Small Towns Ideal for a Late-Summer Getaway

Despite what the calendar may suggest, summer is still going strong.

While demand is poised to dip and prices will surely plummet vacationers as the seasons change vacationers with a bit of flexibility can capitalize on this special period with a well-timed getaway to an underrated locale. 

Travelers looking to close out summer somewhere fresh without blowing their budget can't go wrong in these overlooked destinations. 

Get off of the beaten path in the Florida Gulf Coast destination of Bradenton, which seamlessly blends nature with traditional vacation indulgence. The biodiverse Robinson Preserve features sensational nature trails and kayaking adventures while the inviting Bradenton Riverwalk and vibrant Village of the Arts are ideal for dining and shopping.

Enhance your visit by booking a stay or popping into the Springhill Suites Bradenton Riverfront to catch amazing sunsets as well as 360-degree views of the Manatee River from the rooftop pool deck.

This charming village in New York's Finger Lakes region is ideal for late-summer travelers. Visitors will be in close proximity to exceptional wineries, mouthwatering dining and boutique shopping and can also enjoy outdoor adventures in scenic Watkins Glen State Park, which features a gorge trail with as many as 19 waterfalls.

Watkins Glen International also hosts premier racing and other exciting events.

West of Jackson along the Mississippi River is where you'll find Vicksburg, a city with a remarkable history having served as the site of a pivotal Civil War battle in the mid-19th century. Visitors can learn all about it at Vicksburg National Military Park boasting some 1,400 monuments, dozens of cannons and carriages and the fascinating USS Cairo Gunboat & Museum.

Travelers can also boat and fish on the mighty Mississippi River or soak in culture on a heritage walking trail.

Camden in the Olde English District of South Carolina is the state's oldest inland town that features a quaint downtown that is excellent for shopping antiques, boutiques and culinary delights. It is also where you can find the historic Springdale Race Course—home to the National Steeplechase Museum—a must-see for equestrian enthusiasts.

Revolutionary War buffs will be astonished with what they will find in town. Visit the Camden Battlefield, immerse in the Colonial Village in Historic Camden and visit the Revolutionary War Visitor Center to learn about the pivotal role the town played.

"The Horse Capital of the World" offers visitors some of the nation's most idyllic landscapes in addition to a rich history and culture that travelers can explore in places like Keeneland—the only racetrack in North America whose grounds are publicly open to guests every day of the year—and local distilleries and tasting rooms such as the James E. Pepper Distillery and Woodford Reserve Distillery, to name a few.

Visitors can also explore a 450-million-year-old ecosystem on a scenic hike through the Kentucky River Palisades or opt for a relaxing bike ride through the state's iconic rolling Bluegrass hills and country roads.

New England charm doesn't get much better than Ogunquit, Maine. This coastal gem about an hour north of Boston is oozing with world-class dining and shopping in addition to a burgeoning arts scene that's not to be missed. Delectable seafood awaits at Ogunquit Lobster Pound. After fueling up, visitors can pop in and out of a plethora of lively bars and explore white-sand beaches while the weather is still warm.

The picturesque Dunes on The Waterfront is the place to stay, offering one- to three-bedroom cottages with a ton of amenities, including gas-burning fireplaces, wet bars, private porches and more.

Bustling with Old Florida charm, Mount Dora awaits late-summer travelers just 30 minutes northwest of Orlando. Dubbed "The Festival City," Mount Dora hosts more than 30 annual festivals and events. In addition to fireworks, live music and other festivities, visitors can experience the untouched natural beauty of the Doral Canal on a kayaking excursion, get their blood pumping on a CatBoat tour or personal mini catamaran. 

An overlooked destination just west of Knoxville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee's Loudon County is where travelers will discover underrated Loudon and Lenoir City, both of which feature charming main streets and unique small-town businesses selling a variety of goods, from soaps and coffee to hand-made art crafted within miles.

Monkey Town Brewing is a no-brainer for mouthwatering brews and local culture while beloved spots like Smokin’ F, Sons of Smoke and Calhoun’s are delivering the stellar BBQ that visitors to the Volunteer State would expect.