Boise. Idaho

Understated and underrated, Idaho's state capital gets little recognition from people outside the northwest. The charming downtown impresses unsuspecting visitors with the spirit of an underdog. Surprises include Basque culture, a grandiose capitol building and a fair number of affable bars and Parisian bistros. There's also a university campus and enough greenery to make its 'city of trees' title more than a marketing ploy. Boise leaves a lasting impression – mostly because it's not supposed to.