{"id":22426,"date":"2017-04-25T22:00:02","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T22:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=22426"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:01:11","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:01:11","slug":"north-americas-coolest-downtowns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/north-americas-coolest-downtowns\/","title":{"rendered":"North America\u2019s coolest downtowns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You know the feeling\u2014when you arrive in a new destination and immediately fall in step with a great groove. That\u2019s the way every getaway should begin. It\u2019s hard to describe a city\u2019s special <em>je ne sais quoi<\/em> and awesome ambiance. So, we\u2019ve put together a list of the best downtowns in North America. What\u2019s our criteria for coolest downtowns? One-of-a-kind dining options, local arts venues, unique shopping experiences, fascinating historical sites, and access to urban greenspace. You\u2019ll find some of your favorites and a few unexpected gems, and a locally loved place to hit \u201crefresh,\u201d so pack your fabbest street style and get ready to visit some hot cities with cool downtowns.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Cancun-Hotels.d179995.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Cancun, Mexico<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38543\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38543\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38543\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/5057439874_2543bb4381_b.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/8GUGFd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flickr\/PriceTravel pictures<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With the coastline close at hand and palm trees swaying everywhere you look, downtown Cancun is instantly swoon-worthy. We love the open-air food court and ample people watching at Parque de las Palapas, and the energy and colorful handmade treasures you\u2019ll find\u2014and haggle for\u2014at Mercado 28.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: After collecting amazing art, keep the good times going with an evening of live music, chic cocktails and candlelit vibes at Roots Jazz Club.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Boston-Hotels.d178239.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Boston, Massachusetts<\/strong><\/a><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38545\" src=\"https:\/\/viewfinder.expedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_156927932.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><br \/>\nBoston has been \u201clit\u201d ever since Paul Revere looked for lantern light in the tower of the Old North Church way back in 1775. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original fa\u00e7ade. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience outdoors at the summer Shakespeare series on the Common.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Within walking distance to Modern Theatre and Boston Common, jm Curley is a quirky vintage bar where craft cocktails are served with an ample side of sass. Order the original Sister Abigail for a pear gin delight, and read the \u201claw &amp; order\u201d dos and don\u2019ts, which comes down to \u201cJust don\u2019t be a douchebag.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Tacoma-Hotels.d6046853.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Tacoma, Washington<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38546\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-03-Tacoma.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><br \/>\nYou don\u2019t have to spend too much time on social media to see that downtown Tacoma is the talk of the town. From world-renowned glass art to popular downtown bars, the waterfront area along Pacific Avenue has vacation vibes and photo opp-ready scenery. Walk the Chihuly Bridge of Glass\u2014a pedestrian overpass with art installations including the Seaform Pavilion and Venetian Wall\u2014for a unique ocean-inspired experience.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Just between us, Tacoma is the hottest city in the Puget Sound, and that\u2019s because contemporary classics like Savor Tacoma Creperie keep the waterfront fresh with flavorful fusion cuisine. Sweet or savory, you\u2019ll find a new favorite here. Need some help? The fresh strawberries crepe is topped with brown sugar pecan crumbs. Yum.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Boise-Hotels.d602998.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Boise, Idaho<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38547\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38547\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38547\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-04-Boise.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"255\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38547\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/QHMmoS\" target=\"_blank rel=\" rel=\"noopener\">Flickr\/cifraser1<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There\u2019s a buzz in Boise, and it sounds a lot like Instagram shutters snapping from Freak Alley Gallery. This outdoor venue is all about building a creative community in the heart of Boise, and it\u2019s playing its part in making Idaho\u2019s capital more colorful with murals and events. Boise GreenBike makes it easy to embrace the neighborhood\u2019s open-air way of life with convenient bike sharing. How cool is that?<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Craving some amazing craft beer? Visit downtown Boise in early October for the annual Hoptober Freshtival, hosted by Boise Brewing.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Old-Town-Alexandria-Hotels.d6163859.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Old Town Alexandria, Virginia<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38548\" src=\"https:\/\/viewfinder.expedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/shutterstock_484611058.