With tourist spots filled to capacity, vacationers seek out under-the-radar attractions

When Thomas Hall planned a weekend road trip to Blacksburg, Virginia, he added an unusual tourist attraction to his itinerary: the Dairy Market in Charlottesville.

Hall heard about the new food hall in the historic Monticello Dairy Building in downtown Charlottesville and wanted to see it. 

"It was new, it was different and it was an easy place to eat new and varied food outside," says Hall, a lawyer from Richmond, Virginia. "We also want to avoid super-crowded destinations this summer, especially with unvaccinated kids."

The Dairy Market is one of thousands of unusual attractions finding their way onto summer vacation itineraries this year. With the most popular places filled to capacity or closed, travelers are turning to alternatives that include quirky museums, rock carvings and street art.