Basically, what's a US city that is worth the trip, and why. There are people from all over on here who have probably been all over. I'm going to be traveling a ton in the next 2 years, trying to make a list - particularly interested in finding a different city in every state.

Check out SLC here in Utah

There is only one city in Louisiana worth seeing but mainly because of it's history and Burbon street, if you can come during Mardi Gras then that is an experience you will likely never forget....


I hate going to any parades and I will never go to Burbon street again unless drug there by visiting relative from out of state....

My wife loves Chicago though...

Jacksonville, FL-Its the largest city in the country by square miles. It has a Naval Base, a GREAT harbor area as far as restaurants and shops. Zoo there is pretty cool i've been told.

Boston, MA- My hometown. TONS of early american history there if you are into that scene, it is a sports town and offers quite a few options for sports. Drinking is a past time of the city and there is as many bars as there is people. Best seafood on the east coast, and if you like italian food i HIGHLY recommend North End section of town. Fenuil Hall and Quincy's Market are also stops i recommend just for sight seeing and taking in local fare. You wouldnt really need to rent a car as the subway called the "T" is a affordable alternative to driving. Also check out Cambridge and tour Harvard and MIT's campus.

Atlanta has some interesting stuff to see, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to come here as a tourist.

Savannah is neat if you haven't been.

If you can find a way into Augusta National in the spring, it's great. TV coverage doesn't begin to do it justice. The rest of Augusta is awful though.

If you want to party Austin, it has some neat History also. Dallas Ftworth area seems kinda dead compared to what it was when I was younger. Houston never really did much there other than go to NASA. San Antonio is where I live. We have a river running thru town that is so commercialized that most locals avoid it. We have the Alamo and neat buildings down town and now the Highest Crime Rate in the Nation (http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/SA-Highest-Crime-Rate-in-the-Nation/8vEifA4exkms8j1vl0KYGA.cspx)!!!!!

I really enjoyed Chicago I love the buildings, museums, and just the city as a whole. I also liked my last trip to Cincinnati it was nice and I just love that part of the country.

I can't really think of a single city that epitomizes California. Which one you visit is really going to depend on what you enjoy.

You can skip LA. If you've seen one big city, you've seen them all. SoCal is nice, and if hanging out on the beach with beautiful people is worth the travel time to you, you can't go wrong with some of the beaches here.

I grew up in Monterey Bay, so I may be a bit biased. If you like nature, hikes, etc, there are plenty of places in California, but Big Sur area (just south of Monterey Bay) is my favorite. Monterey Bay area itself is gorgeous... when the weather is nice. It tends to be cloudy there, so visiting can be a gamble. Depending on the season, though, you can pretty much count on it being sunny in Big Sur. There isn't a whole lot else to do in the area, except see sights... unless you like golfing and don't mind spending a bit to play at Pebble, that is. Another benefit of Monterey Bay is that your a short two hour drive from...

San Francisco. Another sight seeing destination with a lot of history. Definitely do some research on what people recommend doing in SF before going. There is a lot there, but much of it is hidden and, again, its going to depend on what you are into.

There's always Yosemite which, again, if you are a nature / sight seeing nut is definitely worth the visit. The only problem is that there aren't really any major cities or anything really worth seeing nearby, so I can't really recommend it as a "city" to visit.

I haven't spent a lot of time in Northern CA, but I'm sure there's plenty up there. I would avoid the heart / central valleys of CA. While I'm sure there's plenty to do there, it tends to be hot and you get neither the Ocean or the Mountains, though you're about a 2 hour drive from each.

Lake Tahoe is nice, but again, totally different than the other areas. If you're a mountain man, it may be worth your time. If you're there in the summer / fall, there are tons of outdoorsy activities around and in the lake. In the winter, tons of ski / snowboarding resorts. You're also right on the Nevada border, and if you cross it there are several casinos, if you're into that kind of thing.

My favorite city is New York. Why? Because it represents the true heart of America, the cultural culmination of what makes up America--a reminder that Americans are not of one people, but of many people, one nation. According to a recent US census, 170 languages are spoken in the city, and 36% of New York's population was born outside the US. As the birthplace of many cultural movements (Harlem, bohemianism, theatre) and an important center of international trade and commerce, there is much to see and do in New York.

We stayed at the St. Regis in New York on 5th Ave/55th St. It's really a beautiful location if you are looking for old world luxury with New York charm. It's not cheap, by any means, but it's a wonderful hotel since I always try to stay at St. Regis when I travel. The New York one is its trademark.

