1. New York City: I wanted to leave it off the list in order to not be stereotypical but I can’t. I love New York. The frenetic energy, the amazing restaurants, excellent museums, interesting history and diverse population. It can’t be missed. As a history geek, my two favorite stops are the Tenement Museum and Ellis Island.

2. Chicago: Another bustling metropolis and the hometown (sort of) of President Obama. Chicago has great music clubs, fabulous deep-dish pizza and is situated on beautiful Lake Michigan. Don’t miss Navy Pier or the lovely Grant Park. A secret for the vegetarians and vegans- be sure to make a stop at Soul Vegetarian Restaurant you will not regret it.

3. Minneapolis: You should visit this surprisingly diverse and cosmopolitan city but only in the summer, fall or spring. Winter, for the uninitiated, could hurt. Minneapolis is the home of the artist Prince. Occasionally he will go to the club he owns, First Avenue, and invite everyone back to his mansion for a dance party. For some more musical history have a drink at the Purple Onion in Dinkytown, Bob Dylan used to perform there.

4. Boston: Boston is a lovely city full of revolutionary history. Try to visit in the autumn to take in the breathtaking fall colors. Wander around the grounds of famous Harvard University and don’t forget to make a few stops along the Freedom Trail to catch up on your US history.

5. Seattle: This rainy west coast city makes up for it’s perpetual gray skies with excellent coffee shops, organic restaurants and plenty of well-stocked bookstores. Don’t miss a trip to the lovely Bainbridge Island.

6. Austin: The capital of Texas is known as “the live music capital of the world.” No matter what time of year you visit there is sure to be live music leaking out the doors of local bars and cafes in the music districts.

7. Milwaukee: This rust-belt city does not make it into many top ten lists but for those looking to go off the beaten path it makes for a great stop. The city is located along Lake Michigan and hosts festivals on the lake front festival grounds almost every summer weekend. Harley-Davidson motorcycles are built here and H.O.G. members from all over the world make pilgrimages to the Harley museum and factories.

8. Atlanta: Don’t miss a stop to the booming capital city of the ‘new south.’ Hometown to Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta has plenty of museums to satisfy the history fanatic and plenty of clubs for the tourist in search of a party.

9. San Diego: This California city is known for it’s lovely weather and it’s resort like feel. It’s a great place spend time at the beach or take a long run. Don’t miss the lovely Balboa Park.

10. Washington DC: No top ten list would be complete without Washington D.C., the busy capital of the US. Make sure to hit all the usual stops- the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the National Mall and the moving Vietnam Memorial. They are more impressive in real life than in the movies.