Auckland,
28
December
2017
|
12:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Lesser known American destinations perfect for exploring your hobby

Holidays are the ideal time to indulge your interests and hobbies, with all the free time in the world and a thrilling setting in which to enjoy them.

To help you pursue your hobbies away from home, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, dug into its data to create a list of lesser known travel destinations within the US that are perfect for a range of hobbies.*

Wild swimming - Crystal River, Florida

If one of your hobbies includes swimming in natural water, then pack your bags and head to Crystal River, located on the west coast of the Sunshine State. Not only does it lay on the banks of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s also one of the only places in the world where visitors can swim with wild manatees.

Where to stay: Plantation on Crystal River is a 232-acre resort located less than a 5-minute drive from the Swim with Manatees. It boasts a 27-hole championship golf course, four on-site restaurants, a Aveda span and salon, not to mention guests can take scuba diving lessons to snorkel with manatees.

Cycling - Davis, California

Whether you consider your cycling hobby a matter of fitness or a matter of leisure, cycling fanatics of all abilities should bike their way to Davis, California. One of the most bicycle friendly cities in the US, with an extensive network of bike lanes, bike paths, grade-separated bicycle crossings and flat terrain, it’s also home to the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame.

Where to stay: The Hallmark Inn UC Davis is a centrally located boutique hotel that offers bicycle hire, so guests can feel like a local while enjoying Davis’ extensive bike network.

Live music – Indio, California

Whether your hobby is singing music, playing music, writing music or dancing to music, make sure Indio, California is on your bucket list. Nicknamed the ‘City of Festivals’, it hosts various cultural and musical events every year, most notably Coachella.

Where to stay: WorldMark Indio is an aparthotel located just 6 short miles from Coachella Valley and offers an outdoor pool and onsite spa services. Each apartment boasts a full kitchen, BBQ facilities, cable TV and a DVD player. The air-conditioned units also includes a washer and tumble dryer.

History – Appomattox, Virginia

For history buffs, a trip to Appomattox, Virginia is a must. Best known as being the location of where the confederate army surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant in 1865, ending the American Civil War and marking and important moment of history and the beginning of peace and reunion. Travellers to Appomattox can explore a restored historic village to better understand the history of this important moment in time.

Where to stay: Located a short drive from The American Civil War Museum and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, the Appomattox Inn and Suites offers travellers a comfortable accommodation with a seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center and onsite bar.

Nightlife – Addison, Texas

Located to the immediate north of the city of Dallas, Addison holds its own and is known for its abundance of restaurants and nightlife. Within a very small radius, travellers can be treated to various Irish and English pubs, classy wine bars, lively American restaurants, fine dining restaurants, dueling piano bars, nightclubs and more!

Where to stay: Centrally located, The Staybridge Suites offers all-suite accommodations furnished with full kitchens, a 24-hour fitness centre, a complimentary breakfast buffet, outdoor BBQ facilities and a spacious outdoor pool. Not to mention, The Staybridge Suites offers free area transfers, perfect for a night out on the town!

Culture – New Haven, Connecticut

If you consider yourself a culture vulture, you’ll be in good company on a visit to New Haven, Connecticut, home to the Ivy League Yale University. New Haven is also home to an eclectic mix of ethnic restaurants, an active theater and film community, a variety of museums, music festivals and more!

Where to stay: Farnam Guest House is a historic Georgian-style bed and breakfast located just within walking distance to Yale University and Prospect Gardens. It’s also located a short 2.5 km from live performances at the Shubert Theatre, which was built in 1914.

Gourmet food - Lafayette, Louisiana

Always known as the capital of Cajun country, Lafayette has recently experienced what many are calling a gastronomic resurgence. Therefore, foodies should not miss the opportunity to try one of the many culinary delights that Lafayette has to offer.

Where to stay: Plantation Mouton is a historic, family run bed and breakfast located just half a mile from downtown Lafayette. It offers nightly events and cocktail hour as well as a silver service gourmet breakfast. Bon appetit!