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I voted Baltimore. Tough to argue that the Inner Harbor isn't one of the best in the country at activating and integrating the downtown area with the waterfront. Chicago was my 1(a) and I could easily be swayed to rank it number 1.
That said, I think Boston's still in the discussion with the lengthy Harborwalk which is dotted with great pubic spaces. Especially if you include the Seaport/Ft. Point as part of the downtown area. But I think Columbus Park, Long Wharf, the Aquarium, Boston Harbor Hotel, etc. are among the better urban waterfront spaces in the country. Again, I'd still put Baltimore and Chicago above it and I think you could make cases for Seattle, San Francisco, Milwaukee, and even Pittsburgh; but Boston's definitely near the top of the class.
The Charles is much nicer than the harbor IMO but that’s not Downtown.
The Charles is much nicer than the harbor IMO but that’s not Downtown.
Completely agree. And I know some people will try to make the argument that it IS downtown by some definitions, but I personally don't count it as downtown.
Yeah, it's impossible to vote on just one city, but I think we'd be fooling ourselves if we didn't put Chicago at number 1. from the downtown to the south side and north side, nothing but beaches, parks, running/biking trails, Lake Shore Drive, Navy Pier, and views of the skyline pretty much everywhere. That's not even mentioning the Chicago river, which has its own level of world class beauty.
Other mentions: Seattle, Milwaukee, Baltimore, SF and Miami
Yeah, it's impossible to vote on just one city, but I think we'd be fooling ourselves if we didn't put Chicago at number 1. from the downtown to the south side and north side, nothing but beaches, parks, running/biking trails, Lake Shore Drive, Navy Pier, and views of the skyline pretty much everywhere. That's not even mentioning the Chicago river, which has its own level of world class beauty.
Other mentions: Seattle, Milwaukee, Baltimore, SF and Miami
Seattle's waterfront harbor is still partly a working one with a large port and ferry system anchored there. I'm not sure if that's "best" but its becoming increasingly rare.
I think it depends on how we're using the term "put to use". Boston historically has not been built up to the Harbor, and there has not been much to so ON the waterfront. The Aquarium and ICA, being the only two attractions of note on the downtown side of the waterfront.
Boston’s riverfront is as much part of this discussion as the harbor. It’s always full of sailboats and kayaks, the Head of the Charles is a pretty big deal, and the parkland along the river is really nice and well-used.
Also the Harbor Islands should be considered. They’re very nice and get decent amount of visitors every year.
In any case, this poll definitely should’ve been multiple choice.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lrfox
Completely agree. And I know some people will try to make the argument that it IS downtown by some definitions, but I personally don't count it as downtown.
If the Back Bay and Beacon Hill aren’t downtown, then the North End, the Seaport, and Charlestown aren’t either. That leaves only a pretty slim sliver of the Harbor by the Aquarium relevant to this thread.
CBI is closer than the ICA to both City Hall Plaza and the State House, btw.
Last edited by Boston Shudra; 07-18-2019 at 11:39 AM..
Location: Miami (prev. NY, Atlanta, SF, OC and San Diego)
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In a few years when they have completed their current construction/projects, San Diego will join the discussion. It has some things to offer now, but it is a work in progress.
Also, NYC—not yet mentioned—already is no slouch.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CCrest182
Yeah, it's impossible to vote on just one city, but I think we'd be fooling ourselves if we didn't put Chicago at number 1. from the downtown to the south side and north side, nothing but beaches, parks, running/biking trails, Lake Shore Drive, Navy Pier, and views of the skyline pretty much everywhere. That's not even mentioning the Chicago river, which has its own level of world class beauty.
Other mentions: Seattle, Milwaukee, Baltimore, SF and Miami
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