Yikes! Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, which means the unofficial start of the Summer Vacation season has begun!

If you haven’t already started planning your summer escape, you might have a tough time booking your favorite vacation destinations. Increased vaccination numbers, easing restrictions and some serious pent-up demand has created a rush of bookings at many well-known locations.

Get Creative

If you find your favorite theme park already booked solid and waiting lists for your preferred beach destinations, don’t despair! This might be the perfect time to explore some of the more creative vacation options available to you.

America is full of hidden gems and amazing destinations offering almost no crowds, lots of wonder, and often less expensive price tags. With a little time and research, there is bound to be a hidden treasure out there waiting for you.

Here are some fan favorites, shared by our GHR employees, worth looking into!

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Looking more like it belongs in the Bavarian Alps than the Pacific Northeast, this mountain town is home to pastel-colored buildings, authentic beer halls, and alpine lodge accommodations. Certainly, one of the most unique vacation spots in the U.S., it’s a favorite among those looking for outdoor fun, boasting great hiking, biking and climbing.

Interested? Learn more here.

2. Bozeman, Montana

A summer getaway to Bozeman will keep you busy with tons of fun and memorable activities. It’s the perfect place to make the most of summer with some whitewater rafting, shopping downtown, free summer concerts, local museums, and breathtaking outdoor sites.

Check out the Bozeman Convention and Visitors Bureau site for more information.

3. Fredericksburg, Texas

Not far from Austin and San Antonio, this town in Central Texas offers a little bit of everything: stunning views, amazing food, scenic vineyards, and German-inspired architecture. With a live music scene that rivals Austin, delicious German restaurants, and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the entire family happy, Fredericksburg is truly a hidden gem.

Here’s a great site to learn more: Visit Fredericksburg

4. Black Mountain, North Carolina

While nearby Asheville attracts a large, eclectic crowd, Black Mountain is barely known outside of the South.

Calling itself The Little Town That Rocks, Black Mountain is a town of 8,000 residents and home to gorgeous natural attractions (like Chimney Rock and Lake Lure), a rich arts scene, and a walkable downtown with bakeries, breweries, and boutiques selling locally-made crafts.

Check out Explore Black Mountain for more details.

5. The Finger Lakes – New York

Known for its amazing wineries and prized scenery, the Finger Lakes region of New York deserves more acclaim. It’s been one of the most underrated travel destinations in the US for too long, and it’s unclear why given all that it has to offer.

In addition to the 11 finger lakes themselves, you can also enjoy checking out state parks, waterfalls, and gorges that make it a scenic wonderland.

If you’ve never visited the area, you owe it to yourself to learn more. Take a minute to discover what you’re missing.

These are just a few of the hundreds of amazing destinations waiting on you this summer. Traditional vacation spots are fun, but they are far from the only options you have this year!

Stay well.