Most famous/iconic/vibrant streets in US (life, beach, nightlife)

[qworldorder]

Originally Posted by Borntoolate85

You could say the same for your own city. From my experience, based on visits, this board, and the general world of importance:

For Philadelphia:
1. Broad St.
2. Market St.
3. Walnut St.
4. Ben Franklin Pkwy.
5. South St.
6. Chestnut St.
7. Roosevelt Blvd.
8. Passyunk Ave.
9. Vine St.
10. Frankford Ave.

Spot on for Philly

[ThreeSides]

Originally Posted by qworldorder

Yea, Peachtree isn't a household name, nor is Beale, as has been pointed. And maybe it's my East Coast bias here, but Michigan Ave/The Magnificent Mile isn't super nationally recognized, either. I feel that street is in a weird tier for cultural recognition nationally, slightly below the big boys (Wall St, Hollywood Blvd, Broadway), but above everywhere else.

After all, the '85 Bears were the Monsters of the Midway, not the Monsters of Michigan Ave. Michigan Ave doesn't really have national cultural cache to me. It's just well known to tourists and locals in the nation's 3rd largest city, sure, so it automatically has some clout. But on its own as a national shorthand for Chicago? I'm not sold that it's up there with the Broadways and The Strips of the country.

Yet, Beale Street makes the lists that the OP listed. It is vibrant, famous, and iconic. I've been there.

No, I don't think that it's your East Coast bias. Chicago doesn't have the media presence of NYC and L.A. Fame as a measuring stick, no, Michigan Avenue isn't nationally recognized. That said, Michigan Avenue is a beast. It is every bit as iconic and vibrant as any of the streets listed in the OP. Of course, Michigan Avenue makes those lists; because it absolutely belongs on those lists. In terms of vibrancy, Michigan Avenue is up there with "the Broadways and The Strips of the country."

[qworldorder]

Yea, the list probably should be expanded to a top 25. The other thing is, what's really the difference between iconic and famous? Vibrancy is easy to measure/argue, but I'm not so sure the same could be said of iconic versus famous.

[steeps]

Originally Posted by ThreeSides

Yet, Beale Street makes the lists that the OP listed. It is vibrant, famous, and iconic. I've been there.

No, I don't think that it's your East Coast bias. Chicago doesn't have the media presence of NYC and L.A. Fame as a measuring stick, no, Michigan Avenue isn't nationally recognized. That said, Michigan Avenue is a beast. It is every bit as iconic and vibrant as any of the streets listed in the OP. Of course, Michigan Avenue makes those lists; because it absolutely belongs on those lists. In terms of vibrancy, Michigan Avenue is up there with "the Broadways and The Strips of the country."

Chicago's Michigan Avenues(Magnificent Mile). Can only Grow MORE RECOGNIZED and ICONIC as 5th Ave NYC and Rodeo Dr. LA. Because NO TOURIST leaves Chicago, without a stroll along it. It IS Downtown Chicago's MAIN Thoroughfare. So as NEW Visitors and Tourist visit the city. 50 million a year now. It WILL BE RECOGNIZED BY THEM with Positives and complements to others, on their return home.

[creeksitter]

I've never heard of 16th in Nashville

I think you cross posted with me. It's otherwise known as Music Row.

Where most of the record companies are located.

[ThreeSides]

Originally Posted by qworldorder

Yea, the list probably should be expanded to a top 25. The other thing is, what's really the difference between iconic and famous? Vibrancy is easy to measure/argue, but I'm not so sure the same could be said of iconic versus famous.

Top ten is fine. Otherwise, a bunch of locally known streets would be listed. Ask the good folk of Decatur, IL what their most famous street is. They'll tell you, Eldorado Street. Yep, we've all heard of that one.

There isn't much difference between iconic and famous. I agree, wholeheartedly, with your argument. Hence, I don't agree that Peachtree Street is famous/ iconic. I haven't witnessed the vibrancy of said street.

As I have stated, the media is what makes the famous streets of L.A. and NYC nationally and globally recognized. Same for The Vegas Strip, Bourbon Street, and so on. Please, I don't want anyone to believe that I am attempting to diminish those streets. Obviously, they wouldn't be "media darlings" and household names if they weren't the beasts that they are.

I still say that the most recognizable thing in Chicago is the L. The L is featured in most movies that are Chicago based. However, that's not what this thread is about.

My opinion of Peachtree Street and Michigan Avenue does not diminish Atlanta or Chicago as cities.

[ThreeSides]

Originally Posted by steeps

Chicago's Michigan Avenues(Magnificent Mile). Can only Grow MORE RECOGNIZED and ICONIC as 5th Ave NYC and Rodeo Dr. LA. Because NO TOURIST leaves Chicago, without a stroll along it. It IS Downtown Chicago's MAIN Thoroughfare. So as NEW Visitors and Tourist visit the city. 50 million a year now. It WILL BE RECOGNIZED BY THEM with Positives and complements to others, on their return home.

I agree, my friend!

[Mr Ambitious]

I wonder how well Chicago Lakeshore Drive is outside of Chicago. Its not the most pedestrian friendly, but while driving you have the city on one side and the Lake on the other, its a great view.

[steeps]

Originally Posted by Mr Ambitious

I wonder how well Chicago Lakeshore Drive is outside of Chicago. Its not the most pedestrian friendly, but while driving you have the city on one side and the Lake on the other, its a great view.

Yes it is one of the best Urban drives in the Nation.

You Travel all alone this on the North Side winding through Parks and Harbors, Beaches and Skyscrapers... thorough Downtown and South.

[RadicalAtheist]

I would probably wager that most people who have not been to Chicago & Atlanta (and do not visit weird city websites like this one), and are not from those regions, would be unaware of Michigan Avenue & Peachtree Street.