Off the Beaten Path - Hidden Travel Gems in North America

Travel advisors Ryan and Julie kick off an exciting new series highlighting lesser-known destinations that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. This episode focuses on hidden gems across North America - from charming small towns to pristine beaches that offer unique experiences away from crowded tourist hotspots. Featured Destinations Asheboro, North Carolina Location: 30 minutes south of Greensboro, 90 minutes west of Raleigh Star Attraction: North Carolina Zoo - world"s largest natural habitat zoo Activities: Hiking Purgatory Mountain, pottery shopping in Sea Grove, famous fried chicken at Magnolia 23 Stay: Postcard Cabins (32 luxury tiny cabins) or Yogi Bear"s Jellystone Park Camp Resort Little Switzerland, North Carolina Location: 2 hours northwest of Charlotte, 3,500 feet above sea level Highlights: Swiss architectural style, "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Parkway" Must-Do: Little Switzerland Books and Beans (3-story bookstore), Geneva Hall mountain music, North Carolina Mining Museum Best Time: Mid-April through October Stay: Switzerland Inn or Skyline Inn with panoramic valley views Siesta Key, Florida Location: Southwest coast between Tampa and Fort Myers Features: 8 miles of quartz-laden sugar-soft sand, dolphin sightings Activities: Siesta Key drum circle, snorkeling at Point of Rocks, Old Salty Dog restaurant Accommodation: Tropical Breeze Resort or vacation rentals Best Time: Fall and winter Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Location: 1 hour southwest of Milwaukee, "Hamptons of Chicago" Attractions: Gilded Age estates, Yerkes Observatory, famous MailBoat Tour Stay: Grand Geneva Resort, Maxwell Mansion, or Abbey Resort Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day for peak lake town experience Johnson"s Beach, Sonoma County, California Location: 90 minutes north of San Francisco along Russian River Perfect For: Quiet beach experience with canoe/kayak rentals Accommodation: Bungalows, cabins, or camping options right on the beach Best Time: Summer months Bonus Local Recommendations Maryland: Assateague Island - wild horses on the beach Michigan: Southwest Michigan lake towns with wineries and breweries Coming Up Next episode: Ryan and Julie recap their Utopia of the Seas cruise and Disney World adventure! Host: Ryan (Travel Professor) and Julie (Disney-loving Maryland mom, family travel specialist) Support the show Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new Ready to plan your vacation? Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation" Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page! Please share the show with your travel buddies!! Click this link and share the show! Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!