From the natural setting to the architecture, see what makes these towns finalists in Forbes' civic-beauty pageant.

It's time-change weekend, when the days suddenly get an hour shorter. But look at it this way: More night just means more nightlife!

All in a tizzy because your favorite national holiday is just around the corner? You are not alone. "Candyfreak" author Steve Almond is with you.

Call on one of these harbor towns for a full cargo of American history and culture.

Living in the city doesn't have to mean getting your pumpkin from a store.

Idaho vodka? Philadelphia gin? Drink deep of America, from the lush bluegrass of Kentucky to the Oregon spruce forests.

Make your way to the desert for the sport's best-kept secret. The Arizona Fall League offers an up-close look at the biggest upcoming stars.

A handful of urban chefs are growing everything from exotic herbs to tomatoes and corn - on the roof

With a burger type for every palate, this best-of list is sure to make your mouth water.

MSN City Guides rounds up what you -- our readers -- think are the burgers that can't be beat.

One of the best places to enjoy autumn is an arboretum. Here are 10 great ones across the U.S.

Supporting your local merchant is more than just a feel-good move, advocates say. More of your money stays in the neighborhood.

There are sports, arts and outdoor activities aplenty in these places.

Here are the six saddest things you'll find at your friendly neighborhood pawn shop. Plus, here's how it works.

Enjoy fabulous food and spectacular city or sea views at these top -- and we mean top -- restaurants

Take a mental health day from your unemployment with these almost totally free things to do in your city.

When Katrina hit New Orleans, it temporarily derailed the myth-making machinery. In 2009, that machine is back at full steam.

It's the dog days of summer. The kids are out of camp. School is still around the corner. The family budget is on a diet. What to do? Get to the state fair!

After years of industrial abuse and pollution, North America's river towns have made a comeback and are open for business. Here are some examples.

Try these spots for top-quality clothing castoffs at amazing prices. But treasures can be found at your neighborhood place too; we've got tips for happy hunting.

You don't have to go to New York or L.A. to see world-class art. There might be something surprising in your own backyard.

As summer festival season heats up, outdoor productions battle the intrusions of nature; a raccoon's soliloquy

In this fledgling summer economy, you don't have to go far to experience the best that world travel has to offer.

Get away this summer and see the real-life settings of your favorite TV shows

New Orleans' Tales of the Cocktail focuses on the art and science of mixology, with sessions on everything from American saloon history to tasting skills and cocktail trends.

Fewer drivers are expected on the road for July 4th. Airlines and rail carriers are ready to compete

Get limber and lean as you train for the big top at these circus schools around the U.S.

The topping craze was so '90s. These eight cutting-edge U.S. pizzerias lay the foundation for perfect pies.

Coming to a lounge near you. From performing classic Sinatra to hip-hop tunes, this lounge singer's unusual act is not to be missed.

A growing fleet of vehicles around the country is serving high-end, gourmet fare -- and changing the lunchtime landscape.

Municipal courses, once derided, now include some of the top courses in the country -- including Long Island's Bethpage Black, home again to this year's U.S. Open.

The best ice cream in America is made by small outfits, often with local ingredients. With warmer weather on the way, here are nine parlors sure to please.

These 10 state parks near major cities allow campers to get lost without going far.

The experts at Gayot.com have the best spots from around the country.

Looking for a different kind of getaway this summer, one that doesn't involve spending hours in the car and $75 on gas?

Barter those bored-of books collecting dust on your shelves for new favorites at these standout used bookstores across the country.

A roundup of some of the hottest cities for cool street festivals.

From ghosts to Elvis to all things Corey, these five spots represent the far reaches of the U.S. karaoke scene.

Nanobreweries find the niche between home brew and microbreweries, making it easier to think (and drink) locally.

At these great American buffets, "all you can eat" is an invitation, not a warning.

From new light rails to buses with shuttles to the suburbs, these are the best U.S. public transit systems you never knew existed

Temperate climates are finally here so get out and enjoy them while you can at these top outdoor dining spots around the U.S.

Beat the crowd and get away to urban beaches in and around these U.S. cities.

New weird landmarks that can only be found in America.

Escaping the urban jungle in six U.S. cities

From jet planes to jelly beans, there are countless fun factory tours across the country to quell every one of your curiosities.

National Trust for Historic Preservation names year's 11 most endangered historic places.

Outdoor-season festival producers go the extra mile to attract cash-strapped customers in a challenging economic time.

Forget Facebook. If you want a real sense of community, head down to the track - and bring the family.

Seeing a game at a minor league ball club offers up as much fun as the MLB but at a fraction of the cost.

What defines rock? Besides the sound, it's the location. Here are some memorable ones.

