1. Bandon, OR
From stunning sunsets and coastal hikes to golfing and bird watching, the small town of Bandon provides a quiet, scenic setting that offers a wide range of activities. Check out a historic lighthouse, go fat-tire biking, or explore the unique boutiques and art shops along the pier. If you’re considering an Oregon road trip, then you should add this to your list of destinations!
2. Letchworth State Park, NY
Everyone has heard of the Grand Canyon, but what about “the Grand Canyon of the East”? Located in New York, this beautiful canyon includes three large waterfalls and boasts 600 foot cliffs. Whether you are the easy-going sightseer or the advanced hiker, this park offers tours, scenic lookouts, more than 66 miles of trails, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing!
3. The Lost Sea, TN
Lakes are already pretty cool, but underground lakes are even better! In addition to being located in Eastern Tennessee, the Lost Sea is part of an extensive cave system called the Craighead Caverns. Take a guided tour of the caverns and, at the bottom, take a boat ride on America’s largest, underground lake. This adventure should definitely be considered as one of your unique bucket list ideas…especially if you plan to visit the southeast!
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
Do you secretly have a dream of visiting the great, white sand dunes of Egypt, but find you don’t have the time or money for extensive traveling? The Great Sand Dunes of Colorado are a bit closer to home. While these sand dunes are the tallest in North America, they also host nearby mountains, and river. In other words, if you get tired and dusty from exploring, you can take a refreshing dip in the river near your campsite!
5. The Oak Alley Plantation, LA
If you love to visit historic sites, this location is for you! Visit the ‘Big House’ and check out the Civil War encampment. This is one of the best preserved southern plantations and it is worth a visit.
6. Olympic Hot Springs, WA
Have you ever wanted to visit a hot spring, but wanted to avoid the crowds? It’s certainly not very relaxing when you have to wait your turn in order to soak in a beautiful pool. The Olympic Hot Springs are the answer! Tired of your road trip and want to soak in a hot spring? Look no further. A mostly paved trail leads to 21 mineral water springs that are surrounded by lush, Washington forest. Secluded, relaxing, and a beautiful location.
7. Kitch-iti-kipi, MI
Known as ‘the Big Spring’, Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest fresh water spring, flowing at a rate of 10,000 gallons of water per minute. Tucked away in Michigan’s upper peninsula, the crystal clear water, ancient forests, and abundance of trout make this unexpected attraction worth a spot on your bucket list.
What unique bucket list ideas do you have in mind for travel in 2022? Let the new adventures begin!
