Underrated U.S. Cities

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Travel Pulse says these are among twenty underrated U.S. cities. These are the ones I have visited, by hook or by crook (that means on business not leisure). St. Louis The best part of St. Louis is the area called, "The Hill" or the Italian neighborhood. It is filled with great family style restaurants. My personal favorite is Cunetto's House of Pasta. When we (as a work group)went, which was often, we always told them it was someone's birthday. Why? Free dessert, usually an Italian cake or Cannolis. The Central West End was also a great dining destination. Forest Park is one of the better inner city parks. And the downtown area with the Gateway Arch and the baseball stadium is always busy. Flagstaff Northern Arizona is vastly underrated. It is close to several great attractions, including Sedona, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, and Antelope Canyon. Not too much further are the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, and Utah's Monument Valley. Anyone with a camera should high tail it to Antelope Canyon (see my photo above). I can't say much for the food, other than the Elote' Cafe in Sedona, it is simply beyond words. Baltimore Yes, crab cakes, the Ravens, nearby Annapolis and the Naval Academy, and my old buddy, Dirty Pat. The seafood will attract you, but the vast culture and history of the area are equally worthwhile. I loved visiting the Naval Academy, and its history and tradition. Annapolis is an interesting city for a day's exploration, and not far from DC. Cheyenne Only because of business trips, have I any knowledge of Cheyenne. You may remember my story. I forgot to bring a tie to wear with my suit, so I drove downtown. The local men's store had a few ties, but they could double for an adult bib! I ended up at an Army Surplus store, and bought a plain, black wool tie! I am certain the meals must have centered around beef, and more beef. Why would you go there? I really do not know! Reno Reno has received a bum rap over the years. Several friends have moved there. Housing is affordable, assuming their water shortage has been addressed. Oh, and no state income tax!! I hear they have wonderful bike paths. And an old Basque restaurant downtown near Harrah's. I cannot vouch for the weather. Portland (ME) Not quite a destination, we were on our way to Freeport and the L.L. Bean flagship store. But they did have numerous lobster shacks, all quite good. And while you are there, visit Kennebunkport, the summer home of GHW Bush. Maine has a rather unusual, but interesting vibe. It is different than the rest of New England, not sure why. Durham Home of Duke University, and the highly regarded Washington and Duke Golf Course. An old grad school buddy is now the Chancelor for Health there. Durham is part of the famous "triangle" but seems to lack the charm of Chapel Hill. Here are my suggestions for this list: Arroyo Grande Just about any city or town on the Pacific Coast is great in the summer time. But Arroyo Grande is low key, has some great restaurants (including our favorite, Ember), nearby wine tasting (Laetitia), decent bike paths and lanes, and a really nice dog park. And very affordable to visit. Moab What is not to like about Arches and Canyonlands National Parks? And just south, Monument Valley. Moab also is home to the famous Moab Brewery, THE place to eat and drink in town. I love this part of Utah. Big Fork We found Bigfork on our first visit to Whitefish. It is a cute little village, with a beautiful lake, good restaurants, and plenty of recreation. Their summer theater is quite good, and the area is unspoiled and not as heavily touristed as Whitefish. The lakes are beautiful, and the nearby mountains offer great hiking and exploration. Bandon Home to the world famous Bandon Dunes Golf courses, the area is low key, with many nice seafood shacks, nearby wineries, and fantastic ocean views. I have visited at least four times. The golf courses are among the best in the world. The seafood is close behind. Columbus Though home to Ohio State, the area boasts great diversity, including a nice Japanese grocery store and restaurant. Highlands (NC) My nephew got married here in 2019, a cute little hamlet, about two hours north of Hotlanta. The area has a rich tradition, and just seems to be a unique place in the world. Sturgis Don't believe the hype about this famous motor cycle town. It is more civilized than they like to portray. The food is good and plentiful, and the people always make guests feel welcome. But there are a few biker bars that get a little wild. My friends, Barry the V, and Webb would enjoy that! Perhaps you have been to some of these towns and cities. If not, I strongly encourage you to go. How would I rate them? Antelope Canyon (northern Arizona)Bandon, ORBigfork, MT

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