Still Traveling

By GaPeach

October 4, 2006 1:13 PM | Link to this

St. Mary’s/Cumberland Island is a true gem…Dahlonega & Brasstown Bald are also great little towns.

By Walt

October 4, 2006 1:16 PM | Link to this

Charlotte, Indianapolis and Kansas City (Plaza District) have fabulous downtowns that put ours to shame. San Diego’s downtown is undergoing a renaissance around Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Brussels and Heidelberg, Germany are two beautiful European destinations off the tourists path.

Also Sports Events is a huge travel category that’s missing from your list.

By Chris

October 4, 2006 1:24 PM | Link to this

Cleveland, Ohio? Who are they kidding?

By Jimmy T

October 4, 2006 1:25 PM | Link to this

Please help… I am dying to get out of Atlanta and am looking for those nice, quiet, safe communities - small towns… with that small town feel.

HELP

By cory

October 4, 2006 1:28 PM | Link to this

I recently visited Memphis and was very impressed (and surprised) with the renaissance the downtown area there has experienced. It seems vibrant and fun.

As far as Georgia goes, I’d have to say Athens. It’s a great college city that’s grown into it’s own of late, with great restaurants, nightlife and a cool vibe all year. New boutique hotels are popping up to go with the new downtown arts, eating and shopping scenes. The LA Times actually had a front page travel article on it a couple years back. Also, staying there is just a short drive from some great GA small towns: Watkinsville, Madison, etc…

Also, did someone say Charlotte has a great downtown? It’s clean and well put-together, but it’s definitely dead at night and on the weekends. I’d actually vote it one of the worst I’ve been to.

By Zerevon

October 4, 2006 1:28 PM | Link to this

What about Istanbul, Turkey? Filled with history. Only major city in the world located in both Asia and Europe..Home to more then a dozen civilizations and a silk road for International city for trades..Deep cultures still written all over the streets and the buildings..A remarkable city which is home to the Jews who were kicked out of Spain more than 500 years ago.. I can go on and on..

By Kay

October 4, 2006 1:30 PM | Link to this

I know what you mean Jimmy T. Like the same small town feeling Atlanta used to have before all of this people start moving here.

By Dave

October 4, 2006 1:32 PM | Link to this

Athens, Georgia offers big-town culture and sophistication without the big-town hassles. Best downtown district in the South.

By H_Charles

October 4, 2006 1:34 PM | Link to this

Austin, Texas has it all. Great weather, cheap cost of living, progressive mentality, small size, culture, great sports, college town, hills, lakes, rivers, and restaurants. I’d also add a vote for Vancouver, BC (a fusion of the best San Francisco, New York, and skiing) and Delray Beach, Florida (small-town feel, on the beach, close to Miami without the headaches of a big city).

By Augusta Native

October 4, 2006 1:36 PM | Link to this

I would have to agree w/ Amanda about GA cities - Augusta is highly underrated. It is the 2nd-oldest (behind Savannah - another wonderful city) and the 2nd-largest (behind Atlanta). Augusta-metro has over 500,000 people living there and one of the most beautiful rivers (the Savannah) east of the Mississippi.

Augusta’s cost-of-living is very low, they have some of the best schools in the state (Davidson Fine Arts - a public magnet school - consistently ranks as one of the top schools in the state), and a very active pro athletics scene: Greenjackets (baseball),Lynx (hockey), Spartans (arena football)…not to mention the golf.

It is nicely situated (geographically speaking) - less than three hours from the ocean, and just about the same from the mountains. Just north of the city is Clark’s Hill Lake - one of the largest man-made lakes in the country (makes Lanier look like a bathtub in comparison). There’s much more to the city than just the Masters.

I loved living there and miss it alot…however, the one thing that Augusta doesn’t have are high-paying tech jobs. If those ever start appearing in my home town, I’ll be hitting the road back home.

By Kenny the Big Guy

October 4, 2006 1:48 PM | Link to this

Minneapolis gets my vote for the most underrated city. It’s as livable as Atlanta, but the downtown is vibrant, clean, and safe. It’s a real jewel nine months out of the year.