If you are a foodie like me, you will want to visit these places in East Village. The Momofuku empire is unfortunately just too delicious, and the sentiment is true--that if you're at Momofuku Ko, you are lucky to be there, and of course there is its famous shaved foie gras with lychees and riesling jelly. Of course, the reservation is very difficult to get, and New York Times head reviewer Frank Bruni laments his struggle to get a reservation with his review, "To Dine at Momofuku Ko, First You Need Nimble Fingers." (They have a reservation system that basically allows you to reserve 6 days in advance, requires a credit card to secure, opens at 10:00:00 AM, and fills up by 10:00:04 AM for its 24 seats, two seating rounds).

http://ayonae.com/img/shaved_foie.jpg
WHAT you’re about to read may prod you to try for a reservation at Momofuku Ko, so it’s incumbent on me to say this right off the bat:

Best of luck. Be strong. Be forewarned.

You can’t fixate on a specific night. You can’t fixate on a specific hour. You must have patience, an efficient computer and nimble, fast-moving fingers, because the way to grab one of the 12 coveted seats is to click-submit a reservation request at precisely 10 a.m. precisely six days before you aspire to dine there and then hope against hope and dream against dream and promise the cyberspace gods your firstborn male child if they speed your electronic wish to Ko before all the other electronic wishes get there.

Drat! The gods must be lazy. It’s 10:00:09 and the computer is saying that every reservation has just been taken. Try again tomorrow, and the day after that. Promise the gods your chocolate Lab as well.
Of course, there are other places to eat in New York which are just as good. We went to Thomas Keller's restaurant Per Se at 10 Columbus Circle, and it was one of the best meals of my life. Since they knew we were foodies, they gave us the special 21 course menu at the same price of the regular menu, and I got to have foie gras prepared with 100-year old Basalmic vinegar! We even got to tour the warzone--they let us in the kitchen!

I'd also strongly recommend you visit Momofuku Ssam Bar, Milk Bar for some other tasty treats. If you feel like eating Japanese style ramen, I'd go to Ippudo. If you want izakaya food, Hagi. If you want Japanese traditional tea ceremony, Cha An. If you want Chinese, Flushing has it all. If you want Italian, just look around you. And pastrami is plentiful.

Above all, New York represents and reminds us that America is a cultural infusion. Sure, we Americans do have our arrogance, but going to New York reminds us that we have all come from somewhere else and that here (unless you're Native American and all I can say is sorry, you got the short end of the deal), we all get along, Muslims and Jews, Chinese and Japanese, Blacks and Hispanics. My problem with most of Midwestern and South regions of the US is that they think they've been there since the very beginning of time. They haven't--they were from somewhere else. And New York serves to remind us of that.

In New York, you will run into a Londoner, a Hong Konger, a Ghanaer, an Italian, and more. You get the point. It's truly the cultural centre of America. And while you're in New York, you'll want to grab a bite at Katz's Pastrami, but let me forewarn you: the queues are long!

San Fransisco, but then I am an outsider.

That was a great experience, though. Especially waking up with three naked men, but that's another story...

San Fransisco, but then I am an outsider.

That was a great experience, though. Especially waking up with three naked men, but that's another story...

I hope you didn't leave with a sore arse, mwhahahaha. San Francisco is nice, and is probably the second city most representative of US culture. I'd always suggest a trip down to Southern California, but it generally is more difficult for international travelers to get around. I love Newport Beach/Monarch Beach by Dana Point.

I don't have much understanding why people would move to South Florida. Like my friend's mother in law would say when asked if she would move to South Florida to retire, she replied in disgust: "South Florida? That's God's waiting room!"

Obligatory restaurant list for San Francisco: French Laundary (Thomas Keller), SPQR, Michael Mina, and a few other local places that I will be happy to provide by request!

If you end up coming to the Bay area just message me for info. I was born and raised here and spent alot of my time in Monterey, SF, Tahoe, Yosemite, Sacramento, Napa Valley, Etc.

I hope you didn't leave with a sore arse, mwhahahaha. San Francisco is nice, and is probably the second city most representative of US culture. I'd always suggest a trip down to Southern California, but it generally is more difficult for international travelers to get around. I love Newport Beach/Monarch Beach by Dana Point.

I don't have much understanding why people would move to South Florida. Like my friend's mother in law would say when asked if she would move to South Florida to retire, she replied in disgust: "South Florida? That's God's waiting room!"