Planning to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Make sure you stop at these five infamous watering holes.

Had enough of run-of-the-mill Valentine’s Day activities? Take a look at these offbeat events.

In L.A., an unconventional nonprofit broadens immigrant kids' English-language skills

Going out to eat tonight? Watch out for the Actress, the Flirt and the Pretty Boy.

Have you been a restaurant server? Then you might have met a few of these characters.

Want to cut back without giving up the fine dining experience? Upscale restaurants are making it easier.

Author Mike Walsh went bowling in all 50 states. You can learn a lot hanging out in the alleys of America.

Our writer tries regional confectioners' best, so you don’t have to (but you’ll wish you did)

In the city where the good times roll, three celebrated drinks play their part

Explore these regional fares that the locals love, from downright oddities to renowned eats.

Stalking the wild muffuletta and other delights in the Crescent City

Can you experience Africa without going there? The San Diego Wild Animal Park is one alternative.

From Anchorage to Park City, these communities are a winter sports enthusiasts’ paradise.

Everyone knows of the New Year’s ball drop in Times Square … but what about the pinecone or the acorn drop?

Cities from Austin to Boston will welcome 2009 with alcohol-free celebration of local artists.

When it comes to the holidays, irony is in. Just look at these alternative holiday events.

But visiting? Maybe not so much, at least according to writers we surveyed

Go ahead, have the time of your life – but don’t spend a lifetime – in these eight places

Servers dish about discourteous customers -- and how they take their revenge

Halloween's the time when those unlikely spots on the map take root in our imaginations.

An overview of right- and left-leaning U.S. cities finds links between where you live and how you vote.

A Michigan town has a sense of humor about its name. So does its creator.

Monkey bars? Big kids get juice bars (and more) at sports centers geared to adult fun.

An arts collective and a nonprofit bring activism and expression to a parking space near you

The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival brings chivalry to Sin City. Imagine that

A veteran writer looks at some of the cities that move American music today.

Fall blows in. Watch the season turn over a new leaf, in living color, at seven U.S. parks

Think you know your U.S. capitals? Here are a few that’ll leave you stumped and slightly in awe of that crazy place we call America.

You don’t have to live in Gotham to have your own superhero—or to be one, for that matter.

Farming is hard work, but milking a cow and harvesting crops can also be fun, thanks to the rise of agrotourism.

Urban farmer's markets are on the rise as a great way to eat right, back the local economy and boost the environment.

10 spots to cool off this summer without getting into a car.

Bookstores might not be as ubiquitous as they once were, but these indie gems stand strong as havens for U.S. book lovers.

In the 75th anniversary year of the drive-in, outdoor cinema is alive and well—sometimes where you’d least expect it.

Looking for a picturesque getaway out of the city? It’s cheaper and easier than you think.

Need a getaway but can’t get away from work? Llive in the summer city of your dreams and still pay the bills.

A look into the nation’s coffee capital, where espresso isn’t “just a drink” and being a barista isn’t “just a job.”

New York is the world’s financial capital, but what's the world’s blueberry capital? See which tasty treats put communities on the map.

When it comes to global warming, are we getting in too deep? Here’s a look at the top 10 U.S. cities at risk from rising sea levels.

An L.A. resident wonders: Didn’t it used to be easier to meet the folks living around us, or is that just a sitcom myth?

From jet planes to jelly beans, there are countless fun factory tours across the country to quell your curiosities.

Just when things were looking up for the best country singer you (probably) never heard, fate poked Chris Gaffney in the liver.

American cities are alive with flowering blossoms, festivals and spring fever. But the peak weeks fly by. Here’s the dirt on where to go when.

Buying peanuts and Cracker Jack might cost you an arm and a leg. Here's how to root, root, root for your team on the cheap.

With living costs biting the Big Apple, New Yorkers are exiting their apartments, bypassing Jersey and moving to Philadelphia.

With summer finally here, that urban jungle just might have more seasonal surprises to offer than meets the eye.

Here's the world of professional bull riding—the fastest-growing extreme sport in the country—as you’ve never seen it. This ain’t no rodeo!

‘Star Trek: The Tour’ isn’t just nostalgia.

Decades after closing the House of the Future, the Anaheim theme park takes another crack at predicting what tomorrow’s home looks like.

If checking your skis with an airline gives you the shivers, check out these ski and snowboarding resorts two hours from major cities.

As the town changes, vintage Las Vegas fades into dust and memory.

Ten top 10 lists featuring the best of the best from the City of Lights.

Hell’s in Michigan. Tightwad's in Missouri and Rabbit Hash is in Kentucky. Get the stories behind these and other odd U.S. place names.

