mlm59

My friend and I both turn 50 next year and are in the planning stages of a trip. She is a big architecture buff, which I also enjoy.

I am in charge of planning the trip and would like to choose the best city in North America to visit. She will not travel outside the country. I have been to both New York and San Francisco and have suggested those as possibilities. The only city we aren't considering is Chicago - she has family there and has been there many times.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

ccolor

How about New Orleans? One of my favorite photographs we have taken from there was standing in the middle of Bourbon Street pointing the camera towards Canal (downtown). The buildings on either side are so full of history, and at the end of the street you see the modern, business areas. Then there are the courtyards and cemeteries to consider, too.

GoTravel

Charleston, Savannah, Boston, St. Augustine.

BibE1

Your friend won't travel outside the country, so it's safe to assume you're looking for the best city in the U.S. (not North America), right?

New Orleans, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul, lots more. Really depends on what type of architecture you're most interested in - older houses, modern buildings, etc.

GBbabe

PITTSBURGH!!! I love Pittsburgh PA. Lots of great architecture and a wonderful botanical garden also. Great views of the unique buildings from the many bridges. You can also go on two inclines (funiculars)that are across the river from downtown and get great views of the whole downtown.

Don't forget Henry Hobson Richardson's County courthouse and jail. The Alocoa building, the Union station rotunda, and many, many neat buildings.

janisj

Do you want modern, cutting edge architecture?

Or preserved historic districts?

Or regional specialties (like adobes in the SW or rustic in the NW)?

Or mid-century modern?

Or Art deco/skyscrapers?

"Architecture" covers a LOT of territory . . . . .

mlm59

I was wrong when I said she won't leave the country. We would consider a Canadian city and have discussed Quebec. She won't go to another continent.

I think both of us would agree on historic preservation districts, particularly beautiful homes, and if they have gardens, all the better. She is also very into gardening. We have both been to Ashville, NC and liked the art deco there so that is also a possibility. Neither of us cares much for modern architecture.

We have both been to Charleston, Savannah & St Augustine so we aren't considering those cities.

fmpden

You probably will not believe -- Columbus, Indiana -- I believe, that they have more public building including churches, etc., designed by leading architects than any other city. Even if she has lived there, I bet she has not really seen Chicago architecture. I bias -- my son is an Architectural/Design Engineer in Chicago.

GoTravel

Miami is a wonderfully off the beaten path architectual city. From the Mizner mansions to Vizcaya to Art Deco South Beach to the Design District, it is eye candy.

mlm59

I do believe Columbus, IN - we live 20 miles from there. You are right, it is an impressive small city.

Had not considered Miami, but will do some more research. I have a close friend whose son lives in Miami Beach.

Gretchen

I didn't know about Columbus! Gonna look that up.
Charleston. I agree about Chicago. That's big city architecture there.

GoTravel

http://www.historical-museum.org/exh...es/gables2.htm

http://www.artcircuits.com/c_dd.html (I could not find a good website for the design district that I liked but maybe you can find a better one; really cool buildings)

http://www.miamidade.gov/vizcaya/

http://www.architectureweek.com/2002...lture_1-1.html

GoTravel

Forgot to add that the Art Deco district of South Beach is one of the largest and most successful restoration projects in the United States.

POlson

How about Los Angeles and environs -modern (Neutra etc) and Arts & Crafts (Frank Lloyd Wright and Green & Green - Gamble House). Also Bungalow Heaven in Pasadena. Maybe schedule your visit during one of the yearly home tours, events. I'm sure others out there have more info on the LA architecture scene but I understand it is quite good.

Also some great gardens - Huntington art gallery and gardens, Descanso Gardens (incl. a recently redone Bodie House soon to be opened), LA Arboretum, Greystone.

You could also visit the Getty and some other world class museums.

GoTravel

One last thing, Art Basel might be the best weekend you could go. It highlights the architecture along with it being one of the biggest art shows in the US. It is a citywide event.

L84SKY

What type of architecture?

seafox

Rather than a single city, how about a region? The Hudson Valley for example.

janisj

L84SKY: "What type of architecture? " The OP basically answered that -- <<I think both of us would agree on historic preservation districts, particularly beautiful homes, and if they have gardens, all the better.>>

L84SKY

thanks janisj, I shouldn't be multi-tasking.

Chowlab

I vote for Quebec City, then south to Saratoga Springs, NY, then south to Albany.