I have recently completed all 50 states and what better way to celebrate(a little late) than to write about my top 10 favorite cities. One of the main questions I get is “What’s your top 10 favorite states you’ve been to?” or “Where should I go for my next vacation?” I, unfortunately can’t rank my top 10 favorite states but I certainly can list my favorite cities I’ve been too.
I want to point out that a couple of these rankings are a little biased for personal reasons and even if you don’t know me and are just stopping by to read my blog, you most likely will be able to spot them right away. 🙂
10. La Crosse, Wisconsin.
I feel as if I’d be cheating if I didn’t put my hometown but I will put it as #10. It’s not like someone saying they have a cute baby when it’s actually ugly because they have to.
My hometown is actually amazingly beautiful. We have the river, bluffs and booze and that’s a combination for something spectacular. I’m just going to list off recommendations for all walks of life especially if you’ve never made the trip to Sconnie.
We have some pretty great hiking here, sometimes I even forget about how fortunate we are to have some of the trails we have. Hixton Forest up to Grandad’s Bluff is the most popular and when you get to the top you’ll capture a breathtaking view of La Crosse, the river and the surrounding areas. You can’t forget about Apple Blossom; just over the river in La Crescent, Minnesota or Perrot State Park 30 min north in Trempealeau, Wisconsin.
If you know anything about the Midwest or Wisconsin in general; you know that we do like to tip a few back here and there. Downtown La Crosse is great for adults and La Crosse has done a great job with keeping it historic. John’s Bar and The Helm are welcoming hole in the wall taverns with even more hospitable bartenders. If the party scene is more your style you would be silly to miss out on La Crosse’s Oktoberfest. 1,000’s of people from all over the world make the trek to drink with the best of them, wear lederhosen and chomp down brat after brat.
Last but not least you can’t go to Wisconsin and not try CHEESE CURDS. Pettibone Boat Club is the perfect place to relax by the river, sip Pina Coladas and eat not only mozzarella cheese curds but pepperjack as well. If off the beaten path is a little more your thing than River Rats is just the ticket, and if you’re going to get the cheese curds than you might as well splurge and try the duck wings too because those are equally as delicious BUT if you are the weird of the weird and hate anything regarding water; circling back downtown La Crosse; Dublin Square also has phemonimal cheese curds(the Reuben Rolls are just as bomb too)
https://www.oktoberfestusa.com
https://www.explorelacrosse.com/visitor-guide/
http://www.pettiboneboatclub.com
9. Boston, Massachusetts
This is a city that I am even surprised is on my list. I will be the first to admit; I am the last person to enjoy a big city, especially THAT big. I am completely in awe of history and Boston is FULL of it. Whether it being; checking out the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum or getting goosebumps at the Holocaust memorial it definitely doesn’t lack the bygone days or charm.
If more recent history is more your thing, Boston has two different locations of the hit sitcom “Cheers.” One location is on Beacon Hill where Cheers was actually inspired and the other (which is the one I prefer) is a replica in Fanueil Hall. Both come with iconic Cheers bar napkins, pint glasses and of course the classic gift shops.
After attending the location at Fanueil Hall, take a walk down the street; no matter at night or during the day you will find street performers at every intersection. I’malso not talking about street performers like you’ve seen on the Vegas street. The street performers in Boston are simply artistic.
Just one more tidbit: Boston Pubs are one of a kind: but just like the traffic; Boston sports fans are….in a light word, a little crazy.
https://faneuilhallmarketplace.com
8.Seattle, Washington
I know I mentioned in my #9 city that I wasn’t a fan of big cities but I do want to let most of you know that the rest of the cities that I will be mentioning absolutely do not feel like big cities and all have a small town feel.
It brings me to Seattle; to be completely honest I thought Seattle’s history was the most intriguing in the country. Mostly because if I am interested in anything other than traveling: it’s ghosts. If you can’t find a ghost tour in Seattle you are completely blind. The ghost tours are not just “haunted houses” they are JAM PACKED with history and interesting history at that. My favorite historic bar was called “The Merchants Cafe and Saloon” with a full bar when you walk in and a spooky dungeon bar in the basement is the right amount of history and fun. Especially since it’s Seattle’s Oldest Bar/Restaurant & the 5th most haunted bar in the United States.
