These Towns Are Made For Walkin’

I love a good walking town. There’s nothing more exhilirating than strapping on some comfy shoes and heading out to discover a new city — or reacquaint yourself with an old one.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has come up with North America’s Top Ten Most Walkable Cities. The AAA listing is based on information provided by contributing writers and editors whose work appears in various AAA travel publications.

One of my favorites is Canada’s Quebec City (the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is pictured above from a winter trip I made several years ago). Specifically Vieux-Quebec or “Old Quebec City.”

I’ve visited this magical city numerous times, and it is enchanting no matter what the season. As the AAA describes it: “Travel back in time to old-world Europe while staying in North America. Saved from demolition in the 1870’s, Vieux-Quebec is North America’s only walled city. Don’t forget your French-English dictionary.”

The other cities include:
• Old Town Alexandria, VA;
• Boston, MA;
• New Orleans, LA;
• Downtown Los Angeles, CA;
• Washington, DC;
• Charleston, SC;
• St. Augustine, FL;
• Greenwich Village, NY; and
• San Francisco, CA.

So what’s my score? Six out of ten. I’ve got some more walkin’ and shoe shoppin’ to do.