museums and zoos or wine-tasting at one of more than 100 local wineries and vineyards, there’s sure to be a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Where to Stay: Relish in the private sand beach and historical charm of The Inns of Aurora (4.9/5) nestled along the edge of Cayuga Lake, or go for glamping at its finest at Firelight Camps (4.5/5) just south of Ithaca.
![5 Awesome, Often Overlooked Spots for Your Next Road Trip 12 Milwaukee Skyline on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Wisconsin](https://i0.wp.com/www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/Milwaulkee.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chicago may be the best-known city on the shores of Lake Michigan, but Milwaukee sits just one hour up the coast and, frankly, does not get the equal credit that it deserves. Home to the Milwaukee Brewers (who are having a hot season at American Family Field, might we add), it’s no wonder this Midwest city is known for its beers, bratwurst and baseball. But Brew City is also full of art—on the streets, in galleries and within the Milwaukee Art Museum, which is topped by the giant wing-like Calatrava structure that’s an art piece all its known. There are also tons of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as kayaking, sailing and boat tours on the lake.
Where to Stay: Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel (4.7/5) on the riverwalk downtown, or The Brewhouse Inn & Suites (4.6/5), a boutique hotel at the site of the former Milwaukee Pabst brewery, conveniently located in the entertainment district.
The post 5 Awesome, Often Overlooked Spots for Your Next Road Trip appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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