By mo

October 4, 2006 1:55 PM | Link to this

Cleveland, Ohio? Huh?

Oh, and San Jose? OK maybe it changed from the dot-com days, but back then in San Jose, all I saw was corporate businesses. I used to go to work in San Jose and chill in San Francisco in the evenings. San Jose had no charm.

Now, for all of those people who want to leave Atlanta and get some “small-town feel,” all you have to do is get in your car and drive about 40 minutes in any direction and you can have your “small-town feel” and still be in the area.

By Georgia transplant

October 4, 2006 1:59 PM | Link to this

Cleveland used to be the pits. 35 years ago, the city was falling apart, Lake Erie was clinically dead, and the Cuyahoga River periodically caught on fire (“Burn On” - Randy Newman).

That’s all changed. I’ve seen it grow more beautiful and exciting with every visit since the 1970s. Perfect? No. Under-rated? Most definitely.

By jcfromindy

October 4, 2006 2:04 PM | Link to this

Indy definitely is an underated city. Go Colts!

By Chris

October 4, 2006 2:06 PM | Link to this

Greenville,SC is a great little city. It has a great downtown with a walkable main street filled with shops and restaurants. They have built a new park with a great bridge on the river that runs through the city. Plus, you are only 30 minutes away from the mountains.

By Dunwoody in Denver

October 4, 2006 2:07 PM | Link to this

As a native ATLien, I’ll throw in a vote for my new hometown, Denver. Contrary to what most people might believe, it really doesn’t snow here that much. In fact, we get 80% of our snow in November, March, and April, leaving December, January, and February as mostly mild (40’s, 50’s, and occasional 60’s) and sunny. Last Christmas Day it was 70. When it does get cold, it only lasts 3-4 days, then it warms back up, and when it snows, it’s usually gone in a few days, due to the sunshine.

Denver’s downtown BLOWS AWAY downtown Atlanta; by 2010 there will be over 10,000 people living downtown. There are new lofts, condos, and apartments everywhere you look, and LoDo (lower downtown) is the center of the city’s nightlife, along with dozens of great restaurants.

Last but not least, imagine if MARTA trains went to Duluth, Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Stockbridge, Peachtree City, and Douglasville. The equivalent here in Denver is FasTracks; the voters here approved(!) expanding the existing light rail system to reach all across the metro area, totalling some 120 miles of track. When its all done in 10 years, Denver will have one of the largest mass-transit systems in the entire country.

By Amanda Miller

October 4, 2006 2:09 PM | Link to this

I agree with the Memphis and Charlotte choices as under-rated. I lived in Memphis in the mid-1980s, and couldn’t wait to leave. The city has come a long, long way since then, with lots more to do. And Charlotte has a great feel to downtown, with folks as welcoming as Atlantans, but the city is smaller and easier to navigate.

As for Cleveland, it has come a long way, too. It wouldn’t be in my top 10 places to live — same with Minneapolis, ‘cause I hate cold weather — but it’s got a lot of reasons to visit, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Memphis, by the way, feels the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should have rightfully been theirs.

By Glenn

October 4, 2006 2:09 PM | Link to this

I actually think Chattanooga is kind of underrated . Lots of stuff to do , decent food & quite affordable . I know its not in Georgia but mighty close .

By War Eagle

October 4, 2006 2:10 PM | Link to this

Don`t we wish all cities were like Mayberry or do you prefer New Orleans?

By BRENT

October 4, 2006 2:12 PM | Link to this

Atlanta could have topped this list, but all the idiot white people…and I am white…refuse to adapt in the name of progress. We blew it not taking MARTA to the suburbs 20 years ago. I am going to cash out and move to Florida in the next 5 years, and leave you rednecks behind.

By Sam

October 4, 2006 2:15 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh Rocks!

