00:00Welcome to Mizmojo, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the top 10 hidden gem destinations
00:05across the USA.
00:07For this list we'll be looking at American cities, towns and landmarks that might not
00:11be on your radar, but are definitely worth checking out.
00:18Wisconsin in general is an underrated destination for a cosy getaway with your significant other.
00:23Door County is especially easy to overlook, being a peninsula hidden away in the east.
00:29The area has earned a reputation as the Midwest equivalent to Cape Cod.
00:33With Lake Michigan, Green Bay and a variety of beaches surrounding the land, we'd argue
00:37that Door County is every bit as captivating as its Massachusetts counterpart.
00:42Having 11 lighthouses to track down, Door County calls to visitors like a legion of
00:47candles on the water.
00:49Even the Maritime Museum is distinguished with a lighthouse.
00:52While the six state parks all possess an enchanting atmosphere, Cave Point County Park is the
00:56best kept secret with its limestone cliffs and underwater caves.
01:03A trip to Germany might be out of your price range, or maybe now's not the best time
01:07for you to leave the country.
01:09In any case, Leavenworth has the essence of a timeless Bavarian village that makes tourists
01:13feel as if they've been transported to the high mountains of Europe.
01:17Leavenworth hosts a variety of events every season, the highlight being Oktoberfest.
01:22Winter may be the most festive time to drop by as the snowfall turns the town into a regular
01:26Santa's village.
01:27If the old-fashioned buildings covered in snow aren't enough to get you into the holiday
01:31spirit, the local Nutcracker Museum will, with over 5,000 unique finds.
01:37While Leavenworth transforms into a green paradise when the snow melts, its charm persists
01:42year round.
01:47Estes Park is one of the closest cities to Rocky Mountain National Park.
01:51So if you want to explore the mountains and alpine lakes, Estes Park is the ideal place
01:55to set up a home base.
01:57While you might come for the Rockies, visitors sometimes fail to realise the numerous amenities
02:02that the neighbouring town offers.
02:03For Stephen King aficionados, consider staying at the Stanley Hotel, which inspired the Overlook
02:09Hotel in The Shining.
02:11If that's a bit too spooky for your taste, the Ballpate Inn is also rich with history
02:15and natural scenery.
02:16You don't necessarily need to leave town to see the wildlife either.
02:20Don't be surprised to find a herd of elk wandering across the street or chowing down
02:25on some grass.
02:30America's small estate is full of small wonders that tend to slip through the cracks.
02:34Even if you live in Rhode Island, there's a strong possibility that Block Island has
02:38eluded you.
02:39That's because it's located nine miles off the southern coast.
02:42Whether you're from out of town or a Rhode Island native, Block Island offers a refreshing
02:46change of scenery.
02:48The secluded island is at its peak during the summer, when people take advantage of
02:52the 17 miles of public beaches, 32 miles of scenic trails, 50 stores and coastal cliffs
02:58that stretch 250 feet high.
03:00There isn't a better place to be on the 4th of July when the annual parade and fireworks
03:04take place.
03:05Why not hop aboard a ferry for a fairytale vacation?
03:12While New England attracts numerous visitors over the summer season, autumn brings its
03:16fair share of tourists looking to see the leaves change.
03:19Baxter State Park, in particular, is a foliage paradise during the fall.
03:23The shades of red, yellow and orange intensify the park's splendorous landscapes.
03:28The literal standout landmark would have to be Mount Caterdine, Maine's highest peak.
03:33With an elevation of more than 5,000 feet, the so-called Greatest Mountain provides a
03:37breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
03:40The mountain and multicoloured trees are perhaps even more mystical when viewed from the water's
03:44reflection.
03:45We're also inclined to find wildlife by the lakes and ponds, most notably moose.
03:50From the misty sunrises to the golden sunsets, every moment here is picture perfect.
03:58Even the most populated US state has its hidden gems.
04:01Heck, if anything, a state like California has so many iconic landmarks that some places
04:06are bound to get overshadowed.
04:08The next time that San Francisco's traffic and commotion are proving too stressful, drive
04:12down to Half Moon Bay for a relaxing weekend getaway.
04:16Distinguished by its crescent shape, Half Moon Bay might not be as well-known as Hunting
04:20Beach or Santa Cruz, but it's among California's best-serving destinations, with Mavericks
04:25bringing the big waves.
04:27For something a little less stimulating, take a boat out onto Pillar Point Harbour and catch
04:32fish until the sun goes down.
04:34If you think the Golden State lacks small-town charm, look no further than this haven's
04:39simple luxuries.
04:41Oregon is another state that should be at the top of everybody's dream destinations,
04:48but it sometimes gets lost in the shuffle.
04:50While Oregon is sprawling with wondrous wilderness, the Willamette National Forest captures the
04:54great outdoors at its most awe-inspiring.
04:57Covering just under 400,000 acres, the forest is a hiker's paradise.
05:02This isn't only because of the trails and mountains, but the majestic waterfalls you'll
05:06encounter along the way.
05:08Although summer vacationers enjoy biking and kayaking, not nearly enough people take
05:11advantage of the holiday season when a ski resort pops up.
05:15There's 555 acres to ski, but the terrain is also made for tubing and snowboarding.
05:21With snow decorating the countless trees, the winter wonderland is among the Pacific
05:25Northwest's best-kept secrets.
05:31Some people might brush off a glacier as nothing special.
05:34After all, we've all seen ice before.
05:36Once you see the Mendenhall Glacier in person, you'll not only understand why this ice
05:40giant is so grandiose, but you'll regret that you didn't make the trip sooner.
05:44It's unfortunate that this 13.6 mile long mountain glacier is considered a hidden gem,
05:50as it could be gone before some future generations have a chance to bask in its beauty.
05:55The glacier has been retreating for almost 100 years now, with no signs of stopping.
06:00The good news is that it'd take a few more centuries for the glacier to vanish entirely.
06:04Since we should always be thinking about tomorrow, though, we can't take wonders
06:07like Mendenhall Glacier for granted.
06:10If you're planning a road trip to Nevada, you'll likely be drawn to the glitz and
06:17glamour of Vegas.
06:20Before you get off at Sin City, pull over to experience Nevada's natural splendour.
06:24About 50 miles from the hotels and casinos is Valley of Fire.
06:28You won't find any neon lights, but this park lights up Nevada in a different way,
06:33with the red sandstone and the sun's reflections creating the illusion of a world on fire.
06:38Some might even say that it shares a resemblance to Mars.
06:42Valley of Fire doesn't merely need to be a pit stop on your trip, it can be the main
06:46attraction as you spend the day seeking out rock formations and the night camping under
06:50the stars.
07:10We're kind of amazed that Devil's Tower meets the criteria of a hidden gem.
07:13I mean, how can anyone overlook its massive size and imposing shape?
07:18Yet, when people consider natural US landmarks, Devil's Tower doesn't come up as often
07:22as, let's say, the Grand Canyon.
07:24Then again, when you're in America's least populated state, it can be hard to stand out.
07:29Of course, Devil's Tower does stand out, stretching over 1,000 feet above the Belfouche
07:34River into the sky.
07:36While this beaut should be on every rock climber's bucket list, its name shouldn't be taken
07:40lightly.
07:41The journey may be hellish, but if you can make it to the summit, you'll know what
07:45it's like to be on top of the world.
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