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><br \/>\nOld Town Alexandria reminds us that historic landmarks have their own quirky character. Walk among colonial architecture now painted in a rainbow of color, including Christ Church, built in 1773. George Washington sang a few hymns inside those walls\u2014no big deal. Old Town earns extra artistic points for Torpedo Factory Art Center, which houses interactive galleries in a renovated torpedo factory.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Downtown Alexandria is brimming with waterfront restaurants and pubs, and Pizzeria Paradiso is one of our favorites. Where else can you and your crew order delicious slices and sample dozens of international brews right on the Potomac?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Evanston-Hotels.d8049.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Evanston, Illinois<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38549\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38549\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38549\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-06-Evanston.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38549\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz_photos\/blind-faith-cafe-evanston-3?select=6yTFSzSPi2P2NJofH10dsA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yelp\/Blind Faith Cafe<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The home of renowned Northwestern University, downtown Evanston is always on the go with world-class culture and college-town shenanigans. Even after the students go home for spring break and summer vacation, this waterfront city stays busy. Shop the world over at Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retailer selling goods from 130 artisan groups around the globe.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Wander along Lake Michigan for beautiful views and check out Evanston\u2019s green cuisine. Located south of the city center, Blind Faith Caf\u00e9 is green-certified and serves up vegan and vegetarian eats. You can\u2019t get much fresher than this, unless you buy the produce at Downtown Farmers Market yourself!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Denton-Hotels.d6058889.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Denton, Texas<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38550\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38550\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Denton.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/oJQJhE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flickr\/Nicolas Henderson<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Looking for small-town peace and quiet and lots of indie charm? North of Fort Worth, the downtown area of Denton has both and then some! Anchored by a gorgeous and green central square, this city is sprinkled with vintage vendors like Beth Marie\u2019s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream. With a double-scoop in hand, sway your way to the annual Denton Arts &amp; Jazz Festival, which takes place each April.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Can you keep a secret? Come closer. Right off Downtown Square, look very closely for the simply marked entrance to Paschall Bar and follow the staircase up to this old-school haven of literature and libations.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Fernandina-Beach-Hotels.d7156.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38551\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38551\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38551\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fernandina-beach.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38551\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz_photos\/amelia-island-historic-district-fernandina-beach?select=-9lIdfNieL48UmVWAHJfXA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yelp\/Kristina K.<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to be trendy to be cool. Want proof? Explore the historic downtown Fernandina Beach, where Victorian walkups and row houses line your path to the Atlantic seaport. Warm community spirit gives this small town its larger-than-life character, and each May you can join the locals downtown for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival\u2014don\u2019t miss the boat races!<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: At Caf\u00e9 Karibo, old things become new. This historical building is the home of an amazing turkey Cuban sandwich and a \u201cfamous\u201d veggie burger.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Gravenhurst-Hotels.d8035.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Historic Downtown Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Gravenhurst.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><br \/>\nThere\u2019s nothing cooler than being able to walk to a city\u2019s top attractions, stopping for drinks and treasure hunting along the way. Well, in Gravenhurst, you can walk to four parks and beaches from downtown. In fact, you can walk anywhere in town and be near the water. For some culture on the coast, visit the birthplace of Canada\u2019s summer theater at Gravenhurst Opera House and join the Spring into Summer Art Crawl.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Wet a parched palate at Sawdust City Brewing Company\u2019s tap room. Order a tasting flight, or better yet, take those brews out for a tour of the town in the brewery\u2019s beer bus.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Saskatoon-Hotels.d4117.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Saskatoon City Center, Saskatchewan<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38553\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-10-Saskatoon.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><br \/>\nIn addition to being able to see the Northern Lights on a clear night (we love science), you\u2019ll have plenty of waterfront views as you wander along the river. Prefer the gleam of chrome? Don your vintage wear and browse over 900 classic cars at the Rock 102 Show &amp; Shine Weekend, which takes place each August.