Best Underrated Artsy Cities in the US for a Girl’s Trip

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When you think of quirky, fun, and maybe slightly weird-in-a-hipster-way destinations in the United States of America, you brain probably automatically goes to the most popular cities. Portland, Oregon. Austin, Texas. Louisville, Kentucky. San Francisco, California. AND – you’re not wrong. Those are are very fun, quirky, and uhh…slightly weird destinations. But if you want to really level up your next girls’ trip, you probably want something a bit more off the radar, right? BAM – I got you. I’ve rounded up the BEST underrated artsy cities in the US juuuust for you <3

And like, the one other person that reads my blog.

Thanks mom.

A’ight let’s just jump right into it yah? You’ve got a girls’ trip to plan!

St. Louis, Missouri – by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

If you’re looking for an art-centric girls trip, St. Louis should rank high on the list of underrated artsy cities in the US. In part, due to the city’s industrial decline over the last century, which is how a lot of people mistakenly still view St. Louis. But in fact, St. Louis has developed a distinctive bohemian undercurrent, which has spawned inventive cocktail bars, funky pop-up events, and fascinating museums, all with an eye-poppingly affordable price tag.

For a more artsy girls trip, pop into the world-class St. Louis Art Museum (with free admission!). Or, unleash your inner little kid at the City Museum, an interactive art museum with large scale sculptures made of architectural and industrial objects that you can climb on – perfect for Instagram. Or, peruse the galleries and independent boutiques along the cobblestone streets of the Central West End neighborhood. Pick your (metaphorical) paintbrush!

At night, the street tacos, margaritas, and colorful murals at any of the Mission Taco locations are not to be missed. After you get your fill of Mexican fare, head on over to the The Monocle, a chandelier-clad bar in the happening Grove district, for a bawdy burlesque show. Then, end the night at the nearby Handlebar, a bicycle-themed hipster dive known for its biweekly themed dance nights (past themes include “Game of Thrones Winter Celebration” or “Hello Kitty Loves to Dance”).

*~* What about something a little less quirky?*~*

For a more upscale excursion with the girls, take advantage of the luxurious Four Seasons spa. During weekdays, spa patrons not only get access to amazing deals, but, in the summertime, also get access to the rooftop pool with 360 degree views of the famous St. Louis Arch and the surrounding downtown. For dinner, treat yourself to handmade pistachio ravioli at Pasteria, helmed by James Beard award-winning chef, Gerard Craft. Then, finish the night with hand-crafted cocktails at Planter’s House, a moody bar set among the French-inspired historical mansions of the Lafayette Square neighborhood.

Nashville, Tennessee – Holly from Four Around The World

Nashville is among the best underrated artsy cities in the US for a girls’ trip! Since it may be famous for country music, it may not be the first place you think of for a ladies-only adventure! But, if you are looking for somewhere with a lively atmosphere and one of the best nightlife scenes around, Nashville is your spot!

The famous Honky Tonk bars are a must-visit attraction in Nashville, with live music playing every night of the week. Many of the Honky Tonks offer free line dancing lessons each night too, so you can learn something new while laughing at yourselves. For great eats, don’t miss the popular Biscuit Love in The Gulch. Nearby is the famous street art angel wings, What Lifts You, where you can pose for an iconic photo together.

Then, head to Opry Mills for a mega shopping trip with some of the best outlet shopping around. This massive shopping centre is right next door to the Grand Ole Opry in case you have time to catch a performance too. You will also find the Wax Museum and plenty of places to dine. If you have your own transport, book yourself an Airbnb to stay, where there will be plenty of room for you all. Otherwise, the Omni Hotel is a good central choice.

Kansas City, Missouri – Annick from The Common Traveler

While an unexpected choice, Kansas City, Missouri, makes for a great girls’ weekend in one of the best underrated artsy cities in the US! Art enthusiasts, foodies, and entertainment seekers will all find something to do in this city. While perhaps best known for its barbecue, fountains, and jazz, there are plenty of other things to do in Kansas City as well! 

Pick a hotel near the RideKC Streetcar route for the easiest access to transportation to all the hot spots. Open since May 2016, the free RideKC Streetcar transports visitors through five areas of downtown Kansas City. Begin at Union Station, which celebrates the grand age of rail travel and also features rotating exhibits. Attractions at the Crossroads Art District will delight fans of art galleries as well as those who enjoy live shows. The highlight of the Financial District is the public library, whose mural is a can’t miss Instagram spot and great for groups. The route ends in the River Market District, where fans of international cuisine and outdoor markets will all delight. 

A visit to Kansas City should include an evening (or two) in the Power and Light District downtown. With its eateries and bars, Kansas City comes alive at night. Summer visits should include a visit to KC Live!, featuring outdoor concerts from country to hip hop. Cap off the evening with your girlfriends with an Insomnia Cookie!

Savannah, Georgia – by Caitlin from The Country Jumper

Savannah, Georgia is one of the best underrated artsy cities in the US for a girls getaway.

The city is incredibly walkable – perfect for getting around after a few cocktails. And there are loads of places to get a few cocktails. You should pop into The Grey, a re-purposed greyhound station with a beautiful long bar or Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar for happy hour – on the Oysters ($1), and the beers, and the bubbles.

But, Savannah is not a huge party city. It’s got its bars, and spots to have a dance, but if you’re looking for glitz, glitter, and all-nighters, this isn’t the spot for you. However, there are not open container laws. So, even though you may not be up all night, you can grab a beer (a cheeky day beer maybe?!) and walk down River Street, a super cute street which is -you guessed it- along the river.

