7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Boise, Idaho Craft Beer Scene and Outdoor Adventures
Boise, Idaho has emerged as a thriving destination for craft beer enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Notable establishments like Payette Brewing Co. and Boise Brewing have gained prominence, drawing beer lovers from near and far to experience the city's lively beer culture.
Complementing the burgeoning craft beer scene, Boise's proximity to the Boise Foothills and the Boise River Greenbelt provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits, making it an appealing medium-sized city that combines urban amenities with a wealth of recreational activities.
Boise is home to the oldest brewery in Idaho - Grand Teton Brewing, which has been operating since 1988 and is known for its alpine-inspired beers that showcase the region's unique terroir.
Payette Brewing Company, established in 2010, has become a prominent craft beer brand in Idaho, known for its innovative flavor profiles and community engagement.
The city's craft beer scene features over 20 local breweries, each offering a diverse selection of beers, from IPAs to stouts, that cater to a wide range of beer enthusiasts.
The Boise Foothills, located just minutes from the city center, boast over 190 miles of trails for hiking and biking, providing outdoor enthusiasts with panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
The Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile scenic pathway along the river, offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to walk, cycle, and fish in a picturesque urban setting.
Boise's combination of a vibrant craft beer culture and abundant outdoor recreation options has made it a standout among medium-sized cities, offering a balanced lifestyle that appeals to both urban dwellers and adventure seekers.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Boise, Idaho Craft Beer Scene and Outdoor Adventures
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Grand Rapids, Michigan Art Museums and Riverside Parks
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Chattanooga, Tennessee Gig City Tech Hub and Rock Climbing
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Omaha, Nebraska Berkshire Hathaway HQ and Henry Doorly Zoo
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Richmond, Virginia Civil War History and James River Kayaking
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Des Moines, Iowa State Capitol Tours and Farmers' Markets
- 7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Spokane, Washington Riverfront Park and Gonzaga Basketball
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Grand Rapids, Michigan Art Museums and Riverside Parks
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is known for its vibrant art scene, home to the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the annual ArtPrize competition, which transforms the city into a canvas for international artists.
With its blend of cultural attractions and accessible outdoor amenities, Grand Rapids stands out as an under-the-radar destination that offers both urban sophistication and natural beauty.
The Art Prize competition in Grand Rapids is the world's most attended public art event, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually to experience the city's vibrant art scene.
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of Grand Rapids' premier art museums, is recognized as one of the top 100 most-visited art museums globally, boasting a stunning collection of contemporary sculptures.
Riverside Park, a sprawling green space along the Grand River, offers free public WiFi, allowing visitors to seamlessly integrate technology with their outdoor experience.
Lamar Park, known for its picturesque pedestrian bridge spanning the Grand River, has become a popular spot for both casual strolls and extreme sports enthusiasts, who have been known to use the bridge for parkour and bungee jumping.
Grand Rapids' strategic location along the Grand River has enabled the city to develop a thriving water sports culture, with Riverside Park providing easy access for kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and even competitive dragon boat racers.
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Chattanooga, Tennessee Gig City Tech Hub and Rock Climbing
Chattanooga, Tennessee has emerged as a surprising tech hub, thanks to its ultra-fast 1-gigabit internet infrastructure and initiatives like the "Geek Move" program that attract tech professionals.
Beyond its tech focus, Chattanooga also offers ample outdoor recreation, particularly rock climbing, which complements the city's growing entrepreneurial spirit and urban amenities.
Chattanooga is the first city in the Western Hemisphere to offer 1-gigabit-per-second internet speeds to all its residents, earning it the nickname "Gig City."
The city's advanced broadband infrastructure has attracted numerous tech startups and established companies, such as WorkHound and FreightWaves, which have collectively raised over $100 million in venture capital funding.
Chattanooga's "Geek Move" program provides financial incentives of up to $12,500 to technology professionals who relocate to the city, aiming to bolster the local tech ecosystem and foster entrepreneurship.