By Michael

October 4, 2006 2:15 PM | Link to this

Go to Cleveland and then comment. Great sailing and lake front with decent fishing. The Flats are a great place to hang out, eat and drink. The sports teams are questionable in their talent but the fans are some of the best. The Rock-&-Roll Hall of fame is cool. One of, if not the best symphony in the country along with a great art museum. Travel inland 15 miles and the Cuyahoga River runs through a beautiful State Park. Travel somewhere before you open your mouth.

By Kappy

October 4, 2006 2:16 PM | Link to this

Walt Totally agree with your Heidelberg, Germany. Great little university town, completely off the beaten path. Beautiful scenery. Had a grat experience there.

And what about Charleston, S.C. I love it there. Always have a good time and their downtown district is awesome.

By Chili

October 4, 2006 2:21 PM | Link to this

St Petersburg, Russia is a fantastic city. Ranges from dirt cheap to extremely expensive. There’s an abundance of wonderful museums and monuments, a great nighlife scene (Club Revolution or Club Metro) and fine dining. Stay at the Hotel Grand Europe if you can swing it. Russian visa requirements are iffy so book through an agent. Wow someone voted Charleston as an overrated city? Have you been living under a rock? Chucktown gets mad press.

By Todd

October 4, 2006 2:26 PM | Link to this

I can think of a few very under-rated cities. Fort Myers, FL with its coastal living, quaint downtown, and unbelievable weather is a great place. I agree with Charlotte as well. I live in Cleveland right now, and i never would have put Cleveland on that list. Horrible economy and job market, plenty of crime, terrible weather, the “cuyahoga” is so polluted the only thing we expect to see in there is a dead body. Also, The Flats has disappeared into a ghost town of empty buildings w/broken windows and rampant crime. I would have chose Pittsburgh in our sister state of Pa. They’ve cleaned the city up to the point where its gorgeous (nicest skyline in the US) and very clean, affordable housing, vibrant downtown, got themselves a champion sports team with a new football and baseball stadium as well. If you haven’t seen PNC Park, you need to, its light years nicer than Jacobs Field, Camden Yards, or the new ballparks in Cincy, Denver, and Texas.

By jeff

October 4, 2006 2:41 PM | Link to this

Ann Arbor Michigan….Go Blue

By Kenneth Twilley

October 4, 2006 2:50 PM | Link to this

Savannah,Ga. one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

By Darrell

October 4, 2006 2:53 PM | Link to this

To the person who commented that downtown Charlotte puts Atlanta “to shame”, you must be referring to another ‘Charlotte’ than the one in North Carolina. Sure, it’s clean (as “clean” downtowns go) but there’s absolutely NOTHING to do there. You can walk for blocks on a weekend night and see nothing but people cruising in their automobiles as if to be seen, but nobody’s dropping anyone off to go anywhere or do anything.

The SouthEnd is nice, but downtown Charlotte is without question one of the sleepiest downtowns in America - and I travel there quite often for business as I work for a company that’s headquartered there. Conversely, I go there every year for the Falcons/Panthers game and always end up at the same downtown spot - Champions “Sports Bar” (or so-called) because nothing else is open downtown. And even Champions is located inside the Marriott.

Zzzzzzzzz…

By davedawg

October 4, 2006 3:06 PM | Link to this

San Jose? I’m from the Bay Area and San Jose has to be the most boring city in the country. Think of Suburbia, USA. Think of soccer moms, Wal Marts, office parks, and subdivisions.

By ChampDawg

October 4, 2006 3:14 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA sucks, especially the downtown. Who in their right mind would choose to live in Atlanta! GA cities— Savannah, Athens, Valdosta, Thomasville are good… smaller put a “large” feel. The WORST Ga cities would have to be Atlanta, Macon, and Albany. Outside GA but w/in the South— Charlotte, Charleston, Jacksonville, Nashville, and Memphis would make my list. ATLANTA SUCKS.

By JustMe

October 4, 2006 3:23 PM | Link to this

Beunos Aires, Argentina is tops on my list. Tons of history, amazing architecture, extremely friendly people, cheap to visit (US dollar goes very far), close to the beach, low crime, opera/concerts every night, soccer crazy, and so on. The only “bad” thing is that the flights are expensive from Atlanta.

