This scenic NY spot was dubbed one of the most underrated travel destinations by US News & World Report
When planning a weekend getaway to break from the Gotham grind or taking one the best day trips from New York City, the ultimate goal is exploring a path less traveled. More often than not, a visit to a place not on the cover of a big travel magazine feels as though we've discovered a secret.
This year, one of New York's most treasured spots ranked in the top 20 on U.S. News & World Report 's list of most underrated destinations in America: the Catskills.
That's right, New York's much-loved mountain belt is considered a hidden gem for skiing, hiking and small-town Americana vibes. Quaint villages along the Hudson, like Bethel and namesake Catskill, offer painterly landscapes and community-minded activities, including the infinitely iconic Woodstock music festival.
Since the 1960s, Catskills summer resorts have thrived among the rugged terrain, with tons of trendy vacation rental properties (think: woody A-frame cabins, midcentury motor lodges, even modern casinos) cropping up in recent years, giving roadtrippers countless lodging opportunities.
Along with U.S. News' editorial input, the ranking publication factored in traveler reviews, expert opinions, crowd control, cultural experiences, dining scenes, and much more while hand-picking destinations to highlight. Consider it a bucket list for the wanderlust among us who'd rather traverse mountainous trails than stand in line at theme parks or stroll charming small towns in lieu of chaotic cities.
More nearby locales of note include Block Island, RI, which secured fifth place for its Nantucket-like atmosphere sans crowds; as well as historic New England waterfronts of Portsmouth, NH (taking the seventh slot) and Gloucester, MA (number 19)—each only a scenic train ride away. South of Atlantic City, the sleepy Stone Harbor, NJ just made the cut at No. 23, surrounded by grassy dunes and marshes ideal for birdwatchers and flaneurs alike.
Stealing the spotlight in first place on the list is St. Simons, Georgia, a dreamy barrier island beloved as a quiet escape. The largest Golden Isle may be a summer staple for Georgians, but quite often it's overlooked by out-of-state beachgoers in favor of famous Florida sands. Home to stately live oak forests, quaint shopping villages, colonial sites, and coastal golf courses, St. Simons offers a peaceful, laid-back respite for nearly every type of traveler — even amid high season.
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Time Out
3 days ago
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This scenic NY spot was dubbed one of the most underrated travel destinations by US News & World Report
When planning a weekend getaway to break from the Gotham grind or taking one the best day trips from New York City, the ultimate goal is exploring a path less traveled. More often than not, a visit to a place not on the cover of a big travel magazine feels as though we've discovered a secret. This year, one of New York's most treasured spots ranked in the top 20 on U.S. News & World Report 's list of most underrated destinations in America: the Catskills. That's right, New York's much-loved mountain belt is considered a hidden gem for skiing, hiking and small-town Americana vibes. Quaint villages along the Hudson, like Bethel and namesake Catskill, offer painterly landscapes and community-minded activities, including the infinitely iconic Woodstock music festival. Since the 1960s, Catskills summer resorts have thrived among the rugged terrain, with tons of trendy vacation rental properties (think: woody A-frame cabins, midcentury motor lodges, even modern casinos) cropping up in recent years, giving roadtrippers countless lodging opportunities. Along with U.S. News' editorial input, the ranking publication factored in traveler reviews, expert opinions, crowd control, cultural experiences, dining scenes, and much more while hand-picking destinations to highlight. Consider it a bucket list for the wanderlust among us who'd rather traverse mountainous trails than stand in line at theme parks or stroll charming small towns in lieu of chaotic cities. More nearby locales of note include Block Island, RI, which secured fifth place for its Nantucket-like atmosphere sans crowds; as well as historic New England waterfronts of Portsmouth, NH (taking the seventh slot) and Gloucester, MA (number 19)—each only a scenic train ride away. South of Atlantic City, the sleepy Stone Harbor, NJ just made the cut at No. 23, surrounded by grassy dunes and marshes ideal for birdwatchers and flaneurs alike. Stealing the spotlight in first place on the list is St. Simons, Georgia, a dreamy barrier island beloved as a quiet escape. The largest Golden Isle may be a summer staple for Georgians, but quite often it's overlooked by out-of-state beachgoers in favor of famous Florida sands. Home to stately live oak forests, quaint shopping villages, colonial sites, and coastal golf courses, St. Simons offers a peaceful, laid-back respite for nearly every type of traveler — even amid high season.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Tiny ‘Bali of Europe' town right by Africa has beautiful beaches and £20 flights from the UK
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