worst destination
 

What major US city disappointed you the most and why? Which one was a pleasant surprise?

I had to go to Kansas City on business. It was a very nice city. I wouldn't want to go for an extended trip, but it is nice for a long weekend.

I didn't care for Memphis at all. I was very pleasantly surprised with Minneapolis.

I don't know what city was a major disappointment, although I expected to be blown away by San Francisco and wasn't. I loved it, but I expected to REALLY LOVE it. I wasn't very impressed with Ghiradelli (sp) Square or Fisherman's Wharf, and I was surprised at how car-dependent it is. Still, it is such a great and beautiful city, I would return in a heartbeat. <BR> <BR>I was pleasantly surprised by LA. I completely expected to hate it, experience traffic and smog, etc., but traffic was not a problem and it was so nice to see flowers when I still had a foot of snow at home. <BR> <BR>Boston was also a pleasant surprise. I just visions of dirty Irish bars, but found it beautiful and quite hip. All the old churches and buildings made it almost feel like a slice of Europe.

I was disappointed with Miami. Yes, the beach and people are beautiful, but I felt like the ugly duckling among all the posers. <BR> <BR>I thought Chicago was a huge surprise. Small-town attitude with big city amenities. Great.

I don't know about the worst but the most pleasant surprise for me was San Diego. Such nice people, great restaurants and close to so much. Other than the smog, which I am not used to, I thought it was a great city.

One place I was dissappointed in was Charlotte. We went on one of those last minute internet fares...arrived early on a Saturday and departed Sunday evening...so basically 2 days. We didn't feel like renting a car, so we stayed right downtown and hoofed it. The downtown was all new, which we were expecting, but there was not much to see, save a couple of museums. We read about some old historic neighborhoods on the periphery of downtown, and walked to them..they were not much..a few square blocks of mildly interesting houses. <BR> <BR>On Sunday, downtown was dead...we took a pleasant trolley..it has been renovated..to the end..about two miles, and walked thru a "tidy" neighborhood of fairly upscale houses..which were from maybe mid-20th century. It was about a 5 mile walk altogether..a nice walk, but nothing to fly in an airplane for. Just before we got back to downtown, it started to rain, and we went to the movies.

I forgot the pleasant surprise. Although not a major city, I really liked Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For a place its size, there is a lot to see, good restaurants, and a very ubran feeling downtown.

I should clarify what i said about Miami. I liked it, the food, the sun,etc. Perhaps my discomfort at South Beach has more to do with my not looking like a Calvin Klein underwear model (or my not really wanting to pretend I am?).

Lara, <BR>I loved San Francisco, but I agree that Ghiradelli square isnt that great. However, I dont think that locals go there much. I toured the museums which are pretty good and I also explored the neighborhoods. And the parks and surrounding towns are nice.What I was surprised by was the large number of homeless. I also disliked the all-day traffic jams on the freeways( does it ever clear up?) <BR> <BR>

Biggest diappointment: probably Dallas. I was there for several days on a not-too-exacting business trip about 5 years ago. Not a bad place by any means, but just less than I expected as far as sights, "walkability," and overall ambience. <BR> <BR>In the dissapointment category I must also heartily agree with the previous post about Charlotte NC. I'd like to know if there is a more self-promotional, void-of-charm "nice" city in the US. And I am biased--I actually live here! <BR> <BR>Biggest pleasant surprise: NYC. I've been 3 times now. And each time I have been amazed at how comfortable I've been--never made to feel by new yorkers like the southern bumpkin I actually am. Also, the wonderful diversity--among people, areas of the city, sights, food, etc!

My biggest disappointment was Boston. I didn't dislike it but wasn't overly impressed by anything there. From the airport onwards, the trip was just one disappointment after another. It seemed that no one smiled, either. Perhaps I just hit it on a bad week! <BR> <BR>I was pleasantly surprised by Pittsburgh. I went for a conference and actually changed a flight to stay two more days. It is pretty and clean with nice people!

