When we think about exotic vacations and getaways our minds
no doubt immediately escape to ocean oases and arctic mountain passes. Somehow,
our perception of a true vacation involves a major trip, a different language, and an entirely foreign terrain.
While these vacations are no doubt fun, enlightening, and important life
experiences, too often our home terrain goes sadly neglected. Take a vacation
from visiting the next tourist attraction or major vacationing hotspot this
next time around and pay some special attention to your own homeland. Growing
up in the states, my family vacation plans always revolved around traveling to
Europe, Mexico, Canada, any country but our own. Now that I’m traveling on my own
some, I’ve dedicated my vacations to discovering the sadly neglected terrain of
my own country. These are my top three favorite neglected destinations I have
found in the United States:

Lawrence,
Kansas

In many ways, visiting Kansas was an exotic escape for me.
Almost everything about Lawrence, Kansas differed wildly from the place in
which I live. As a small college town in the heart of the Midwest, Lawrence has
a lot to offer. With rolling green hills, endless blue skies, and hot sunny
days (I visited in the summer), Lawrence provides a beautiful landscape for a
relaxing and unique vacation. Take a stroll down “Mass” street and
pop into the various “mom and pop” shops along the main drag of town.
This area of town is littered with college students, quaint bars, and killer
restaurants. Ride a bike out near the river at night and sit in the dark to
enjoy the fireflies. For those who did not grow up in a climate where fireflies
are around, this is an experience to be had. There are few things more amazing
that I’ve seen in all of my travels than thousands of fireflies glittering
along the rolling hills of the Midwest. Spend a night or two just taking in the
natural beauty of this town. Watch the stars and catch a firefly or two. Too
much of traveling is about seeing all there is to see and rushing from one spot
to another. Try sitting back and enjoying your time.

Albuquerque,
New Mexico

This little town doesn’t seem to have much to offer at first
glance. However, once you spend a little time here the local charm is sure to
win you over. Go to the local Mexican food restaurants for some authentic New
Mexican food and some of the best dishes you will ever taste. Albuquerque has a
lot of interesting terrain and culture to offer. Take a trip to the mountains,
spend some time on the desert mesas, and enjoy the Bosque (river forest). As a
desert town set between mountains and mesas, Albuquerque offers beautiful
scenery and an amazingly enjoyable climate. In the fall watch hundreds of hot
air balloons rise into the dry desert air. Enjoy snow and skiing in the winter
and hot summer days in the fresh water springs of the Jemez Mountains. Take in
all the local charm on your stay as you enjoy every meal with a side of green
chile and watch the roadrunners race the streets.

Crested
Butte, Colorado

Quickly becoming one of the go to tourist destinations for
avid downhill skiers and snowboarders, Crested Butte, Colorado is a quaint
mountain town set at the foot of one of the best skiing mountains in North
America. With ski town charm, beautiful mountain views, and untouched
potential, this town feels secluded and intimate on every stay. Crested Butte
is the perfect destination for the outdoorsy adventurer. With snow shoeing,
skiing, sledding, hiking, fishing, hunting, and more, just be sure to pack the
appropriate attire. Crested Butte has plenty of hometown charisma with unique
restaurants, delightful inns and cabins, and plenty of attractions throughout
every season. This destination is perfect for big city travelers looking for
some seclusion and connection to nature. As one of the most beautiful places
I’ve ever visited, Crested Butte is dear to my traveling heart.

This is a guest post from Carol Wilson who writes for business insurance. She
contributes articles about a variety of marketing, business, stock market,
small business topics. She can be contacted at: wilson.carol24@gmail.com.