NEWTON, Mass., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), the world's largest travel site*, today announced the top 15 U.S. destinations on the rise for 2012, according to TripAdvisor travelers and editors. 

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The diverse list, which offers something for all travel tastes and budgets, is comprised of destinations which have seen a remarkable increase in traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.com over the last year. From the sweet sounds of Nashville, Tennessee — which tops the hit parade of hotspots — to the sandy shores of Santa Cruz, California, each of the settings offers something unique.

TripAdvisor's Top Vacation Hotspots on the Rise for 2012:

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Country music is the lifeblood of Nashville. Long before the music gained fame though, Tennessee was already putting together a long and storied history, some of which can be explored at the state Capitol building and the state museum.

2. Austin, Texas

Despite its growth, Austin has managed to maintain its mellow, small-town appeal. History buffs can head to the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, while travelers can also enjoy recreational activities — from golf, to walking trails in beautiful parks.

3. Fort Myers, Florida

Most visitors go to Fort Myers for the deep-sea fishing, the golf courses and the famous white sand beaches that line the Gulf Coast. Attractions include the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Set against the misty blue backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge is a gateway to 500 thousand acres of Appalachian wilderness. If hiking over 800 miles of mountain trails and camping in dense ancient forests is a step too far, travelers can head to Dollywood for rollercoasters and waterslides.

5. Pensacola, Florida

For travelers seeking some great Florida beaches without a mega-resort or theme park atmosphere, Pensacola might just be the place for a perfect weekend. Home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, the city offers some of the best fishing and boating in the area.

6. Louisville, Kentucky

In addition to equestrian endeavors and bluegrass roots, Louisville boasts a range of exciting attractions the whole family can enjoy. Baseball fans will love the Louisville Slugger Museum, a celebration of the sport's legends.

7. Branson, Missouri

While entertainment is nonstop on The Strip — a seven-mile stretch of live music, restaurants, theme parks and more — this hospitable town is also a paradise for outdoor recreation. The rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails, while three scenic lakes are havens for fishing and water sports.

8. Scottsdale, Arizona

With more than 200 golf courses in the area, ample spas and wellness resorts, and cultural attractions such as master architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter studio, the city is the perfect weekend antidote for life's stresses.

9. Saint Augustine, Florida

Savor a restorative drink in St. Augustine's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park, site of the conquistadors arrival in what is now the United States. Travelers can also take a break from history at a local beach, or indulge in some retail therapy among the many arts and crafts stores.

10. Charleston, South Carolina

Southern charm, hospitality and history imbue Charleston, one of the most well-preserved cities in the United States. History buffs will relish the old plantations and numerous historical museums dedicated to the Civil War and the Old South.

11. Albuquerque, New Mexico

In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golf in the area.

12. Wildwood, New Jersey

Wildwood and its beach and boardwalk are where city denizens from Philadelphia and New York have escaped to for decades. Travelers can soak up the '50s-style theme motels, the fried food palaces and the Doo Wop tours that recall the many rock 'n' roll stars who performed here.

13. Asheville, North Carolina

The area's spectacular beauty led millionaire George W. Vanderbilt to locate Biltmore, his castle-like mansion, in Asheville. While the city has historically been a resort for the wealthy, it is also a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, who have their pick of activities including hiking, whitewater rafting, and more.

14. Park City, Utah

Park City's rugged beauty is complemented by over 100 restaurants and bars, open air concerts, numerous spas and health clubs, plays, independent film screenings, a series of world-class events and festivals, and as many kinds of lodging as there are people.

15. Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz is one of America's surfing capitals, complete with its own museum devoted to the sport, and a beach whose waves are known all over the world. For outdoor recreation, the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and Natural Bridges State Park are the places to be.

"These U.S. destinations have really piqued TripAdvisor travelers' interest over the last year, making them great options to consider as thoughts turn to vacation planning for 2012," said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor.

In addition to the list of top U.S. destinations on the rise, travelers can also see TripAdvisor's list of 15 world destinations on the rise for 2012.  

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor® offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors*, and over 50 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also operates TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor's millions of monthly visitors. 

TripAdvisor and its 18 subsidiary travel sites, operated by TripAdvisor Inc., attract more than 65 million unique monthly visitors**.  TripAdvisor's subsidiaries include: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.everytrail.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.independenttraveler.com, www.onetime.com, www.seatguru.com, www.sniqueaway.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.travel-library.com, www.travelpod.com, www.virtualtourist.com, www.whereivebeen.com, and www.kuxun.cn.

TripAdvisor and the TripAdvisor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, Worldwide, August 2011

**Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Inc. and its subsidiaries, Worldwide, August 2011

©2011 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE TripAdvisor