OK, I live in Boston, so I have to respond to the earlier posting. People here are tough to crack (we need a month or two in southern charm school) - we're not bubbly, I admit. Blame it on 400 years of Puritan/Irish Catholic sensibilities. However, I moved here from NYC several years ago and found Boston to be a fascinating place. I admit Boston overdoes the "Ye Olde" thing to a degree, but that's its M.O. (it almost can't help itself to preserve everything whereas other places bulldoze them). It's completely unlike those huge office parks masquerading as cities (Houston, Dallas, Atlanta). Fenway Park on a summer evening, old churches and parks, graveyards from 1600 right in the middle of the city, Paul Revere's wooden house still stands where it was erected in the early 1600s. What's not to find interesting? <BR> <BR>The trip from the airport is crummy, no doubt and we all need to be a bit more friendly. Your points are taken, but you have to admit, when you come here you cannot expect Disneyland.

I was also disappointed by South Beach. I was in Miami for work, but my husband was with me (we both late 20's). We decided to take a cab to SB to catch some of the "action". Thank god I was working so I could at least expense the $80 round trip cab ride from our airport hotel. We sat at an outdoor cafe to people watch for about an hour, paying about $20 for 2 drinks. I've taken cabs and gone out eating and drinking in big cities before, but this was the worst as far as fizzle for your buck. We went back to our hotel and danced in the surprisingly lively club to a live Latin band. We should have just stayed there, but at least now I know not to rush out to South Beach again.

Disappointed: Kansas City - had to go three times and really would not return on my own. <BR> <BR>Pleasantly surprised: Milwaukee. Small town flavor with very down-to-earth people but quite a lot to do. <BR> <BR>I live on the west coast and love all of the cities/towns out here!

Worst disappointment: Philly. Definitely willing to give it another try. I think we may have been stuck in a not great area of town. Only 1.5 days. <BR> <BR>Best pleasant surprise: Believe it or not, DETROIT!! We stayed at an excellent Omni hotel on the riverfront, ate a a couple of great restaurants, went to a hockey game (excellent hockey town - second only to Toronto), went to a wonderful blues club and some really happening bars. Also visited the Henry Ford Estate and the Motown Museum. Lots more there we wanted to do but just didn't have time. Will definitely be back. <BR> <BR>Nearly forgot, nicest people everywhere we went! Every Detroiter we met was extemely pleasant and helpful. <BR>

Hey, EdC, the funny thing is that I totally agree with you about Boston's charms. It's a nice city with lots of history, yet I was still very disappointed. I think I just expected too much, somewhat like previous posters have said about San Francisco. <BR> <BR>The fact that it isn't like Disneyland is a MAJOR plus! I prefer cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, etc...places with charm and a lack of "plastic"! This is why I find my less-than-enthuiastic embrace of Boston puzzling. <BR> <BR>ps - you have to admit Logan Airport is the pits. The worst in the US, in my humble opinion! <BR> <BR>

I was also dissappointed with Miami. I think I expected a tropical paradise with some art deco buildings thrown in. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't say I hated it but I probably wouldn't return.

to John: <BR> <BR>We're trying. I love Boston (as I said, I am from NYC originally, and cannot see myself living anywhere but good olde Beantown). Some people consider it smallish and claustrophobic, but that is part of its inherent nature and just something you have to live with. <BR> <BR>It has certainly evolved in the past few years (much livelier night scene, much better restaurants, etc.). Boston is also a town that is somewhat reluctant to promote itself (unlike other cities with fewer amenities - Atlanta and Dallas, as mentioned before), and thinks its reputation alone should carry it. Anyhow, it is definitely coming along. I would encourage anyone to come here for a visit. I am a total convert.

To John again: <BR> <BR>I forgot about Logan. You are 99% correct. Only LaGuardia in NYC is worse (OK, maybe Newark, too). Logan is super convenient from dowtown (2 miles), but you have to go through the least scenic neighborhood and a leaky FDR-era tunnel to get to downtown, only to be faced with the Big Dig mess. There is a major modernization going on at Logan, plus (hopefully) when the Big Dig is done the Logan experience will be better.