My last recommendation of Seattle is by far the most important. It’s also one of the most magical, invigorating and life changing experiences of my life. Only an hour drive from Seattle you’ll find a sleepy little bay town called Anacortes. Get swept away on a enchanting little road into the tall pines and you’ll find Predators of the Heart. A wolf rescue with over 30 wolves, among those wolves you’ll find two celebrity wolves(Max and Kakoa) who have been featured on Game of Thrones and True Blood. This pair are full of kisses and howls and everything you could ever want in life. Notonly do take these two on a walk but they have cougars, linx’s and many types of birds. They even have a skunk to cuddle with. 🙂
http://merchantscafeandsaloon.com
https://predatorsoftheheart.com
7. Oahu, Hawaii
Looking at my list this is only 1 out of 2 tropical, beachy places I have listed on here and for good reason. When I went to Hawaii I had extremely low expectations, mainly because I don’t like to consider myself as a tourist and that’s what Hawaii seemed like to me. It is once in a blue moon that I prove myself wrong but I did just that. 😉 Hawaii is basically like another planet, everywhere you turn their is a new tree, waterfall or mountain to explore. I also “puddle jumped” to Maui and rented a convertible to ride the Road to Hana and that has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. So that’s highly recommended as well. However, I have Oahu listed and my trip to Maui deserves a blog to itself.
I know this won’t be for everyone reading this but one of my favorite things on the Island of Oahu was Waikiki Beach. Touristy but still a must do, instead of just hanging on the beach all day I do urge you to take one of the “booze cruises.” A catamaran will take you out to the waters of Waikiki, along with 30-40 other people, all you can drink rum punch and the best party tunes money can buy. I also want to mention that one of these rides cost a whopping $45 and it’s well worth it.
Another thing I would highly recommend is checking out The North Shore. If you came to Hawaii to check out the surfing community; you got a surfing community. The beaches are a little less crowded than Waikiki and if you’re there you might as well book a surfing lesson(check out Airbnb.) Surfing North Shore is a bucket list experience in itself.
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu
https://www.maitaicatamaran.com/sunset-sail.htm
6. Key West, Florida
The newest of my favorite places on my list and I’m talking as new as you can get considering I’m sitting in Key West as I type. I’ve never been huge on Florida after I turned 18. In my opinion it all kind of looks the same, with the same bars and beaches BUT Key West changed my mind completely. The Keys in general are overall amazing.
A flight to Miami is awfully cheap(depending on where you are located of course) and if you haven’t road tripped from Miami to Key West I without a doubt would at least experience it once. It’s actually rating one of the best routes in the states.
I tend to look for any experiences that relate with animals and The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is phenomenal and also won’t break the bank. They have butterflies from all over the world with all different colors and even a couple flamingos. I can’t stress this enough but it’s a MUST DO. I could sit there all day.
If you haven’t picked up on this from other posts I’ve written about, I like to have a cocktail or two(or 7). Anyway, Jimmy Buffett describes Key West in all of his songs to a T. It is really one of the most laid-back places I’ve ever been and if youfind just the right bar you’ll want to stay there all day. I particularly enjoyed Hog’s Breath. I also urge you to rent a moped. Streets are narrow and there is absolutely no parking.
https://www.keywestbutterfly.com
5.New Orleans, Louisiana
If you are looking for a unique city and beyond astounding food. New Orleans is a MUST. Between Louisiana cajun creole, muffalettas and beignets you really can’t go wrong and I crave these foods, not exaggerating; every single day. The streets are narrow, cobbled and filled with street performers in the evenings and filled with day drinkers and musicians during the day.
I, personally, am a big fan of learning about new religions and new spiritual ways of thinking so the Voodoo culture of New Orleans has had me astounded each and every time I’ve visited. Although somewhat touristy; Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo is my one recommendation for a Voodoo culture stop. They have a ton of history in one little building and have tarrot card readings which also is pretty fascinating. I would also recommend Reverend Zombie’s House of Voodoo for a little more of an authentic feel.
If food is what you’re looking for I highly recommend swinging by the Central Grocery and Deli on Decatur St. for a muffaletta and any other goodies. It’s also a short walk from the Mississippi so sitting on a bench while watching barges and boats go by is also a nice free thing to do. I also recommend Acme Oyster House for Seafood of any kind ESPECIALLY the Oyster Rockefeller.
4.Nashville, Tennessee
This is one out of two cities on my list that I cannot do it justice by just typing out a synopsis on it. The feeling you get when you go to Nashville is a feeling I’ve only had a couple of times and the best way I can describe it is; an at home feeling. I could possibly be biased but most everyone I’ve talked to that has witnessed the joys of Nashville has felt the same.
