As I spent a lot of this Labor Day weekend watching the US Open, I got serious green tennis ball colored envy. I need to go to Flushing, NY stat (my friend goes every year, I have no excuse). I mean, what a perfect way to spend a long weekend, exploring the last few days of summer in the city and then enjoying Primetime tennis! Until I make it there, all I can do is dream of past New York adventures.
concrete jungle where dreams are made.
I think I’m going to Boston, I think I’ll start a new life. So are the lyrics of the Augustana hit from the early 2000s that fill my head every time I go here. It’s a great city for new starts and rejuvenations, being both young and vibrant whilst steeped in history and tradition.
One if by land, two if by sea…
Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the country’s financial centers which draws in a lot of young professionals and individuals with money. With a growing population, the demand for restaurants, attractions and entertainment rises, and the city has stepped up. It honestly does not feel like much of a Southern city, other than its hospitality, the downtown feels like mini Wall Street with its city of skyscrapers.
The cool thing about this city is that there’s a real sense of humor about it. There’s quotes all around town, and whimsical public art displays. Not what you might expect from a city that boasts the Nascar Hall of Fame. The unexpected it what makes this city so special, and a great place to spend a short weekend.
Prague is probably the most popular destination in Central Europe. It’s a great city filled with spectacular vistas and bridges and churches. It’s the city of a hundred spires, packed to the brim with Medieval churches, a castle, cobblestone paths. It’s very walkable, and the beer is cheaper than water (it basically is water?) . It’s a european city, so there’s also a thriving red light district and sex museums–fun for everyone, question mark. What do you expect, it was the capital of Bohemia at one point.
Praha is a classic destination, with art, culture and architecture abound. I spent a much too short 24 hours here, and while there are other cities I prefer, this is certain a must see for anyone traipsing around Europe looking for a good time.
The devil wears praha
Omaha is not just something Peyton Manning yelled a lot while he quarterbacked for the Broncos. It’s also a lovely metropolitan area in the corniest state the Midwest–literally, not figuratively. It is comfortable, young, hip, and up and coming. So up and coming that Facebook is going to open some sort of offshoot HQ there in the next few years.
I had briefly traveled to the Cornhusker state for a weekend years ago, but one of my favorite friend couples lives there, so I visited Nebraska’s most populous city again to hang out with their family. It’s a very family friendly place, and you can see why it’s becoming more and more popular amongst young couples. The pace of life is decent, there’s a lot of industry and tech moving into the area, and proud Nebraskans are opening up cool restaurants and shops all over the city.
Omaha, Omaha set hut!
Steel City is good old fashioned blue collar town, and it’s a good time. The people are genuine, there’s innovation in food and industry and healthcare. Sports culture can’t be beat there. I’ve been to the ‘burgh a few times, for assorted work related trips and a wedding, and I’ve had memorable visits each time.
won’t you be my neighbor?
Oh boy, oh Boise. Since many people (read: members of my family who are reading this) will be flocking to Boise this week for the total eclipse of the heart of the sun, I thought a Boise guide would be apropos.
When you think of Boise, you may think of potatoes or Boise State University, but this capital city is really trendy, with new restaurants and revitalization of its downtown core. They don’t call it the Portland Jr. for nothing (although I think it stands on its own quite nicely). The proximity to world class skiing doesn’t hurt either. I was pleasantly surprised visiting Boise, it’s serene and wide open. I’m a person who appreciates space, and “sleeper” destinations that aren’t yet overrun by tourists.
Turn around, bright eyes…or you may miss all there is to see!
Traveling docs 