The 10 most alternative cities in the United States
When looking for a great city to visit, we are often drawn to more alternative cities. By this, we mean places rich in art and culture. The United States is a vast country with many cities, so choosing which one to visit can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we have compiled a top 10 list of the most fun and alternative cities in the States. Let us take you through them.
1. Portland, Oregon
"Keep Portland Weird" is a slogan that perfectly fits Oregon's largest city. The artistic, hip, and, above all, welcoming Portland community has a unique character. 
This is due not only to its inhabitants but also to its incredibly diverse surroundings. In the same day, you can go windsurfing in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, skiing on the flanks of Mount Hood, and wine tasting at the Hood River County Fruit Loop! The city itself is blessed with beautiful gardens, museums, and the tastiest coffee and vegetarian restaurants.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin is the proud capital of Texas and is also known as the Live Music Capital of the World. In this atmospheric city, you will find live music everywhere: on the streets, in restaurants, and in the many cafes. There are also many music festivals organized, like the famous South by Southwest festival in March. Austin fully lives up to its nickname, and the best place to experience this is on Sixth Street in Downtown Austin. On this historic street, you will find an abundance of music venues. Austin is also a college town, which may explain the city's lively, liberal, and artistic atmosphere. 
Shopping enthusiasts will be extremely happy with Austin. Besides state-of-the-art shopping malls such as The Domain, you will also find quirky and artistic boutiques, music stores, and farmers' markets with handmade items and fresh produce.
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is one of the oldest cities in America and is filled with history. Everywhere you look, there are traces of its Spanish colonial past. One of Santa Fe's nicknames is "The City Different." 
Wander through the old neighborhoods filled with adobe buildings and street musicians. Explore shops offering indigenous art and jewelry, relax at the always lively Plaza, and enjoy the chic side of Santa Fe with its high-end restaurants and renowned art museums. UNESCO has named Santa Fe a "Creative City."
4. Burlington, Vermont
This hip college town on the shores of Lake Champlain is a place where you will feel right at home. Although Burlington is Vermont's largest city, it is small compared to cities in other states. 
After a walk along Lake Champlain, you can settle down at one of the many cafes. Burlington's nightlife is vibrant, thanks to the students of the University of Vermont. Almost half of the residents are students or somehow connected to the university. South of Burlington is Shelburne, home to the region's crown jewel: the Shelburne Museum.
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has to be one of the coolest small towns on the East Coast, with a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere and adventurous spirit. Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville has a unique mix of hip coffee shops, award-winning restaurants, outdoor activities, and more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the U.S. 
There are many unique, unusual, and secret places to discover in Asheville. Rated by Lonely Planet as the best travel destination in the U.S., it's clear why everyone thinks Asheville is super cool.
6. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is a distinguished suburb of Denver. Founded in 1858 as a mining town, it has since developed into a liberal bright spot in conservative Colorado. Boulder is home to a pleasant university and offers shopping on Pearl Street and the extraordinary Flatirons. 
It is a beautifully laid-out city, with plenty of green space and room for pedestrians and cyclists. Numerous stores, galleries, and restaurants can be found along the promenade of Pearl Street Mall. One building that immediately stands out in the street scene is the colorful Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, beautifully hand-painted in cheerful colors of blue, pink, and green.
7. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor, nicknamed "Tree Town," is a university town in the state of Michigan. Known for its extensive offer of museums and cultural activities, the city has a reputation as an urban oasis due to the nature in and around it. Ann Arbor has as many hiking, biking, boating, and fishing areas as it does world-class restaurants and cultural attractions. 
There is a wide variety of outdoor opportunities, such as kayaking and canoeing along the Huron River Water Trail, mountain biking through the Waterloo State Recreation Area, or hiking in the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
8. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is known for its diverse range of culture, entertainment, and fine dining. The university town of Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and the second largest city in the state after Milwaukee. The city offers diverse cultural offerings, beautiful gardens, and numerous restaurants and is high on the list of "best college football cities." 
A visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol and the famous University of Wisconsin is also recommended. From here, you can walk to State Street in about six minutes. State Street is a popular pedestrian street with numerous stores, galleries, bars, and restaurants.
9. Eugene, Oregon
With fresh energy, liberal politics, and alternative lifestyles, Eugene is a fun stop on Interstate 5. Eugene's population is a hodgepodge of ex-hippies, eco-anarchists, intelligent IT professionals, and quirky entrepreneurs. 
The town prides itself on its many restaurants, vibrant festivals, and impressive nature. There are excellent hiking trails along the river and several city parks.
10. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a charming, quaint artists' town where mostly wealthy Americans have settled in recent years. This town must be seen; the scenery around Sedona is stunning. Red-brown rock formations and table mountains form the backdrop of this lovely town. 
It's a place full of magic, spirituality, and red rocks—wherever you look! Read our full article about Sedona here.