Obligatory restaurant list for San Francisco: French Laundary (Thomas Keller), SPQR, Michael Mina, and a few other local places that I will be happy to provide by request!


French Laundry is great(I have been ONCE) if you do not mind spending 250 a seat to eat. There are slightly cheaper places that run 150 or so a seat or just some really good places.

Savannah is neat if you haven't been.



Living here, I can tell you, it sucks! I can sum it up in a few words. Savannah was the only southern city not burned to the ground during Sherman's March. Attitudes haven't had to change, as you find in other southern cities that were burned to the ground. They like the Yankees to come and spend thier money, but not much else. They like Yankees to leave after they spend thier money, even better. Otherwise, they probably wouldn't pee on you, even if you were on fire.

Washington DC is a great place to visit. Just try to avoid going to or coming from during rush hours 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM as I recall on the NOVA side.

I've also heard NYC is a pretty nice place to visit, but I personally haven't been.

I'll back up Savannah GA, You can also checkout Charleston SC (I love the South).

Chicago is good and try Cleveland...and Memphis...to me it is all about the food!

Ohh ya VEGAS BABY!!!

Boston/Salem for its unique history everywhere. I loved visiting there.

San Fransisco is a good one as well. Tons of places to see and food to eat.

Montrose Colorado was fun because it was in the middle of three areas for you to go check out.... all mountain related :)

NYC is the best.

I have enjoyed most places I've visited, here are the places I would consider returning to visit.
Santa Fe, NM
Love this place, the old architecture, great food ( learn to love the chili ), eclectic population.
Portland, ME
A nice place I haven't spent enough time, lobster, the ocean, a little touristy driving up the highway.
Portland, OR
Beautiful place to visit. Mountains 1 hour away, ocean 1 hour away.
Seattle, WA
Pike Place, Puget Sound
San Francisco, CA
Tons to do just walking up and down the streets, Fisherman's Wharf is a tourist trap, but there is plenty to see and do. If you enjoy live music ( of just about any variety ) check out what is going on when you are going to be there. Constantly big name acts here.
Milwaukee, WI
The architecture here just amazes me. And cheese.
St. Paul, MN
Haven't actually spent much time here, but I loved the scenery with all the rivers criss-crossing everywhere. And I've met some of the nicest people in the world here.
San Diego, CA
Lamplight district and OB ( Ocean Beach ) areas provide relaxation, entertainment, and good food
Jackson Hole, WY
Uh, there's a good reason 8 million people visit this town of 5,000 between Memorial Day and Labor Day
Boston, MA
History, seafood
Philadelphia, PA
Dirty town, but plenty of history and cheesesteaks!
Chicago, IL
Wrigley park, Chicago dogs, Chicago pizza, and it seems like there is always something to go do.
Austin, TX
Live music capital on the world
Denver, CO
Downtown is nice, very urban and hip. Next to San Francisco, this town and the next seem to rack up constant great music
Boulder, CO
Ok, its basically a really distant suburb of Denver, but for its natural beauty deserves its own spot
NY, NY
Do I really have to explain?
Knoxville, TN
A little quirky if you are too urban, but as the gateway to the Smokey's, it is a nice place to visit. Nashville too.
Memphis, TN
Ok, food and music, you may have noticed, are two things I love. Memphis has both in spades.
Little Rock, AR
Clinton library, the rolling hills, the river running through downtown. Ok, its my hometown, it gets on the list.
Salt Lake City, UT
I love the mountains and this is a very quaint city in the mountains. Great Salt Lake is eerily majestic also. Heading there next week for a wedding.

I travel to Atlanta fairly often and it is an enjoyable town, nothing wrong with it. But I'm not sure it would be my top vacation destination. Though if you have time to explore the GA countryside and maybe dip into FL, I can see it being time well spent.

I lived in Ketchikan, AK for awhile and while I enjoyed it there, I wouldn't necessarily suggest a vacation there, its kind of a small island, unless you really enjoy fishing and rugged beauty. But I was always told the last few miles of the ferry ride before you arrive in Juneau should not be missed. So far, I've missed it. Other places I've passed through and would like to visit more include Charleston, SC and Omaha, NE.

I have to endorse SF as well. always a great city. the only restraunts i remember are the stinking rose if your a garlic lover and Bob's steak house.

If you can manage it somehow. take the 101 across the Golden Gate and keep on going. the Cali coast and redwoods are fantastic. the Oregon coast is simply breath taking. Astoria is neat and the olympic rainforests are a unique experiance. that and you can end the trip entering Seattle by ferry. you'll never forget any part of that journey.

