Tough call, but if I had to pick just one it'd be Montreal (though as a native Torontonian it still kinda pains me to admit that.)
The festivals and lively European style Terrasse culture make it fabulous in summer.
Mount Royal and the nearby skiing make it wonderful in winter.
The nightlife, history and fabulous food+drink (Mmm.... Smoked Meat) make it great any time of year.
_____________________________ On the road now... 6 months from Toronto to Wellington, with stops in Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia still to come! See exactly what I'm up to:New Travel 'Blog
Originally posted by christina-in-brooklyn: I feel somehow that my answer is sort of like cheating so I shall refrain. But I think you can all guess which city I'd put down anyway.
Hmmm....your moniker mentions "Brooklyn", so one can only assume your favorite city is, uh, Detroit or Tijuana, right?
my favorite of the north american cities ive been so far is definately san francisco. its just stunning and undeniably fun. though i have to say portland is amazing as well. i wouldnt be here if it werent!
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”"
Honestly, San Francisco is probably the nicest "Big City" in the United States. American cities tend to eschew public transportation and nice common spaces in favor of oppressive concrete sprawl.
NYC certainly has it' cultural cache, although it's probably over-rated. Some people like Chicago and Boston… But there's noting in the States that can really compare to a city like Paris, London or Berlin in terms of tourist-friendliness or even general livability.
That being said, there are lots of nice medium-size cities in the states, places like Boulder, CO and Asheville, NC and Chattanooga, TN -- places you wouldn't mind living but would never visit as a tourist.
That's the thing about the states - 90% of it is very, very bland with a few large patches of stunning natural beauty. In terms of "culture," most of it is manufactured on sound-stages in LA...
Posts: 119 | Location: New York, USA | Registered: 08 November 2006
in all seriousness...I have traveled pretty extensively throughout the USA to most major cities...Granted I haven't been through Big Sky country or from texas through the great plains, but I'm not missing a whole lot...
I really liked portland! I think the beer attracted me to it! I found it friendly, quaint, easy to get around with the free trams within the city center. I mean it did rain and snow both days I was there but thats alright...
I also like Amherst, Mass and that area of New England...It is really nice in the fall with the leaves turning...Also thats where I went to college so I am biased in that respect...
Winter: Stratton, Vermont for the skiing! There really isn't anything to do at night but I love that mountain for skiing (I haven't been out west at all for skiing so I know that snowbird, vail, aspen, jackson hole, and others would have a serious gripe with me)
summer: Anywhere where the humidity is low...In NYC and New York in general during the summer it is brutal with the humidity...not as bad as SEA during the summer but it will definitely fight it out for the battle of humidity.
India, UAE, Africa next, follow me! I'm 24, why isn't 100 countries and 7 continents realistic in a lifetime...33 and 4 down...39 or 40 and 5 by end of year
Posts: 1473 | Location: I am from the neck | Registered: 20 June 2005
I have traveled pretty extensively in the USA, and it remains at the top. I think because it is such a compact city, and the hills give it some truly stunning views. My morning walk takes me to the top of Pacific Heights, and a view of the Bay...and I think to myself, wow, I am lucky to live here. It makes up for the 500 bums I have to walk over to get to work, and the smell of piss and vomit in certain areas.
I also like Seattle for similar reasons (not the bum issues). And I always have fun in Chicago.
I love the ocean. I feel landlocked when there isn't one nearby.
With my extremely limited experience traveling in North America (my own continent!) - I would have to go with Vancouver. But I have so much more to see that I can't wait to find a city that changes my mind!
It's always tough to pick a favorite city. I love San Francisco but I live here so it's not a fair choice. I love visiting Boston - great museums, great baseball, wild seasons, amazing cannoli at Mike's Pastry. Hmmm. For small cities, I love Hilo Hawaii. The most mellow laid back place. I'm going to move there eventually because I love it so much. But I'll really miss professional baseball...
Posts: 136 | Location: California | Registered: 08 November 2007
Originally posted by Asheai: With my extremely limited experience traveling in North America (my own continent!) - I would have to go with Vancouver. But I have so much more to see that I can't wait to find a city that changes my mind!
what Asheai said...Close to skiing, beautiful surroundings, NHL team - I just can't say enough about it.
In the U.S. my favorite city is Denver - again, close to skiing and an NHL team and close to some astonishing natural beauty.
