Road trip by car is the best way to travel around the United States and see its popular cities. Chicago, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles – we all know these travel destinations.
However, what about adding variety to your trip? It would be a great idea to find cheap rental cars in Albany NY or anywhere else to explore less popular but also incredibly interesting spots in the country.
America is full of small, cozy and picturesque towns and villages. They have their own unique charm and local sights. If you have reserved a rental car, don’t waste time and set off to the following secret vacation spots…
Skaneateles, NY
Skaneateles is a beautiful lakeside village situated 244 miles from New York City. It’s especially popular with residents of the Big Apple who often rent a car and drive there in the summer. However, there’s always something to do at other times of the year, from sailing regattas and polo matches to festivals and Christmas events. Don’t forget your camera: views of fall foliage or summer greenery, with compelling 19th-century architecture will instantly hit your Instagram.
Travelers Rest, South Carolina
As the name suggests, Travelers Rest is a perfect spot to stop during your car rental trip. The miniature town near Greenville offers the right environment to escape from the gray days and put your thoughts in order.
Walk along the 18.7-miles-long the Swamp Rabbit multipurpose railroad or hike to one of the many nearby US state parks, such as Caesar’s Head or Chimney Rock. When you reach the top, take a look around and enjoy the incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Crystal River, Florida
This place is located along the central coast of Florida. Crystal River is one of the few places where wildlife lovers can swim alongside giant manatees.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to manatees, black bears, red wolves, lynx, white-tailed deer, alligators, flamingos and other wildlife in Florida. If you don’t want to swim in the blue waters, rent a boat with a glass bottom and go explore the marine life, or go down the stairs to the underwater observatory.
Leavenworth, Washington
Located not far from Seattle, the fabulous town of Leavenworth looks like one of the German cities in Bavaria. It’s especially charming in winter: all immersed in snow, and Christmas lights on the trees are glowing in the windows. Here you can go for a dog sled ride or simply sled down the steep snowy slopes. In the evening, have a cup of hot mint chocolate in a local cafe.
Waitsfield, Vermont
Getting to Waitsfield in a rental car will be the right decision for those who like winter activities. This is a popular destination for skiers who come to explore the area around Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen. Like any city in Vermont, Waitsfield is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, which in turn attracts many talented artists and restaurateurs to set up shop or cafe in the city.
Consequently, Waitsfield has several galleries and studios, cinemas, cafes with live music, and theater, which are often visited by tourists. Those who prefer outdoor activities can visit several farms, wander through the farmers’ markets, have a glass of beer at the local brewery, and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Kittery, Maine
This small American town is ideal for people with big culinary appetites. Although Kittery is best known as a city of great outlets, it got its popularity thanks to the delicious dinners served in local restaurants.
For example, Bob’s Clam Hut serves perfect fried clams, and the restaurant has won several awards. Across the street from it you’ll find Robert’s Maine Grill, which is good in the preparation of unique seafood dishes. Why do restaurants serve seafood? The fact is that the fishing business is well-developed in Kittery, and fresh fish is often on the table of any local.
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
The cozy village of Shelburne Falls boasts magnificent landscapes at any time of the year. In just a few days, you can explore its art galleries and bookstores, visit the theater and one of the oldest bowling alleys in the country.
Local restaurants are also worth your attention – the owners will treat you with delicious fruit and vegetable dishes flavored with maple syrup and the best cider in the region. Shelburne Falls is Massachusetts’ true cultural hub, hosting a variety of events for residents and visitors all year round.
Solvang, California
You can get into a real European fairy tale by visiting the quaint town of Solvang in the USA. It’s located just over 100 miles north of Los Angeles, making the rental car the most convenient way of getting there.
This cozy town looks like a piece of Denmark, whose population carefully preserves the flavor of a European village. Most of the buildings are European houses and mills, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The city is so quiet and peaceful that you can hear crickets chirping. It’s unbelievable that there’s such a place in this region. Local bakeries provide travelers with their pastries – Danish donuts and waffles. The local wine produced in Santa Barbara and the villages around is another reason to come there.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge is a small resort town located on the very edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First of all, the city became famous for the giant Titanic Museum, an exact copy of the sunken ship: cabins and rooms recreated according to original drawings, while staff dressed in uniforms of those times.
Of course, Dollywood Theme Park is also a great place to visit in Pigeon Forge. Each part of the park represents a certain stage in the history and culture of Tennessee, so it will be very interesting for you to plunge into the past.
