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So often these days, we arrive in a new destination and hit the ground running, trying desperately to check off a whole host of  “must-see” items in the short time we’re there. (We’re looking at you San Francisco, Chicago and New York!) But sometimes, it’s nice just to pick a chill city where you can wander and explore without an agenda. Here are 10 fabulous cities that are less about coming up with a massive “to do” list and more about simple pleasures like strolling a shop-filled downtown, hitting up a craft brewery and relaxing in a park.

Providence, RI

Providence, Rhode Island

The Ocean State capital oozes New England charm. One of the oldest cities in country, Providence is filled with historic streets and waterfront walkways ideal for long leisurely strolls. You can meander around the scholarly grounds of Brown University or pop into the Providence Athenaeum to peruse the library shelves much like Edgar Alan Poe used to do. Choose The Dean Hotel as your home base, you’ll be right in the heart of the city with the Providence Place Mall and Performing Arts Center just a couple blocks away. Perhaps grab a cannoli from Scialo Bros Bakery to snack on as you walk through the Federal Hill Neighborhood, then sit down for dinner at Constantino’s Ristorante. With their live music and sidewalk seating, it almost feels like Europe.

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN

Flickr CC: Mattheew Deery

If you’re visiting the Twin Cities, you better bring your appetite, along with your walking shoes. For breakfast, grab a cinnamon roll and cup of Joe at Isles Buns and Coffee in Minneapolis. Get the treats to go and enjoy them on a walk around Lake of the Isles—you are in the Land of 10,000 Lakes after all. Spend the afternoon at the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden—home to Claes Oldenburg’s iconic and highly Instagrammable Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture—then pop across the Mississippi River for lunch at Colossal Cafe, a local favorite. If you’ve left your evening open, check out the calendar of one of the city’s many pro sports teams. Lastly, you can’t visit the area without indulging in Minneapolis’ vibrant culinary and cocktail scene. Enjoy dinner at Martina in the charming Linden Hills neighborhood, where barman Marco Zappia was just named Esquire’s Beverage Director of the Year. Stay at the cool new Hewing Hotel to round out an epic weekend in the North.

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC
You can visit North Carolina’s largest city with few set plans, and end up filling your day with a whole host of Southern adventures that are both fun and light on the wallet! Wake up at The Duke Mansion and start your day with some proper cheesy grits. The historic bed & breakfast serves a killer (and complimentary) Southern breakfast. Then stroll the beautiful gardens on property, which were given a stunning facelift for the mansion’s 100th anniversary. Feeling lucky? Head over to Reed Gold Mine, and for $3, you can pan for gold and hopefully strike it rich! Take a picnic or a new book to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook for a front row seat to take-offs and landings. Abari Game Bar is another fun option. The popular spot will make you nostalgic for your childhood with their impressive collection of classic arcade games. For dinner, check out the delicious and beloved Orrman’s Cheese Shop. Thursday is raclette night, where a heaping and shareable plateful of decadent cheese costs only $10!

Tampa, FL

tampa- florida

When you think of Tampa, perhaps Busch Gardens comes to mind. Certainly, a visit to the theme park is a fun afternoon activity, but this coastal town offers more than just sky-high thrill rides. Shop the electric boutiques and vintage shops in Ybor City and dine at Colombia Restaurant, one of largest Spanish restaurants in the world and Florida’s oldest continuously operated restaurant. Laze an afternoon away in one of city’s new green spaces, then treat yourself to a cold one at the Tampa Bay Brewing Company or a top notch cigar from King Corona Cigars. For your stay, book a room at the Epicurean Hotel and don’t leave without taking advantage of their spa. From the hotel, you’re just a short ride away from Tampa’s revitalized waterfront along the Hillsborough River—a perfect place for a sunset stroll!

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, Riverwalk, Texas

San Antonio Riverwalk

It’s becoming less and less a secret that San Antonio is the hidden gem of Texas. It’s the perfect place to plan very little in advance and just show up ready to soak in the culture at your leisure. Hungry? Con Safos Cocina y Cantina is a favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with any restaurant in this foodie town. San Antonio’s coolest attribute is The Riverwalk which snakes through the city. Follow it all the way to the hip Pearl District, or hop on a water taxi to zip around town via the San Antonio River. And don’t forget to wander over to the Alamo. The historic landmark marks the pivotal battle point in Texas’ independence from Mexico in 1836. Beyond the Alamo, though, there are numerous other beautiful Spanish Missions in the area that are well worth checking out. Hotel Emma is definitely the chicest spot to rest your head. The riverfront building used to be a 19th century brewhouse, before it was converted into the stylish boutique hotel that it is today.