City Living: Breaking in a new stylist can be about more than color and cut.

Every city moves with a rhythm all its own. Open your ears to these musical interpretations.

From jazz dives to concert halls, we rate the top 10 U.S. places to hear all kinds of tunes.

The desert city just keeps on changing. Here are tips on where to sleep, eat and play.

Mix culture, jobs, transit and a few other ingredients, and you’ve got yourself a good reason to go take a walk.

Cities from New York to San Francisco are getting splashy redesigns from top architects. Some are new, some will open in the new year.

A small town with Moravian roots nicknamed itself ‘Christmas City, U.S.A.’ in 1937, and puts on a holiday celebration heavy on Old World charm.

Looking for an escape that takes you to another world? Welcome to the world of conventions, "cons" for short, where gadgets and gamers take center stage.

From Alaska to Maine, these spots offer a walk on the wild side for fans of everything from windsurfing to fly-fishing.

The last few years have been hard on record stores, but a few independent gems hang on.

Choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms are growing in popularity, and some embrace sustainable “green” approaches.

Here are great ways to reach out, pitch in, and connect with your community in 9 cities across the country.

Writers across the country offer their tips for living large without spending big.

Escaping the urban jungle in 6 U.S. cities.

Observatories across the United States offer the public a chance to see the heavens.

Want the freshest apple? Give in to temptation and pick your own. Here are three areas that qualify as paradise for apple lovers.

The leaves, they are a changin’. But don’t just peep from your car window. Here are 10 outdoor adventures that give you a front seat for the autumn show.

Even in the age of online auctions, the flea market economy lives on. A swap meet veteran shares some of his secrets.

Writers in 29 cities share some of their favorite hidden treats, from an ice rink in Anaheim to water lilies in Washington, D.C.

The House of the Future is a thing of the past. Here’s a look back at that defunct Tomorrowland attraction and other gone-but-not-forgotten rides.

Need to get away from it all—fast? Here are nine island adventures just a short hop from major U.S. cities.

From L.A. crime scenes to Chicago ghosts, these big U.S. cities offer sightseeing options that go beyond the typical tourist fare.

Looking for outdoor adventure? It’s closer than you think. Check out these summer escapes, all within a short drive of major cities.

The price of open-road freedom depends on a few things, like whether you’re willing to share meals and swap your Starbucks latte for gas station java.

Planning a long road trip? We've gotten seven tips to help keep your kids from killing each other.

Taking the kids on a trip? It’s not always about where you go; sometimes, it’s about where you stop.

Sometimes when you take to the road, bad things happen. Here are five ways to cope.

Museums don’t have to be a drag. Here, some strategies for making a day of art fun for the family and soul-satisfying for you.

Ask Duane Marden, the king of roller coaster math. Check out his rankings on the top U.S. thrill rides.

A new batch of attractions are ready for summer crowds. Here's a guide to openings at theme parks coast-to-coast.

As people stream south and west, America's big industrial cities aren't as big as they used to be, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.

He painted more than 300 years ago, but the Dutch master's works still speak to us. Many of his paintings are in U.S. museums.

Though the master never made it to the United States, some of his best-known works did. They're in several U.S. museums.

Exploring historically Chinese enclaves in U.S. cities can offer a long afternoon’s exploration, even if you think you know the neighborhood.

Take a quick hybrid cab ride through 10 cities doing the most to realize a sustainable metropolis.

With health and the environment top of mind for many consumers, Community Supported Agriculture is a growing field.

Two factors crucial in choosing where to live: Can you afford the rents? And what can you do there? These places address both issues.

MSN City Guides evaluates the Big Three, then goes roaming for small-town humor across the country (though we might be pulling your leg).

Writers across the country pick their favorite places.

Writers nationwide tell you what to avoid—and what to do instead.

Top art exhibitions on display nationally include sexy cars, a rare U.S. tour of a famed Renaissance masterwork, and an Edward Hopper retrospective.

A hit celebrity-reality show makes ballroom dancing cool again. Here's how to polish your moves.

As ballroom dancing gets a boost from TV, square-dancing promenades its way to a revival of its own.

New baseball fields recall the glory of classic parks. But multipurpose stadiums of the ’70s get no respect.

Must-see locations made famous by the reality TV series "The Amazing Race."

Toilet seat art, things made of hair and the life of Liberace star in these nine offbeat museums. Don’t miss the giant colon.

Offbeat wedding locations gain popularity as brides shun that banquet-hall look.

Put yourself in one of this year’s Oscar-nominated films -- visit spots where famous scenes were filmed.

“The O.C.” is dead, but the real-life soap opera that is Orange County lives on.

