JennX

I sort of thought that, because it was called *Main* Street, and it was Las Vegas, there was likely to be something going on. But no. It's up in North Las Vegas, and there's nothing going on. Not only that, but the neighborhood can get pretty dodgy, and I wouldn't want to walk around there by myself at night. Best just to stay away.

If masked men dropped blindfolded you and dropped you off in this street, you'd take off the blindfold and know where you were. Even if you'd never been to Vegas before. It's all casinos and bright lights and spend spend spend. From here, you're right by the Trump Towers; you can see the other huge megaresorts, and you're at the enormous Fashion Show Mall. This road might as well be called The Strip, part two.

I never thought of Las Vegas as being somewhere I could go skiing or snowboarding, but it turns out you really can do just about any pass time there. Their slopes aren't great, but if you're in the mood, the Spring Mountains should be adequate. Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort (creative, no?) is about 45 minutes from the Strip.

Convention Center Drive? You'll never guess what's there. The convention center. Surprise, surprise. The monorail connects to it now, though that's kind of a rip off. There's the same stuff you'd expect to find near the convention center-- some food options, some hotels for people staying nearby-- but something about the area has a strange, early-sixties feel to it.

But the "you'll never guess what's on this street" isn't all sarcastic, because I found a surprise buried in there. There's a place where you can go indoor-skydiving. Seriously. Big fans. Weird suits. Good times.

If you're in Las Vegas and you don't feel like doing the whole gambling / show / casino thing, you should go for a drive, and 95 is my favorite target. It heads northwest while slowly climbing, so you get great views of all the lights on the strip. Fantastic views for miles.

This is just more of the same with Las Vegas -- casinos, resorts, hotels, high-end houses-- just spreading out. Some of them are very nice (Red Rock Canyon resort, in particular) but there's not much to distinguish it from the rest of the town.

What Charleston Blvd has going for it: it's a great way out of town; it has nice views; it leads to Red Rock Canyon Nature Preserve. Now THAT is totally worth going for.

I ventured out to Red Rock Canyon on my fourth trip to Vegas. I'm not opposed to the gambling and flashing lights and consumerism, but it starts to grate after a while. Red Rock made for a welcome relief. It's about a twenty minute drive outside the city, and entrance is free.

The whole thing is set up as a loop drive (about 10 miles, I think) through a very pretty canyon that's been turned into a nature preserve. There are scenic overlook-type things scattered throughout, if you're not feeling very ambitious. If you want to be more active, there are a variety of hiking trails, for all different skill levels, accessible to the parking areas. Get maps at the entrance.

Whether you're looking for a scenic drive or somewhere to get some physical activity, this is perfect.

This is like the sad version of the strip. There are some decent casinos scattered along it (Palace Station is one of the places that locals will actually gamble). There are some perfectly adequate restaurants. But mostly it's the not-shiny, not pretty stuff (rental car agencies, apartment buildings )that you have to keep a tourism town running.

This is a nice street in a pleasant community. I don't say "nice" because creativity has failed me, but because that's really all it has going for it. This is Las Vegas's attempt to feign normalcy. And then you look around and realize that it's a community full of cookie-cutter houses built around manufactured lakes in the desert.

Randolph is maybe the busiest east-west street that cuts through Chicago's loop. So this means that whatever you're looking for, you can probably find it somewhere along Randolph. But it also means that because it's such a busy street, it's not very pedestrian friendly, and parking can be difficult.

By far my favorite thing on Randolph is Flirty Girl Fitness. It's part bar, part spa, but mostly gym that will kick your butt with risque themed workout classes.

I'd heard that Navy Pier was a lot of fun, so I was a little surprised to discover that it's really nothing more than a nice afternoon stroll. There are shops, an IMAX theater, and a fair number of things to look at, but not a lot that really reaches out and grabs you. The stained glass museum down there is definitely worth a visit.

There are lots of restaurants scattered through the Pier. I'd definitely recommend getting a table outside, with a view of the skyline, and just sit for a while and enjoy the people watching.

I think this is one of the prettiest drives in the country. If you've ever seen Bay to Bay Drive in Tampa, Florida, it'll remind you of Lake Shore Drive. The whole time, you skirt the western edge of Lake Michigan, driving past beaches and marinas all the way up to the mall at Navy Pier.

South Western Avenue is pretty run down. It's definitely deteriorated into an unsafe area. (I wouldn't want to walk big chunks of this road, especially alone or at night).

That being said, you can tell that the street has seen better days. There's some interesting art deco architecture scattered around. If concrete monoliths are your thing, this is the place to be.

This is a wonderful, quiet little street in Ukrainian Village. It's a really safe area-- I feel comfortable walking alone here, even at night. It's mostly townhomes and apartment buildings, so it's definitely a residential area. If it has a downside, it's that you have to walk a few blocks over to one of the more major streets to get to restaurants or stores.

