The Most Overlooked Destination in Each State

Often outshined by bigger names with more marquee attractions, the following locations all manage to fly a bit under the radar-especially amongst visitors from out-of-state. Click on the slideshow to see each state's vacation revelation.

As visitors make a beeline for the big beach towns on the Gulf, they might just be passing up the fairest Alabama coastal town of them all. Fairhope's French Quarter district is beyond fetching and the town's bevy of independent shops make for some of the best souvenir shopping in the region.

You've probably already heard of this Alaskan island's most famous residents-Kodiak Bears-so why not veer off the beaten path to explore their gorgeous namesake island? Traverse the wilderness before digging into Kodiak's fascinating history and Russian-American heritage at the island's museums.

Jerome was once known as the "Wickedest Town in the West" during the heydey of the local mines, Things have calmed down quite a bit since then, but you can still recapture the spirit of the wild days with a stay at its famous-and some say haunted-Grand Hotel.

Fayetteville is one of the finest college towns in the country and you will have a great time here whether you root for the Razorbacks or not. (It will be more fun if you do, though!) Explore the gorgeous Botanical Garden of the Ozarks before settling in for a great meal.

The relatively isolated location of this region of Northern California keeps it off many must-visit lists. Those that persevere are richly rewarded with a world of volcanic landscapes, serene lakes, majestic mountains and waterfalls.

One of the gems of Southwest Colorado, Ouray is most famous for its sulfur-free hot springs. Luxuriate in the restorative waters with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains before taking a spin on the San Juan Skyway, one of America's most scenic road trips.

Spend a weekend holed up at a B&B in this handsome Housatonic Valley town and you may never want to go back to mainstream destinations ever again. Start your days by savoring a cup of coffee on the cozy main square before heading out to admire nearby Lovers Leap State Park and its namesake bridge.

This riverside town is crammed with cobblestoned streets and stately period residences, thus making it the perfect place to step back in time to Colonial America for a few days without the crowds.

Navarre Beach is home to award-winning, sugary-soft, white sand beaches and a slightly more laid back vibe than some of its sister beaches on Florida's Emerald Coast. And then there's the pier, the longest in the state of Florida.

Augusta may be famous for being the home of The Masters golf tournament each spring, but it still manages to get overlooked at other times of the year. One stroll along the Savannah River or stop at one of the city's restaurants serving up Southern flavors will have you hooked.

You probably already know that captivating Kauai is Hawaii's "Garden Island" and this town is one of the prettiest flowers in the garden. Hanapepe is a hub for local artists as the town is home to many galleries in addition to a historic swinging bridge.

While everyone is beating a path to Boise or making for Mccall, look to Lake Coeur d'Alene for a trip you won't forget. This gem is surrounded by an eponymous lake and is home to year-round recreation opportunities. Also, the terrific theme park Silverwood is a short drive away.

This small town located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers sits on the outskirts of St. Louis but feels much further afield. Spend your days searching for antiques along the Great River Road and admiring the views of the surrounding bluffs (including a mural of the mythical Native American creature called a Piasa) before spending an evening blowing off steam at the world-famous roadhouse bar Fast Eddie's Bon Air.

It may not have quite the name recognition of Indy or the beaches of Indiana Dunes, but Fort Wayne has a lot going for it. In summer, go out dining before taking in a Tincaps game-voted one of the best experiences in all of minor league baseball. And no matter the season, the city's museums, trails and zoo will keep you enthralled.

They are fond of saying that Dubuque is "where Iowa started" and you'll start to fall in love with this riverside town the moment you arrive. Tour a host of independent restaurants and cafes before watching one of the city's minor league sports teams square off. Then, take to the riverside for a stroll or to experience some nightlife.

Visit for the unique, Swedish-American history but stay for one of the best examples of "Small Town America" in the Sunflower State.

The capital of the Bluegrass State is a great place to sample all of the things that make Kentucky great. Frankfort sits right on the shores of the Kentucky River (between Louisville and Lexington) and is awash with bourbon distilleries and cultural distractions.

Shreveport celebrates the fact that it is located on "the other side" of Louisiana and visitors who make it up here are in for a treat. A friendly city with welcoming people, tasty food & drink and a set of thrilling casinos await.

To Bangor and beyond. That is the mantra of travelers to this breathtaking yet criminally overlooked corner of Maine. Make for Mount Katahdin-the state's highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail-to sample some what makes this region so special.

This manmade lake is well known in Maryland but many outside its borders haven't yet heard of it yet. It happens to be the largest body of water in the state and provides scores of water-based recreation opportunities.

Only an hour north of Boston, Rockport offers respite and coastal bliss. You will find rock-lined pathways through the woods, sweeping stretches of beach and a bewitching light that has been known to inspire artists.

The capital of Michigan often gets overlooked by Detroit and Grand Rapids (to say nothing of the dreamy lakefront destinations), but those who give it a chance are often pleasantly surprised. Explore the artsy Old Town district before visiting the grand state capitol.

The trip up north is well worth it as Duluth always over-delivers when it comes to dining, craft beer and a unique maritime atmosphere.

H-burg is happening. The downtown live music and restaurant scene is buzzing, which-taken in conjunction with its established attractions like the African American Military History Museum and All-American Rose Garden-means it won't be on this list for long.