Disappointments - Asheville (city proper but not outskirts),just not what I expected; Syracuse--nothing about it was attractive or interesting. Reno--worse than I expected. Salt Lake City - not much to it. <BR> <BR>Pleasant surprise - Knoxville, several interesting museums, good restaurants and lovely neighborhoods. Albequerque--thought it was just a town to fly into to get to Sante Fe but really liked it.

Disappointment: New Orleans, although some sections were nice and I enjoyed the food, I just thought there would be more to it. Surprises: San Diego was a pleasant, very livable city. Also New York City which I thought I would dislike, but found vibrant and exciting.

San Francisco -- a big NOTHING really! Beautiful from a distance when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, but after you arrive, it's just like any other big, ugly, dirty city!!!

Los Angeles was my personal worst. Horrific traffic, pollution and power outages to boot! While I had fun overall, I certainly would not do it again. <BR> <BR>New Orleans was a surprise in a pleasant way. Prior to my trip I didn't know about the Garden District or the neighborhoods around the French Quarter which were very "walkable". I love the old architecture! (I didn't like all of the frat boys on Bourbon Street though)

EdC Have you even been to Dallas? Granted Boston has a lot more history but Big D is more than an office park and has a lot to do and see. We are working on our innercity and, while not perfect, it is getting better. At least we know what red means on traffic signals and our people are our greatest asset! I enjoyed my trips to Boston and was able to hear the Pops on the 4th--fantastic. We have different cities, but they are both excellent in their own ways.

I gotta say, my bigest disappointment was Charleston, SC. Maybe because I went there after visiting Savannah, GA and was totally and completely charmed by Savannah. I was turned off by all the big industrial wasteland you have to drive through to get into the city of Charleston, then the places we looked at staying were way more expensive than I would have thought. Pleasant surprise? Las Vegas. Had NEVER been interested in going there, but my hubby had a business trip there in March and I joined him. It was a great trip. Even won $35 on the nickel slots. :) <BR> <BR>I've enjoyed reading everyone's posts on this topic. And, thanks to Gina for nice words about Detroit. I live nearby and I really like it here.

I was most pleasantly surprised by Cleveland. I thought it was going to be very old, industrial, dirty. They really have done alot with it. My boyfriend and I were there before they built the stadium so I'm sure it's even nicer now. I didn't think there would be much to do but they have the Rock-n-Roll hall of fame, the science center, and the flats with alot of fun restuarants. You can see the lakefront from all of these places. It's a nice place to spend a couple of days. <BR> <BR>

Hi everyone, <BR> <BR> I'd have to say my biggest disappointment was Dallas. I moved from outside Philadelphia (one of my favorite cities) to Oklahoma. Got sent to Dallas on a business trip and thought great. I'll get to see a mid-western city. UGH! Dallas has every major drawback of a large city and absolutely none of the charm. One more I might add- Fort Lauderdale. It's OK, but I expected to love it and didn't. <BR> As for a pleasant surprise, I'd have to say Charleston, SC. We had one extra day after attending a wedding nearby and did a whirlwind tour of Charleston. I thought it was charming and would love to go back.

Here's yet another vote for South Beach. I was turning 40 so went on a women-only trip with a couple of friends to celebrate. The beach wasn't much to speak of, nobody wore much to speak of and everyone but us looked like models. We checked out the clothing stores and they didn't sell any clothes above a size 8 it seemed. Lots of young, beautiful folks drinking alot... If we were younger or single maybe it would have been better, but we felt really out of place here.

Chicago is a wonderful surprise. My husband and I traveled there and were pleasently pleased how friendly a big city can be. <BR> <BR>Full of cultural events, museums and great thing to do and see.

To Linda: <BR> <BR>Yes, I have been to Dallas. You are right, we just live in 2 different cities. Hopefully the next time I go I will be wowed by the Big D.

