America’s 10 hidden wonders

VEGAS. Hollywood. New York. Snooze ... Sure, they’re great spots, but we’ve been there, done that. Here are America’s lesser-known gems.

Nags Head, US, is a hidden gem

UP-AND-COMING is a phrase we use a lot around here. And there’s good reason for it. Yes, many places are “expected” destinations (ahem, Paris) and some are so remote you have to really try to know about them.

Don’t get us wrong, we love them all. But anywhere where the crowds are smaller seem the most promising to us.

That’s where good ole TripAdvisor comes in. The mega-site revealed which places across the country are garnering the most buzz amongst their readers, as well as the greatest positive feedback from visitors.

Some of the destinations are longtime local faves that are now getting national attention, while some are genuinely under-the-radar. Nonetheless, we want to go there. And by there, we mean everywhere.

1. Wildwood, New Jersey

Wildwood, New Jersey, USA - September 5, 2014: Tourists on Morey's Pier walk the two mile long boardwalk that is full of rides, shopping and other entertainments on September 5, 2014 in Wildwood, New Jersey

2. Nags Head, North Carolina

House built directly on the beach, with laundry drying on the clothesline. "Ocean View", #10392

3. Prescott, Arizona

Watch the sun set at Prescott, Arizona.

4. Telluride, Colorado

ajax peak and telluride colorado main street winter

5. Pompano Beach, Florida

Picturesque Pompano Beach.

6. Traverse City, Michigan

Colourful Traverse City.

7. Avalon (Catalina Island), California

The lighthouse at Catalina Island.

8. Waikoloa, Hawaii

It’s steamy at Waikoloa. Picture: Nan Pelmero

9. Knoxville, Tennessee

Sunrise in Knoxville.

10. Gulf Shores, Alabama

View of Gulf Shores.

This article originally appeared in The Huffington Post and was republished with permission.