By TW

October 4, 2006 3:27 PM | Link to this

Very mature blog, ChampDawg - exactly how do Valdosta and Thomasville have a “large feel?” And compared to what, Folkston?

Also - Charlotte is a cultural wasteland. It’s great if you like NASCAR and church, but it’s not exactly a big draw. Heck, I’d rather go to Raleigh.

The survey is right about Lisbon and Bologna, both are beautiful. I’d also recommend Seville and Buenos Aires.

By JustMe

October 4, 2006 3:27 PM | Link to this

ChampDog - I live in Atlanta and was raised in Albany. I like both of those cities.

Albany has had a great renovation of their downtown. And, the city has built a wonderful river walk as well as a medium sized aquarium to show off the Flint river life. There are lots of charming places to eat there that is within walking distance.

Atlanta is what you make of it. Midtown is nice, as is buckhead and the peachtree battle area. There are great museums, concerts, and tons to do (unlike in the cities that you mentioned that you liked).

You can stay in Athens with your “dawgs”. However, I bet that even you travel to Atlanta on some weekends anyway!!!

By Play that funky music whiteboy

October 4, 2006 3:42 PM | Link to this

Travelling up and down the East Coast for work, I have to say that Richmond, Virginia is very underrated. The restaurants downtown are fantastic, and it doesn’t get better than the bar at the Jefferson Hotel. Also, North of the Mason Dixon line, New Haven, Connecticut would be on my list. The blue bloods at Yale notwithstanding, the people are very friendly there and the restaurants are great - lots of mom and pop places, tons of Italian influence in the food.

By Nickelbelle

October 4, 2006 3:45 PM | Link to this

I agree with Greenville, SC and Charleston, SC. Also,I was in Nashville this weekend and was amazed at the amount of stuff going on but with so little traffic!

By aks

October 4, 2006 3:59 PM | Link to this

First of all, I think Atlanta is fantastic. It’s always growing and it’s full of opportunities.. Charlotte is fine, but the downtown is DEAD on evenings and weekends.. I have family in Cleveland and I’ve yet to be impressed.. I used to do business in Augusta and I didn’t really care for it. I DO think the following are underrated: Cincinnati, Huntsville, York (England), and Richmond. Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities I’ve ever been to. I do think Athens is kind of cool, but I just can’t stand be surrounded by so many UGA fans.

By aks

October 4, 2006 4:00 PM | Link to this

First of all, I think Atlanta is fantastic. It’s always growing and it’s full of opportunities.. Charlotte is fine, but the downtown is DEAD on evenings and weekends.. I have family in Cleveland and I’ve yet to be impressed.. I used to do business in Augusta and I didn’t really care for it. I DO think the following are underrated: Cincinnati, Huntsville, York (England), and Richmond. Edinburgh is one of the best cities I’ve ever been to. I do think Athens is kind of cool, but I just can’t stand being surrounded by so many UGA fans.

By TOby

October 4, 2006 4:00 PM | Link to this

Having traveled alot there are a couple cities that are very underrated, top of the list for that would be Cloumbus, Ohio. It has a vibrant downtown, great restraunts, good nightlife, and a great college. For a city overseas it would have to be Munich, Germany, all around beautiful city and so much to see and do.

By ET in Tucker

October 4, 2006 4:07 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh is a super city to visit. Clean downtown with free public transit downtown.

By ET in Tucker

October 4, 2006 4:09 PM | Link to this

Pittsburgh is a super city to visit. Clean downtown with free public transit downtown. Great museums. National aviary. Neat bridges. Good looking stadiums. Water.

