Some American cities are full of “important people” who are dressed in business suits, rushing past you on the street – too involved in their phone conversation to make eye contact or say excuse me.
And then there are cities where the waitress serves you warm apple pie with a smile and asks about your life – making you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1950s.
So if you’ve been longing to take a fun trip to a place where people actually love life – consider a vacation to these U.S. cities ranked the happiest in all of America.
Columbia, Maryland
Columbia might not get a lot of media hype – but WalletHub ranks it as the 2nd happiest place to live in all of America.
Located between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C., Columbia has about 100,000 residents – all who seem to be content living in their own little paradise.
Today reported:
“In 2021, WalletHub ranked Columbia as the best city to find a job and the safest city in America. This year, WalletHub also recognized Columbia as being the second place in the United States with the lowest suicide rate.”
So what can you do for fun in the safest city in America?
You can start with a visit to Lake Kittamaqundi – a 27-acre man-made lake that lets visitors take a 1.4-mile stroll around the trail – all while enjoying the gorgeous scenery.
Whether you’re into biking, bird-watching, or just want some quiet time to sit and relax – this is the perfect place.
Afterwards, you can enjoy a cold beverage by heading on over to Hysteria Brewing Company and taste one of their unique craft beers. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis – so make sure to get there early!
And if you time your trip right – you may even be able to check out a live music event at Merriweather Post Pavilion. They’ve got something for every taste – from Kenny Chesney to O.A.R!
Bismarck, North Dakota
If you love animals – you’ll enjoy a trip to the Dakota Zoo where you can see a Bengal tiger or Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. With over 600 animals – they are sure to have your favorite one.
And if you have kids (or are a kid at heart yourself) – scoot on over to Sertoma – a riverfront park full of everything from sand volleyball to walking trails.
Be sure to check out their calendar of events as they have river walks and other pop-up festivals scheduled all throughout the year.
There’s even a Super Slide Amusement Park within the park where you can do everything from ride a ferris wheel to play miniature golf.
To end your trip, if you want an up close and personal view of the Missouri River – consider taking a Lewis and Clark Riverboat Cruise. This scenic ride allows you to relax and soak in the beauty of North Dakota.
Charleston, South Carolina
Okay – we truly saved the best for last.
Your team here at Proud American Traveler loves Charleston, South Carolina!
In fact, it’s probably one of our favorite cities of all time.
And what’s not to love?
You can take a stroll down their cobblestoned streets lined with brightly colored homes and then head over to Waterfront Park to relax and enjoy live music.
Of course – you’ll want to snap a photo by their famous pineapple fountain.
And if you’re a foodie – you have your choice of places to eat where you can feast on shrimp n’ grits, jambalaya, fried green tomatoes – and she-crab soup.
Good food – great weather – and happy people – what’s not to love about Charleston?
So if you’re looking to take a trip where people actually love life – and know how to enjoy it – definitely check out one of these three cities.
And don’t forget to read our reviews of the 10 rudest cities in America – so you’ll know which ones to avoid altogether.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)