Moon Staff Blog

Tell Us, What’s Your Favorite U.S. City?

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With countless Americans looking for ways to save money, many are trading in their typical summer trips abroad for domestic adventures—opting instead to re-discover the good old U.S.A.

To help inspire these summer adventures, we’re giving away 50 of our popular U.S. guidebooks in 50 days, and featuring all U.S. destinations on Moon.com for the next two weeks, along with guest blogs from several of our authors talking about their top cities.

To win a book, you only need to answer one simple question—“What’s your favorite U.S. city?”

Whether it’s the southern charm of Memphis, the natural backdrops of Seattle, or the neon lights of Las Vegas, tell us in 100 words or less what your top city is and you’ll get a chance to win a free guidebook of your choice. One winner will be chosen daily for the next 50 days—so there are plenty of chances to win!

All submissions must be emailed to giveaway [at] moon [dot] com between July 20th and September 7th. Winners will be selected by Moon staff and will be judged according to the quality and creativity of the response—one word submissions will not be accepted. Please include your full name and an email address with your entry. Excerpts from winning entries will be posted in a weekly round-up on the Moon Water Cooler, so check back often to see if you’re a winner.

Good luck—and happy domestic travels!

Fav City

Posted by Swtlilchick on September 7, 2009 at 4:09 pm

I just love Los Angeles California.It is beautiful and so much to do and see

NYC

Posted by mrbillw on September 6, 2009 at 5:09 pm

It is always "on"

My Favorite City

Posted by jrhawaii on September 6, 2009 at 2:09 pm

Its Las Vegas BABY! It has it all and if they don't they will get it for you!!!

Favorite City

Posted by Myanamink on September 6, 2009 at 8:09 am

New Orleans for the food and atmosphere, though I haven't been back since Katrina.

Favorite US City

Posted by charmandluck on September 5, 2009 at 6:09 pm

There is no city, not in the US, nor in the world, like New York City. Manhattan skyscrapers, beautiful rivers, exceptional parks, places of interest, and people from all over the globe. Narrow streets in the village, wide streets in the Bronx, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Staten Island Ferry. Fine restaurants, din ing experiences, street fairs and haute cuisine. People from all countries joining one another, living in harmony. New York City, the Big Apple, the theatre district, the South Street Seaport, none like it. New York.

favorite city

Posted by barty1013 on September 4, 2009 at 5:09 pm

For a big city, Portland is my favorite. I feel safe walking the streets in the middle of the night, and there's always somewhere to meet new people. There's a friendly, live and let live vibe there like nowhere else in the states, in my opinion, except maybe on an eco-commune, which I've lived on a few. The first time I walked downtown, I felt like I was on a movie set, as it is so clean, strangely quiet, and there's water fountains that run 24/7, which I'd never seen but I hear they have the one of the best water systems in the country. Cool stores, cool people, cool breeze. My kind of city. I love you, Portland!

San Diego love the museums

Posted by blday50 on September 1, 2009 at 4:09 pm

San Diego love the museums and art

New York City

Posted by mooseskins on August 21, 2009 at 10:08 pm

So much to see , so much to do, so much to eat!

Mammoth, CA

Posted by dwanstrath on August 13, 2009 at 9:08 am

Great fishing and hiking. Clean air and polite people, close to Yosemite and amazing hiking.

Santa Fe, NM

Posted by dan dodd on August 11, 2009 at 9:08 am

Beautiful state capitol with a lot of history. The sky is clear and you can see for miles while experiencing the pungent desert flora. In addition to exploring the capitol, there are numerous other venues within an easy drive including Los Alamos and Raton to the east, Farmington to the west and Albuquerque to the south

San Francisco

Posted by cornbella on July 24, 2009 at 5:07 am

Easily navigated within the transit systems. Great weather thats not too hot, not too cold. Friendly people who are more than willing to help you find your destination. It's our go to spot for a quick weekend of sun, fun and of course, CRAB! If you are going for a beach spot, forget it unless you are a polar bear or own your own dry suit. But sitting on the wharf down by pier 14 is a pleasure. You miss all the touristy stuff, get comfortable chairs, and get to watch the ships come in and out. Peaceful and entertaining.