By BDHypes-

October 4, 2006 4:23 PM | Link to this

Memphis,TN is a great place to visit that is vastly overlooked by most travelers.Outstanding downtown setting postioned beside The Mighty Mississippi,top of the line Blues Clubs,including but not limited to:BB Kings,Elvis’Memphis,The Rum Boogie and my personal favorite,WC Handy’s Old Time Blues Hall.Throw in world renowned BBQ joints and my friend you have a weekend.For a extra special treat go Memorial Day weekend for the cumulation of “Memphis in May” and attend the BBQ cookoff located at Tom Lee Park,on the banks of “Old Man River”

By PJF

October 4, 2006 4:24 PM | Link to this

Yes, it’s me, Ted. Cape Town South Africa is the best place on the planet! A long trip, but worth it.

By Winnie

October 4, 2006 4:24 PM | Link to this

Cape Town South Africa is the best place on the planet! A long trip, but worth it.

By RK

October 4, 2006 4:26 PM | Link to this

Charlotte, while it is very nice, has a dead downtown scene.

Richmond is great, as is Charleston SC — but I don’t think the latter is unknown.

Pittsburgh is great, as well — there’s nothing like coming through the tunnel and having the city burst upon you. Like another industrial city, Cleveland, underappreciated because people expect a depressed and dirty town.

But Lisbon has to top that list — very inexpensive, extremely nice people, some great architecture, great stadiums, beaches, a train the travels the coast for easy travel from Estoril (where Europe’s largest casino is) to the city.

By Woodie

October 4, 2006 4:30 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is only good if you know where to go. And it’s not easy figuring that out. The transportation problem here is the worst. So is the crime and drug problems. Charlotte is so dead. I’ve hear good stuff about Nashville. I like Tampa too.

By E-Man

October 4, 2006 4:30 PM | Link to this

Try Portland, Oregon. The weather is nice, the city is clean, Pot is allowed for medicinal use, no sales tax and they have vineyards an hour away. Home of the rose gardens, japanese gardens and china gardens. The Mass transit system is free in the downtown area and goes where you need it to go. You can ride bikes everywhere and drivers yield to them. Seattle is 2 hours away and so is the beach. The government is very supportive of the Arts, which Atlanta could care less about.

By Tyler

October 4, 2006 4:42 PM | Link to this

I live in Charlotte now for 6 years. I moved here from Atlanta where I lived for 12 years. Charlotte does have a very modern skyline and a clean downtown BUT IS VERY DULL AFTER DARK AND ON WEEKENDS. Greenville SC has a great little downtown.

By TOM

October 4, 2006 4:43 PM | Link to this

Biloxi, MS

By Da Tominator

October 4, 2006 4:59 PM | Link to this

Spent three weeks in Melbourne in July - not knowing much about the place going in (was there on business) I was completely blown away by what a terrific city it really is. Super transportation (they have those old tram cars), the massive Crown Casino, the great Chinatown area, and the friendliest people you’d care to meet all added up to a great trip.

I’d count Munich as underrated, as well. Gorgeous city, terrific beer, great subway system, and easy to get just about anywhere else in Europe from there.

But the absolute BEST place to be is Alexandria Bay, New York during the summer-time. No better fishing in the world - and the eats at Cavallario’s are great!

By mr. saint

October 4, 2006 5:17 PM | Link to this

new orleans rocks; nothing else in the us even comes close.

By Larry

October 4, 2006 5:18 PM | Link to this

San Jose??? Are they out of their minds??? San Jose is nothing but one big strip mall from Palo Alto to Los Gatos. It is all concrete and steel and makes downtown Atlanta look tropical.

E-Man is not all wrong about Portland, Oregon; but, he fails mention that it is as expensive as some expletive deleted.

By R.U. Kidding

October 4, 2006 5:27 PM | Link to this

The fact that I see Dahlonega, Brasstown Bald, Athens GA, and Greenville SC really puts into perspective the type of respondents the AJC gets for these blogs.

By BPJ

October 4, 2006 5:36 PM | Link to this

Brussels and Lisbon are underrated by many Americans, who tend to go to better-known cities. I lived in Brussels for a year, and found its Flemish/French character charming. One can eat very well there, and of course the local beers are a treat.