Madison, WI

Madison, Wisconsin

There’s way more to this college town than cheese curds and craft beer. Nestled in between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, there’s a strong outdoor culture associated with this state capital. Walk the lake shores or bike along one of the many trails to really get a sense of the city. Afterward, reward yourself with a beer at Ale Asylum Brewery and proper Wisconsin curds at The Old Fashioned. This a brewing town, so don’t let the beer tasting stop there. Other great breweries that you can hit up at your leisure include Karben4 Brewing, One Barrel Brewing, Funk Factory Guezeria, and Untitled Art. Come springtime, the city’s food festival scene starts to heat up. Events like BratFest, Taste of the Midwest, or Bacon and Brews are fun times to experience the energetic city. If that’s not your jam, catch a show at the Majestic Theater or get your laughs in at the excellent Comedy on State. Madison’s art scene is very impressive, too. Stay at The Edgewater Hotelwhich lies in the heart of downtown and steps from the Capitol Building.

Tucson, AZ

tucson, arizona
Not too far from the US-Mexico border in Southern Arizona, Tucson has lots to offer, starting with endless doses of vitamin D. Getting almost 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s the perfect place to plop down by the pool and do nada for a few days. Eventually, though, all the surrounding outdoor adventure options will beckon you. Head out on one of Tucson’s great hiking trails, like Sabino Canyon, or explore Saguaro National Park. It’s fun to admire all the crazy cacti shapes—just be sure to bring plenty of water! Once you’re looking all bronze and movie-star-like, step onto an old-time movie set at Old Tucson Studios where classics like Little House on the Prairie and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral were filmed. Tucson is home to incredible Mexican cuisine; however you may also want to test out the killer pie at Fiamme Pizza. The eatery’s founder and acclaimed pizza aficionado, Scott Volpe, won the 2017 World Pizza Championship.  Picking the right resort in this desert city is key! We suggest one with a wellness bent, like Canyon Ranch, so you always have the option to escape the sun and head to a good spa!

Boise, Idaho

 
Check in to the urban chic Hotel 43 when you’ll arrive and unwind with a cocktail at Chandler’s or a coffee at Metro Cafe. The hotel is steps from the city’s awesome farmers’ market that takes place every Saturday from April through October on 10th & Grove St. Explore the entire downtown area by foot, stopping in the Boise Art Museum at some point throughout the day. You can also get some fresh Idaho air with a walk along the Boise River Greenbelt or with a picnic at Barber Park. In the warmer months, kayak or float along the Boise River.  When hunger strikes, head to Alavita to nosh on the 3 B’s – burrata, bucatini and bomboloni. After a day walking around town, you’ve earned tasty Italian fare from one of the best restaurants in town!

Bend, OR

Oregon is the ultimate outdoor oasis for nature lovers. For the perfect mix of city life and outdoor activities, set you’re sights on Bend. This small city is one of the most beloved destinations in the Pacific Northwest offering plenty to do—or not do. Looking for an adrenaline rush? How about a joyride in the sky? At Pine Mountain, you can paraglide at 6,000 feet above the earth, taking in stunning views of the Cascade Mountains in the distance. There’s also another trail in Bend you’re going to want to try out—the Bend Ale Trail! With such a high concentration of world-class breweries, Bend has even earned the nickname Beer Town USA. Once you’ve tasted your share of craft pints, enjoy delicious New American cuisine for dinner at Ariana. (Reservations are usually needed at the cozy, upscale eatery.) Then head back to your room at The Oxford Hotel, with a quick stop for a nightcap at their trendy lounge, 10Below.

Colorado Springs, CO

Home to one of the most visited mountains in the world, Pikes Peak, as well as three Olympic training centers, Colorado Springs is another destination best enjoyed outdoors. You could spend every day of your trip hiking through the mesmerizing sandstone landscape of the Garden of the Gods and be perfectly happy doing only that! The National Landmark and public park is one of the most enchanting natural wonders in the United States. For some quality time in the downtown area, start your day by filling up with a decadent brunch (with pie!) at Mountain Shadow’s Restaurants.  Then check out the now permanent Art of the Streets exhibition, featuring works from both local and international artists. If you feel up for some fun with animals, stop by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where you can feed giraffes by hand. Come summer’s end, one of the coolest times to visit Colorado Springs is during the Labor Day Lift Off festival. Over 50 hot air balloons take flight during the weekend, decorating the big blue Colorado sky with colorful balloons. We suggest checking into The Broadmoor, one of the most iconic resorts in the country and a destination unto itself.  With two pools, six restaurants and scenic mountain and valley views, you really won’t want to leave and you don’t have to!
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Tagged: Colorado, Florida, Midwest, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Southwest, Texas

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Compass + Twine
Sarah Driggs and Lindsay Ridenour are the story-tellers behind the NYC-based luxury travel blog, Compass + Twine. Follow along on Instagram @compassandtwine as they unearth some of the best hotels and travel experiences around the globe. From scenic landscapes to local cafés, they reveal the true character of a destination, always highlighting the best place to stay on compassandtwine.com .

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