Austin shouldn't be on this list. People come here and never leave, drink up all the water so the wondrous swimming holes are drying up or getting fenced in by the California folk. the lakes are craptastic at 63% of level and a pretty sheen of gas and motor oil in the coves with a floating beer bottle and bra.

There is no parking for the great music just throngs of people and outrages charges to see what used to cost a can of food or 5 bucks. The infamous 6 th street is now over priced and a so called eclectic mix of college students and yuppies leveling the iconic landmarks to create million dollar condos in some of the towns greatest music, food locals.

property values are insane and more people keep coming here to keep them up. All the greatness of this old sleepy college town are gone and soon it will be called Los Austin.

Scratch this city off our must see list. if you must see a city in Texas go to South Padre Island. Its a blast in the winter time, or summer time.

San Antonio is a nice place to visit, the Alamo and Riverwalk are worth seeing. I just wouldn't suggest living here :p I only do because I have to.

Love The Vegas.

San Francisco is nice, and is probably the second city most representative of US culture.

Nice? Yes. Representative of US culture? Not in my opinion.

I've lived on both coasts for several years (near New York and near San Francisco) as well as the midwest and rockies. San Francisco tends towards the liberal extreme with a much more "anything goes" outlook than most of the rest of the country. New York tends to be much more fast paced and has a definite in-your-face attitude that isn't representative of most of the rest of the country.

In short, our cities are more complex than first meets the eye and I can't think of any that are truly representative of the whole. The regional variances make sure we can't even agree on what *is* representative of American culture between ourselves. See all the cities you can and decide for yourself is the best advice I can give.

See all the cities you can and decide for yourself is the best advice I can give.

That's the point of this thread :) I'm looking to hit 52 different cities over the next 2 years, seeing what people are recommending!

Jacksonville, FL-Its the largest city in the country by square miles. It has a Naval Base, a GREAT harbor area as far as restaurants and shops. Zoo there is pretty cool i've been told.

Boston, MA- My hometown. TONS of early american history there if you are into that scene, it is a sports town and offers quite a few options for sports. Drinking is a past time of the city and there is as many bars as there is people. Best seafood on the east coast, and if you like italian food i HIGHLY recommend North End section of town. Fenuil Hall and Quincy's Market are also stops i recommend just for sight seeing and taking in local fare. You wouldnt really need to rent a car as the subway called the "T" is a affordable alternative to driving. Also check out Cambridge and tour Harvard and MIT's campus.

I have heard it was second behind Juneau, Alaska. Cape Coral, FL at one point was number 3, but I don't know any longer.

My recommendation would be to look for cities with 50k or less population. All the glitz and glamor of the big cities pales when you contrast with the smaller town and what those folks find important as landmarks, and such.
You will make more friends and meet more 'real' Americans by visiting the smaller towns, and 50k is not really small.

My recommendation would be to look for cities with 50k or less population. All the glitz and glamor of the big cities pales when you contrast with the smaller town and what those folks find important as landmarks, and such.
You will make more friends and meet more 'real' Americans by visiting the smaller towns, and 50k is not really small.Small towns are nice, but if you're coming to the US by plane, would you really plan a trip to a small town that is inaccessible or not within the proximity of an airport? Going to a small town for an international traveler is very prohibitive, and if you don't know anyone in said small town, what are you going to do? My girlfriend is an auditor for Japanese car manufacturers in Tennessee. Her company KPMG sends her to a small town like Cookeville, and between spending time at the company and in her hotel room, she really doesn't know what to do.

Let's say I'm from China, and I wanted to see America: going to the US would cost me at least $2,000 USD for a family. Would I want to go to Cookeville, TN? While many people in Tennessee are quite kind, there are also some very closed minded people there, and foreign travelers are liable to some discrimination. My girlfriend, during her college years, was the victim of such a criminal act: someone left human manure on the floor of her dorm room, and left a message stating: "Get out of here, you dirty Jap!" I can't imagine what they'd say about Chinese right now.

On the topic of Americans: everyone in the US except for Native Americans came to the US by boat, so what is a "real" American? I am an American citizen yet my ethnic heritage is Chinese--does that make me less American at heart?

A nice small town to go to is Paradise Valley, AZ with a population of 14,921. It's right in front of the Montelucia and has a wonderful Spanish restaurant called Prado. The famed Camelback Mountain is also located there. I'd also go to Pizzeria Bianco for the best pizza in the US (James Beard recipient). I live in Paradise Valley and I'm a big fan of their no commercial zoning policies. You won't find any businesses here (except for the ones with special use permits such as the Ritz Carlton and Montelucia)--and street lights, other than the ones approved by voters, the town, or otherwise grandfather-claused--are outlawed. It's right on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix.

