Seven city streets worth a trip on their own

Travelers are constantly seeking great destinations, and finding what to do and where to go can be daunting. But what if you could get dropped off on one all-encompassing street and simply wander? From art-filled enclaves to culturally immersive strips, here are seven U.S. streets worth the trip in themselves.

Troutman Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.

As a licensed NYC sightseeing guide I love taking guests to see the main attractions, then surprising them with something offbeat. Sure, Broadway is great, but Troutman Street in Brooklyn's funky Bushwick neighborhood is unlike anything else in the city. Here you'll find a large chunk of the Bushwick Collective, an immersive outdoor art gallery with inspiring murals spanning 15+ blocks. Along with offering backdrops for creative selfies, Troutman Street is full of cafes, restaurants and nightlife options. Some top picks: the Rookery (get the oxtail sloppy joe), Union Pizza Works (pizza on the patio), AP Cafe (the mascarpone-topped oatmeal pancakes are amazing) and The Johnson's (a fun homey dive bar).

Frenchmen Street, New Orleans

Forget Bourbon Street; Frenchmen Street is where you'll find a less rowdy but still lively look at New Orleans. Simply wander the sidewalks and follow the sounds of saxophones and the scents of Creole spices to find live jazz, eateries and bars focused on the art of the cocktail. Don’t miss the Three Muses for live music paired with craft drinks, the intimate and dive-y Spotted Cat Music Club, and d.b.a. for talented acts and craft beer. Bonus: Most live music venues on Frenchmen Street don't charge a cover!

Second Avenue, Seattle

If you enjoy craft cocktails in speakeasy atmospheres and exploring a destination through farm-to-table food, Seattle is a great pick. Specifically Belltown. And more specifically Second Avenue. Getting tipsy and fat on items worth the calories is no problem here, with Second Avenue attractions like the Waterfall Garden Park and Smith Tower Observation Deck helping to break up the indulging. Hit up Bathtub Gin for pre-Prohibition cocktails in a secret basement space (you'll enter through a hidden alley), Shorty's for cheap drinks and a back pinball room, and the Moore Theater, Seattle's oldest active theater. It's also two blocks from the waterfront Pike Place Market, open since 1907 and featuring six levels and hundreds of artisan offerings (and many free samples!).

Main Street, Napa, Calif.

In this world-class wine region's downtown, Main Street features everything you need for a well-rounded trip.  Take a walk on the scenic Napa Riverfront, pair a two-Michelin Star chef meal with river views on Ninebark’s third-floor rooftop patio, see a performance at the Napa Valley Opera House (with its soon-to-open Blue Note jazz club in the basement), or get a wine-inspired treatment like a “Grape Love Body Polish” or an “Antioxidant Facial” — both infused with crushed grape seeds —  at The Spa at Napa River Inn. Of course, wine tasting is a must, with a Main Street favorite being Vintage Sweet Shoppe for their chocolate and wine pairings, like chili chocolate with zinfandel and lemon white chocolate with sauvignon blanc.

South Street, Philadelphia

Philadelphia is one of the country's most walkable cities, and signs directing you to important attractions make it difficult to get lost. South Street in particular is worth the trip. There’s al fresco artwork (the Mural Mile path runs through here), concerts at the Theatre of Living Arts, skate culture at Nocturnal Skate Shop, $1 comics and classic arcade games at Atomic City Comics, Lorenzo’s famous giant pizza slices, Jim’s Steaks for locally recommended Philly cheesesteaks, and dancing and drink specials at Reef's Restaurant and Lounge.  For something quirky, the Magic Garden features cement, tiles, bottles, ceramic pieces, bike spokes and other colorful, shiny bits plastered all over ceilings and walls for an immersive art experience.

Canyon Road, Santa Fe

Along this scenic 1/2-mile adobe structure-lined stretch are over 100 shops, restaurants, sculpture gardens, and art studios and galleries showcasing everything from Native American to abstract works and paying homepage to Santa Fe's early history as an artist colony. A First Friday Art Walk is a great way to see a sampling. While you can easily wander without a plan, some not-to-miss stops include the 15-room Waxlander Gallery with watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings depicting Southwestern scenes; Tresa Vorenberg Goldsmiths for unusual handmade jewelry; the Compound Restaurant for Southwest cuisine from James Beard award-winning chef Mark Kiffin; the Teahouse for globally-sourced matchas and unique tea blends; and El Farol, one of Santa Fe’s oldest restaurants, open since the early 1960s.

Main Street, Greenville, S.C.

For lots of action within a short one-mile distance, visitors can find 100+ local restaurants as well as boutiques and attractions within one square mile of Main Street. A typical stroll might look like this: artisanal tasting at Dark Corner Distillery or aerial view cocktail at Sip Rooftop Bar, local shopping at Llyn Strong jewelers and J.Britt Boutique, a show at Peace Center for the Performing Arts, and a meal at Soby's New South Cuisine. Don’t miss live music on the Roost’s nation in NOMA Square (Thursdays and Fridays in spring and summer), For some urban nature, Falls Park on the Reedy is lined with twinkling light-adorned trees and features trails and the Liberty Bridge overlooking local waterfalls. Afterward continue down Main to the West End for highlights like the Fenway-inspired Fluor Field, the Baija Flor denim salon, the woman-focused Pedal Chic cycle shop, and art offerings like the Mice of Main public mice sculptures and street art at Art Crossing near Falls Park.