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: What goes better with waterfront strolls and late summer festivals than chilling out with Canada\u2019s top songwriters and musicians? Stop in for a spell at The Bassment and we dare you to name a better combination.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Old-Pasadena-Hotels.d6263258.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Old Pasadena, California<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38554\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38554\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38554\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-11-Pasadena.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38554\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz_photos\/white-horse-lounge-pasadena?select=xuKfmDVdGnFgRDKhkeXz_Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yelp\/White Horse Lounge<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Pasadena may be located incredibly close to the busy streets of La La Land, but the historic city center moves to the breeze of its own palm trees. On a warm evening\u2014which most of them are\u2014walk under vintage market lights strung over Colorado Boulevard and stop to swoon at the red-brick buildings and intricate ironwork tucked away in quiet alleys.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Chow down on gorgeous SoCal comfort foods and sip innovative mixed drinks at White Horse, a popular \u201cbrown bar,\u201d where you can expect your glass to glisten like amber.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Tarrytown-Hotels.d7243.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Tarrytown, New York<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38556\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38556\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38556\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/tarrytown.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38556\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/dZMq9H\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flickr\/Stacie<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Washington Irving fans know that Tarrytown, which once included the tiny glen to the north, is the true location of \u201cThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow.\u201d If being the site of American mythology isn\u2019t impressive enough, downtown boasts the Tarrytown Music Hall, one of the country\u2019s oldest theaters. Before a show\u2014or trip to the cemetery\u2014indulge in some downtown shopping in galleries and boutiques along the Hudson river.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Warm up any New York morning with a hot cup of coffee from Coffee Labs. They source their beans from sustainable farms, so every sip makes a difference.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Prescott-Hotels.d6054768.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Prescott, Arizona<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38557\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38557\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38557\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-13-Prescott.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz_photos\/the-point-bar-and-lounge-prescott-2?select=RaMqwGxD_LQ5uKZO7t7uVA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yelp\/Robert K.<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Welcome to the wild, Wild West. In the wide-open landscape of Northern Arizona, Prescott is home to old-timey saloons and an up-and-coming cuisine scene. Walk down Whiskey Row, officially Montezuma Street, the historic thoroughfare lined with saloons and unique shops. Each June through August, rock out with local bands at the Summer Concert Series at Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Be sure to relax with a drink at quirky The Point Bar &amp; Lounge. Rebuilt after a fire in 1901, it\u2019s now a speakeasy. To taste history, enjoy a meal at The Palace, Arizona\u2019s oldest restaurant and dinner theatre. For the best of both worlds, grab your friends for a saloon crawl.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Boca-Raton-Hotels.d6317.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Boca Raton, Florida<\/strong><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38558\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Mizner-Park.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/>Things are different in Boca Raton. High rises are outlawed around here and Mediterranean-inspired architecture and palm trees compose the downtown skyline. After a day spent ankle-deep in the Atlantic, air-dry as you walk to Mizner Park, a shopping destination with an amphitheater, performing arts venues, and a museum.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: For a beverage as cool and unique as Boca, stop for coffee or fresh juice at The Seed on Palmetto Park Road.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Bend-Hotels.d6051534.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Bend, Oregon<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38559\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38559\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38559\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/bend-brewing-co.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38559\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yelp.com\/biz_photos\/bend-brewing-company-bend?select=c0FZsRhkUhy0GNTPWHrp9A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"_nofollow noopener\">Yelp\/Athena T.<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Many people know Bend as a ski destination in Central Oregon. Well, that\u2019s not the half of it. Set against the backdrop of gorgeous Deschutes National Forest and mighty Mt. Bachelor, Bend is a hub for arts and craft beer. Visit on the first Friday of the month to join the Art Walk and sample from regional vineyards, nearby breweries, and the best restaurants in downtown\u2014all decorated with local artwork you can take back home.