Chattanooga was selected as one of two US cities to participate in an innovative pilot project that leverages broadband connectivity for urban planning and infrastructure optimization, solidifying its position as a leading "smart city" in the country.
Chattanooga's rock climbing community is highly active, with the city hosting the annual Triple Crown Bouldering Series, which attracts elite climbers from across the nation to compete on the region's challenging routes.
The city's extensive network of hiking trails, including the popular Walnut Street Bridge and the Tennessee Riverwalk, offer breathtaking views of the Tennessee River and the surrounding Appalachian Mountain range, complementing its reputation as an outdoor recreation hub.
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Omaha, Nebraska Berkshire Hathaway HQ and Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha, Nebraska is home to the headquarters of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate led by Warren Buffett.
The city's major tourist attraction is the Henry Doorly Zoo, which is consistently ranked among the top zoos globally and contributes an estimated $200 million annually to the local economy.
Beyond these prominent features, Omaha offers a range of big-city amenities while maintaining a medium-sized feel, making it an appealing destination for both residents and visitors.
Berkshire Hathaway's headquarters in Omaha are located in a modest, unassuming office building, a far cry from the grand corporate headquarters often associated with multinational conglomerates.
The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha is home to the largest cat complex in North America, featuring a 28,000-square-foot facility that houses lions, tigers, and other big cats.
The Desert Dome at the Henry Doorly Zoo is the largest cat complex in North America, covering 28,000 square feet and housing diverse species of big cats.
The zoo's Lied Jungle exhibit is the largest cat complex in the world, spanning an impressive 4 acres and featuring a variety of tropical animal species.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo is the largest cat complex in the world, with a 4-acre Lied Jungle exhibit that immerses visitors in a tropical rainforest environment.
The Henry Doorly Zoo's Aquarium is home to one of the largest shark collections in the United States, featuring over 17 species of sharks and rays.
Berkshire Hathaway's unassuming headquarters in Omaha is a testament to the company's focus on value investing, rather than flashy corporate branding.
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Richmond, Virginia Civil War History and James River Kayaking
Richmond, Virginia, is deeply intertwined with the American Civil War, serving as the capital of the Confederacy from 1861 to 1865.
The city's Civil War history is marked by numerous important sites, including the American Civil War Museum, the Richmond National Battlefield Park, and the historic St.
John's Church.
Beyond its historical significance, Richmond offers a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary options, and various parks and greenspaces.
One of the city's key attractions is the James River, which flows through the heart of Richmond and provides excellent kayaking opportunities, with calm stretches and challenging rapids catering to different skill levels.
Richmond served as the capital of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, making it a critical strategic location for the Confederacy.
The American Civil War Museum in Richmond houses one of the world's largest collections of Confederate artifacts, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the war.
The Richmond National Battlefield Park encompasses over 7,000 acres, including the site of the famous Battle of Cold Harbor, where over 7,000 Union soldiers were killed or wounded in just a few hours.
St.
John's Church in Richmond is where Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty, or give me death
The James River, which flows through the heart of Richmond, was a vital transportation route during the Civil War, used to move troops, supplies, and goods between the Confederate capital and other strategic locations.
The section of the James River near Richmond, known as the "Fall Line," features a series of rapids and waterfalls that presented a significant challenge for river navigation during the war.
Kayaking on the James River in Richmond offers a unique perspective on the city's Civil War history, with paddlers able to explore locations such as the site of the Battle of Drewry's Bluff.
The James River Park System in Richmond features over 600 acres of protected land, including the popular Brown's Island, which hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the year.
The Z Dam on the James River, located within the city limits, is a popular destination for experienced kayakers who enjoy navigating the challenging whitewater rapids.
The Canal Walk in Richmond, built along the historic James River and Kanawha Canal, provides a picturesque setting for strolling, dining, and enjoying the city's vibrant riverfront culture.
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Des Moines, Iowa State Capitol Tours and Farmers' Markets
Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the grand Iowa State Capitol building through free guided tours.
