Ann Arbor. Michigan

Fort miles west of Detroit, left-wing, liberal Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. The pedestrian-friendly downtown is loaded with free-trade coffee shops, bookstores and breweries. It's also a go-to for foodies; follow the trail toward anything with the name 'Zingerman's.' Ann Arbor was founded in 1824, named after the village's founders and the groves of Bur Oak trees. During the 60s and 70s the city gained a reputation as a hub for left-wing thinking. Ann Arbor became a focal point for political activism and served as a center for the anti-Vietnam War movement as well as multiple student movements. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, one of the forefront universities in the United States. The city's economy centers on high technology, with several companies drawn to the area by the university's research and development money.