Picture this: You’re strolling down a street and suddenly, you’re met with a culture entirely different from the classic, American way of life. As it turns out, there are places right here within our borders that march to the beat of their own drum, reflecting an unconventional shade of the American experience. Being the recent topic of an online community, these places highlight the diversity that makes the US truly unique.
1. Southern Appalachia
Ah, the Appalachian Mountains—a hidden world all its own. It’s where “civilization” fades away, replaced by old-world charm and echoes of forgotten histories. Here, tucked away in the hills and hollers, is where you can literally and figuratively lose yourself since you’re surrounded by a combination of old architecture and relics.
Adding up to that is the fact that some of its areas remained untouched. As one journeyer puts it, ‘There’s some spots in Appalachia where it sounds like they’re speaking a foreign language.’
2. Dearborn, Michigan
Dearborn makes this list due to the large population of Arabic-speaking Michiganders living there. In Dearborn, it’s common to see street signs written in both English and Arabic, and it isn’t surprising to hear people talking in Arabic instead of English when you visit. For this reason, countless people regard Dearborn as culturally unique from the rest of the country.
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
As one of America’s most strikingly different-looking cities, Santa Fe gives off the vibes of being in another country due to its unique architecture. “I think it’s one of the most unique small towns based on architecture alone,” explains one man. “There is a city ordinance that any building within a certain distance of downtown must be made with stucco. Seeing a stucco Best Buy is funny, but it’s a thing in Santa Fe.”
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Creole culture permeates the Big Easy, and as a result, it is like stepping into a different world the moment you enter the city limits. From the Cajun influence in their delicious cuisine to their residents’ unmistakable regional dialect, many people visit New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras and enjoy a world utterly different from every other region in the United States.
5. Hawaii
As the only state that has never had a majority population that is Caucasian, Hawaii looks and feels different than any other area of the United States. Many travelers confess that it feels like they’re in another country when they visit. In addition to their demographics, Hawaiian culture is unlike any other: the islands’ cuisine, hospitality, and personality are second to none.
6. New York City, New York
Thanks to its reputation as the world’s biggest melting pot of cultures, it shouldn’t be surprising that the Big Apple is culturally different from every other city in America. “I lived in Southern California most of my life and moved to New York City for my career, and that opened up a lot for me culturally,” reveals one woman.”
I was a flight attendant, so going to the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic let me see how much of a melting pot New York City was due to its migrants. I loved it, and it was unlike any state I’d been to. Now that I live in Japan, I miss the city’s booming multi-cultural offerings.”
7. Amish Country
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Amish community is still going strong. From not using electricity in their homes to still traveling via horse and buggy in 2023, Amish country is one of the best-preserved locales in the country. Visiting Lancaster and its surrounding areas feels like you’re returning to a simpler era.
8. The Florida Keys
One of the only parts of Florida that don’t revolve around endless nightlife or thrilling theme parks, the Florida Keys perfectly exemplify rest and relaxation. Granted, it’s a tourist destination in its own right, but it’s a haven for Jimmy Buffet-inspired, laid-back travelers who want nothing more to relax in a hammock and sip on a margarita. And really, who doesn’t want that?
9. Alaska
Due to its extreme northern proximity to the rest of the continental United States, many visitors experience culture shock the first time they visit Alaska. “Anchorage feels like most moderate-sized cities, but once you get out a little into the boonies, it feels a little like you went back in time,” reports one woman.
“Wait, you carry a weapon? To fend off bears? What century is this? But really, backwoods anywhere feels kind of a time warp. You meet a lot of folks who have never been more than 50 miles from their house.”
10. West Virginia
According to many residents of West Virginia, they not only acknowledge their extreme cultural differences compared to the rest of the U.S., they’re proud of it! Old-fashioned hospitality and an easy-going way of life run strong through all areas of West Virginia. Many travelers express being jarred by the culture.
11. Miami, Florida
As arguably the party capital of the United States, visiting Miami is a rite of passage for U.S. residents and foreign tourists alike. The party never stops in Miami, and between its white sand beaches and Cuban-inspired culture, participating in Miami-based festivities will make you feel like you’re in another world.
Despite most Americans being wholly against being taxed by the government, nobody speaks up about the sales tax levied on nearly every item a person buys. No other country willingly accepts sales tax the way Americans do. Even fundamental utilities and perishable food items are taxed, which is less prevalent in European countries.
From Bonfires to Nightmares: 11 of the Scariest Camping Tales Ever Told
Camping often evokes images of crackling bonfires, gooey s’mores, and starlit adventures. However, as night descends, tranquil forests can quickly transform into mystical, eerie undergrowths; hiding secrets of the unpredictable forces of nature and even the supernatural. These are the grounds for nightmares, where chilling tales of camping horror might just make you think twice about your next trip.
From Bonfires to Nightmares: 11 of the Scariest Camping Tales Ever Told
11 Things To Do in a New City That Won’t Cost You a Fortune
Sure, exploring a new city can be exciting, but it can also be hella expensive. Every little thing seems to cost a pretty penny, and it can add up quickly if you’re not careful. And while it’s true that a great way to experience a city is to immerse yourself in its culture, try its food, and get out there to see the sights, that doesn’t always mean shelling out a lot of money. A group of online travelers in an Internet forum shared some activities you can do in a new place without hardly spending any money and here are the best ones.
11 Things To Do in a New City That Won’t Cost You a Fortune
10 of the World’s Most Scenic College Campuses: Where Academia Meets Awe-Inspiring Beauty
Let’s face it: not everyone is a massive fan of school, but when selecting the best college, many of these jaw-dropping universities will have you wanting to pack your bags in seconds. Keep reading as we explore 10 of the world’s most scenic college campuses!
10 of the World’s Most Scenic College Campuses: Where Academia Meets Awe-Inspiring Beauty
Taking a Trip? Don’t Make These 12 Same Travel Mistakes as Everyone Else
No one wants to have a bad travel experience. Unfortunately, many travelers often make the same mistakes over and over again, wasting time and money in the process, not to mention, the frustration and stress that comes with it. Thanks to a group of seasoned travelers in an online forum, here are twelve of the most common mistakes they believe all travelers must be aware of.
Taking a Trip? Don’t Make These 12 Same Travel Mistakes as Everyone Else