But Kelraz is not from another country. My response was geared to an American wanting to visit cities.

Nice? Yes. Representative of US culture? Not in my opinion.I agree with you to an extent, but what I meant to say was the diversity of both San Francisco and New York are indicative that out of many, we are one. Remember the Latin on every American minted coin? E pluribus, unum symbolizes that this country is the melting pot of all cultures. The fact that I'm ethnically Chinese (or Taiwanese, depending on your perspective) doesn't make me less American. America doesn't really have culture--that's part of its identity crisis. The beauty of America is that all of us represent a whole. I'm Chinese, but your heritage may be German, English, Irish, Slavic, or Italian.

San Francisco and New York are cities with diverse populations. That is why I believe it symbolizes some of the best attributes of America, that someone ethnically different can share into a common culture. If you can identify what is US culture, I would be delighted to hear what you might have to say, since I am not quite aware of a single definition of US culture.

I've always thought of U.S. culture was the blending or mixing of a great variety of different cultures together into something unique. Remember the Schoolhouse Rock "Great American Melting Pot"?

Now I'm told it was just a bunch of white people being discriminatory against anyone that looks different....

If you can identify what is US culture, I would be delighted to hear what you might have to say, since I am not quite aware of a single definition of US culture.

I can't come up with one that people would agree on. I don't think anyone else can either. That was my point.

Even your rationale of New York and San Francisco with the mixing pot analogy isn't really accurate. I don't think any American city has the same ethnic proportions as the country as a whole. Large cities in general tend to be far more diverse than suburban or rural areas.

San Francisco and New York (being coastal cities) are far more ethnically diverse than most of America and for that very reason aren't really representative. They simply emphasize one particular aspect of American society (our immigrant roots). Vast swaths of America are far less ethically diverse but are no less American for being so.

I'd add Indianapolis to the list of cities worth visiting.

It's , well it's been a few years, a well laid out city and downtown is something to see.

I'd add Indianapolis to the list of cities worth visiting.

It's , well it's been a few years, a well laid out city and downtown is something to see.

If I go to Indy, it will probably be for GenCon I have to admit. I'm sure it has a lot more to offer, but frankly we never hear about it.

A few states under-represented.

Any cities worth visiting in...
Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia?

I am from Milwaukee but I really liked:

Jackson, Wyoming very cool town, close to Grand Tetons and Yellow Stone.
SteamBoat, Colorado..another kick ass town, best to visit in the fall because of the Aspens.
Denver cool, large City.

Can you see the theme here?!!

Vegas was said, fun fun fun.

Nashvillie Tenn, kind of cool.
Chicago, of course why not?

As far as Alaska goes:

Anchorage: The biggest city in the state, lot of good things around there if you're into art/history the museum has a lot on early Alaska up to now, and the Aviation museum is worth a look too, lots of good info on the early days of aviation in AK and around the world there.

Downtown is nice too, if you're up for Bar hopping I suggest checking out Glacier Brewhouse for dinner, then wandering around a bit, McGinnley's pub is nice, Humpy's, Rumrunners, and Platinum Jaxx. There are a lot of other good bars around there too, but those are some of the best and all within stumbling distance of the nicer hotels. Two other places to definitely go to are Chilkoot Charlie's, and The Great Alaska Busch Co. though neither are near downtown and should probably get their own dedicated night of debauchery.

If you head south of town you can make Aleyska in about an hour, great skiing and some hiking out there during the summer. Seward is even further south, good sightseeing on the way down, worth a drive if you have the time. They have the Sea-Life center down there too.

Homer and Soldotna = meh. Unless you really really like fishing.

Up North Fairbanks has a lot of bars as well, though there it's pretty much boozing and outdoor stuff and thats it, Snow machining in the winter, 4 wheeling in the summer etc etc. though not far away is Chena hot springs which is pretty badass, especially in the winter.

The Alaska Railroad has a ride/fly package I'd highly suggest if you have the means, you ride up to Fairbanks from Anchorage and go through Denali National Park past Mt. Denali/McKinnley and on up to Fairbanks. Then fly back ot Anchorage the day after.

