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Where are you headed this summer? Everyone knows all the usual vacation hot spots, the popular go-to locales — wonderful places, sure, but predictable. Perhaps overcrowded. And not very creative.
Instead, what if you branched out this year? Think of the usual suspects but then veer off a distance. Make a turn, reset your GPS and try something new.
Here is a list of under-the-radar, sometimes underrated, yet still amazing getaways. So don’t go there; go here …
Helen, Georgia
Christmastime in Helen, Ga.
Alpine Helen White County CVB
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the quaint village of Helen looks and feels like someone took a bit of old-world Europe and plopped it in the heart of Georgia.
Why spend an hour stuck in Atlanta traffic? Just an hour and a half away from the big city, you could spend that time ziplining, paddling down a river, tasting German cuisine or walking cobblestone streets. Indulge your inner Bavarian by checking out a restaurant or brewery or shopping at the Alpine Village or Bavarian Clockworks, where you’ll go cuckoo over vintage and contemporary clocks and learn what makes them tick.
The Helen area features museums, wineries, hiking trails, horseback riding, a mini train and everything else you need to make your visit fantastisch.
Also read: Is your travel ‘green’ enough? 5 ways to help reduce your travel carbon footprint.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, Mich., is just two hours from downtown Chicago.
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Located just two hours by car from Chicago, on the opposite side of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a tiny town with big offerings. The city was built to serve the lumber industry, then later became an artists’ colony, a major music and dancing destination and, finally, a popular summer getaway spot.
Walk along the village streets browsing in the wide variety of shops, which feature a range of unique gifts and souvenirs — everything from hand-beaded giraffes to homemade glass ornaments to “I Love Michigan” hoodies. Enjoy waterfront dining overlooking the Kalamazoo River, where your meal is often served with a side of live music. Take a tour of Lake Michigan by old-school paddle wheel boat, or hop on a ferry to the other bank of the river to get to the beach and the panoramic views from Mt. Baldhead. If you love it there enough to spend another day, stay overnight in one of Saugatuck’s many charming bed-and-breakfasts or inns.
Gig Harbor, Washington
Mount Rainier looms in the background of Gig Harbor, Wash.
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Looking for waterlines rather than skylines? Journey less than an hour by car south of Seattle to Gig Harbor instead. The town, known as “The Maritime City,” prides itself on its connection to water, even from its earliest days. It was originally a Native American fishing spot and was built up as a center of fishing and boat building.
Today, you can take advantage of every watery amenity and activity, from the picturesque views of Puget Sound to harbor-view restaurants to dragon-boat races, kayaking, sailing, yachting and Venetian-style gondola rides. Gig Harbor also offers breweries and wineries, parks, trails and gardens. Tour an old boatyard, hunt for truffles, monitor oysters or attend the annual Gig Harbor Beer Fest to cure what ales you.
Plus: Looking to unplug? Here are 12 peaceful towns great for going off the grid.
Fairhope, Alabama
The walking trail along the gulf waters of Fairhope, Ala.
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Fairhope might be overshadowed by neighbors such as Mobile, Gulf Shores and Pensacola, but this charming city can hold its own. Skip those places and visit the underdog of Alabama, which has received such accolades as being named “One of America’s 30 Most Charming Seaside Towns,” “One of the 14 Cutest Towns in the South” and “The Prettiest Town in Alabama.”
Situated along Mobile Bay off the Gulf of Mexico, Fairhope has seaside romance combined with fun activities, culture and scenery. For the artsy, Fairhope offers public art displays, art galleries and a monthly Art Walk event. For the sporty, there is tennis, golfing, fishing, boating and walking — get your steps in at the scenic pier that sticks out into the bay for a quarter of a mile. And, for nature lovers, there are trails and parks and water galore, and the abundant flowers growing all around town are one of Fairhope’s most endearing qualities.
Check out: Five college towns worth staying put in after graduation
Just 10 minutes south of downtown Fairhope is the Grand Hotel, which was used as both a hospital and a military training facility during multiple wars and has been a fixture in the community since 1847. Grab lunch or explore the historic (and beautiful!) grounds.
Fun fact: Fairhope Avenue appeared on a board game that was the forerunner of Monopoly.
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
The train station in Bay Saint Louis, Miss.
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New Orleans is a happening place, but when you just want to take it easy, don’t go to the Big Easy. Drive an hour northeast to Bay Saint Louis to beat the crowds and relax.
This small Gulfside town is Margaritaville–meets–Main Street, offering plenty of things to do. It has the charm of a small town, complete with boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. But it also provides the seaside feel of a resort with its waterside restaurants catering to beachgoers with frozen drinks, fried seafood and Jimmy Buffett cover bands. (Buffett happens to be a former resident of Fairhope.)
Bay Saint Louis has unique and diverse architecture, so you can find your ideal overnight accommodation, and its biggest draw is its miles of coastline. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, such as golf and fishing. So whether you’re looking for biking, boating, beaches or bars, head to the Bay.
See: It’s one of the latest trends in camping — why drive an RV when you can have it delivered?
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Folly Beach, S.C.
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One of several barrier islands off the coast of South Carolina, Folly Beach is practically within swimming distance of Charleston, but it’s an entirely different vibe. Leave the city behind and escape to this beachy island oasis that will put sand between your toes and an umbrella drink in your hand. Surfers and fishermen, in particular, rave about this place, but it’s also known for its family-friendly appeal. Fun-for-everyone activities include parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sunbathing and biking. Visit the famed Morris Island Lighthouse or wander through the maritime forest. Eat crab by the ocean or rent a beach house with a group of friends or the kids and in-laws.
The term “Folly,” in this instance, comes from an Old English word meaning dense foliage and not foolishness. But then again, it would be foolish to miss out on this unsung hero of island destinations.
Read the original article on Livability.
