For a small city, Columbus has a lot to offer. Once somewhat eclipsed by Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio's capital city has emerged to offer visitors world-class culture, sports, entertainment and a vibe all of its own. Enjoy a day at the zoo, aquarium or the nationally-known science centre. Art lovers will relish the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and gardeners will revel in the magnificent roses at Whetstone Park. The Franklin Conservatory and Botanical Garden also boasts beautiful flora and fauna. And the city is chock-full of government landmarks, both historic and modern. Spend the weekend savouring celebrated attractions and exploring unique neighbourhoods, all served up in Columbus's welcoming, friendly style.

Huntington sits on the mid-section of the scenic Ohio River at the point where West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky meet. Founder Collis P. Huntington was the builder and owner of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. West Virginia’s second-largest city and the home of Marshall University, Huntington promises a variety of attractions: a downtown area with shopping, entertainment and a town square with a nostalgic nod to the city's railroad past. Year-round, festivals and special events take place downtown and in Pullman Square, the Civic Arena and the Keith-Albee Theater.

Is there any possible way Las Vegas could not be on our "best nightlife" list? The only way we could possibly omit it is on a technicality—since you can do pretty much anything 24/7 in Vegas, it might be wrong to call it "nightlife."

Just west of London, Reading offers redbrick Victorian buildings, medieval ruins, a thriving university, and pretty waterside walks along the Thames River. Its student community and annual rock-music blowout—the Reading Festival—add an offbeat edge.