Boston, or ‘Beantown’ to the locals, is one of the most elegantly poised and dynamic cities I have ever lived in. It is culturally diverse and there are areas of the city that are almost entirely Italian (North End) and Irish (Adam’s Village). Due to this diversity, the heart of the city beats to its own spirited drum and it is utterly infectious. There is so much to see and do, ranging from its rich history to its wildly fascinating music scene.

Adding to Boston’s striking resume is its incredible subway system. The ‘T’ makes it easy for you to get anywhere easily within the city, so there is no need to rent a car in Boston. If you plan on heading to Cape Cod on your visit, you can jump on the Capeflyer train, which runs between Memorial and Labor Day, and you are on the Cape in two hours. If you are someone looking for a hearty dose of culture, a premier theatrical performance, a cerebral music experience, or simply a fun weekend dining and drinking in some of the country’s finest and most eclectic establishments, Boston is the city for you.

Here are some of the best Attractions for you to check out while you are in town.

My recommendations on…

Reading List

The Bostonians by Henry James
Historic Boston in Four Seasons by Samuel Chamberlain
Old Landmarks and Historic Personages of Boston by Samuel Adams Drake
The Friends of Eddie Coyle by George V. Higgins

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Crossing into the Western U.S. from the East is a bit like crossing into a new country.  There is a western ‘Mason Dixon’ line (that I just made up and would like the patenting rights for) that runs up the eastern borders of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana and after you cross it, feel free to take off your heels, in fact throw those God forsaken things out the window.  No need for heels out here.  Chaco is the Jimmy Choo of The West.  

If there is such a thing as ‘God’s Country’, you’ve just entered it.  

There are a myriad of nugget cities (no pun intended) out West, but there is one in particular that completely stole my heart.  Its name is Denver and it just so happens to be the fastest growing city in the United States at the moment.  Is this thanks to the myriad of health benefits gained from living at ‘high’ (also no pun intended) elevations? Perhaps. Due to the fact that it is one of the strongest economies in the country? Maybe. Because it was named the #1 city in America to live in by US News? You’re getting warmer. These are all fantastic reasons people are flocking to Denver by the Volkswagon busloads, but having lived myself in Denver for eight incredible years, allow me to offer a more homegrown answer.

To start, it is an extremely walkable city, and as a City Planner trained in Denver, I can confidently say the city prides itself on this fact. Unless you want to get off the beaten path and into the mountains, you can easily visit Denver without renting a car.  This has become even easier due to the six hundred (and growing) B-Cycle bike rental stations that can be found within a quarter mile from every point across the city.  Colorado is the sunniest state in the U.S., with 300 days of sunshine per year, but should you get caught on one of the other 65 days, worry not. You can simply hop on the lightrail (Denver’s tram system) or a bus to get where you are going.

Denver’s proximity to hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and award winning ski slopes is incredible. You can walk out of your front door and be shredding down a fresh powder run within an hour, that is if you set your alarm early enough to get going before the ski traffic starts. If you aren’t much of a mountaineer, you can opt to get some fresh air in one of Denver’s 250 urban parks. Every area of Denver has its own ‘Central Park’ that is programmed with fun events throughout the year, so you will never have to worry about getting bored while visiting this ebullient city.

Next up on the list of why to visit Denver: Beer. Oh my God, their beer. Who cares about their legalized marijuana when you can drink those heavenly micro-brewed elixirs? With over 100 microbreweries, it has rightfully gained the title as the “Napa Valley of Beer”.

But most of all, the overall lifestyle in Denver is something that I haven’t found anywhere else.  Add perfect weather, its proximity to The Rockies, its incredible cultural scene, its microbreweries together with some of the most interesting and caring people I’ve ever met, and well, there you have Denver.  It is an American Utopia and I can only wish for you that you get a chance to see it for yourself.

Here is a list of some of the coolest Attractions to see while you are visiting.

My recommendations on…

You’ll need

1. Sunscreen (in summer and winter)
2. A water bottle. Denver has a high altitude climate and it is important to stay hydrated!
3. Good walking / hiking shoes
4. In the summer it is HOT, so make sure you pack accordingly.
5. In the winter it is COLD, so make sure you pack accordingly.
6. Bear Spray. Only Kidding.