If you decide to go, I'd suggest May-August and take plenty of bug dope :p

If anyone does get a wild hair and decide they're going to Alaska, PM me and I'll see if I can't get you in touch with some of my friends who work in the Terror.. I mean tourist industry :p

hey Ele how is elazul? I think i misspelled her name. I remember her ih9.org site lol.

I know an Elazul from Prism who still plays EQ2 ... probably different person?

California-Northern
Napa Valley for the wine tasting and Spas. Make your woman happy.
Tahoe for the skiing.
S.F. for the sights.
Silicon Valley to see where all the tech heads live.
Santa Cruz for art collection. Biggest collection of various art forms, from gourds to pottery to glass blowing to make your own scent and infuse it in incense, candles, perfume, and soap.

Along the Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles:
Casa de Fruita on the 152 crossover from the 101 to the 5 on your way down to southern california. There's a Ren Faire there in the summer.
Harris Ranch, on the 5, 33 interchange on your way south from northern California. Best. Steaks. Ever.

Los Angeles is NOT like any city anywhere...it's the only place you can drive two hours in any direction AND STILL BE A CITY. Other individual cities may be bigger, but the Greater Los Angeles area (which includes Orange County) is Ginormous. Los Angeles is where you find gastronomical experiments from all cultures meshed together. You can blame the mexican chicken over spanish rice bowl in the chinese style on L.A.
Pasadena-go see the Rose Parade. the parade sucks, but the party the night before is awesome. you can park your RV there, as overnight parking restrictions are waved the two weeks after christmas. Good Downtown area. Must try Tops Pastrami Burger with a large Chili Cheese Fries and large vanilla shake. Must also try Rosarito's Combo Burrito. Best Hole in the wall mexican food evar. Also check out the Ice House comedy club, and Robin's, home of ice cream alcoholic drinks!
Universal City Walk. Decent amusement park, or alternatively good shopping/dining/movie experience.

Well, it occurred to me that you could do a twist on city-seeing, and visit like named cities in different states. This was brought on by seeing your list of under represented states, and Oklahoma reminded me of their college town of Stillwater; Stillwater in Minnesota is the birthplace of the state. It might be an interesting sideways perspective seeing how like named cities are either similar or vastly different.


(And this also reminded me of the band, Stillwater, from the 70's, who were a pretty good southern rock band)

if you are doing that, visit all the springfields!!

Kelraz,

Should have suggested Milwaukee and especially from June 25-July5th time frame. Summer Fest is going, one of the largest Music Festivals right down town. Big fun.

Heh me and Elazul aren't really on speaking terms any more. Looooong story.

Wasn't there a website involved?

Indeed there was. Like I said a long story.

Yay I'm going to get to see Seattle!!!

Which, I hope, means I'll get to see the Cowboys come up and the Cubs play at some point in my life!!!!

So now that we're registered with the Writers Guild, I can let the cat out of the bag.

http://www.chadhorn.net/treatment.doc

We've got a network interested, though no one ever bites on this kind of thing without a pilot. So we'll shoot the pilot first and bid it around. With a beer-centric focus, anyone have any other suggestions?

I definitely think we're gonna bump Atlanta for Savannah on your suggestion Sanchek, and we completely forgot Memphis (thanks Rover).

With a beer-centric focus, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin is a must. The home of Leinenkugel Beer, and it's many varieties. I prefer the original brew, but enjoy Summer Shandy with it's blend of the beer and lemonade. In a frosty mug after delivering mail on those 85-95 degree days, it is the perfect welcome home offering.

California

Chico for Sierra Nevada
SF for Anchor Steam (where beer is made via steam)
Davis for Sudwerk

Give me a few i am sure I could think of quite a few others.

Well if you're going the beer angle for AK you definitely need to check out the Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, Glacier Brewhouse, and the Alaskan Amber brewery (not sure where it is but I think they have a local one in Anchorage)

I definitely think we're gonna bump Atlanta for Savannah on your suggestion Sanchek.

I will say, I don't know anything about a brewery in Savannah (though there may be one(s)), but Atlanta has Atlanta Brewing Company and Sweetwater Brewery. I don't like beer much, but people tell me they're good.

You'll definately be spending alot of time in the Northwest then. :

Tons and tons of Brewerys here Scuttlebutt and Diamond Knot bieng two really close to me. Seattle has so many i cant even remember all thier names.
one of favorites is Elysian(sp) as well as the Pyramid wich is across the street from Safeco field. great spot start your baseball or football game early.

And sorry Fandros no Pukes up here this year unless it's the playoffs. Titan's and Bears look like the 2 best home games going. good luck on getting tickets though.