#1 tourist and traveler thing to do is visit Broadway St. in downtown Nashville. I also cannot describe the mood or the vibe when walking down the covered brick building street other than amazingness. You’ll run into celebrity bars such as; Ole’ Red, The Luke Bryan Bar and AJ’s Good Time Bar but the most surprising of them all was Kid Rock’s Big HonkyTonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse. Not that it’s difficult to find fantastic bands in Nashville but every band there was incredible. Not only that; the vibe matched. The bartenders are attentive and full of energy which is always a plus.(actually more than a plus)
If food is what you’re looking for I cannot suggest enough to make the 30 minute drive to Loveless Cafe right outside of Nashville. I know I’m going to get some slack for this; but I am absolutely not a breakfast person but with biscuits like Loveless’ you can’t not be a breakfast person.(My mom said they were the best she’s ever had soooo) The cafeis straight out of diner heaven and also have cute little shops with delicious jam and goodies.
Other honorable mentions: Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and Tooties.
https://www.kidrockshonkytonkandsteakhouse.com
https://www.visitmusiccity.com
3. Bar Harbor, Maine
If you asked me what my favorite state of all 50 states is, I, without a hesitation would tell you it’s Maine. Hands down. Even though Bar Harbor is my favorite city in Maine I do have to take you to another place in this rundown.
Although touristy; Bar Harbor is a charming small town in northern Maine just shy of Acadia National Park (my personal favorite park.) If you love shopping and good food, definitely make the stop in Bar Harbor. I particularly suggest Stewman’s Lobster Pound, you can pop a squat at a picnic table down on the dock or sit indoors. It’s also a great place to watch the tides come and go and they have some fabulous local brews(if you don’t try a blueberry beer there or in Maine, you are missing out). Another tip is Bar Harbor has multiple extraordinary rock shops so make sure you check those out too.
Another delightful town is York, Maine. I actually got teary eyed the first time I drove through it because of how lovely and Americana it was. It’s seriously out of a Nicholas Sparks novel; complete with a beach and a lighthouse in the distance.
To be honest; anywhere you go in Maine is going to be lovely, delightful, picturesque and pleasant. The rocky coast with lines of pine trees is definitely not an eye sore.
https://www.stewmanslobsterpound.com
https://www.visitbarharbor.com
2. Savannah, Georgia
MAGICAL MAGICAL MAGICAL. I can’t even say this enough and I can’t do this place enough justice. Everything about this town is picturesque and perfect. This is one of my main suggestions when people ask me where they should go. For multiple reasons:
Wormsloe Historic Site: This place is the most magical and majestic place I’ve ever been. I, for some reason have a big fascination and love for trees, it’s actually kind of odd but whether you find trees interesting or not; this place is really like a dream. Lined with oaks and spanish moss, a stroll down this road is the ultimate zen and relaxing place to be.
You can drink on the cobblestoned streets: Enough said.
Savannah is also a great hub for most anything you want to do whether it be hang out by the river or relax by the beach. It’s also only a 3-4 hour drive to Myrtle Beach or Atlanta.(opposite directions) and a 2 hour drive to Charleston.
I know this overview is one of the shorter ones but you really have to go there to experience how amazing, miercoles and beautiful this place is.
https://gastateparks.org/Wormsloe
1. Deadwood, South Dakota
This is my #1 and my most biased of all. My biased comes from going on family vacations 4 years in a row and ending up wanting to be a cowgirl and marry Wild Bill Hickok but unfortunately my dreams of that never came true and I still visit Deadwood at least once a year as an adult.
This has been one of my main recommendations for family vacations. I think western South Dakota is completely underrated and no matter if you’re taking the fam or going solo, this part of our beautiful U.S of A has something to do for everyone.
Two things about Deadwood I love is: Saloon #10 and Forks, Corks and Kegs. Saloon #10 is the most unique bar I’ve ever had a chance of walking into and it comes equipped with everything wild west; including floors filled with sawdust, saloon girls and even a reenactment of the assassination of Wild Bill. Most of the bartenders have been employed there for 10+ years so the service is also suburb.
Forks, Corks and Kegs is a festival that Deadwood throws once a year during the first weekend of April and I make the 12 hour drive to attend every year. $75 dollars gets you into 2 days of bar-hopping; trying wines, beers, liquors and of course; moonshine. At each bar stop on Friday and Saturday they have exquisite foods to taste test. Following the bar hop, the Deadwood Mountain Grand throws a end of the festival party with snacks and around 70 vendors throwing samples of: beer, wine and liquor to try your way.
I want to stress that western South Dakota has so much more to do other than Historic Deadwood. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments are also short drives and a trip to South Dakota wouldn’t be right if you didn’t drive through The Badlands.
Other honorable mentions: Bear Country USA, Wall Drug and Flintstone Village.
https://www.deadwood.com/event/forks-corks-kegs/
thegypsytraveler 