Charleston, S.C. © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
Large cities like Seattle, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, are undeniably impressive, recognized worldwide as centers of commerce, culture and innovation. There are several smaller cities across the United States, though, offering their own unique charm and character. Here are our top seven.

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The desert destination of Albuquerque, N.M., sits at the crossroads of old world and new. A modern downtown core butts up against the charming Old Town, dating to the city’s 1706 founding, boasting historic adobe buildings like the beautiful San Felipe de Neri Church. Visit rich tribal history institutions, take in sweeping mountain views from the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway and take a tour of the city’s many great craft breweries.

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Moving from warm weather to cold, Anchorage, Alaska, offers a lot more than snow. The city is known for its cultural sites, nearby wilderness areas and mountains and its charming downtown area boasting cozy coffee shops, art galleries and theaters. From glacier cruises and dog sledding to boutique shopping and world-class dining, Anchorage’s various offerings make it one of the United States’ trendiest cities.

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Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a beautiful city with sprawling green spaces and gardens, long-standing academic institutions, museums, art galleries and more. Catch a show at the Michigan Theater, built in 1928; stroll the lively Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market for a taste of local culture; take a brewery tour of some of the city’s favorite spots; or kayak down the scenic Huron River.

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Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, N.C., approaches the peak of its popularity. Known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, the city is home to landmarks like the breathtaking Biltmore Estate and Art Deco City Hall, as well as the Folk Art Center and Asheville Art Museum. It’s also not far from Pisgah National Forest, a beautiful, preserved stretch of land in the Appalachian Mountains, ideal for hiking, camping and picnics.

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Boulder, Colo., is like the charming, quirky younger sibling to Denver, offering a lively downtown area and surrounding views of the Rocky Mountains. Explore the idyllic, brick-lined Pearl Street Mall’s galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques, and witness the city’s academic and cultural prowess firsthand at the Fiske Planetarium, Museum of Natural History and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

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Founded in 1670, Charleston, S.C., is defined by its history, from its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages to its colorful antebellum houses and charming French Quarter. Stroll The Battery promenade and Waterfront Park; take in the history of Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired; and imbibe in the local beer and food scene at Revelry Brewing Co., Circa 1886 and Charleston Grill.

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Not far from the Canadian border, the city of Spokane, Wash., sits along the Spokane River, just west of the Rocky Mountains. From the downtown area’s impressive Romanesque Revival-style buildings to the Riverfront and Manito parks and rich agricultural history, the city boasts a distinctive character worth getting to know. It’s also home to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the largest cultural organization in the Inland Northwest, established in 1916.