And, since you won’t be up all night, you’ll have plenty of energy in the mornings to go out and see the beauty of Savannah. A tour with Savannah Dan is a great way to get your bearings and learn plenty of the history of the beautiful and very dynamic city.

Once you’ve spent some time in the city, hop in a car (you could probably Uber your way around, but a single day rental might be a better choice) and visit Tybee Island. have a slice of pizza at Huc-A-Poos, and go walk among the dreamy oaks at Bonaventure Cemetery.

Waco, Texas – by Julie from Ruhls of the Road

Waco, Texas is one of the most extremely underrated artsy cities in the US for a girls trip! But it’s also one of the best choices! Why? Well, the number one reason is that Waco is the home of Fixer Upper! Your tour of Waco will be an incredible experience for any Chip and Joanna lovers out there. Waco offers the opportunity to get home decor straight from the show!

The first stop on a Waco girl’s trip is Magnolia Market at the Silos. This is the main Fixer Upper destination, and is the largest and most visited destination in Waco. You can spend hours walking the grounds, shopping in the gallery, eating at the food trucks, and trying local tasty treats. On top of that, you can hang out on the turf near the Silos and enjoy the beautiful Texas weather! Cute picnic moment, anyone?

Stop number two is the Little Shop on Bosque, the original home of Chip and Joanna’s store! This is much less well known, and offers similar items to Magnolia Market, and sometimes priced more affordably! Also, near the Little Shop on Bosque, there are a few houses from Fixer Upper that you can drive by and check out.

The final stop on your Waco girls trip should be a few of the local contractors that are used in a Fixer Upper! The best shop is Jimmy Don’s JDH Iron Designs. This is where the gorgeous metal signs are made which are often featured in Chip and Joanna’s renovations. If you’d like, you can even get a custom iron design of your own!

Scottsdale, Arizona – by Amanda from A Dangerous Business

When it comes to ideal girls trip destinations, always consider three things: 1. The hotel options; 2. The food; and 3. The weather. One destination that has all of these things AND is one of the best underrated artsy cities in the US is Scottsdale, Arizona.

Scottsdale has long been a go-to for Hollywood stars who wanted to escape the paparazzi of southern California, as well as those seeking spa days and golf outings in the desert. But, Scottsdale isn’t just for the rich and famous. In fact, it makes for a great escape for all sorts of travelers. Especially those looking for an out-of-the-box getaway!

For a girls’ trip, Scottsdale checks all of the bullet points. First, it’s sunny year-round, and stays warm even in the winter months. Second, it has a great selection of unique hotels and resorts to choose from. So, you can always match the vibe to your group: mid-century charm (like at Hotel Valley Ho), Instagram-ready spaces (like at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows), cozy boutique hotels (like the Bespoke Inn), or a full-on wellness retreat (like at CIVANA Wellness Resort and Spa).

Third, Scottsdale has an excellent food scene – and even an urban wine trail. Plus, Scottsdale offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor activities. So you can spend your day at art museums and galleries, or go for a hike in the desert. Both are equally refreshing and equally incredible. Scottsdale is the perfect choice for gals that want to relax, but don’t like just sitting around.

Cleveland, Ohio – by Theresa from Fueled By Wanderlust

Cleveland, OH is an amazing destination for a girls trip – and one of the best underrated artsy cities in the US! Located along the shores of Lake Erie, a trip to Cleveland offers gorgeous views, as well as plenty of good breweries, restaurants, and nightlife to explore.

For some waterfront vibes in Cleveland, The Flats neighborhood is located right outside of downtown with plenty of bars and restaurants situated along the Cuyahoga River. On the West Bank, Shooters on the Water is the perfect place to grab a casual lunch during the day to watch boats make their way out to Lake Erie. On the East Bank, Collision Bend Brewing Company has a lovely patio for sipping a cold brew on a hot summer day.

Cleveland also has an expansive brewery scene that could fill a whole weekend itinerary. A couple great spots downtown to check out are Masthead Brewing and Butcher and the Brewer. Butcher and the Brewer in particular is located on Cleveland’s premier E 4^th Street, which offers many great nightlife options, including House of Blues and Hilarities comedy club. There is also upscale dining right in the vicinity, such as Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro and Chef Jonathon Sawyer’s more casual Greenhouse Tavern.

*~*What about the art??*~*

Cleveland is also an unknown hub for beautifully colorful murals! Though, most are concentrated in Hingetown and Gordon Square. While you’re at it, you should also visit the Cleveland Art Musuem. IT’S FREE. That’s reason enough. Not to mention all of the incredible rotating exhibits, like the Infinity Room!

To get a little more off-the-beaten-path, Cleveland’s Ohio City is a unique neighborhood to explore.  For local craft beer and awesome dinner menus, check out either Great Lakes Brewing Company or Market Garden Brewery. Then, check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and argue about which band rocked out the hardest. Shopping at West Side Market is both quirky and Instagrammable! You can find everything from craft cheeses to bubble tea, all conveniently located inside a pretty brick building!

Underrated Artsy Cities in the US: Conclusion

And there you have it. Multiple artsy and quirky cities that DON’T have the slogan “Keep ____ Weird!!1!”

Because, let’s be real, you probably want more of an underrated gem destination anyway. And your girls will love it! Which brings me to….THE TALK. There are specifically 8 crucial topics that you NEED to talk about before you travel in a group. Specifically, things like budget, sleep schedules, sight-seeing priorities, the whole nine yards. Literally: it will make or break your trip.

Bet.

And once you hit up all these artsy places, check out my suggestions for other girls getaway destinations!

• Galentine’s Day Getaways for the Ultimate Relaxation
• Culture Rich Destinations in the US
• Best Underrated Foodie Destinations in the US

Ready to Get Artsy? Share it with your gals!

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