Lisbon has the setting of San Francisco, with the weather of San Diego, and the history of an old imperial capital. It is a beautiful city, less affected by homogenized architecture than just about any major European city. Go!

On another subject, I see it didn’t take long for the “Atlanta sucks” crowd to hijack the discussion. I’ll offer just two observations: first, Atlanta’s center (Downtown & Midtown) is getting more lively by the week.

As for the arts, that’s becoming one of Atlanta’s strengths. I just got back from a trip to Portland (Oregon), with a group from the Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center. We visited several museums and galleries, talked to plenty of local people involved in the arts, and read the local media. I have to say Atlanta is some years ahead of Portland in the arts. Sometimes from a distance, other cities don’t seem to have our problems, but when talk to my counterparts (arts board members) in Seattle, Dallas, and Milwaukee, the litany of complaints is familiar.

By Terrence1911

October 4, 2006 5:37 PM | Link to this

My top 3 most underrated cites would go in this particular order. I’ve lived in all three and each are beautifully landscaped, offers great dining and shopping. Nashville’s young professional social scene is alot better than KC and Charlotte and all three are nice places to reside. Period.

Nashville, TN Charlotte, NC Kansas City, MO

By Reshanda

October 4, 2006 5:38 PM | Link to this

I was born and raised in Augusta GA so not sure who in the heck loves it there???!!? Must be the golf enthusiasts cause East Augusta is a hole. I live out in a southern cali suburb - Menifee- and LOVE IT!! You can get to San Diego in 1hr, LA in 1 1/2 hours, and Vegas in 3!! Can’t beat that and the weather ;)

By Mike Woolley

October 4, 2006 5:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry to say I didn’t see charleston, S.C. on the list. It’s a great city to visit and live in . Visit 2 kids there often who grew up in ATL and schooled in Athens. they love Charleston and wouln’t move back to ATL because of size, traffic, etc.

By KJ

October 4, 2006 5:58 PM | Link to this

Charlotte, NC; Nashville, TN; Indianapolis, IN; Greenville, SC; Charleston, SC, and San Diego, CA are all good choices for underrated cities that I’ve seen named. I’d also add Phoenix, AZ and Tampa, FL. I guess it’s all relative to the general perception of the city, but I can’t see how Cleveland could possibly make that list.

By David

October 4, 2006 6:11 PM | Link to this

To RU Kidding: Why wouldn’t those cities be listed? Did you read the entire entry by Amanda?

She also suggested underrated GA locales in addition to national/international ones. If you haven’t been to Athens or Dahlonega, you may be surprised.

Athens (on a non-football gameday) is a great place to relax, enjoy a top-notch arts, music and restaurant scene as well as go shopping. There are great small hotels and walking the campus of the University is like walking through a large historic park. The state botanical gardens are there, and the state museum of art.

I moved here from Austin several years ago and I’d say those places are right on. I actually enjoy Athens more than Austin.

By Mike

October 4, 2006 6:15 PM | Link to this

Nashville, Chattanooga, San Antonio, Louisville, Charleston, Denver, and Kansas City are good choices. My top pick would have to go to Austin, TX. Though with as many people moving in now it may not be that underrated anymore!

Internationally: Seville, Buenos Aires, Taipei, Lisbon.

By erin

October 4, 2006 6:40 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with everyone who’s mentioned Charleston, S.C. It’s absoutely gorgeous.

I also agree with the person who mentioned Austin, Texas. I lived five years there and loved it. It’s got tons of stuff to do and the area known as the Hill Country is a very easy drive from the city.

I do agree with Albuquerque being on the list. It’s very similar to Austin, actually, in that there is a ton of stuff to do, but you rarely hear much about it.

By JLD

October 4, 2006 6:41 PM | Link to this

I would include Springfield Massachusetts to the list. The city has a vibrant downtown, great restaurants, unlimited shopping options, and the population is very diverse. The city is constantly having festivals to celebrate various events. For those that enjoy museums, there is a nice collection in the area.

