The FBI may not be in love with Oakland, but that’s okay because EVERYONE ELSE IS. Today, Lonely Planet came out with its annual list of top ten places in the US to visit this year and The Town made the cut.
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[jump] Destinations were selected by Lonely Planet’s US-based editors and guidebook writers, and some of the reasons included “fantastic food scenes, epic adventures, small-town charm, and anniversary celebrations.”Â
Our hella cool city made the list (we came in at number eight) thanks to the food renaissance — they highlight Commis, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and the Lake Merritt Farmers’ Market as places to get your food on — as well as the Eat Real Fest in Jack London Square. They also highlight our kick-ass arts scene and biking community:
“The first Friday of every month, Oakland’s Art Murmur is a can’t-miss cultural event, where galleries open their doors, and locals stroll the streets joined by food trucks, outdoor exhibitions, and a chilled street festival vibe. Exploring by bike? Pedal your way to the newly opened Bay Bridge trail, where you can venture out on to the new span of the Bay Bridge.”
The entire list includes:
10. Mount Shasta region, CA
9. Duluth, MN
8. Oakland, CA
7. Greenville, SC
6. Indianapolis, IN
5. North Conway, NH
4. Colorado River Region, CO
3. New Orleans, LA
2. Western South Dakota
1. Queens, NY
We’ll admit to being slightly surprised by Queens taking the top slot, not because we don’t think it’s a rockin’ city with great food, but because when we were there, we couldn’t even get Brooklynites to visit Queens and it’s RIGHT THERE. But we digress.
What are some other things you love about Oakland, aside from chicken and waffles and lake strolls? Let us know.
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