Portland, Maine

What's Hot: The creative economy. There are so many artists, photographers, ad-agency writers and designers, and high-tech creative types in Portland that collectively they're driving change in the city. This influx of young creative professionals has fueled new expansion in the historic Old Port waterfront district, with new shops and restaurants that now stay open year-round. It has also transformed the Bayside district's scrap yards and warehouses into student housing, restaurants, and even a hipster bowling alley.

Why We Love It: Portland has all the trappings of a metropolis—touring Broadway shows, an opera company, two ballet companies, its own symphony, and chefs who regularly turn up on the Food Network—but without any of that pretentious big-city attitude.

If You Go: Don't miss the First Friday Art Walk tour of galleries and studios or the Old Port with historical red-brick buildings and cobblestone streets. In October, sample seafood at the Harvest on the Harbor festival, when the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year is awarded.