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Having lived in the United States all my life, some of my most memorable trips have been to less-than-obvious destinations. After working in travel for more than half a decade, one of my passions has become inspiring others to discover new places by sharing the most interesting finds I’ve come across! Here are eight of my favorite overlooked destinations on the United States East Coast:
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a great destination on the United States East Coast for those who crave the ocean and the outdoors. The small island town is located a mere three hours from the Canadian border, right next to Acadia National Park, which is overflowing with possibilities for outdoor recreation. During the summer months, visitors take to hiking and biking the mountains to get up-close views of their granite rock faces. In winter, the park roadways become blanketed with snow, which is perfect for cross-country skiing.
Otter Cliff at Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor was one of the first places my parents took me as a child. I still have memories of eating at Beal’s Lobster Pier, where they serve up local seafood fresh off the boat. We also went out on a boat ourselves to go whale watching. I haven’t been able to return as an adult yet, but I would love to get out on the water to see the puffins, seals and other local marine life!
2. Newburgh and Beacon, New York
Newburgh and Beacon are two cities found on opposing sides of the Hudson River, roughly 60 miles north of my longtime residence in Manhattan. They are so connected that it’s hard to think of one without the other. They are physically linked by the Hamilton Fish Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, so both pedestrians and vehicles can travel easily between the two. The cities are also connected via a ferry service, which dates back to 1743 during the time of King George II.
Bannerman Island – Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc.
Though the ferry is mostly for locals, both cities feature boat tours down the Hudson to see an area landmark only accessible by boat: Bannerman Castle, which was actually a storage site for surplus weapons after the Civil War! Additional sites worth checking out include Washington’s Headquarters, a home in Newburgh where General Washington made many important decisions during the American Revolution, and Mount Beacon, offering a day’s climb to a historic fire tower at the top.
3. Newport, Rhode Island
The sailing capital of the U.S. and renowned for its historic mansions, Newport certainly isn’t lacking attractions on the United States East Coast. One of my favorite features of the city is the Cliff Walk, a National Recreation Trail along Newport’s eastern shoreline. The path doesn’t cost anything and it allows you to take in the scope of the mansions lining the coast while also looking out at the boats on the bay.
For those interested in getting a bit closer to either the homes or the water, those opportunities exist as well. Several public sails and cruises can be found launching into Newport Harbor. Eleven of the mansions are owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and are open to the public for touring. Architecturally, the homes range from the Italian Renaissance style of the Breakers to the Marble House and Rosecliff, both of which were inspired by buildings at Versailles!
4. Charlottesville, Virginia
South of the nation’s capital and tucked away from the coast is Charlottesville, a city with something for everyone. It is notable for being historic, scenic and a wine-lover’s paradise.
While in the area, visitors can tour the museum and grounds of Monticello, a former plantation home of Thomas Jefferson that once produced both tobacco and wheat. Monticello isn’t the only presidential home in the area: there is also Ash Lawn-Highland, once an estate home of James Monroe.
The lush land and the local wine are the features that draw me to Charlottesville. Grapes were first planted in this region by Thomas Jefferson, and today there are 21 wineries! There are four defined trails that serve as recommended routes for tastings. As you travel them, you’ll see stunning views of mountains with a hazy blue color off in the west, which are the northern section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They are part of Shenandoah National Park, which can be explored by hiking, ballooning, or driving along Skyline Drive.
5. Greenville, North Carolina
Another destination with a great mix of attractions on the United States East Coast, Greenville is a bit farther south, located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can take in spectacular views of the Reedy River by walking the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park. The curved suspension bridge was designed to provide as much of a view as possible, and is only open to pedestrians. Greenville is also great for touring. The city boasts seven historic districts; shops and boutiques on Main Street; and culinary gems for foodies to discover! A tip from a friend of mine is to hit up B’s Barbeque for some finger lickin’ Carolina-style cookin’!
6. Tri-Cities, Tennessee
This includes the three cities of Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. It’s still in the Blue Ridge Mountains and activities are a bit spread out among the three cities, but after spending a summer here, there are some unique things to do and see that I’d recommend checking out.
Personally I’m a fan of the whitewater rafting and kayaking in the area. There are great rapids for novices as well as experienced rafters. If the water isn’t your thing, you can take to the Adventure Ropes Course at Bays Mountain in Kingsport. Preserved artifacts from the ongoing dig at the recently discovered Gray Fossil Site are on display at the General Shale Natural History Museum at East Tennessee State University. Last but not least, in Bristol, you can attend a movie at a working drive-in theatre and get a glimpse of American NASCAR history at the famed Bristol Motor Speedway.
7. Tybee and Cockspur Islands, Georgia
Only 30 minutes from downtown Savannah are Cockspur and Tybee Islands. This area is another memorable one my family chose to visit on the United States East Coast when my sister and I were younger. It’s a quirky destination that maintains a small-town feel, with cottages and inns for accommodation and stores all designed to blend in with the scenery. It’s the spot to choose if you’re looking to escape some of your typical beach crowds.
On the way out to Tybee, you encounter Cockspur Island, the site of Fort Pulaski National Monument. The fort was the site of some key struggles between the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War, and today it is preserved and open for touring.
On Tybee you’ll certainly find watersports such as kayaking, jet skiing, dolphin watching and fishing. You’ll also find Tybee Lighthouse. It has 178 stairs, but my whole family made the climb. Built in 1730, it’s truly an amazing landmark, and all of its historic support buildings are intact today.
8. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham might be in the Central Time Zone, but it’s no further from the United States East Coast than any of the cities listed above. It may also be the largest city in the state of Alabama, but it’s not exactly the first city you think of visiting when you’re picking a vacation destination. Part of the Deep South, the city’s roots are in coal mining, railroads, and iron and steel production. Some of Birmingham’s iron-producing history is preserved through Sloss Furnaces, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark for all to see.
Additional sites worth seeing include the Civil Rights Institute and the Birmingham Museum of Art.
These are just a few of the many amazing lesser visited places on the United States East Coast.
About The Author: Christina Loiacono is a travel enthusiast and she is constantly seeking out new places to see and adventures to be had!
