Travel Destination Part 3

Posted on February 6, 2018

Description:

I’ve never traveled alone for fun. It gives me a nervous energy. Will I be able to break outside of my shy self and make this experience memorable? Will I be able to suss out what the purpose of the trip is just by walking around? Will the whole thing be a waste if I can’t muscle my way out of these underlying anxieties and just sit in the hotel room the whole time, eating minibar Toblerones? A trip always presents, in a way, an existential mission. I hope I’m able to find mine when I get on that plane in a few weeks.

We’re down to ten cities. If you could share the logic behind why you’re voting a certain way, and what I should be looking out for in the city you’d like to send me to, that should help me tease out what to look for in the city, and in myself.

Yes:
New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville, Kansas City, St. Louis.

No:
Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, Charleston, Raleigh



Past Discussion

robby ☕️ (1.0 shares, voted yes)
New Orleans and get chargrilled oysters at Drago's
tote (4.0 shares, voted yes)
New Orleans and Atlanta both afford a glimpse at The South while still supplying enough novelty and curious experience to prevent you rotting in its filth. Both cities have good bookstores and music. We should also arrange for you to meet someone (a couple, hopefully) with a strange hobby, who can tell you about it for at least two hours until you're forced by maintenance of sanity to beg off and find a good meal.
davehayden ☕️💯 (230.0 shares, voted no)
There. It's kind of boring when everyone votes the same. :)
valeavy (5.0 shares, voted yes)
I'm from St. Louis and I want to force you to go there. New Orleans is my favorite American City, despite living in Oakland presently. NOLA, Atlanta, Nashville, StL, and KC afford opportunities to experience your profound American musical heritage. Also the City Museum in StL and all the food in NOLA... These are great places to travel alone, because you'll meet people easily, and have an opportunity to explore your current crisis
valeavy (5.0 shares, voted yes)
If you wanna blend in while in StL, get a Cardinals t-shirt. 50% of the city is wearing one at any given time.
humanclock (8.0 shares, voted yes)
You are going to New Orleans man.
benjack05 (9.0 shares, voted yes)
New Orleans my friend, grab a bottle of wine and hang at bacchanal wine and spirits or get weird on Frenchman street
Richard S. Jensen (6.0 shares, voted yes)
All the Yeses are cool. Miami is the only cool No.
Richard S. Jensen (6.0 shares, voted yes)
Pulling for Nashville. I think it is the Mikeyest.
EyeScream (5.0 shares, voted yes)
I've been gunning for New Orleans, simply because it seems like the place to go if you're looking for a little soul searching (even if I haven't actually been there myself). I think the only time I've traveled with another person is when I was a little kid and had to go where the parents live. I'm generally a fan of museums and just general people-watching. Without specific knowledge of the city, I'd suggest the obvious: attend a music concert or find a restaurant/bar with live music.
chiyeung (2.0 shares, voted yes)
Kansas City, New Orleans, Nashville all seem amazing. The answer is obvious.
rugger 💯 (297.0 shares, voted yes)
When friends ask about cities to visit, I first like to ask what they like to do when visiting a city. For example, do you like food, sports, arts, people watching, etc.? Do you prefer quiet or high-energy? Is there a particular interest you'd like to pursue while there (eg, you're an avid golfer, scuba diver, etc.). Without the benefit of knowing some of these answers, will make a blind suggestion: New Orleans. Easy walkability, great food, interesting history, inviting to outsiders (everyone is welcome), almost always guaranteed to return with a story. Whatever city you choose, would recommend you list a few things you'd like to get out of the adventure and seek some recommendations. For example, in New Orleans everyone will say to go get a beignet at Cafe du Monde, see the cemetary, or ride a cable car, but there are some hidden gems too. The sculpture garden at the museum is excellent. There is a wonderful photography gallery called Agallery, etc. Do go somewhere.
Medicalmack (20.0 shares, voted yes)
Get the music in New Orleans!
WerdnaWas (1.0 shares, voted no)
Charleston is hands down the best place to visit this side of the Mississippi. It is essentially a cleaner New Orleans with better food and cocktails. Sorry Mike, wish my vote pulled more weight around here.
A J Cole (2.0 shares, voted no)
I STILL DONT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU HAVE TO VISIT A CITY?? I want you to fly to Miami, jump in a rental and spend a week in the everglades with bizarro gator hunters and work on your meditation practice in a small shack near an orange grove.
ritchey ☕️💼 (81.0 shares, voted no)
C'mon, people, Mike obviously has to go to Disney World.
epurpur (1.0 shares, voted yes)
I'm with AJ Cole. Why are you going to a city? You live in LA, don't you get enough city time?
handsome (20.0 shares, voted yes)
If you’ve never been to New Orleans than that has my vote. Other wise Nashville or Atlanta
T.R. Alviani (3.0 shares, voted no)
Raleigh is up and coming - not too big, not too small and on the short list of many new HQs
sturgill (104.0 shares, voted yes)
I vote for Kansas City and STL, you could drive to one from the other easily and which would give you a twofer. You need to see the City Museum in STL.
tote (4.0 shares, voted yes)
If Mike agrees to rent a car and go to the Everglades (as suggested emphatically by AJ Cole), I'll change my vote to a "no".
Mike Merrill
I don't hate the idea of renting a car and heading out of whatever city I'm in, but it's maybe too early to commit to a plan? Let's maintain optionality for now...
Jos 🎖☕️ (6.0 shares, voted yes)
Nashville. I lived near there for years. It's beautiful, has the only full-sized replica of the Parthenon (including Athena) in the world, great art, great beer, and great people. Plus, if you like country music, there's that, too. And I could introduce you to some folks. Also, also, if you're there in September (around the 12th), we might be able to meet up.
Frediraz (4.0 shares, voted yes)
Enjoy your vacation then run for a political office
MadMike (4.0 shares, voted yes)
Florida... Not my first choice for destinations... Head west young man, head west.