{"id":2285,"date":"2023-01-09T23:32:42","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T12:32:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/under-the-radar-us-cities-that-are-big-on-experiences\/"},"modified":"2024-06-18T04:25:06","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T18:25:06","slug":"under-the-radar-us-cities-that-are-big-on-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/under-the-radar-us-cities-that-are-big-on-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"Under-the-Radar US Cities That Are Big on Experiences\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From golfing in the heart of the Sonoran Desert to sipping tempranillo in the Texan hinterland, these lesser-visited US cities offer an abundance of surprising experiences.<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Already ticked off the iconic US cities? Big hitters like New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles will often steal the show, but the under-the-radar US cities deserve a go in the spotlight with their incredible sights, fascinating history and plentiful soul. Whether you\u2019re just passing through or are set on a longer stay, there\u2019s never been a better time to explore America\u2019s urban greats. From panning for riches in Golden, watching live jazz bands play in New Orleans or spotting dolphinfish in Monterey, we\u2019ve rounded up a collection of the country\u2019s best underdog cities that the entire family can enjoy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Central<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Golden, Colorado<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Colorado\u2019s historic goldrush precinct Golden is rich in experiences \u2013 whether it\u2019s white-water rafting down Clear Creek, discovering the history of an iconic Wild West showman at Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave<\/a>, or admiring vintage locomotives at Colorado Railroad Museum<\/a>. If a pint of beer brings you cheer, Golden\u2019s got you covered, with Coors The Brewery<\/a> \u2013 the largest single-site brewery in the world \u2013 and heritage boutique saloon The Eddy Taproom & Hotel<\/a>, a charming stay at the base of the Rocky Mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wichita, Kansas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Golden plains and steel planes abound in Wichita, Kansas\u2019 largest city and the aviation production capital of the world. Discover the history of the state at Kansas in Miniature, an animatronics exhibit at Exploration Place that showcases Kansas of the 1950s. If you want to delve a little deeper, the cowboy-filled Old Cowtown Museum or the mighty Keeper of the Plains steel sculpture that rises high above the city, where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers meet, are well worth a visit. For a taste of opulent old Kansas, a stay at Ambassador Hotel Wichita<\/a> should be high on your list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

North <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Portland, Oregon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A wealth of lush parks and gardens, microbreweries and the country\u2019s best coffee roasteries \u2013 what\u2019s not to love about Oregon\u2019s super-cool state capital? Highly recommended is a stroll through Washington Park \u2013 this vast reserve features a traditional Japanese garden, arboretum and archery range. After days spent taste-testing craft beers, hiking the ruggedly handsome face of Mount Hood or going wild in Oregon Zoo<\/a>, retreat to Royal Sonesta Portland<\/a> for a luxury stay in the city\u2019s historic downtown.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fargo, North Dakota<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flat in geography but sky-high in spirit, Fargo is bursting with small-town North Dakotan heart. Learn about the history of aviation and set your sights on an original Wright Brothers flyer at Fargo Air Museum<\/a>. Meet mischievous, bamboo-munching Chinese red pandas at Red River Zoo<\/a> before heading to the Plains Art Museum<\/a> for a staggering collection of Indigenous, local and international art, including pieces from Andy Warhol and notorious man-with-a-moustache Salvadore Dali. Seeking a stylish stay at the heart of it all? Look no further than Radisson Blu Fargo<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

South<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New Orleans, Louisiana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jazz-ruled and jambalaya-fuelled, New Orleans is a city that understands the importance of a good time. The city\u2019s Mardi Gras \u2013 the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday where krewes carouse wildly through the streets \u2013 is famed throughout the world. Discover countless bars, nightclubs and jazz clubs in the city\u2019s historic French Quarter, including the Jazz Playhouse at Royal Sonesta New Orleans<\/a>, or savour locally revered soul food \u2013 one bite into a shrimp-filled po\u2019 boy sandwich and you\u2019ll never want to leave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Austin, Texas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Crowned the \u2018Live Music Capital of the World,\u2019 Texas\u2019s laidback capital has it all, from crooning country to international rock and frenetic bebop beats. While the city\u2019s mad about food \u2013 some of the best niche food trucks in the country call Austin home \u2013 nearby Texas Hill Country boasts world-class wineries, breathtaking hinterland views and a uniquely Texan terroir. After days spent jamming out or walking the city\u2019s vast collection of parks, lakes and nature reserves, retreat to Commodore Perry Estate<\/a> for a glamorous mansion stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