Richmond. We went there a few years ago for some soccer matches. A co-worker from Richmond told us all these places to go to, and made it sound like it was the most fabulous city in the country. I found it to be one of the most boring places I have ever been to. Reno was also horrid. One of the most pleasant surprises was Pittsburgh. We truly enjoyed ourselves there.

Disappointment: Phoenix. What's all the hype about? <BR> <BR>Pleasant Surprise: Minneapolis. People were great, prettier than I expected.

Worst - Denver. Overrated big time. <BR> <BR>Best - Portland, OR was tons of fun. Minneapolis also a pleasant surprise.

The worst trip of my life was in 1993 in Egypt. I had been to Turkey two summers before an absolutely adored it. I also have several friends that have gone to Egypt. I went with high high expectations and had the worst trip of my life. I was overwhelmed by the poverty and could not handle constant hageling always getting the worst rate on hotels as a single women traveling alone.It does not matter how terrible my trip was. I will go back again because Egypt houses many ancient wonders. Whatever your experiences are unless you were violated in an unlawful way and actually that almost happened to me on this trip. But a fresh eye and open mind would create a new look at a destination.

Ok I see I missed the initial question sorry I rarely travel domestically. You are asking to be disappointed there. Just kidding, I think the same rules apply I have a friend stuck in Indiana with his job. I tell him to seek out Americana type food, experiences. Look for that "Stuckeville" type bowling alley. You can find stuff that is indigenous to any part of the country you go to. I remember walking down a cheese isle in a supermarket in this teeny tiny town in Wisconsin. I later took a walk and happened into an old fashion auction. It was fun there was a very portly country kind of guy in overalls who called the items. Many items were 5-10 dollars. I bought an art deco clock for 5 dollars that would have cost me 40 in the city. Everyone in the room was staring at me as I was not from this small town. You just have to be open to the special qualities of each region. Every US destination is not going to be San Francisco or NYC. I don't know I also enjoy watching life everywhere.

Most disappointed with two areas of Wisconsin. We went to Madison, WI and the Wisconsin Dells. Ughh! Madison was still COLD in april and there was very little cultural activities. I had been told from the Chicago area, this would be the best place to go for a long weekend WRONG! The Dells area was a complete tourist trap and was one T-shirt shop/go kart trak after another. The river tour by boat was totally hokey. <BR> <BR>On the other hand we were pleasantly surprised by Baltimore as we had heard it was dirt, industrial, and had a high crime rate. We loved the Inner Harbor area and thought it was beautiful and plenty of fun things to do and not one bit unsafe. We were also surprised by Nashville, TN. I do not like country musi so I was afraid this trip would be a dud, but there are many noncountry music things going on. The opryland hotel with its fabulous gardens was a destination in itself!

Sarah, thanks for the tip, my next vacation will definitely be to Wisconsin's Cheese Isle. <BR> <BR>Wonder why you are a single woman traveling alone?

Ditto on the Dells. They are a beautiful natural area that has been overrun by go-kart tracks and waterparks. I normally find that with areas like that, you can drive 50 miles and still have the natural beauty without the crap. Devil's Lake State Park, south of the Dells, offers that. <BR> <BR>Which leads me to my biggest surprise. Went to Gatlinburg, TN. Got sick of the "strip" and the tacky shops, attractions. Drove 1 hour into the mountains, and found some of the neatest small towns and backwoods people I have ever met. Got a real tast of America. I am looking forward to going back, with nothing but a car, a map, and a week off.

I hope you are a prospective English teacher giving your students more time. Otherwise looks like your students will suffer.Noone is telling you to take a trip to the cheese isle, Einstein. The larger point was to appreciate your surroundings. <BR> <BR>Your thinking is very flat and one dimensional. It is the outlook that gives Americans a bad name abroad. <BR> <BR>And traveling alone is one of the greatest adventures life affords. Sorry that from your little bubble women don't do this. Open up English teacher life is too short, the world is too large and interesting, to be living in such a small way.