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What are some specific areas or regions that on a national scale you think are severely underrated?
My vote goes for Michigan's west coast and upper peninsula. Outside of the midwest, I don't think people really know how beautiful the beaches are in Michigan. Add to that its forests and charming seaside towns. I would even dare to say that Michigan's west coast and upper peninsula beaches are more beautiful than what you find in most of the Atlantic coast (except for Florida and New England, perhaps a tie). By far, Michigan's coastline is much more beautiful than anything you can find in the Gulf Coast part of the US (again maybe except for Florida, although Florida beaches aren't as dramatic as some Michigan ones).
Yet, outside the Great Lakes region you rarely ever hear anyone talk about its beauty or its beaches.
What are some specific areas or regions that on a national scale you think are severely underrated?
My vote goes for Michigan's west coast and upper peninsula. Outside of the midwest, I don't think people really know how beautiful the beaches are in Michigan. Add to that its forests and charming seaside towns. I would even dare to say that Michigan's west coast and upper peninsula beaches are more beautiful than what you find in most of the Atlantic coast (except for Florida and New England, perhaps a tie). By far, Michigan's coastline is much more beautiful than anything you can find in the Gulf Coast part of the US (again maybe except for Florida, although Florida beaches aren't as dramatic as some Michigan ones).
Yet, outside the Great Lakes region you rarely ever hear anyone talk about its beauty or its beaches.
Michigan wins, but Wisconsin has a beautiful entire eastern border that is Lake Michigan. Also, the Lake Superior shoreline in northern Wisconsin is beautiful, as well. The Driftless Region in WI, is a stunner, as well.
Great question! And I agree with you on the Michigan beaches.
Some areas that come to mind:
N. Georgia Mountains - I think most don't think of the mountains when they think of Georgia
St. Croix River valley (between lower half of MN/WI)
Black Hills - I think this mountain range is often overshadowed by the bigger ranges
NJ/Delware Water Gap - NJ has such a "parking lot" stereotype, that many overlook the natural beauty of the "garden state." I used to live near here, and loved hiking the Appalachians.
Michigan wins, but Wisconsin has a beautiful entire eastern border that is Lake Michigan. Also, the Lake Superior shoreline in northern Wisconsin is beautiful, as well. The Driftless Region in WI, is a stunner, as well.
I agree on this as well, although I find Michigan to be far more stunning. One thing that Wisconsin lacks that Michigan has is the number of towns on the coast that make it that more charming. With places like St. Joseph's, Holland, Saugatuck, Traverse City, just to name a few, Wisconsin just doesn't have that as much on its coast.
However, to your point Wisconsin is beautiful too and most people don't know about its beauty except for people in the Midwest. Love the area around Devil's Head or the bluffs of La Crosse.
Other lesser known and under-rated areas include: northeast Oregon, north central Washington, northeast California, central Montana, northern Wyoming, central eastern Arizona, central Utah, southeast Missouri, extreme western South Carolina, western Maryland, northwest Virginia, northern Connecticut, central to western Massachussetts... I also don't hear northern New York mentioned that often these days.
From the hill country, to the lush forests in East Texas, to the coast line along the Gulf, it's surprisingly a beautiful state. It just doesn't get the recognition it deserves it's all spread out and also pop culture stereotypes.
In a weird way, I'm tempted to say all of California. Not because it's some undiscovered gem necessarily, but almost because it's known for so many other things (agriculture, nice weather, tech, cities, high taxes, etc), that it's beauty can go overlooked. But it's also arguably the most beautiful all around state, given wine country, ag regions, snow capped mountains, deserts, beaches, Big Sur, etc.
I had several friends who told me they were surprised to find out that you can see mountains in LA, lol.
I agree on this as well, although I find Michigan to be far more stunning. One thing that Wisconsin lacks that Michigan has is the number of towns on the coast that make it that more charming. With places like St. Joseph's, Holland, Saugatuck, Traverse City, just to name a few, Wisconsin just doesn't have that as much on its coast.
However, to your point Wisconsin is beautiful too and most people don't know about its beauty except for people in the Midwest. Love the area around Devil's Head or the bluffs of La Crosse.
Other lesser known and under-rated areas include: northeast Oregon, north central Washington, northeast California, central Montana, northern Wyoming, central eastern Arizona, central Utah, southeast Missouri, extreme western South Carolina, western Maryland, northwest Virginia, northern Connecticut, central to western Massachussetts... I also don't hear northern New York mentioned that often these days.
While I believe more people are familiar with the Adirondack Mountains, I don't think too many people are as familiar with this region on the St. Lawrence River about an hour and 30 minutes north of Syracuse on I-81: https://visit1000islands.com/
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