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One of the best things about any road trip is seeing places you might never have expected. While every trip has a destination, sometimes side trips are just as fun as — if not better than — the original goal. The following are a few places you may not have considered but would definitely be wise to visit.
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Image via Flickr by katjusac
Far too many people think that Mardi Gras is the only reason to visit New Orleans, but this simply isn’t true. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, New Orleans is rich with history. The French Quarter has several buildings that are hundreds of years old.
The culture of the area is also intriguing to get to know. This is even more fascinating when you realize that most of the city is technically below sea level and could literally be swallowed up by water at any time.
2. Boulder, Colorado
Image via Flickr by Jason Rogers
Boulder is unusual because it is at such a high elevation and has so many fit activities to engage with. From parks like Chautauqua and the Flatirons to places like the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art, there is far too much to see to ignore.
Keep in mind that most of the city is more than a mile above sea level, so this is a great place to condition yourself for high altitudes. Taking a brisk walk around this city is particularly good for your heart and lungs.
3. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Image via Flickr by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee is the kind of place most people never expect to go on a road trip for, but you’ll be glad you did. Whether you want to check out the Basilica of St. Josephat or the Harley-Davidson Museum, or just scoop up some Milwaukee Brewers Tickets, you are going to find a lot to experience in this city. While there aren’t many bragging rights associated with this town, there will be some fun memories.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Image via Flickr by Smart Destinations
Whether it’s the stunning views from the Blue Ridge Mountains or the thriving art community, Asheville has a lot to offer visitors. Take a trip to the Biltmore Estate if you are searching for something historical, or explore the Pisgah National Forest to satisfy your adventurous side.
If you’re feeling artsy, you can consider checking out the Penland School of Crafts and watch masterpieces made right in front of your eyes. There’s so much to do, you may want to halt your road trip to make time for all of it!
5. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Image via Flickr by Grand Canyon National Park
This one may not be so unexpected, but you can’t imagine the awesome sight of this place until you see it with your own eyes. The Grand Canyon may sound like a trite place to see, but you really do have to see it to believe it. This is what Mother Nature does with a few million years and a trickle of water.
The views are astounding, and it’s humbling to think of how small human beings are in the presence of something natural like this. You can also give yourself some added humility when you consider that every year, people in the US produce enough trash to completely fill the Grand Canyon.
A lot of folks have preconceptions about where they want to go on their road trips. Drop those preconceptions and open your mind to the beauty that you may be missing.
