START
Offbeat, unforgettable experiences around the country.
Times Square in New York City: check. The National Mall in Washington, D.C.: check. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco: also, check. If you’ve already visited some of the country’s most iconic neighborhoods, landmarks, theme parks, and national parks, it’s time to branch out and explore deeper corners of the country’s heritage and culture.
Unique experiences in the United States abound—you just have to know where to go and when. Here’s our list of the coolest, greatest, and often unsung hits this country has to offer.
1 OF 10
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
WHERE: New Mexico
Although this enchanting festival has been going on for over half a century, each year brings new balloons, some of which, like this year’s human brain, are head-scratchingly awesome. The balloons are the definitive star of this show, taking place each year in early October, but there are delicious distractions in the array of local New Mexican dishes, including green chile breakfast burritos and piñon coffee. Live entertainment and fireworks light up the after-dark scene, and for those who need more balloon lore, there’s the recently renovated theater at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.
2 OF 10
Overnight Paranormal Investigation at Wyoming Frontier Prison
WHERE: Wyoming
True crime lovers will experience a real pinch-me moment as they enter the historic penitentiary, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The overnight excursion starts at 8 p.m. and ends at the eerie hour of 2 a.m. During the six-hour visit, guests will be led through some of the former prison’s most brutal spaces, including the gas chamber, death house, death row, and the showers, where reports of crying sounds have been noted by many. Operated by Haunted Rooms, the Wyoming penitentiary experience invites visitors to embark on a paranormal investigation with the help of knowledgeable guides, EVP recorders, and motion sensors — or go it alone with a vigil inside the gas chamber, seated in the original steel chair in complete darkness.
3 OF 10
Anthrocon
WHERE: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
As one of the world’s largest furry conventions, Pittsburgh’s Anthrocon is a sight to behold. The annual summer festival has furries descending in droves, wearing all manner of elaborate costumes. A downtown Fursuit Parade and Anthrocon Block Party are worth checking out for the photo ops alone, even if you’re not inclined to dress up. The celebration of anthropomorphics is led by a group of artists, animators, writers, and puppeteers, and a highlight of the weekend is the Art Show, where artists sell their original artwork of a science fiction, fantasy, or fannish nature (no furry costume required to make a purchase).
4 OF 10
United Tribes International Powwow
WHERE: Bismarck, North Dakota
Every September at the Lone Star Arena at the United Tribes Technical College, a three-day powwow, one of the region’s largest, brings together hundreds of Native American dancers and drummers from roughly 70 tribes across the United States and Canada. Participants compete for prize money, while other tribe members sell crafts (think dreamweavers and moccasins), art and jewelry, and traditional foods like a powwow or Indian taco — frybread topped with seasoned beef or chili, lettuce, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and other toppings. Sports are a centerpiece at the powwow as well, with an open golf tournament, softball and basketball tournaments, and a Powwow run (a kids’ run and a choice of a 5 or 10k for adults) open to the public.
5 OF 10
Shipwreck Diving in Lake Champlain
WHERE: Vermont/New York
Sure, it’s typically warm, tropical places like Indonesia or the Caribbean that attract avid scuba divers, but for a totally different underwater thrill, Lake Champlain in Vermont offers an adventure unlike any other. The Vermont Underwater Historic Preserves at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum takes certified divers to explore preserved shipwrecks — some dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries — and native aquatic life, such as smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and even freshwater eel, from May to October. You don’t dive in Lake Champlain to see colorful coral; you go to see historic shipwrecks in a colder, darker environment.
6 OF 10
Winter Wildlife Safari in Yellowstone
WHERE: Wyoming/Montana
Yellowstone National Park draws massive crowds of people during its peak summer season, when cars and buses come to a standstill as park visitors excitedly watch a herd of buffalo cross the street. But the majesty of the park is best experienced in the dead of winter when far fewer venture out to spot moose, bears, and elk in their natural habitat. Many winter safaris take place via snowcoach or snowmobile, where you’ll still get to see two of the park’s main attractions—Grand Prismatic and Old Faithful—without waiting for the throng to thin.
7 OF 10
Lobster Boat Tour
WHERE: Maine Coast
Summer travel to Maine to eat lobsters is hardly a novel idea, but visiting the Pine Tree State and going on an actual lobster boat tour? That’s a less sought-after and remarkably rewarding adventure. Get an insider’s view of life as a lobster fisherman or woman on a working lobster boat with a guide (very often the lobster catchers themselves) that teaches lobster biology basics, lobster culture and history, and invites you to try banding lobster claws together—lobster claws that may end up on your dinner plate later that day. Lucky Catch, for example, offers guests the chance to purchase any lobster caught on the tour, which will later be prepared by Portland Lobster Company.
8 OF 10
Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo
WHERE: Virginia Beach, Virginia
An official SEBRA (Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association) rodeo circuit stop, the Virginia Beach rodeo is the only competition held on sand. Check out world-class bull riding, barrel racing, and mutton busting (a crowd-favorite event where kids ride sheep in a pint-sized version of bull riding) events. Award-winning rodeo clowns and live country concerts add to the April weekend’s festivities. The Virginia Beach 4H Club and Hunt Club Farm, two of the rodeo’s premier vendors, host photo ops with their highland cows on the Boardwalk so you can leave with a memorable souvenir.
9 OF 10
UFO Mysteries Trail
WHERE: Washington State
For sci-fi fanatics to history buffs and conspiracy theory enthusiasts, this Washington State adventure traces the 1947 Maury Island Incident, one of America’s earliest UFO sightings. Starting in Seattle Southside, you’ll get to check out famous sites that are tied to reports of mysterious debris, sightings, and alleged government encounters along the Puget Sound coastline. And if you happen to time your visit to June 20–22, you’ll get to experience the quirky, fast-growing festival inspired by both the iconic film Men in Black and the 1947 Maury Island Incident, as the festival takes place at one of the Trail’s most historically significant stops.
10 OF 10
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Concert
WHERE: Colorado
This open-air, naturally formed amphitheater carved between massive red sandstone formations (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) located approximately ten miles southwest of Denver, provides near-perfect acoustics. Sitting at about 6,450 feet elevation, the venue’s steep stadium-style seating means every seat has a clear view of both the performers and the starry sky. It has attracted major artists for decades, and while it may be on the more iconic side of U.S. attractions, it is also undoubtedly one of the country’s most unique music venues.