By Vince

October 4, 2006 7:46 PM | Link to this

Stockholm and Helsinki are real gems of Europe. Very little compares to Warrenton, VA, and many towns in Fauquier County, VA. And if you’re in LA, you hear alot about Malibu and Venice Beach, but it’s Manhattan Beach that’s the best. When in Texas, you must visit Mineola in Wood County’s piney woods…very much like north Georgia. Totally under the under-rated radar: Edwardsville and Carbondale, IL.

By ChicagoTL

October 4, 2006 7:49 PM | Link to this

R.U. Kidding, I’ve only been to Georgia a handful of times, but the best restaurant I’ve ever eaten at, and this including all the restaurants I’ve eaten at in Chicago over the years, is the Five and Ten in Athens. Sensational.

By GoDawgs!

October 4, 2006 7:52 PM | Link to this

I’d have to say that Cape Town, South Africa is a most amazing place to visit or live. I spent four months there earlier this year (during their summer) and the weather is amazing— warm, like Atlanta— minus the humidity. Granted they, too, have a pitiful public transit system but a strong dollar would help you move into the most trendy areas of town.

By kelvin

October 4, 2006 8:01 PM | Link to this

Reshanda —-I agree! Used to live in Murietta CA and golf in Menifee…Beautiful!!!

By ginger

October 4, 2006 8:14 PM | Link to this

Greatest in the south…. Ashveille, NC did make the list and it’s a fabulous and charming town. Wonderful for a long weekend to relax!! Charleston, Savannah and St Simons get my vote for long wonderful underated South. Chattanooga is a wonderful day trip, it’s just the right size not too big, not too small and just enough to keep you hopping. Another little quiet burb that is really building up it’s downtown,sports and night life is Rome, GA…

By Y.A.

October 4, 2006 8:37 PM | Link to this

Tampa, Florida rocks for me. Imagine being able to go into pubs and bars (Ybor City) for free. Some places even give you free appetizers and drinks. Floridians know how to have F-U-N!!!

By Shana

October 4, 2006 8:56 PM | Link to this

Milwaukee is a very nice town. Most people are surprised by Milwaukee’s charm.

By N.A.

October 4, 2006 9:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve done some traveling and found a beautiful city in the southern part of Brazil called Curitiba in the state of Parana. The city is constantly cited in books, articles, and NPR as one example of a city well planned. The city has the most amazing parks, museums, it’s clean, and everybody recycles organic and inorganic waste. Even guests at hotels must do it! The city is most famous for its environmental conscience and its mass transit system. Los Angeles and other cities around the US and the world are trying to recreate Curitiba’s transit system. Cars are very small and run on ethanol. The city It’s so cheap, you would not believe. The architecture is a combination of portuguese, german, japanese, italian, arab, and local influence. You can have the best Italian and German food here. There is no urban sprawl because the government makes sure permits are issued on the condition that builders must provide shops within walking distance. Now, that’s what I call an under-rated city. I bet many of you didn’t even know it existed.

By Michael

October 5, 2006 8:45 AM | Link to this

Charleston, SC is an amazing place, the downtown is awesome for walkability.

By lancestamps

October 5, 2006 6:12 PM | Link to this

Istanbul, Turkey is such an amazing city to visit. I just couldn’t get enough.The restaurants were like nightclubs, full of the most beautiful people, wearing the latest in designer goods. And the hotel, Ciragan Palace, was heaven thanks to classictravel.com. The site even let me cutomize my room. Two thumbs up!

By Lamar

October 5, 2006 7:07 PM | Link to this

I wish RU kidding would make a trip to downtown greenville just one weekend and his mind would be changed foerever. leave the atl just for once!

By paul prevosnik

October 12, 2006 1:06 PM | Link to this

Cleveland has the most recorded orchestra in the world. The best playhouse district outside of new york. Ethnic neighborhoods, terrific housing buys, second in no. of golf courses and parks plus great restaurants and nightlife. Weather, there is snow but no hurricanes, mudslides, earthquakes, ice storms or year round oppressive heat and humidity.