Discover the USA’s hidden gems this summer break!

The USA is packed with locations that deserve your attention this summer. From the majesty of Buffalo’s Niagara Falls to the bucolic beauty of Durham's parks, there are plenty of blissful American escapes to occupy the warmer months. We’ve selected three stand-out destinations that are stacked with natural beauty, history and attractions as an alternative to the more-visited tourist spots.

Buffalo – hip city life meets water-based relaxation

As the first American city to use electric streetlights, Buffalo is a historic lakeside metropolis with astonishing century-old architecture. While its industrial heyday may be behind it, the city now thrives with an epic food scene spanning food trucks and haute cuisine. Together, they make Buffalo a prized summertime food spot. The chicken wings may be the city’s namesake dish but the chic coffee shops and outstanding ethnic eateries provide endless foodie escapades.

Then, there’s the beer. As the craft beer capital of Upstate New York, there’s a bounty of taprooms, bottle shops and breweries to fuel your adventures. Pair your beer with chicken from the birthplace of buffalo wings, Anchor Bar, or complement your pint with Lloyd Taco Factory, a local fusion favourite.

What to do in Buffalo, New York this summer

The best summer activities in Buffalo NY make use of the great outdoors. Nestled along the waterfront where the Niagara River flows into Lake Eyrie, you can paddleboard, kayak, waterbike or simply relax on Woodlawn Beach. Enjoy the greenery of Delaware Park, and discover masterpieces from Gauguin and Matisse at Albright-Knox Art Gallery or dig up history at the Buffalo History Museum.

Follow the snaking Niagara River north of Buffalo to discover the American side of Niagara Falls, an epic collection of three waterfalls and one of the world’s great natural wonders. For hotel offers in Niagara Falls, you can’t beat Millennium Buffalo. Home to dazzling lounges and city-view rooms, it’s conveniently placed for easy travel access to Niagara Falls, Goat Island and bucolic parks like the bald eagle haven, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Durham – college town life meets garden city vibes

Durham offers delightful US summer city experiences. Beautiful gardens, forward-thinking restaurants and a wealth of museums collide in an easy-to-navigate city setting just moments from nature. When summertime arrives, beaches at Falls Lake burst with life and the local parks beckon for hikes and picnics.

Renowned for the prestigious Duke University, Durham’s neo-Gothic campus is worth the visit alone for its astonishing Nasher Museum of Art, stately Duke Chapel and colourful Sarah P Duke Gardens. If you’re looking for what to do near Duke University, nothing can beat the Duke Lemur Center. This sanctuary houses over 200 of these cute, fuzzy primates in an open setting for up-close walking tours.

What to do in Durham, NC in summer

Summer in Durham isn’t just about chilling out on the spacious Duke campus. Head downtown to explore the city’s prized American Tobacco Historic District. Once home to the world's biggest tobacco company, the historic buildings have been converted into a sprawling entertainment and arts centre. Tuck into some of Durham's most highly-prized eateries before catching a performance at Durham Performing Arts Center. It’s also where you’ll find the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, a local minor league ballpark hosting nightly summer games, Friday night fireworks and plentiful outdoor seating.

What makes Durham among the best summer vacations in North Carolina is Eno River State Park. This leafy 4,200-acre park is just moments from downtown and is home to some phenomenal woodland trails in earshot of the trickling Eno River. Stay in the heart of the action at Millennium Durham, an elegant, campus-side hotel packed with tranquil leisure facilities and plush dining options.

Nashville – summer of soul, honky-tonks and barbecue

Nashville's musical reputation precedes it with a history stretching from Johnny Cash to Willie Nelson. Today, the music scene still rips and roars 7 days a week in neon-lit honky-tonks and big country festivals. Legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry and The Station Inn still pulsate with alt-country, bluegrass and blues, providing the epicentre for a Nashville road trip. Altogether, Nashville is the place to let your hair down this summer and enjoy the greatest combination of music, food and drink.

Speaking of food, Nashville’s finger-licking barbecue joints run the gamut from food trucks to nostalgic diners. While every local will champion a favourite spot, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, the Gambling Stick and HoneyFire are great for brisket and ribs. Mix it up with the Music City Hot Chicken Festival to dine on the city’s favourite hot fried chicken. For every rich and well-fired grill, you’ll also discover the perfect beer accompaniment. Nashville’s craft beer scene is all stoked up, from the barrel-aged stouts of Southern Grist to the classic IPAs of Blackstone.

What to do on a Nashville summer vacation

Summer brings the best out of Nashville with outdoor hiking adventures, open-air exhibits and outdoor festivals. The city’s outdoor trails and parks contain some 12,000 acres of green spaces in total, providing perfect hiking and biking spots to soak up the sizzling sunshine. You’ve also got easy access to the winding Cumberland River where you can cruise, kayak, fish and frolic.

Enjoy a restful stay in Millennium Maxwell House this summer. Just moments from the Country Music Hall of Fame, it’s the perfect base to discover Nashville’s vibrant music scene with restful and well-provisioned rooms. An outdoor pool awaits after a steamy afternoon in the city’s parks to wind down with a cocktail or prep for a big night out in Nashville.

Book a sizzling summer stay with Millennium Hotels

Enjoy a spectacular summer vacation away from the madding crowds with a Millennium Hotels booking in Buffalo, Durham or Nashville. Save an exclusive 10% off on summer stays and surround yourself with memory-making experiences. From the bucket-list views of soaring Niagara Falls to the lip-smacking flavours of Nashville barbecue, you’ll soak up experiences in Millennium Hotels’ laid-back settings. Sign up today as a My Millennium member for extra perks on your next summer holiday booking.