Reading List

It Happened In Denver by Stephen Grace
Showtime: Denver’s Performing Arts, Convention Centers & Theatre District by Thomas Noel
The Bookseller: A Novel by Cynthia Swanson
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb
Best Hikes Near Denver and Boulder by Maryann Gaug

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On the first day I moved to Boulder, I picked up a brochure and on the front it read, “Boulder: a little town nestled between the mountains and reality”. During the time I lived there, I found this statement to be irrefutable. Though, perhaps a few more description words such as, eclectic, ambitious or layered would have fit in well with the narrative. Boulder is strikingly beautiful and its inhabitants are almost cult-ish about its protection, though rightfully so.

It is home to the University of Colorado and almost half of its 100,000 inhabitants are students. The other half are climbers, hikers, bikers, and avid outdoorsmen there to reap the benefits of its natural outdoor playground. Its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver and all the ski slopes is simply a bonus.

The first time I moved to Boulder, I was a hippie attending the Boulder College of Massage Therapy. The second time, I was a yuppy working for the City’s Department of Comprehensive Planning and Sustainability as a City Planner. Different outfits, same outlook. Boulder is an incredible place to be if you are well versed in worldly issues and love spending your time outdoors. It has an urban feel, despite its surroundings and natural predators such as mountain lions, black bears and rattlesnakes. People keep to themselves in Boulder a bit more than other cities I have lived in, but they eventually warm and can become lifelong friends.   If you are thinking of adding Boulder to your bucket list, I can certainly recommend it.  Just don’t forget your hiking shoes and Camelback!

Here is a link to some of Boulder’s top Attractions !

My recommendations on…

Reading List

Best Boulder Region Hiking Trails by Bette Erickson
Boulder: A Sense of Time & Place Revisited by Silvia Pettem
History of Clear Creek and Boulder Valleys, Colorado by OL Baskin and Company

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Los Angeles, the City of Angels. Mmmmm, not exactly.  I had always thought of L.A. as a decadent city of class. After I accidentally moved there, I realized my imagination had gotten the best of me. Had it not been an interesting job living and working with Kirstie Alley that kept me there, I probably would have stayed in L.A. for a lovely vacation and then gone back to London, as originally intended. However, one week turned into one year, and as a result, I now have a plethora of advice to share with you here.

If you love movies and are dying to get a peek inside Hollywood, then you certainly have to go to Los Angeles. For the rest of you that are simply interested in checking out The Golden State, I personally feel there are far more beautiful and interesting places for you to visit, such as San Diego, Santa Barbara, or San Francisco. Los Angeles has an incredible climate, but the city itself has a cheap feel to it despite its expensive price tags. To boot, there isn’t so much to do in Hollywood unless you want to get a palm reading from one of L.A.’s astrologist-life-coach-channeller-stone healers, which will cost you much more than your good sense. It is an inordinately spread out city of chain store conglomerates and tourist traps and, unlike New York, it has a nightmare public transportation system and the car traffic, well, it’s BAD.   Getting from point A to point B can either initiate early onset hair loss or turn you into an alcoholic.  

With that said, there are some good things about Los Angeles. For one, the natural plant life is stunning and there is always something in bloom. Beverly Hills is also striking, but these days it is a tour bus jungle and its residents aren’t so favorable about this reality. It does have phenomenal restaurants with equally phenomenal prices, but if money is no object, you will be pleased with the myriad of options. I personally think the best thing about L.A. is its proximity to beach towns like Venice and Santa Monica. You can be on their wide, sandy beaches within forty-five minutes by car and from there you can start a scenic drive up California’s Pacific Coast Highway and away from the madness.

For the business traveler flying into L.A. for a week, you will certainly find nice hotels and distinguished places to eat, but for those of you in search of a charming and more affordable experience, keep your foot on the gas pedal.

Here is a list of worthy Attractions, should you find yourself in the city of Los Angeles.  Because the city is so spread out, I have focused on four areas for you to stay and play in, which you will find below.

Areas of Los Angeles to Stay In

Downtown

Hollywood

West Hollywood

Los Feliz

Reading List

The Love of the Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Barbarian Nurseries by Héctor Tobar
Secret Stairs by Charles Fleming
Ask the Dust by John Fante 

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San Francisco is like Los Angeles’ funky half brother. They’ve got the same Mom, but she spent some time in the free lovin’ Haight-Ashbury district during the 60’s so they’ve got two different Dads, Don Juan and Bo. Los Angeles has the climate, but San Francisco has got the sultry fog, the breathtaking vistas, the runaways, the entrepreneurs, the wayward souls, the cool architecture, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Chinatown.  Not to mention, their next door neighbors are Pt. Reyes National Seashore and Napa Valley.  Its the step brother you hate to love, but you can’t help it.  He’s JUST. SO. COOL.  

