Talk to the modest traveler as to where in the United States they would most likely want to visit and you are likely to hear Orlando, New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Big cities with big attractions have always been the staple of good, exciting vacations. For the lesser known vacation spots such as Arkansas, Texas and Illinois; is it possible to find as exciting a vacation? I ventured to find out the answer to this question; and what I found was a pleasant surprise to me.

Indian Harbour Beach, Florida is probably not the first, (or a last stop for most) when you venture to the sunshine state. Places like Daytona, Miami, even Key West take the bill here. Known as the ‘Greatest Little City in Florida", Indian Harbour Beach is in Brevard County, Florida along the coastline, offering everything that a relaxing vacation epitomizes. Close to Orlando and to Kennedy Space Center it is a liaison between a quiet escape and excitement. Just minutes from the Melbourne International Airport, this spot is perfect for getting away from the everyday. I also have found the best hotel deal anywhere around Indian Harbour. The Lexington Hotel is offering a 3 day/2 night package for $97/nt. Including deluxe accommodations for 4 and a $20 credit to Doubles, their on-site restaurant, this is the classic definition of a "diamond in the rough".

Another not so well known vacation spot is located in Illinois and has some of the most beautiful settings on the bluffs, high above the Rock River. "The Forest City" as it is beloved known; Rockford is an integral park of the Rockford metro area. Experience any of the 50 excellent national golf courses or stay in touch with nature with a tour of the Anderson Japanese Gardens, which has been ranked the top Japanese garden in North America. I was lucky enough to stay at the Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort which was located inside of 12 miles from loads of attractions, right on the Bluff overlooking the river. With prices starting at $129/nt, this is an affordable way to catch the wonderful sites of Illinois.

Of course, Illinois and Florida could be two places that vacationers might rank high on their list, but Arkansas? At first glance, I couldn’t believe that this was going to make my list of out of the ordinary places to visit, but then I found Hot Springs I started to change the way that I viewed this state. Hot Springs is the 10th most populated city in Arkansas and as the name inclines is known for national spring water. The city hosts a number of art shows such as the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and the Hot Springs Music Festival. Other events include the Hot Springs Jazz Festival held in September and the downtown Bathtub Races in the Spring. It holds the number 4 position of the "America’s Top 100 Small Arts Town." They also have a Racetrack and Casino which, lucky for me, was located just one block from my hotel. Americas Best Value Inn has all the necessities that is needed in this town.

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