Even though the area isn't as strictly Eastern European as it used to be, it still has a lot of character. The Ukrainian cathedral at Oakley and Rice is particularly charming.

Division street can be a lot of fun. There are already a ton of great restaurants, interesting shops, and fun bars scattered along the street, but it seems like there are more opening up every time I turn around. Of course, the down side is that what used to be an affordable area is now being priced out of range. Especially around Wicker Park, or near Dearborn, this is a great place to stroll with friends-- you're bound to find something everyone will enjoy.

Hialeah Race Track is pretty cool. They stock the infield with flamingos. It's not as nice as some of the country's other racetracks, like in Kentucky or upstate New York, but it's still good quality. Definitely the best horse track in Florida, or the deep south for that matter. I heard there's talk of shutting it down, which is a shame. Go there while you can.

The only thing on Seminole Way is the Hard Rock Casino, which the Seminole Tribe bought out. They've recently completed a pretty major renovation, and it's looking great these days. I wouldn't call the Casino a destination on its own, but if you're in the area anyway and looking for something to do, this is a great option. Okay gaming, free drinks, the kind of food you'd expect in a casino. Worth a stop.

Alton Rd. is nothing to see for itself. It's mostly residential. It runs north to south the whole length of Miami Beach.

It's useful because it's the only other major-ish north south road. When A1A (Collins / Ocean / Washington) gets ridiculously croweded... which is almost always... you can use Alton to go from one end of the island to the other.

Miami Avenue is great. In the area around Mary Brickell village, it's the Miami for locals. It has the good things that you associate with Miami -- lots of restaurants, nightlife, people skating on the sidewalk -- but it's not as soulless as South Beach (which is overrun with tourists and has been entirely ruined since the 80s). It still has the materialism (lots of expensive cars) but is at least less crowded.

Farther south, the Villa Vizcaya is a beautiful historic home on the water. (It'll probably look vaguely familiar, since they use it all the time in movies). Vizcaya is definitely worth a visit, even though it's in need of renovation. Go see it now, while you have the chance.

Calle Ocho, or 8th St., is the center of Little Havana. Probably everyone identifies Miami with the Cuban expatriate community, and this neighborhood is where they make their home. Eighth St. is littered with monuments to figures in the Cuban community (like Celia Cruz, Jose Marti, and the Bay of Pigs monument).

This area isn't as pretty as other parts of Miami in the sense of impressive architecture. Rather, it's all about the sense of culture.

If you're in the area, you MUST eat some authentic Cuban food. If you're chicken, just get an authentic Cuban sandwich. If you're brave, go to a restaurant and try a little of everything. Versailles is good, but any restaurant that can survive in this area has to be really good to cut it.

This stretch of Miracle Mile / Coral Way is super cute. It's lined with interesting little shops (who doesn't love a place called "Spy World"?) and cafes. It's fairly pedestrian friendly, and there are ample parking spaces all along the streets.

There are historic streetcar tracks along this road, and in Coral Gables, it's lined with palm trees. As you go farther west, it's mostly oak and mahogany trees. They're planted pretty tightly, on either side of the road. Since they're old (and therefore huge), the limbs have intertwined above the road. The city keeps them trimmed back, but the ultimate effect is that the road is a tunnel through a dense block of leaves.

Port Blvd. is the road that runs the length of Dodge Island, in Miami. It turns into Port Blvd. when you leave the mainland and cross the Intracoastal Waterway.

It's called Port Blvd, shockingly, because Dodge Island is taken over by the Port of Miami. The area itself is nothing too exciting. About half of it is industrial and taken over by the commercial port part of it. The other half is where the cruise ships leave from.

I've heard that the port of Miami is the busiest port in the country, and based on the cruise ship end of the island, I believe it. It's pretty amazing how fast they manage to turn around those huge ships-- they're in and out with a new load of people in half a day. Port Blvd. is full of stressed-out tourists sprinting to get themselves and their luggage on the boats.

It's not fun to be a part of, but I've always thought it would be entertaining to head down there with an umbrella, a beach chair, and rum drinks and enjoy the schadenfreude as the crazies roll past.

Everyone's heard of Ocean Drive in South Beach. This is the same road, taken farther north. South Beach turns into (drumroll...) North Beach, and Ocean Drive becomes Ocean Blvd. It's on the same island (between the Atlantic and intercoastal waterway), but has a totally different vibe.

Personally, I prefer this end. Parking is still a nightmare, but it's much quieter on this end. You don't get as much of the art deco architecture, but you also get to avoid the 24 hour party.

The beach is just as nice. It's still materialistic Miami, with expensive property and crazy people, but it's worth putting up with all of that for that Atlantic view.

