A new listing of the top cities in the U.S. gives a boost to NYC and to several California cities. I also take a look at tourism in Nova Scotia and the re-opening of a fabulous hotel in the Caribbean. My Aug. 5 Future of Travel blog.
Top 20 Cities in the U.S.
Gliding into New York Harbor at the end of an Atlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 is a memory you’ll never forget. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Big Apple takes top prize. But California has plenty to boast about.
A company called Resonance Consultancy has once again published its list of the top cities in the U.S. They used six categories for ranking American cities: place, product, people, prosperity, program and promotion.
The gold medal went to New York City for the fourth year in a row. The research team at Resonance cited for the city’s honour, including its reputation as perhaps the world’s top city for culture.
Los Angeles came in second and was singled out for its restaurant scene, with researchers tagging LA as “the most exciting food city in America.”
San Francisco was cited for its open-minded attitudes and finished in the bronze medal position.
That’s two of the top three for California. San Diego was sixth and San Jose came eighth, which means that a full one-half of the top eight went to cities in my home state of California.
Now matter how you slice it, that’s an impressive stat.
Also performing strongly was Texas, with three cities in the top 17, and Florida, with two in the top 18.
Here’s the full list:
- New York City (well-deserved)
- Los Angeles (I went to university in LA and still love it)
- San Francisco (awesome city I visit regularly)
- Chicago (ditto)
- Washington D.C. (definitely underrated)
- San Diego (beautiful, with great food)
- Las Vegas (amazing restaurants and entertainment)
- San Jose (increasingly sophisticated food scene)
- Miami (surprisingly cool cultural spots)
- Boston (compact and cosmopolitan)
- Houston (only there once; no real opinion)
- Atlanta (I don’t get it, but a lot of folks love the city)
- Phoenix (also underrated for culture)
- Dallas (never been)
- Seattle (scenic beauty for sure)
- Denver (I like it but it doesn’t grab me)
- Austin (only there once but quite enjoyed it)
- Orlando (definitely underrated for food)
- Honolulu (great culture and fab restaurants)
- Philadelphia (haven’t been since the 1993 World Series
Nova Scotia Not Ready to Leave the Bubble
Acadia University commands a pretty spot on a hill in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
The president of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia says she’s not focusing on bringing in visitors from outside the province.
In a story on the website Halifax Today, association chief Darlene Grant Fiander said her focus is on getting Nova Scotians out to visit local tourism businesses.
Nova Scotia is part of the so-called Atlantic Bubble, which allows residents of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland + Labrador to come and go as they please. But residents of all other Canadian provinces are supposed to quarantine for 14 days if they visit Nova Scotia.
There was some talk of Nova Scotia wanting to allow visits from other parts of Canada, but Premier Stephen McNeil last week said the province still isn’t ready for that.
A Beautiful Caribbean Hotel Prepares to Re-Open
The Bequia Beach Hotel.
I was only there for lunch and a brief tour, but I fell in love with the Bequia Beach Hotel when I visited six or seven years ago.
A family-owned luxury hotel on the idyllic island of Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bequia Beach Hotel will re-open Oct. 1, 2020 following a temporary closure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This nostalgic yet modern Caribbean hideaway is ideal for guests searching for a low density and remote island journey with the unveiling of two new private villa accommodations. Known to some as the Caribbean’s best-kept secret, Bequia is just 7 square miles with about 5,000 residents.
There are no traffic lights, no neon signs, no chain hotels or restaurants, no golf course and no gated communities. Discerning travellers can enjoy this laid-back escape to disconnect and discover the true Caribbean, reminiscent of nostalgic years gone by.
I’ve been to the island twice, once for a day visit and once for a few hours on a cruise, and absolutely loved it. To me it feels like Hawai’i might have been like before the jumbo jets came.
For bookings in October & November – perfect for families and groups alike – guests will receive a 30% discount on the first room and 50% discount on the second room when booking one of the resort’s quaint suites within the beautiful Junior Plantation Suites & Beachfront Suite categories. This offer also includes one complimentary 60 minute Swedish Spa massage and welcome cocktails or mocktails upon arrival. Minimum of 7-night stay or longer. Valid for all new bookings from now until the end of July 2020 for stays October 1 – November 30, 2020. Subject to availability and terms & conditions apply.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming new and loyal guests back for a taste of Bequia’s barefoot lifestyle,“ said Bengt Mortstedt, owner of Bequia Beach Hotel. “With our brand-new villas, Bequia Air jet access and Star of the Sea yacht, guests can discover their very own private, open-air oasis here on Bequia.”
