Today's Six Trendiest Cities in the US

From My travel Readings This Week. I was not surprised that Oakland, CA is in the list. There are two Portland Cities in the list. One is in Maine and the other is in Oregon. I have been to the two cities and I agree with the author's listing the two cities in the top six trendiest cities in the US currently. The city of Tucson, AZ  was a topic of our meal time conversation the other day with a new resident ( BO) here at THD.  I was appointed the Greeter of BO who was a resident of Tucson before his move here last week,      

"People are attracted to certain cities for many reasons, from aesthetic appeal to a wide-range of culture, arts, and entertainment. Whether it’s well-established or up-and-coming, when a city ticks all the boxes it doesn’t take long for word to get around. The next time you’re looking for a fun new place to visit or maybe even a new place to live, you’ll want to consider one of these spots as you’ll quickly discover why they’ve become today’s trendiest cities in the U.S."

https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/6-of-the-trendiest-cities-in-the-u-s/ZFKPahG9cAAI0D1H

1. Durham, North Carolina

Credit: Sean Pavone/ Shutterstock

Durham may best be known as the home of Duke University, but it’s becoming a 

destination that offers a lot more than Blue Devils basketball games. The city is a big 

draw for visitors of all kinds, with cool gathering places and fantastic restaurants.

 The buzzing culinary scene offers everything from regional favorites like juicy barbecue 

and biscuits to quirky treats such as black garlic ice cream. Much of the food is centered

 around the local farm-to-table movement, with chefs whipping up delectable dishes 

from the area’s farms and farmers’ markets.

2. Tucson, Arizona

Credit: dszc/ iStock

TIME magazine recently listed Tucson on its World’s Greatest Places 2023 ranking, 

calling it the “Soul of the Sonoran Desert.” While it was once a rough Wild West down,

 only drawing visitors for its proximity to Saguaro National Park, an increasing number

 of people have been discovering the delights of this great city.

Located a little over 110 miles southeast of Phoenix, Tucson offers everything from 

colorful adobe neighborhoods and hip boutique hotels to innovative eateries, a co-op

 that’s crunchier than any Whole Foods, and even a local bike shop that becomes 

a space for hosting Women, Transgender, and Femme workshops on Mondays. 

It’s easy to find sustainably grown, locally sourced seasonal food all year round, 

with farmers’ markets and farm stands throughout the area.

3. Boise, Idaho

Credit: Charles Knowles/ Shutterstock

Boise is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. with a surge of millennials moving

 here over the past several years. Idaho’s capital offers lots of small-town charms with

 the amenities of a large city. It’s a gastronomic hotspot with everything from incredible

 coffee roasters and gourmet donut shops to fine-dining restaurants with tasting menus

 on par with what you’d find in big cities like Seattle and San Francisco. The revitalized

 downtown also offers outstanding shopping and a wealth of cultural attractions, including

 theaters, performing art centers, and museums. Plus, it’s a starting point for a host of

 outdoor adventures. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 20-mile trail that runs along the

 banks of the Boise River providing opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking right 

in the city, while Hulls Gulch Reserve offers roughly 150 miles of trails at the base

 of the foothills just north of downtown.

4. Oakland, California

Credit: JasonDoiy/ iStock

Oakland was once just the underrated city on the other side of the bay, with 

San Francisco stealing the spotlight, but in recent years, it’s been ranked on everything

 from the top underrated cities to visit in the U.S. to the best coffee cities, the best cities

for vegans and vegetarians, and the best foodie cities. Diverse and cosmopolitan, 

you’ll find a wide range of ethnic eats and an art scene that can rival its more well-known

 sister. It includes everything from high-end art galleries and laid-back collectives 

to performance venues on practically every street. Pop-up galleries happen all year 

long and buildings are splashed with colorful street art. You can even enjoy a little

 of Italy right in Oakland with rides in a traditional Venetian gondola offered 

on Lake Merritt.

5. Portland, Maine

Credit: Sean Pavone/ iStock

Portland is renowned for its striking natural beauty, laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle, and

thriving arts scene. It’s incredibly picturesque with cobbled streets and a setting along

 the island-dotted waters of Casco Bay. Locals and visitors alike enjoy everything from 

hiking, biking, and climbing to paddling and swimming. Plus, farm-to-table dining isn’t

 just a trend, it’s been a way of life here for decades. There are countless local 

entrepreneurs offering homemade or homegrown products, from coffee and beer

 to mittens. The Old Port is especially enticing with its many galleries, museums, 

coffee shops, and bookstores ending at the working waterfront.

6. Portland, Oregon

Credit: BruceBlock/ iStock

There’s another Portland that’s seriously trending, but this one is on the opposite coast.

 Located on both the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the shadow of Mount Hood, 

Portland, Oregon, offers everything from street art to farm-to-table cuisine. Plus,

 it’s about the same distance from the nearest surf break as the closest ski slope.

 It’s been named the No. 1 bike-friendly city by Bicycling magazine numerous times 

and locals also enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, and canoeing between the dozen bridges

 that span the Willamette.  Those who like to shop will find dozens of vintage stores

 and design-savvy boutiques, plus one of the world’s greatest bookstores is here:

 Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore on Earth, with around 

a million books spread across 8,000 square feet. It has its own coffee shop where

 many like to enjoy a cup while thumbing through the pages.

About the author: K.C. Dermody | Writer

K.C. Dermody is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland' and hundreds of travel articles online and in print. Currently living in Baja, Mexico, she's traveled the world, visiting over 40 countries to date. When she's not writing, she might be found snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, paddling among whales in Newfoundland, or exploring ancient sites in Greece. 

Meanwhile, here are 12 things to always remember. 

Lastly, Did you know that....

There were over 200 Filipinos that fought in the American Civil War (1861-1865), serving on both the Union and Confederate sides! Many were sailors from Spanish-controlled Philippines, working on Spanish galleons or whaling ships, who jumped ship or were recruited—especially in Louisiana, a major port city at the time. Some Filipinos ended up in the U.S. Navy, while others joined land regiments, fighting in famous battles like Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Their stories remain largely hidden in history, but their contributions prove that Filipinos have been making an impact globally for centuries.