(content by Richard A)
There is hardly any other country in the world that can compare with the United States of America in terms of size and number of natural, cultural, and touristic attractions.
Although everybody knows about famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Las Vegas, and the Golden Gate Bridge, there is so much more to see and do. That’s right — there are still plenty of hidden gems, undiscovered places, and off-the-beaten-path spots that deserve attention as well.
Be sure to add the following spots to your itinerary the next time you’re planning a trip to the United States (and pay special attention to your visa or complete the EVUS renewal process).
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s no secret that Las Vegas is famous for its ‘bright lights and big city,’ whether that means flashy casinos, trendy cafes and restaurants, nonstop nightclubs, and more. In fact, it feels as if neon lights illuminate every corner of this city.
Neon signs have become so entrenched in the history and architecture of Las Vegas. So much that there’s even a special museum dedicated to retro neon signs, casino lights, and other similar items.
The museum was founded back in 1996 by a handful of enthusiasts from the Young Electric Sign company, which manufactures billboards throughout the United States to this day.
The Neon Museum has about 250 different signs spread across 2.25 acres, and the area is so large that guests need to go on a guided tour. The tour takes about an hour and the guide talks about the various types of lights at the museum, where they were used, and other fun facts.
The museum is best visited in the morning (before it gets hot) or after dark, as the signs light up and create a beautiful atmosphere across the museum.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens in Pennsylvania
In the center of Philadelphia, there is one very unique and unusual place that only locals know about: the Magic Gardens.
Stepping foot into this funky art venue feels like you’ve been transported back to art class: the floors and walls are covered with various pieces of tile and mosaics, as well as other mixed media objects like porcelain, metal, wood, and more.
The ‘gardens’’ span three blocks, and there is both an indoor art gallery as well as an outdoor labyrinth complete with arched entrances, grottoes, and terraces.
This giant art project was originally conceived by visionary artist Isaiah Zagar, who moved to Philadelphia in the late 1960s and started to create public art spaces and various murals. The Magic Gardens was founded in 1994, and after working on it for nearly 14 years, the garden opened to the public in 2008.
The Magic Gardens are an excellent stop on any itinerary, as they’re located in the heart of Philadelphia and are open from Wednesday to Monday (Tuesday closed).
Blue Ridge Highway in Virginia & North Carolina
Doing a road trip across the United States is a quintessential bucket list item, and is the perfect way to see all that the country has to offer. By taking a road trip, you’ll have a chance to see even more beautiful places.
Although many people have heard of Route 66, there’s another fantastic All-American Road to add to your list: the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The scenic road is nearly 470 miles long and winds through the spine of the Blue Ridge, a mountain chain that’s part of the bigger Appalachian Mountains. There’s no doubt that Blue Ridge is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the United States, especially since it passes through two major national parks: the Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you love nature, be sure to enjoy a hike or two in the parks.
There are parking lots and viewing areas along the entire road so that travelers can stop and enjoy the picturesque views, and if you get hungry, there are plenty of roadside cafes with delicious homemade meals waiting.
The Blue Ridge mesmerizes with its views throughout the trip and will give you an unforgettable experience of traveling through the USA.
Leavenworth, Washington
Another truly unique place is the small cozy town of Leavenworth, in Washington state.
The highlight of this city is that it’s completely decorated in a Bavarian style — from the Tudor-style architecture to the beer halls — and is even surrounded by mountains. Walking the streets of Leavenworth, travelers will feel as if they’re in the Alps instead of the United States.
Whether it’s delicious gastronomy, cultural attractions, hiking in nature, or something else, this city has something for everyone. Leavenworth constantly holds festivals (such as the famous Oktoberfest!) as well as cultural events all year-round. The city is also close to major ski resorts, such as Leavenworth Ski Hill, and wineries.
Don’t forget to take a walk through the Front Street Park while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains, or visit the nearby deer farm to get closer to nature.
