America’s Underrated Cities

Among the usual suspects of the popular cities in the United States lies a cache of exquisite smaller cities and towns often overlooked when it comes to planning domestic vacations. When considering your next getaway for a weekend or extended holiday weekend, the following less-frequented cities may surprise you.

Famous baseball bats at the Louisville Slugger Museum in Kentucky © Lou Oms | Flickr

Louisville, Ky.

When the annual derby is not in town during the month of May, the southern city is calmer but still buzzes with a subdued local energy. Visit the one-time home of Muhammad Ali and peruse the boutique shops in the city’s east end.

Boulder Canyon © John Brennan | Flickr

Boulder, Colo.

Just north of its busier neighbor Denver, Boulder springs to life from the Rocky Mountains. Considered a predominantly college town, Boulder has made a name for itself thanks to its signature beers and music festivals.

Pack Square © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime

Asheville, N.C.

Recently hitting travelers’ (and hipsters’) must-visit lists is this sleepy Appalachian town where live music and dive bars coexist with the peaceful mountain landscapes.

The Spirit of Detroit, Michigan © Bmosh99 | Dreamstime

Detroit, Mich.

Considered in the past as one of the country’s most dangerous cities, Detroit has made an admirable comeback. Microbreweries, a slew of new restaurants and a revitalized downtown scene brightened the city’s reputation and attracted a new generation of Motown fans.