I've been to most of the places listed. I also love somewhere with a proper music scene and plenty of bars.
Two cities that that have really jumped out at me have been Chicago & Philadelphia, both to my pleasant surprise as I wasn't actually expecting much when I was sent there for work.
I spent a happy week at a conference in Chicago and was blown away but the endless music on offer. I went to a different music venue every night, often more than one and was amazed at what was on offer. This after having lived near Manhattan for 6 months and having spent significant amount of time in San Francisco & New Orleans.
The surprise for me last year was a week in Philadelphia. Another conference. What a place. A lot of creatives are priced out of NYC these day and are zoning in on Philly. Food/bars/restaurants/music. All underpinned by the inimitable Philly Soul. Superb. I'd pay my own money to go back there, definitely.
Two cities that that have really jumped out at me have been Chicago & Philadelphia, both to my pleasant surprise as I wasn't actually expecting much when I was sent there for work.
I spent a happy week at a conference in Chicago and was blown away but the endless music on offer. I went to a different music venue every night, often more than one and was amazed at what was on offer. This after having lived near Manhattan for 6 months and having spent significant amount of time in San Francisco & New Orleans.
The surprise for me last year was a week in Philadelphia. Another conference. What a place. A lot of creatives are priced out of NYC these day and are zoning in on Philly. Food/bars/restaurants/music. All underpinned by the inimitable Philly Soul. Superb. I'd pay my own money to go back there, definitely.