UncoveredCityGuides lifts the lid off some of the world’s most beautiful travel destinations and tells you what they’re really like. Rather than focusing on the well-worn tourist path, our website encourages travelers to experience each location as the locals do. It’s the residents that know the restaurants that serve the best meals, the bars with the best atmospheres, and the hotels that offer value for money without the bed bugs. And now, thanks to UncoveredCityGuides, you will too.
Rather than writing about the same attractions all the other travel websites do, we prefer to offer something different. We look for the most unusual and interesting places each region offers because we know you want your vacation to be something special.
Most American wine lovers know Walla Walla, Washington as a tiny town with a funny name. But UndercoverCityGuides knows it’s that much more, a cosmopolitan center which maintains its small town charm. The former gold rush town is a haven for foodies, with its al fresco cafes and farmers markets. The “many waters” which give the Washington city its name also offer many opportunities for adventure on the water.
The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia isn’t just for retirees. While the blue rinse set love the warm weather and wineries, its ski slopes, clear waterways, and beaches ensure younger travelers aren’t bored. Just look out for Ogopogo while you’re swimming. This sea monster is said to lurk just beneath the surface of Okanagan Lake, and it’s been years since he’s had a good feed!
The Okanagan Valley’s ski slopes may impress, but they’re nothing compared to those at Whistler Blackcomb. It’s no coincidence that the world-class facilities attracted the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. But once the snow melts, Whistler still makes an excellent vacation destination for adventure junkies. Mountain biking and hiking help keep the blood pumping when the weather warms.
The Californian Coast may grab all the headlines, but the Oregon Coast is every bit as appealing for tourists seeking sunny weather all year round. Historic lighthouses dot the coastline, which also has unique pebbly beaches, rugged wilderness trails, and fantastic fishing spots.
The farming community of the state’s Willamette Valley might be regarded as sleepy by some, but the locals know how to party. Whether they’re downing cleansing German ales during Oktoberfest or looking for evidence of extraterrestrial life at McMinnville’s UFO Festival, the residents will always surprise you. If all that seems like too much excitement, you can relax at more than 200 wineries.
While the plethora of wineries in Willamette Valley may surprise you, most know that California is the king of wine production in the US. The Napa Valley is one of the world’s most famous wine regions. The area has more than wines to entertain though, including fine dining restaurants in Yountville, water sports at Lake Berryessa, and Calistoga’s soothing hot springs.
Water enthusiasts flock to Lake Chelan in the northern part of Washington, and why not? As the largest natural lake in the state, it’s a playground for anyone who loves to mess about on the water. Most tourists stick to the populated area around the Wapato Basin, but anyone who prefers life at a slower pace should venture up to the Lucerne Basin. This area is inaccessible by roads, so the campgrounds that line its shore offer real wilderness and solitude.
Lake Tahoe is another favorite amongst travelers who love to splash about, but this region at the border of California and Nevada has more than its legendary waterway to keep tourists entertained. Once the weather cools, there are the ski resorts. And don’t forget to drop a few pennies through the slot machines at the casinos on the Nevada side.
The sun, surf, and sand lure tourists to Hawaii but the islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai offer more than sparkling beaches and tropical weather. Hula dancing displays, lei making classes, and tasty luaus by the shore all remind tourists of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. Take in a whale-watching excursion or romantic sunset cruise in Maui’s Lahaina, soak up the jazz music and art galleries in Oahu’s capital city Honolulu, or explore the walking trails and fishing spots of Kauai.
If music is your bag, there are few more tempting destinations that Nashville, Tennessee. While its Bridgestone Arena attracts major international talent, you can find the next crop of up-and-comers playing at the honky tonk bars and nightclubs of Broadway, 2nd Avenue, and Printer’s Alley.
Juneau has a reputation as a sleepy sea port, but this Alaskan town really gets jumping during the annual jazz and folk music festivals. The local glaciers are legendary, but make sure you also stop to take in some native art and do a little fishing.
Anchorage moves at a slightly faster pace than Alaska’s capital, but it’s easy to forget that when a moose or brown bear crosses your path. The native creatures wander the streets, unperturbed by the city’s theaters and sporting arenas.
So why not avoid the crowds and see something different? With UncoveredCityGuides, you’ll discover the true character of some of the world’s most intriguing locations.