St. "Jo" mixes small-town charm with Wild West history. The town was the first stop on the legendary Pony Express and you can visit multiple museums here that explore its fascinating past as a linchpin in the country's westward expansion.

You won't find many cities where you can raft or kayak right through downtown and then go trout fishing on the outskirts, but they don't make many cities like this. The foodie and cultural finds in downtown Missoula make staying indoors a great time, too.

No trip to Nebraska (or anywhere on the Plains) would be complete without a stop at Grand Island's Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. During Summer, visit the museum's Railroad Town, which is an interactive experience-complete with costumed actors-that allows you to walk in the footsteps of pioneers.

Laughlin is located directly on the shores of the Colorado River and it offers both a glimpse back in time and a touch of Vegas glitz. Start your day out on the water and your afternoon at the roulette wheel.

The state's capital stays busy during the day with the business of politics and buzzes each evening. The city is also well placed along the Merrimack River, which provides an array of outdoor recreation opportunities.

While many visitors run straight for the boardwalks and beaches, those who make tracks for Sussex Country will be richly rewarded. Take to the sky in High Point State Park to see where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania come together and then continue your adventure with a trek on the section of the Appalachian Trail that cuts through the Garden State.

There's nothing sinful at all about this Vegas. In fact, the colonial Spanish design of the streets is downright heavenly. Explore the independent local businesses that line those pretty streets before bedding down at the historic Plaza Hotel.

Rochester sits on the fringes of the Finger Lakes but you'll be glad if you stop there for a couple of days on your way to/from the lake house. Yes, scores of great restaurants (some serving local wine), a seemingly endless roster of festivals, and scores of family attractions will make it well worth your while.

Wilmington's mile-long Riverwalk shows off some of the best that this charming Southern city has to offer. Eclectic shops, bars and restaurants fill the River District and are just the tip of the iceberg of the fun where which includes several nearby beaches.

Minot doesn't make it on to many North Dakota itineraries, but those who skip it miss out on the sensational Scandinavian heritage park, which pays homage to many of the original settlers of the region. The town is also home to the North Dakota State Fair, one of the best summer events in the country.

Drop by Dayton to pay a visit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the Dayton Art Institute, and-if you are visiting during college basketball season-some of college basketball's most dedicated fans at the University of Dayton Arena.

The wonderful Wichita Mountains still remain ridiculously underappreciated, but those make it to the southwest section of the state are richly rewarded. Scale Elk Mountain to enjoy sweeping vistas of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge below.

Located at the far south of the state, Ashland takes some effort to get to and perhaps that is why it has remained overlooked by so many. The town is an art lover's dream come true and also hosts the renowned Oregon Shakespeare festival all while being surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain scenery.

The state capital is a great place to be in the summer as City Island turns into a wonderland of fun and the cafes open up their patios. Of course, Hershey is right on the doorstep, making for an incredible-and delicious-combination.

Yes, Providence is the biggest city in the state but it still gets skipped all too often as people make their way to the coast and Block Island. Foodies will love bouncing from bowl to bowl of pasta on Federal Hill while art lovers will be fascinated by the WaterFire art installation, which features bonfires on the river.

This gorgeous coastal town and its surrounding sea islands can hold its own with any of the more A-list destinations in the Palmetto State.

Many people rush past Rapid City in order to get to the Black Hills, but that's a mistake. Pause for a couple of days to eat and drink your way around Main Street Square and personally say hi to all past American presidents in sculpture form. Then, head for the hills.

The iconic sign you will see as you enter town says that Bristol is "a good place to live". Well, it's a great place to visit too. Explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Oh yes, there's also that famous Bristol Motor Speedway racetrack to check out, too.

El Paso lies is as far west as you can be and still be in Texas, but boy is it worth the trip. A stimulating city surrounded by gorgeous mountains and bathed in lots of sunlight, the city's history is almost as interesting as its present.

The secret is starting to slowly get out about St. George but you still won't run across too many crowds in town. Visit for warm weather, sunny skies, championship golf and to be right next door to the remarkable Zion National Park.

Many tourists make a mad dash for the chocolate box villages and towns of Vermont, but there's definitely a case to be made for the capital. Montpelier is home to a lively cultural scene and plenty of dining and drinking options.

Norfolks is the epitome of a fun, patriotic destination. Museums and exhibits pay respect to the city's many military connections-which includes being home to large naval base-and a multitude of eateries and bars serve up excellent food and drinks.

Those that "Go East" in Washington will be happy with what they find in Spokane. This city is home to a spectacular natural setting and a host of cultural and active pursuits (think hiking, rafting and skiing in winter). And if you are fan of college basketball, it doesn't get any better than watching a Gonzaga game.

Some people swear that West Virginia is best experienced outside of its cities, but Morgantown offers the best of both worlds. This college town lies on the doorstep of breathtaking wilderness that provides endless opportunities for outdoor fun.

Sure, you may have heard of Green Bay, but outside of football season, it's overshadowed by Madison and Milwaukee. Did you know it's not all about the football in this legendary Wisconsin town? Visitors who arrive in the offseason will be delighted by the town's waterside setting and host of excellent shops and restaurants. But if you do watch a game at Lambeau, expect it to be one of the best sporting events of your life.

This colorful Western town always exceeds expectations. The University of Wyoming helps fuel a creative and eclectic vibe that permeates the entire town and will leave you in love with Laramie.