Baseball's pre-season gets corporate—and pricey. But one fan still has reason for an annual spring fling.

'Jingle Bells' rings hollow? Try events that move to the beat of a different drummer boy

An unrepentant foodie stalks the wild bagel, the untamed pastrami and other delights.

Small-batch perfumeries appeal to the olfactory with products that aren't made in factories

The folks at Gayot.com say these top steakhouses are in their prime.

The experts at Gayot.com know where to get the best seafood. And that's no fish tale.

Three of the restaurants elevating the gastronomic profile of Des Moines

A handful of urban chefs are growing everything from exotic herbs to tomatoes and corn - on the roof

MSN City Guides rounds up what you -- our readers -- think are the burgers that can't be beat.

Enjoy fabulous food and spectacular city or sea views at these top -- and we mean top -- restaurants

These 10 romantic dining retreats from across the U.S. set the scene for the perfect Valentine’s Day.

Tomorrow's top chefs perfect their skills at culinary schools today … savor the results

Part deux: After taking a stab at listing America’s top 10 doughnut shops, we heard from readers – so here are 13 more favorites.

Space might be at a premium in New York, but these vendors have taken it to the streets with small food carts that are big on creativity and flavor.

How the strengthening local food movement in towns across the U.S. is reshaping farms and food retailing.

Artisanal bread bakeries are on the rise. Here are eight tips on how to spot a real, handmade loaf.

They may get snubbed by foodies, but chain restaurants are where much of America eats. And some of them are getting better.

Sunday morning is a time to relax. So why rush through breakfast? Delve into our picks for the tastiest spots near you—and make your brunch an event to remember.

Baseball’s traditional fare might be hot dogs and beer, but going out to the ballgame can be a gourmet experience at many parks across the U.S.

Joins us as we pay tribute to the regional treats that captured your heart as a kid (and that you secretly wish would go national).

Some high-end eateries are going whole hog (cow, lamb, chicken—you name it) by using every part of an animal.

There may never be agreement on where the hot dog came from, but our writer stakes a claim for the seven best places to find one today.

Take to the road and discover some of the culinary treasures the country has to offer on these truly delicious trails.

Strap on your sugar tooth for a tour of the country’s oldie-but-goodie bakeries.

Good food in Las Vegas won’t cost all your winnings.

With cupcake frenzy on the rise, it’s clear this treat isn’t just for kids and birthdays anymore. Here’s our list of where to find the country’s best and boldest cupcakes.

These seven local artisans make hand-crafted jewels that can be almost too beautiful to eat.

Do you know New York City from New Haven? California from Chicago? Here’s where to taste the difference for yourself.

Here’s a taste of what you get when you plunk down the equivalent of a car payment for a meal at some of America’s top restaurants.

So, think you know your cheesesteaks? One man goes on a quest in search of Philadelphia’s finest.

From old-fashioned red leather meat joints to new-fangled modern chophouses with globally-inspired fare, the experts at Gayot.com offer up their annual roundup of the country’s prime steakhouses.

We comb the country for some of the best hot apple cider, hot chocolate, egg nog and more—and tell you how to spice up your own winter drinking.

Sushi addicts with deep pockets are being tempted with top chefs, top-quality ingredients and creative flair. With a $400 prix fixe dinner, New York’s Masa is at the top of the scale.

Are restaurants OK for our biggest eat-in holiday? One writer will be spending this Thanksgiving eating in—but thinks back fondly on a restaurant meal.

Yeah, we know, Americans are getting bigger and restaurant portions are partly to blame. But we still stand in awe of these eight purveyors of really giant eats.

These 10 restaurants represent the best of U.S. eateries that have opened within the last 12 months.

Espresso mascarpone trifle, anyone? The dining experts at Gayot.com spotlight the makers of some of the most exquisite desserts in the country.

The author of "Candyfreak" leads a tour in search of the strangest bars you’ve never heard of from regional, old-fashioned candy makers.

Some restaurants are trying all-new twists where the servers are the stars—when you can see them.

People like to write (and read) about food almost as much as they like to eat it. These top blogs offer a daily dish on everything from restaurants to recipes.

Doughnuts are more than just a sweet snack—they’re an institution. Here are 10 great places to get your fix.

Forget those dark, clubby rooms of the past. These eight chic steakhouses go beyond red meat.

Cows can be complicated. Here are a few quick pointers to help you know your beef.

Fans of fine dining have good reason to complain about the way some restaurants handle their wine selection. Here are some top complaints.

Of all the things we eat, ice cream might be the most magical.

In summer, dining out often means literally dining out. From Hawaii to Seattle to New York, these restaurants make the most of al fresco dining.