T Street is adjacent to interesting stuff. When it's just north of Dupont Circle, you're close enough that you can get to interesting places, but there's nothing of note on T street itself. A bit farther east, you're about a block north of the (overrated, but very popular) Lauriol plaza.

Once you cross 16th street, the U Street corridor gets very interesting, but again, that's a block north of T Street.

The good part of T street is that it's fairly quiet, and it is lined with townhomes and rowhouses. The parking situation sucks, but it's definitely a residential area. It might be a good option for someone who was looking for somewhere to live that was accessible to, but removed from, other stuff.

Irving Street can be a great option for those on a budget. It's benefitted from recent investment, and is really taking off. Wonderland is a great neighborhood bar (I love that they have cider on tap).

I need to start, though, by saying that I'd recommend staying west of 14th street. It gets pretty sketchy beyond the metro stop.

So starting at 14th and Irving, you're at the Columbia Heights metro stop. Over the last few years, businesses have taken advantage of lower property values and built big new stores. There's now a Target, Best Buy, and Giant right at the metro stop. There are two huge new apartment/condo buildings. Someone could live at 14th and Irving, use that metro stop to commute, and rarely have to go more than two blocks from their residence.

As you go farther west, you get into Mount Pleasant. It's also a gentrifying neighborhood. There's a farmer's market every weekend, and some great hippie restaurants (Dos Gringos!) Along Irving itself, there are mostly row houses and townhouses. Many of them have been converted into condos or rent out basement apartments. Great rental options for students, still only about 4 blocks from the metro.

Follow Irving farther down to the west, and it dead ends into Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo. A great place to go running, or just strolling through the (free admission) parks.

Columbia road leads from Columbia Heights down into Adams Morgan. In other words, from super latin down into DC's Bourbon Street.

There are some really fun places scattered along in here. Perry's has a weekend brunch that can make for an entertaining afternoon. It's hosted by drag queens, and a they all perform while you eat; the food on the buffet is above average. The drinks are *strong.* Expect over an hour long wait for a table, though.

Tryst is a great place for coffee or dessert and drinks. It's not a starbucks-- it's darker and more bar-like. Expect the place to be full of people on laptops. It's big with the blogger scene. (For example, this is where a lot of the cable news networks host their election and Washington news "on the street" commentary)

Once you get down into Adams Morgan, it's more of a party atmosphere. Adams Morgan, especially at night, can be like a big frat party. If undergrads aren't your thing, best to avoid. However, early evening and daytime, there are some great places in here. It's worth walking around to find a hole in the wall you'll really enjoy.

Unlike many streets in DC, Columbia Rd. is actually drivable, and you might be able to find parking a reasonable distance from your destination.

If you wind up on L'Enfant Plaza drive, you're probably staying at the L'enfant Hotel. It's expensive, even for DC, but you're paying for the convenience of the location. The Plaza/Hotel are directly above the L'Enfant Plaza metro stop, which is fairly central downtown, and on 4 of the 5 lines. The Plaza is fairly quiet, especially since it's so close to 395 (you wouldn't know). During the weekend, there is ample meter and street parking (rare for DC).

From the plaza, look around for the steps to get underground. (Hint: look for the glass pyramid and go down). This will bring you down into the actual plaza itself. It's got lots of chain shops and convenience eateries. I've found that most shut down on the weekend, so plan accordingly.

The Plaza road can be tough to find, especially if you're driving. Get good directions, and take the ramp left under the overpass. Leave time for doing extra passes.

There's no green anywhere-- just beige concrete.

Mount Pleasant has historically been heavily El Salvadorian, but there are a lot of different ethnicities around now. Especially since they built the target complex at 14th St., the neighborhood is increasingly gentrifying. There's a growing sense of community. You'll get to know your neighbors at the farmer's market every Saturday morning.

There's some fantastic food to be had on Mount Pleasant. Dos Gringos is my favorite in the area, especially for brunch. They're cheap, they have good coffee, and tons of vegan and vegetarian options. Everything's good, but the fried plantains are absolutely delicious. Also, Don Jaime's down the street is good if you're looking for juevos rancheros.

F St. doesn't have as much going on as some of its nearby counterparts, but it can make for an easy Plan B if where you were actually headed is too busy. The Smithsonian American Art museum is nice. There's nothing wrong with it. Because it doesn't have the masterworks like the Smithsonians on the mall, you can usually avoid the Mall crowds. If you just want to poke around a museum, this could be a good option. McCormick & Schmick's is near F and 9th, and it's good if you're looking for upper-middle end. Decent steak & oyster house. Farther along, F runs into Chinatown along the south side of the Verizon center. There are some businesses and restaurants in there, but nothing like 7th or H Streets, which are absolutely jam packed.

There's stuff to do and places to be on F St, but it's like the unloved stepchild of its nearby peers.