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4 U.S. Cities Expected to Be Popular in 2020

| Updated Dec 29, 2019

Many RVers are making their plans for 2020 and beyond and for good reason: nothing beats exploring what the U.S. has to offer our RV Lifestyle Fellow Travelers. 

If you need proof, consider this: in 2018, domestic travelers spent an eye-popping $933 billion dollars in the United States. Additionally, Americans logged 1.8 billion trips for leisure purposes in the same year. (Numbers for 2019 aren't available yet.)

In 2020, the numbers are expected only to increase.

Some spots will be particularly popular with travelers, according to the team at TravelTrivia.com. In fact, the outlet reports these will be the hottest destinations in 2020. 

4. Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, and the area around it, is one of the best cities for an American vacation.

As luck would have it, 2020 is an especially good year to visit the state if you love horse races. The 2020 Breeders' Cup World Championships will be held at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington on Nov. 6–7. This is the second time the city has hosted the event since 2015, when the event saw its largest attendance ever.

If you prefer equestrian shows to horse racing, you'll want to visit Lexington a little earlier. From Sept. 25–27, Lexington will host Equitana, the world's largest equine fair, at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2020 event marks the first time the event will be held in the U.S.. It's basically set to be three days of equine-based demonstrations, clinics, entertainment, and shopping.

Don't pass up on Lexington if those dates don't work for you. In fact, if you'd like a more tactile and up-close experience with thoroughbreds, consider a visit to Lexington in the summer so you can take relaxing private tours at any of Lexington's 150+ horse farms. Foodies will want to check out the city's 120+ world-class restaurants, and bourbon lovers will want to tour the 14 distilleries that operate in and around Lexington.

Be sure to check out my off the beaten path report here about Kentucky's byways. 

3. Rochester, New York

The third-largest city in New York has always been popular for those visiting the Finger Lakes wine region (be sure to check out our video below).

If you've never stopped by, check out the booming downtown Rochester area for yourself. You'll find wineries, breweries, restaurants, distilleries, and quaint coffee joints to visit. 

The year 2020 is an especially big deal for the city of Rochester, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment's ratification and the 200th anniversary of Susan B. Anthony's death. The latter's work as a suffragist contributed to women gaining the right to vote in 1920. You can visit her grave during your trip to Rochester. In 2016 and 2018, women stuck “I Voted” stickers on her grave after casting votes in state and federal elections, and you can be one of many who does the same in 2020. You'll also want to visit the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, where the suffragette was arrested after illegally voting in 1872.

The museum will also partner with like-minded organizations to host Votercade 2020. This is a year-long series of events, exhibits, and performances that will be held at venues across Rochester to celebrate women's suffrage. You can see the exact dates of events on the Votercade website.

While you're in Rochester, be sure to visit one of the city's iconic museums, such as the Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and the George Eastman Museum. You'll also want to take a trip to see the Lake Ontario shoreline. Finally, you can't miss High Falls, which is a 96-foot waterfall right in the middle of downtown Rochester.

2. Washington, D.C.

The U.S. capital is always a good place to visit, and the year 2020 will be an especially interesting time to visit since it will be an election year.

The year 2020 will also be interesting for history buffs who'd like to learn more about the women's suffrage movement. Washington, D.C., will be commemorating the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage with museum exhibits and events.

Other notable events taking place in 2020 in Washington, D.C., include EarthRise on April 22, the National Cherry Blossom Festival from March 20–April 12, and the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover from May 7–8, which will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

1. Orlando, Florida

If you've been putting off a trip to Disney World and Universal, 2020 may just be the best year to give in to the magic.

There'll be a lot going on at Disney World's theme parks in 2020. Star Wars fans will want to be among the first to ride the “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” ride at Galaxy's Edge in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Another ride that's opening in 2020 will be “Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway,” scheduled for spring.

The Epcot Theme Park is also undergoing a major expansion and will unveil new rides in 2020, including a Ratatouille-themed ride, a Mary Poppins attraction, and a new nighttime show, “HarmoniUS.” Meanwhile, Disney Springs will be showcasing a new Disney-themed Cirque du Soleil show in spring 2020.

Visitors to Universal will also get to see some new attractions, including a new show called “Bourne Spectacular.” Finally, LEGOLAND is calling 2020 the “Year of the Pirate” and will be opening a brand new hotel and water show for the occasion.

When you need a break from rides and attractions, head to the Kennedy Space Center, about 50 miles from Orlando, where you'll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission. In the summer, NASA's Mars 2020 mission will launch out of Cape Canaveral.

Mike Wendland

Published on 2019-12-29

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

2 Responses to “4 U.S. Cities Expected to Be Popular in 2020”

January 07, 2020at9:00 pm, Bob Zagami said:

Plymouth, MA is celebrating their 400th Anniversary.
https://www.plymouth400inc.org/

The State of Maine is celebrating their 200th Anniversary.
https://www.maine200.org/about-us

December 30, 2019at7:46 am, Suzie & Vic Martin said:

Reading your lovely newsletter camping in the Everglades this morning. That’s a far cry from camping in the snowy UP!! Keep up your awesome work. We love your musings.

Comments are closed.

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