Growing up in the Midwest, I always thought a place needed a coast or a world-famous city to be cool. After traveling to all 50 states, though, I realized that charm can be found anywhere, often in the most unexpected places.
Don’t get me wrong — I love a good New York moment and will never turn down a Las Vegas trip — but America’s real magic often lies in its lesser-known gems.
These are some of my favorite cities to visit that I think are underrated for serving up culture, fun, and character without the crowds or clichés.
I’m convinced Boise will be the next Denver or Portland
I gravitate toward places with a balance of city, country, mountains, and water, and in my opinion, Boise is just that: a Goldilocks city.
You can hike the foothills, float the river, and brewery-hop all in one day. Boise’s downtown area is compact and walkable, with murals, boutiques, and tons of restaurants.
Stumbling upon the Basque Block — a cultural district where you’ll often smell paella sizzling in the streets — was one of my favorite surprises.
The local chain Boise Fry Co. introduced me to more potato varieties than I knew existed, and I also enjoyed the silly baked-potato-shaped ice cream sundae at Westside Drive In.
There are tons of outdoor activities here, too. Bogus Basin, a ski area just 40 minutes from downtown, offers opportunities for skiing and tubing in the winter and mountain biking and hiking in the summer.
Kansas City’s plazas, fountains, and architecture feel more European than Midwestern
Kansas City is where my husband grew up, and the first time I visited, I was blown away. Before Taylor Swift sightings were a thing, it wasn’t a city you heard much about, but its downtown area is stunning.
Country Club Plaza, established in 1922, is an open-air shopping district with a layout and design inspired by Seville, Spain. I loved going here for a romantically cheesy gondola ride before hunting for local finds at Made in KC Marketplace and Charlie Hustle, a popular apparel store.
As the first US city to roll out free public transportation, I was extremely impressed by how easy and affordable it was to get around.
The KC Streetcar can bring you from Union Station to the free Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, home to the iconic shuttlecock sculptures (a must for the ‘gram).
As far as food goes, KC’s barbecue lives up to the hype — I highly recommend heading to Joe’s for the Z-Man smoked-brisket sandwich. The Museum of BBQ offers a fascinating look into the legacy.
Finally, in the 18th & Vine District, the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum share a roof for one of the coolest cultural combos in the Midwest.
Despite what I’d internalized from growing up in Chicago, Milwaukee has a personality all its own
I’d heard other Midwesterners call it “Little Chicago,” but Milwaukee is so much more than that.
Weird and wacky is my MO, and this is a city after my own heart — from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame to the historic Pabst Mansion, where you can tour the beer baron’s home.
Even the Milwaukee Art Museum has moveable wings that “take flight” each morning.
I recommend starting the day on the RiverWalk, a 3-mile stretch lined with cafés and public art, including the free RiverSculpture gallery.
While you’re there, snap a selfie with the Bronze Fonz, then follow your nose to the Milwaukee Public Market. Save room for a drink at SafeHouse, though — this spy-themed speakeasy is iconic.
Pro tip: Visit in June for Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, and catch a Brewers game for the beloved sausage mascot race — a proud local tradition I’ve been watching since high school.
Cleveland proves that an underdog city can steal the show
Since Drew Carey said that “Cleveland rocks,” I’ve mostly heard Ohio used as a punchline, which made its gems all the more surprising.
I was blown away by the city’s architecture, from The Arcade (a historic shopping center) to West Side Market — and even Heinen’s Grocery Store, a supermarket located in an opulent building from 1907.
I’m a sucker for unique museums. My biggest recommendations are the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is practically a pilgrimage for music lovers, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I was also surprised to find one of the country’s last free national parks at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, along with 18 Metroparks and even Lake Erie beaches. Wherever I was in Cleveland, nature never felt too far away.
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