When it comes to travel in the United States, most people tend to open their wallets in the exact same places.
Major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago all get lots of love from tourists. But places like these tend to be overcrowded and overpriced.
As a travel writer, it's my job to find emerging destinations. Even so, I find myself gravitating towards lesser-known places organically for my own sanity. These neighborhoods typically have smaller crowds, lower prices, and richer outdoor experiences.
Here are a few spots in the US eclipsed by bigger, shinier neighbors that have just as much to offer with fewer crowds (and, you know, maybe even free parking).