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Bend is home to lots of craft breweries with tasting rooms downtown, including Bend Brewing Company, Deschutes Brewery, Silver Moon Brewing, Boneyard Beer, Immersion Brewing, and more. Cycle Pub takes you on a pedal-powered trolley tour through local brews. Don\u2019t worry\u2014there\u2019s a designated steerer.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Oaxaca-Hotels.d2631.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Oaxaca, Mexico<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38560\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38560\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-16-Oaxaca.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38560\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/dUnJGz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yelp\/Jiuguang Wang<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Oaxaca is a city of markets, and you\u2019ll find some of the most colorful shopping experiences downtown. Wander through Benito Juarez and the Mercado 20 de Noviembre to collect handmade leather goods, ponchos, and blankets. Vendors are always cooking up delicious dishes and drinks to fuel your treasure hunt, including fresh tortillas, chocolate, and unique soft drinks.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Each year the streets fill with fireworks, dances, parades, and radish-carving contents for the Fiesta de R\u00e1banos. Yes, this party is all about refreshing, spicy radishes.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Grand-Junction-Hotels.d1331.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Grand Junction, Colorado<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38561\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38561\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38561\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Resize-Body-17-Grand-Junction.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38561\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/98UEVa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flickr\/Loco Steve<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Beautiful fountains and public art installations make downtown Grand Junction a living art gallery. You don\u2019t have to keep quiet around here, though. Follow the sound of street performers around town year-round, or plan a trip to Grand Junction during the Off-Road &amp; Four Peaks Downtown Music Festival. For 29 years, the event has showcased free music from local and regional musicians.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Channel your inner artist at ARTBar. Painting classes come complete with \u201cliquid inspiration,\u201d in the form of mimosas, beer, and wine. That\u2019s a masterpiece in the making.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Provo-Hotels.d602978.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Provo Downtown Historic District, Utah<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38562\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38562\" style=\"width: 1000px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Provo.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38562\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 12px;\">Via <a href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/crkss\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flickr\/Ken Lund<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With Utah Lake to the west, Y Mountain to the east, and Brigham Young University to the north, downtown Provo is both historic and eclectic. Students and travelers alike pore over the shelves in search of literary gems at Pioneer Book, and every Thursday the Provo Food Truck Roundup fills the streets with good eats.<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: Chocolate gets a bad rap as indulgent and \u201csinful,\u201d but the Taste chocolate factory gives downtown Provo its heavenly scent. Follow your factory tour with a healthy drink from Ivie Juice Bar and go from naughty to nice.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/Hanover-Hotels.d55124.Travel-Guide-Hotels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Downtown Hanover, Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Hanover.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" \/><br \/>\nHanover\u2019s pairing of historic mansions and open-air markets gives the city its signature cool. Join a lavish party at the Warehime-Myers Mansion, built in 1911. To keep it casual, browse Hanover Market House; it\u2019s a piece of living history, dating back 200 years. Today, you\u2019ll find the freshest ingredients you crave, plus flowers and handmade art all in one place. Want to search for even more East Coast treasures? Explore the Hanover Geo Trail and join the hunt!<\/p>\n<p><em>Find your chill<\/em>: The perfect mix of academic and artsy, Reader\u2019s Caf\u00e9 is a library and caf\u00e9 all in one. Sounds like paradise. Check the calendar for live music and open mic night opportunities.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>What makes your hometown cool?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experiencing signature cool in cities across the continent<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":22444,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1830,1782,1778,1805,1816,1788,1774,1843,1776,2065],"tags":[],"authors":[2248],"class_list":["post-22426","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-destinations","category-features","category-festivals-and-events","category-food-and-drink","category-interests","category-occasions-and-seasons","category-solo","category-type-of-vacation","category-united-states","authors-kohleun-adamson","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized 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