In addition to the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Capitol, Des Moines is home to vibrant farmers' markets, such as the popular Downtown Farmers' Market, which showcases local produce, artisan foods, and crafts.
These attractions make Des Moines a compelling medium-sized city that provides a blend of cultural experiences and community-driven events for residents and visitors alike.
The Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines is the only state capitol in the United States with a 23-karat gold-plated dome, making it a unique and iconic landmark.
The Capitol's interior features over 100 different types of marble, sourced from around the world, including the rare Italian Siena marble used in the Supreme Court Chamber.
The Capitol's grand staircase is made of cast iron and was constructed without the use of any nails, an impressive engineering feat for the time.
One of the tour highlights is the chance to see the Liberty Bell replica housed within the Capitol, a gift from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market is one of the largest in the Midwest, with over 275 vendors offering a diverse array of local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods.
The farmers' market has an estimated annual economic impact of $50 million, highlighting its significance as a hub for local agriculture and small businesses.
Des Moines' farmers' markets feature a wide range of unique offerings, including bison meat, heritage pork, and specialty mushrooms that are not typically found in mainstream grocery stores.
The Downtown Farmers' Market hosts an annual Chili Cook-Off competition, where local restaurants and vendors showcase their best chili recipes, attracting thousands of visitors.
The Johnston Farmers Market, held on Tuesdays, partners with local organizations to support community projects, such as food bank donations and educational initiatives.
The Iowa State Capitol's limestone exterior is sourced from a single quarry in Anamosa, Iowa, ensuring a consistent and harmonious architectural aesthetic.
Des Moines' farmers' markets have adapted to changing consumer preferences, now offering a range of prepared foods, artisanal baked goods, and even live music performances to enhance the shopping experience.
7 Under-the-Radar Medium-Sized Cities That Offer Big City Amenities - Spokane, Washington Riverfront Park and Gonzaga Basketball
Spokane's Riverfront Park has recently undergone improvements, including the addition of a new basketball court as part of the Ice Age Floods playground.
The flexible court configurations, ranging from five half-courts to three full courts, reflect the city's strong basketball culture, which has earned it the "Hooptown USA" moniker.
Gonzaga University's men's and women's basketball teams are central to the community's sports identity, drawing enthusiastic support from local residents, as evidenced by events like watch parties held at the Pavilion in Riverfront Park.
Spokane's basketball heritage and the park's diverse recreational offerings position the city as a medium-sized urban center with a vibrant blend of outdoor amenities and sports-focused attractions.
Riverfront Park's recently upgraded basketball court is part of the Ice Age Floods playground, which features flexible configurations with five half-courts or three full courts.
The new basketball court development is a collaboration between Hooptown USA and the Spokane Hoopfest Association, emphasizing Spokane's strong basketball culture.
Gonzaga University's men's and women's basketball teams have become central to Spokane's community identity, with the city hosting watch parties for their games at the Pavilion in Riverfront Park.
Spokane's basketball history is deeply rooted, as evidenced by the city's residents' ongoing participation in recreational basketball and its acknowledgment as a hub for basketball activities.
Riverfront Park is home to a carousel that has been in operation since the 1930s, providing a unique and nostalgic experience for visitors.
The park's ice rink is open year-round, allowing for ice skating in the winter and roller skating in the warmer months.
Riverfront Park's themed playground features climbing structures and other interactive elements that cater to children and families.
The Gonzaga Bulldogs women's basketball team has emerged as a competitive force, contributing to the city's enthusiasm for sports and drawing large crowds to their games.
Spokane's Riverfront Park hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and art exhibits.
The park's walking trails and scenic views along the Spokane River offer a peaceful escape from the urban environment, allowing visitors to connect with nature.
The Spokane Hoopfest, one of the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments in the world, is held annually in Riverfront Park, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
The combination of Riverfront Park's recreational offerings and Gonzaga's sports events exemplifies Spokane's ability to blend outdoor enjoyment with urban entertainment, making it a noteworthy medium-sized city with big city attractions.