I Hella <3 Oakland

Posted by ehollis.hansen on July 23, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Right now my favorite U.S. city is my hometown - Oakland, California. Oakland is one of America’s most misrepresented cities. Struggles with gang violence and high homicide rates tarnish Oakland’s reputation. But residents and visitors who take the time to seek out Oakland’s many hidden secrets find a thriving community of artists, musicians, creative restaurateurs, classy jazz clubs, farmers markets, and miles of hiking and biking trails among thick groves of redwoods. After years spent trying to shed its image as the unrefined, gritty sibling to the celebrated, glitzy kid across the bay, Oakland is slowly emerging as a fascinating city in its own right.

Savannah

Posted by ktwdg on July 23, 2009 at 7:07 am

Mine would have to be Savannah. Generally, I don't care for cities. There are generally dirty or dangerous, or both. Savannah isn't really. It's on the old grid system with squares, and many of it's building survived the Civil War. I've been to Charleston and many folks compare the two but I love Savannah hands down! Besides, if Paula Deen likes it that has to say something!

Favorite City

Posted by labogart on July 22, 2009 at 3:07 pm

My favorite small city in the US is Saratoga Springs, NY. It isn't a big city, but it packs in a lot! It is home to two schools: Empire State College, which is an alternative non-residential college, and Skidmore College. Skidmore in particular has wonderful programs throughout the year that the public can attend. SPAC, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a covered amphitheater open only during the summer months, with indoor and outdoor seating. The New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra have summer residencies there, providing ample opportunity to enjoy these two world class performing arts organizations. A jazz festival and major touring rock bands also add to the calendar. SPAC is within Spa State Park, which offers beautiful WPA era buildings including the Gideon Putnam Hotel and an excellent golf course. There are two different swimming pools available to the public. And, visit several of the springs which helped put Saratoga on the map in the 19th century as a restorative spa resort. Saratoga Racetrack is open for 6 short weeks at the end of July through Labor Day. The oldest continuously operating race meet in the US, it is a spectacular setting for seeing some of the best thoroughbreds racing today. The track is very family friendly with food vendors throughout the grounds, musicians, artists and weekend giveaways further enticing visitors. The small but vibrant downtown offers a myriad of restaurants, a number of which have been in operation for years. Bars and nightclubs offer plenty to do at night. Plus unique shops and a centuries old hotel help set the tone. Several blocks off of downtown (near enough to walk), is a thriving arts district with galleries and artists living and working in the area. As if this isn't enough, several miles out of town is the Saratoga National Battlefield where one of the decisive battles of the American Revolution was fought. The Olde Bryan Inn is a restaurant that was an active inn during the Revolution. Finally, Saratoga is in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Hiking, skiing, camping and boating are all within driving distance, as is Lake George. Albany, the capitol of New York State is a quick forty-five minute commute. For a small city, Saratoga Springs is a wonderful place to spend some time and have some fun!

My favorite city

Posted by mfbh on July 22, 2009 at 1:07 pm

Seward, Alaska - camping at the city park Awesome!

Boston, Massachusetts

Posted by jpq123 on July 22, 2009 at 12:07 pm

is my favorite city. I love cities in general but Boston has my heart. I started going there when I was a child because we had family there and it has so much history. I miss it even though I live in Las Vegas now. I think everyone should visit at least once and see the Common, walk the Freedom Trail, see the Old North Church. I heart Boston!!

Burbank, California

Posted by jusstah on July 22, 2009 at 8:07 am

Burbank has been the brunt of many television jokes for years. The truth is, Burbank is a rather cool city with a quaint downtown that makes walking to places very easy. The brick street and little stores beckon to me each time I visit California.

Chicago, Illinois

Posted by levado on July 22, 2009 at 5:07 am

I just love Chicago: friendly people, great museums (Shedd, Space Museum) and the chance to have a nice walk along the lovely Lake Michigan. The two towers there provide an excellent view of the city and the lake. The city is safe and easy to nagivate by public transport, and there are plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in most of the central neighbourhoods. It's good to walk down a street in Fullerton on a Saturday afternoon and stop for a coffee or tea somewhere. The best time to go to Chicago is late October as the trees' leaves are turning golden brown, affording some beautiful photo opportunities for travellers.

I totally agree!

Posted by lmartone on July 22, 2009 at 12:07 pm

I used to live in Chicago (during and after Northwestern), and I really miss that town. Truly, a wonderful place to visit or live. Nothing like going to a baseball game at Wrigley Field - and the Field Museum is one of the best in the country.

Asheville NC

Posted by TNFarmer on July 21, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Living in rural TN, there is litte variety in food, culture or entertainment. Asheville is a small, culturally diverse town that has a wide variety of entertainment and food options.

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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.