East <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Charleston, South Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Become spellbound by Charleston\u2019s antebellum charm, cobblestone quaintness and old-world splendour. Come for the history (Charleston was the flashpoint for the Civil War) and stay for the city\u2019s lauded culinary scene. Here, you\u2019re as likely to order grits and fried green tomatoes as you are faultless gastronomy. A gentle stroll through Waterfront Park reveals romantic glimpses of the harbour and mighty Cooper River. For those wanting a boutique stay brimming with character, look no further than Planters Inn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nashville, Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019ve got a snake in your step and rhythm in your soul, Nashville \u2013 the lyrical soul of the south, birthplace of blues and country \u2013 can\u2019t be missed. Walk the line at the acclaimed Johnny Cash Museum<\/a>, or feast your way through the city\u2019s iconic culinary scene: don\u2019t miss Nashville-style hot chicken, the country\u2019s feistiest sandwich that\u2019s best washed down with an ice-cold bourbon and coke. For an award-winning retro escape in Nashville\u2019s soulful heart, head to boutique bolthole Fairlane Hotel<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

West  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Monterey, California<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once known as the anchovy capital of the world, Monterey today is a laidback surf haven. In addition to a world-class aquarium<\/a>, sumptuous seafood and easy access to Big Sur\u2019s spectacular coast, the city was home to legendary wild card Salvador Dali. A collection of the moustached artist\u2019s etchings and lithographs can be seen at the city\u2019s local museum<\/a>. For stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and seaside bowls of steaming seafood chowder, stay at the surf-inspired Monterey Tides<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scottsdale, Arizona<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Surrounded by the vast, saguaro-filled expanse of the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale stands as an oasis of luxury. Keen golfers rejoice \u2013 the city is considered one of the country\u2019s finest golfing destinations with more than 200 world-class courses and home to the prestigious Phoenix Open. Head to Scottsdale\u2019s historic Old Town for a taste of the Wild West, follow the city\u2019s celebrated Public Art Trail or stay at The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician<\/a> for sun-kissed days and evenings beneath the desert skies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to book your US escape? <\/strong>Discover our offers here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking for more inspiration?<\/strong> Check out New York\u2019s Best Hidden Bars & Under-the-Radar Restaurants<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From golfing in the heart of the Sonoran Desert to sipping tempranillo in the Texan hinterland, these lesser-visited US cities offer an abundance of surprising experiences.  Already ticked off the iconic US cities? Big hitters like New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles will often steal the show, but the under-the-radar US cities deserve […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":709,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[6,22],"location":[],"customertype":[],"class_list":["post-2285","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-usa","tag-city-break","tag-experiences"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_453047074-e1673223637668.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"lux_id":2285,"lux_link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/under-the-radar-us-cities-that-are-big-on-experiences\/","lux_title":"Under-the-Radar US Cities That Are Big on Experiences\u00a0","lux_excerpt":"From golfing in the heart of the Sonoran Desert to sipping tempranillo in the Texan hinterland, these lesser-visited US cities offer an abundance of surprising experiences.\u00a0 Already ticked off the iconic US cities? Big hitters like New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles will often steal the show, but the under-the-radar US cities deserve [\u2026]","lux_excerpt_trimmed":"From golfing in the heart of the Sonoran Desert to sipping tempranillo in the Texan hinterland, these lesser-visited US cities offer an abundance of surprising experiences.\u00a0 Already ticked off the","lux_image_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_453047074-e1673223637668.jpg","lux_image_url_medium":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_453047074-e1673223637668-350x234.jpg","lux_image_url_large":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_453047074-e1673223637668-1024x683.jpg","lux_image_url_square":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_453047074-e1673223637668-500x500.jpg","lux_categories":[{"label":"USA","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/usa\/"}],"lux_tags":[{"label":"City Break","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/city-break\/"},{"label":"Experiences","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/experiences\/"}],"lux_locations":[],"lux_customer_types":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2285"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2285\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2285"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2285"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2285"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=2285"},{"taxonomy":"customertype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customertype?post=2285"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}