karameli

Can anyone recommend a great city on the eastern half of the country (shorter plane ride!) where almost everything is walkable? I have a long daily commute so I like to stay far, far away from cars when traveling. I'm looking for a cute city with great food, fun atmosphere, and bonus points if there's a waterfront area to stroll around. Beach suggestions are welcome too, as long as there's something to see in the city besides sand. Also, NYC, Philly, and Boston are out, since we live really close to all three. Any suggestions? Please?

dan_woodlief

Sounds like Charleston, S.C. fits the bill. Attractive, waterfront, super food, fun because of tours and other things to do.

MerryTravel

I second Charleston. Amazing food and just lovely for walking.

SAnParis

Charleston, Savannah, Amelia Island, Key West.

leahinsc

Old Town Alexandria(VA)
Asheville (NC)
Charleston (SC)
Savannah(GA)
Fernandina Beach (FL)

atlswan

Having just spent four wonderful days there, I have to nominate Savannah. Very walkable and the squares are lovely. Charleston is equally beautiful. You can't go wrong with either city.

SAnParis

leah & I are on the same page, for the uninitiated - Fernandina Beach is actually the Old Town on Amelia Island.

leahinsc

San - yes, isn't Fernandina charming? I don't know that it really could be called a city but I loved all the shops, tree-lined streets and restaurants.

zootsi

Not USA, but have you considered Quebec City?

leahinsc

What time of year are you going? Quebec(as mentioned) and Montreal - even Halifax would be enjoyable.

gc

I'll throw in Burlington, VT. Great college town buzz, gourmet food, unique shopping, beautiful scenery, small and manageable.

karameli

Thanks everyone! These are all fun ones...Montreal and Charleston had both been on my "maybe" list, but the other ones I hadn't even thopught of yet. Now I have lots of fun cities to research when I *should* be working Leahinsc -- what area of montreal has the best shops/restaurants/nightlife? And same Q for all the charleston fans?

leahinsc

I am by no means a Montreal expert but I remember a wonderful weekend there in August when we went to the market and had croissants, mouth wateringly good Brie cheese and French coffee and then strolled along the river. Check it out under the Canada postings.

SAnParis

I've been going to Amelia/Fernandina for a little over 10 years. We used to stay in the B & B's but now w/2 little ones we have moved to the beach when we visit. A lot of amenities for such a small place.

LuvMaine

Portland, Maine, fits the bill.

aileen679

Are you flying in or driving? You might find that some airports are a lot easier to fly direct than others. I know you don't want to spend a few hours in an airport waiting for your connecting flight!

karameli

Definitely true about the airports! If this rings a bell for anyone -- I need to fly out of Philly or Newark on US Air.

midlohokiegirl

I highly recommend Montreal. It is a lovely city and you can go within reasonable walking distance of anywhere on the Metro, which is very nice, especially if you find a hotel right near a metro station.

BAK

If you don't pick Montral, suggested earlier, come to Toronto.

Or visit both, with a train ride between the two.

Both have waterfronts, both have great food, both have lots to do from above a comfortable pair of walking shoes, both have excellent subways if you want to travel a bit further...

BAK

Daniel_Williams

Other cities that are enjoyable to walk in that I've been in:

CANADA:

To the already mentioned
Toronto, ONTARIO
Montreal & Quebec City, QUEBEC
Halifax, NOVA SCOTIA

I would add that while more low-key than the above,
Ottawa & Kingston, ONTARIO are also good for strolling

Some smaller towns in eastern Canada also can be good for walking.

EAST USA (not mentioned so far):

Baltimore, Washington DC, Pittsburgh I found all pretty walkable (esp. combined with public transit), each having its own charm.

Cheers and good luck! DAN