Native blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay are reason enough to visit Baltimore, but this waterfront town has so much more to offer. For example, take the city's revitalized Inner Harbor; the upscale neighborhood of Mount Vernon (which is home to the nation's first large-scale Washington Monument); and the vibrant Harbor East district, where you'll find a wide array of shops and restaurants.

Read more: A Historic Baltimore Mansion Turned Luxury Hotel

With its sophisticated art and museum scene -- combined an extensive yachting and golfing network -- Fort Lauderdale's status as Florida's fashionable destination du jour is long overdue. Start off with a stroll down the stunning seaside promenade, comb a strand of sand that rivals Miami Beach, and set out for some irresistible shopping. Then, cap off your day with an extravagant feast at one of the city's many incredible restaurants. 

Read more: Five Luxury Experiences for Less in Fort Lauderdale

Houston is proof that everything is indeed bigger in Texas. The city is home to a top-notch orchestra, a dynamic theater scene, great museums, and the world-renowned NASA Space Center. You'll also find a huge concentration of shops and above-par outlet malls. Plus, the city's vibrant restaurant scene is not to be missed.

Read more: A Chic Houston Hotel Complete With A Rooftop Pool (And a DIY Martini Cart)

Kansas City is definitely deserving of buzz. Here, history buffs can learn about the city's pioneer roots at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, while sports fans can visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which pays tribute to the athletes who were forced to play in segregated leagues. Blues and jazz clubs are also abound (particularly in the historic 18th and Vine District, where the American Jazz Museum is located). Additionally, Kansas City is home to some of the country's best barbecue, so dig in!

Read more: Arty, Easygoing Kansas City: What to See, Do, and Eat Right Now

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, this Southern city has loads of small-town charm, a cosmopolitan riverfront district, and a booming culinary scene. Sports lovers will enjoy a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum, while history buffs can sip mint juleps on a river cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark.

Read more: 5 Totally Unique Stops On a Kentucky Road Trip

Chicago isn't the only Midwestern city with an incredible architectural scene. A burst of new buildings from the world's top architects reinforces the fact that Minneapolis's cultural cachet doesn't entirely depend upon Prince (the city's most notorious native). The underrated city's revitalization has spread to banks of the Mississippi, where the booming Mill District has swanky shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels. 

Read more: A Tiny, Perfect Boutique Hotel in Minneapolis

Pittsburgh is teeming with pristine parks, architectural assets, and three rivers flowing into downtown's iconic Golden Triangle. Several museums -- the Carnegie Museum of Art among them -- are worth visiting, as is the Andy Warhol Museum, which features over 12,000 of the famed artist's works. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Oakland and the Strip District boast a buzzy nightlife scene. 

Read more: Pittsburgh's Surprising (And Affordable) Hotel and Food Scene

Portland offers much to see and do. A stop at the Portland Art Museum is a must for art enthusiasts. The city is also home to more breweries per capita than any other city in the U.S., so beer aficionados will certainly enjoy it here. Additionally, the promise of tax-free shopping (plus bustling outdoor food and art markets!) means plenty of retail therapy, too. 

Read More: One Day in Portland -- What to Do Morning, Noon, and Night

California's capital city has never had the same allure as say, San Francisco or L.A, but, with its buzzy food scene, Sacramento offers something for everyone -- even the snobbiest city slicker. Between bites, take in the Gold Rush-era charms of Old Sacramento, which is livelier than ever. Later, bike along the banks of the Sacramento and American Rivers, and take a moment to admire the stately Victorian homes and tall evergreens. Wash it all down with a visit to the Sierra Foothill wineries in the Shenandoah Valley, a mere 45-minute drive. 

Read more: 7 Underrated Northern California Wonders for Less Than $50

Providence, Rhode Island is booming with new attractions, programming, and culinary offerings. Today, visitors can take a gondola ride through downtown and, on select dates between June and October, enjoy the light of 100 bonfires as part of the WaterFires series. Plus, when you add in a burgeoning dining scene and rich New England history -- along with incredible art museums and galleries -- this underrated city seems tailor-made for a quick and fulfilling getaway.

Read more: What to See and Do in Providence, Rhode Island