As it is an international city, people sort of keep to themselves, but not in an unfriendly way. Should you need to ask someone directions or let them know they have toilet paper stuck to their foot, they will kindly respond. With that said, its worth noting that people can get quite snobby about their coffee here, and if you don’t drink it, I’d consider faking it while you are in town. Much of the city buzz (no pun intended) happens in or around coffee shops and telling someone you don’t drink coffee can become a re-creation of that moment in the movie when the record skips and everyone turns to look at the weirdo from outer space. You can quickly redeem yourself by saying, “What I meant to say is that I don’t drink coffee unless it is Blue Bottle.” Handled. You just won yourself a spot in the cool crowd.

Creativity and self expression are alive and well in San Francisco, so don’t be alarmed if you find yourself suddenly among hundreds of people wearing lingerie, holding chainsaws and protesting Victoria Secret because its monthly catalog isn’t printed on recycled paper. You can’t fault them. San Francisco is keeping the love and pervasive buoyant mood alive, and unlike L.A., the only traffic jams here tend to be caused by Prius drivers insisting that the other Prius driver go first.

It is also fair to say that you may want to do a few calf raises before you come to San Fran because you will be met with hills, hills, and some more hills. The good news is that you can walk everywhere, so no need to worry about renting a car. If your calves aren’t up to the task, you can hop on the Bart (subway) or one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars and easily get to anywhere in the Bay Area.  I’ve picked a couple of areas to focus on with regard to where to stay, eat and imbibe based on what I think are the hippest neighborhoods of the city.

Ok, so now that it is clear that there are drinks to be drunk, merriment to be made, and stories to be told in San Francisco, here is a list of cool Attractions to set you in the right direction.

Areas of San Francisco to Stay In

Pacific Heights/Nob Hill/Russian Hill

The Mission

Reading List

Tales of The City by Armistead Maupin
The Golden Gate by Vikram Seth
Infinite City: A San Francisco Atlas by Rebecca Solnit
Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita
On The Road by Jack Kerouac

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You know that cake… that lavish, ornate layer cake you once passed in a boutique window? The one that looked too perfect to eat but drew you into the confiserie anyway because you just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to taste it? And when you did your senses ignited with ecstasy, aphrodisia, and jubilee?

That’s Vienna.

It is a city alive and pulsing with musical and artistic virtuosity, flecked with palaces, museums and opera houses, and designed with architectural formalwear. The Viennese culture exudes a sanguine imagination and the mood is simply infectious. It is no wonder that Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Franz Schubert, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Johann Strauss, Otto Wagner, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Marie Antoinette, and the Wiener Schnitzel all come from Vienna.

The Viennese themselves are extremely high-brow and well educated, as are most Europeans. To boot they are very healthy, due in large part to their socialized health care system and the excellent walkability of the city. There is no need to have a car in Vienna, as you can walk or bike almost anywhere. On rainy days you can take Vienna’s amazing public transportation and be anywhere in the city within 15 to 20 minutes.

The Viennese also place a high value on old-fashioned etiquette, so firm handshakes are important, as is not putting your feet on pieces of furniture where they don’t belong. Should you litter or spit on the ground, don’t be surprised when an older woman in a fur coat publicly shames you. With that said, their sense of humor is nothing short of brilliant and is based around the concept of “schmaeh”, which is an affection for bullshitting. Once you’ve reached this level of banter with a Viennese, you’ve made a friend for life.

They have incredibly programmed, free, year round festivals where pets and kids are welcomed, placing an emphasis on the importance of family.   Vienna itself is not an expensive city and, in fact, rents here are lower than most other metropolises of the same filigree.

The only unfavorable thing I can say about Vienna is regarding their service industry or, ahem… lack thereof. Going to a café or restaurant requires time and a hearty dose of patience. There is no ‘quick lunch’ in Vienna. In fact, the Viennese coffee houses have a declaration that goes, “time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill.” As elegant as this sounds, what it translates to is, ‘the wait staff will get to you when they are good and ready, and should you ask for a menu or your check before they offer you one, you can add at least another twenty minutes onto your already ridiculously long wait in order to teach you the virtue of patience’. Waiters and waitresses act on ‘principle’ here and I can only strongly advise that you don’t request anything. Enter coffee houses and restaurants at your own risk. The good news is that a 5% tip is the norm and 10% if they managed to smile at you.

