WALK THIS WAY
6 rad American streets flying under the radar
THE art of wandering is all but lost, as travelers too often use Google Maps’ tangent-averse directions to propel themselves to restaurants and museums found on Yelp or TripAdvisor. Yet one of the best ways to explore a new place is to walk — to meander up and down a main drag, sleepy street or undiscovered back alley. This pedestrian strategy is especially effective in the country’s second- (or third-, or ninth-) tier cities, which have miles of untapped charms and lures. Here, six of America’s greatest urban thoroughfares you’ve probably never heard of.
CREEK STREET Ketchikan, Alaska
Don’t let the inviting, colorful houses of this southern Alaska city this fool you: Creek Street used to house Ketchikan’s bustling red light district. Perched on the banks of a waterway, the homes here were also pit stops for bootleggers smuggling spirits to saloons and brothels during Prohibition. Though tourists flock to this downtown boardwalk in the summer for salmon viewing, take a chance on a spring or fall visit. Pop in and out of galleries and restaurants at your own pace. At night, rest your head at The Preacher’s House, part of The Inn at Creek Street hotel (from $149; TheNewYork
Hotel.com) and the oldest building in this National Historic District. P.S.: Check out the Married Man’s Trail, a winding hillside staircase originally intended for discreet exits from Creek Street. These days, it’s a place to catch views of greenery and rushing water below in this historic town known for its totem poles and population of native Alaskans. It's now visited as a cruise-ship stop on the state’s Inside Passage.
MAIN STREET Joseph, Oregon
Small-town charm dazzles in “Little Switzer
land,” situated at the base of the Wallowas, a breathtaking mountain range in northeastern Oregon. Rack up steps on your FitBit as you saunter around this historic avenue studded with bronze sculptures, a distillery, a brewhouse and a derelict apartment building reimagined as an artist outpost and boutique hotel, complete with a sauna ( JenningsHotel.
com). Main Street’s more refined features contrast with the down-home Old Town Cafe ( OldTownCafeJoseph.com), which serves up scrumptious whiskey bread pudding.
HIGH STREET Columbus, Ohio
Perhaps the most underrated street in America, this winding boulevard pulses with eclectic galleries, vintage shops, ethnic restaurants and funky bar patios that spill onto the street. On the first Saturday of every month, the recurring Gallery Hop event combines art exhibit openings and live music fueled by a celebratory energy (likely thanks to the pit stops at watering holes along the way). Street art is also a draw: Marvel at one mural’s playful take (right) on “American Gothic.” On a quieter strip of High, check out newly opened Flowers and Bread ( FlowersAndBread.com), which combines three of life’s greatest panaceas: seasonal blooms, oven-fresh baguettes and coffee.
MAIN STREET Rapid City, South Dakota
The oft-ignored gateway city to Mount Rushmore is worth a stop itself. Tip your hat to former commanders-in-chief at Main Street’s “City of Presidents” installation, made up of life-size bronze sculptures honoring our nation’s leaders. (Half the statues are on parallel St. Joseph Street.) A few standouts include Teddy Roosevelt in his Rough Riders garb and trademark handkerchief, and JFK posing with his son (left). After posing for plenty of selfies, raise a pint at Firehouse Brewing Company ( Firehouse
Brewing.com), lodged in Rapid City’s first fire station, which dates to 1915. Order “red beer,” a local favorite and South Dakota classic that is an invigorating mix of beer and tomato juice.
PRINTER’S ALLEY Nashville, Tennessee This enchanting alleyway, which got its name from the newspapers and presses that have lined its sides since the 1940s, is a favorite among country music-seeking fans. At night, it's set aglow with neon signage and string lights. And while most Nashville visitors make a beeline to Music Row for its honky-tonks, you can easily get an impressive fix in this three-block stretch. Country star Eric Church has a soft spot for the hideaway — he got his start here. With bigger ventures like a Dream hotel under construction in the alley, now’s the time to go before the area loses its gritty charm. FISHBONE ALLEY Gulfport, Mississippi
On this unassuming backstreet, live blues music brings bold graffiti art to life. Fishbone’s myriad offerings are tantalizing: On any given night “in the alley” — as locals say — you might encounter an ’80s movie night, local DJs spinning tunes or game-day tailgates and football broadcasts. (If you’re not an Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU or Alabama fan, watch out.)