Dear restaurant owner: We love sidewalk dining, but please don’t put us in the parking lot.

The hamburger has been around for at least a century, but its exact origins are a little hazy. But maybe we can all agree on what makes a real burger.

Thanks to TV food shows, cooking classes are heating up nationwide. Here’s a sampler of culinary classes around the country, and tips on finding a school near you.

The demand for late-night dining has restaurants and lounges serving past midnight. Here’s what to look for when hunger strikes.

Thin crust or thick? New York or Chicago? Where do you stand?

Take a tour of the regional capitals of American barbecue—Memphis, North Carolina, Kansas City and Texas.

Customers have a role to play in ensuring a smooth dining experience, say three top restaurateurs with a reputation for hospitality. Here’s how to help restaurants serve you right.

A table for one can satisfy the hunger for a little alone time.

What your karaoke selection says about you.

From ghosts to Elvis to all things Corey, these five spots represent the far reaches of the U.S. karaoke scene.

New Orleans' Tales of the Cocktail focuses on the art and science of mixology, with sessions on everything from American saloon history to tasting skills and cocktail trends.

As summer festival season heats up, outdoor productions battle the intrusions of nature; a raccoon's soliloquy (article from Wall Street Journal).

Idaho vodka? Philadelphia gin? Drink deep of America, from the lush bluegrass of Kentucky to the Oregon spruce forests.

Think there’s nothing better than a cold beer when it’s hot out? Sip some warm weather brews at these American brewery tours and tastings.

Stumped for fun, cheap and surprising things to do this summer? Check out the host of exciting theater festivals in towns across the U.S.

The hottest cities for cool summer street festivals.

… and chances are, it's not what you think. Here's a look at its delightfully bold and bawdy return in the U.S.

Great American bars: Johnny White’s in New Orleans – not the one on Bourbon, the one around the corner – has kept a special place in one writer’s heart through 40 years of drinking.

As the latest season of ‘American Idol’ winds down, the summer singing contest season heats up. Here are some tips for competing on the circuit.

Half a century after his death, Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt inspires festivals that make their way across the U.S. The season kicks off this week.

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant makes a great Margarita. Here’s how to make—or order—one of your own, on Cinco de Mayo or anytime.

Environmental events across the country come in all shades of green. Here’s a sampling of what’s going on.

Looking for an experience beyond green beer this St. Patrick’s Day? Check out these pubs that’ll leave you feeling Irish for day—any time of the year.

Perfectly good men can be kind of bad when it comes to romance. Maybe it’s your year to take charge—and keep the destination a surprise.

Financial markets are on the ropes. Here are eight cities’ worth of ideas for keeping the romance flame alive on a budget.

Carrot Top? You might be pleasantly surprised.

Forget Times Square and those huge gatherings that leave you out in the cold. Get your new year off to a good start with these fun alternatives that won’t break the bank.

Drinking tradition meets creativity in these five top bars. Here are recipes for signature drinks from each.

From Boston’s Matzo Ball to the Parade of Lights in Newport Beach, America’s cities have lots of ways to mark winter’s arrival.

North American artists take museums by storm this fall with bold colors and elegant forms.

Fall has been the neglected season when it comes to cocktails. Here are some drinks that might help change that.

Fall means football, and so fall also means beer. Here are some rich, malty brews that will help ease you into winter.

Writers in 28 cities round up hip, historical and downright haunting Halloween events happening across the country.

With virtual forms of fun competing for the attention of America's youth, along comes a show that tries to set them free with its re-imagining of live family entertainment.

Inspired by rock music, natural disasters, dreams or a desire to be “modern,” several upcoming exhibitions this fall vividly demonstrate the unleashed potential of visual art.

Local colleges and universities are great places to see up-and-coming bands, world-class speakers and more, often cheap. Here’s how to stay on top of what’s coming to campus.

On the lookout for someone new? Here’s a field guide.

Bartenders may have a knack for telling jokes, but there may be a few things they’re keeping mum about.

Tired of the same old drink? It might be time to mix it up.

Sure, you’ve had a Manhattan … but have you ever had a Bronx? Help save these worthy drinks from extinction.

Writers across the country offer their advice for the best spots to catch fireworks displays in their city.

Time for a cocktail? Here are eight tips for learning what you like and ordering it right.

As summer arrives, the sun is king, and there are several ways to celebrate. Nude bike ride, anyone?

The weekend holiday marks more than the unofficial kickoff for summer. Check out observances in the nation’s capital, as well as other events around the country.

More than 100 teams will compete this weekend in the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Show mom you care by planning a special day that fits her personality. Here are seven ideas to get you started.