There are so many incredible things to do in and around Vienna, but here is a list of the top Attractions for your visit.  

My recommendations on…

Reading List

Wittgenstein’s Vienna by Allan Janik
Only in Vienna by Duncan J.D. Smith
Fin-de-Siècle by Carl E. Schorske
The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth

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After having lived in Munich for three years, while traveling extensively throughout Germany, I can safely say that Munich is a little ‘kingdom’ unto itself and Münchners wouldn’t have you think otherwise. They will tell you that they are Bavarians first, and Germans second which, historically speaking, is of course true.

It is by far the cleanest and safest place I’ve ever lived, due in part to the reality that every Münchner was a born police officer. They love a good rule and they will be the first ones to tell you if you have violated one, whether it is an actual written rule, or one they made up on the spot. At first glance, Munich appears to have a very laid back atmosphere, but if you get too relaxed and accidentally set a pinky toe into a bike lane, the bike bells will ring, fingers will be pointed, and German profanities will be shouted. No one enjoys being publicly shamed and as a result, people generally walk a tight rope and follow the rules in Munich. For a list of other things worth noting before coming for a visit, check out my O’zapft Is! : A Munich Commentary article.

With that said, Munich is a geographically blessed city making it easy to take day trips to the Alps, the neighboring blue crystalline lakes, and quaint Bavarian towns such as Augsburg and Garmisch. The Bavarian countryside is absolutely breathtaking and the amount of days there that I felt such an intense gratitude for my surroundings far outnumbered days spent anywhere else thus far.  The public transportation in Munich is the best I’ve seen and between their biking system and public transport, there is absolutely no need to have a car while visiting.  Their extensive train system makes it possible for you to get anywhere in Germany with ease.  

After WWII, there were three schools of thought in Germany regarding architectural reconstruction and Munich went largely with the traditionalist school of thought, allowing it to maintain its European charm, which many of us foreigners come in search of. Many of Munich’s German counterparts went with a more modern approach to reconstruction, and while it may be functional, it doesn’t hold the charisma and grandeur quite the way the architecture in Munich does.

The city itself has strict zoning and height restrictions, which limit construction in the city center from being more than 99m high, so unlike many metropolitan cities, Munich retains its quaint ‘village’ feel. It was one of the most thoroughly rebuilt cities in Germany after WWII thanks to the efforts of historic preservationists, the municipal government and its local citizenry. Many war-damaged buildings were saved from demolition and restored to their prewar form and as a result Munich is one of the best preserved of all German cities.

Munich is also a city rich with festivals and seasons and hosts one of the world’s top parties. The festival season starts every year in the middle of September with Munich’s infamous Oktoberfest, which goes until the first week of October. At the ‘Wies’n’, revelers pack tents clad in traditional clothing and consume liter-size ‘Maß’ beers while standing on benches and singing Bavarian hymns for hours on end. It’s a real party and certainly worth checking out for yourself.  Less well-known seasons and festivals are the seasons that revolve around food, such as mushrooms and asparagus and the summer Forest Festivals that are dotted throughout Bavaria. The only ‘quiet’ time Munich truly experiences is during January and February when everyone rests and gets ready for the next go-round.

Munich has a bounty of attributes, but when it comes to its beer garden culture, the city in unrivaled. It has over 180 beer gardens spread across the city that vary in size and style and this is where, I think, Munich truly shines. German monks, who created cellars in the ground to keep their beer cool during the summer months, were the first ones to start beer gardens. To help keep the temperature in the cellars cool, they covered the ground with gravel and planted chestnut trees on top due to their dense canopies. Over time, people began bringing picnics to these areas under the chestnut trees and beer gardens started. You are still allowed today to bring your own picnic to Munich’s beer gardens and this is where you will find almost every Münchner on a beautiful afternoon. The summer vibe in Munich is insurmountable and I strongly urge you to find a spot on your bucket list for this enchanted land.  You’ll be glad you did.  

For a list of what to do and see while you are visiting, click here.

My recommendations on…

Best Beer Gardens in Munich

Chinese Tower
Viktualienmarkt
Augustiner Keller
Seehaus
Hirschgarten
Max Emanuel Brauerei
Wiener Platz
Muffatwerk
Hirschau
Wintergarten
Mini Hofbräuhaus

Reading List

The White Rose by Inge Scholl
Weekend in Munich by Robert S. Wistrich
Ruins of War by John A. Connell
This is Munich by Miroslav Sasek
Munich and Memory by Gavriel D. Rosenfeld

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