Looking for somewhere to blow off some steam this reading week without having to stagger for miles from place to place? Look no further! These North American streets offer everything you need to have a good time, packed into no more than a few blocks.
5. Beale Street – Memphis, Tennessee
In music (particularly blues), Beale Street is one of the most famous places in the world. Greats such as BB King, Louis Armstrong and more plied their trade in the various clubs along this Memphis landmark. Beale Street’s importance to the history of music has seen it designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Well I’m sure you’re all very interested in history, the most relevant piece of information is that Beale Street remains a hub for music and festivities. The numerous nightclubs, bars, and world famous BBQ joints allow you to begin with a drink, sing along to a show, and top off the night with a sloppy pulled pork sandwich. What are you waiting for, get out there and enjoy the Memphis experience.
4. The Strip – Las Vegas, Nevada
You knew this had to be on here. If you have the money, a trip to sin city might just make (or break) your year. One of the most striking examples of pure excess, the Las Vegas strip is a sight to behold. With some of the most extravagant casinos in the world – and new ones seemingly cropping up all the time – there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
The Strip is one of the few areas in the United States where you’re allowed to take your alcoholic drinks on to the street. There’s something to be said for walking around with a ridiculously sized novelty margarita, watching the fountains at the Bellagio or volcano at the Mirage. One warning however, to really get the Las Vegas experience, you should expect your bank account to take a significant dent.
3. Bourbon Street – New Orleans, Louisiana
Bourbon Street in New Orleans has become synonymous with Mardi Gras, beads, booze, and general debauchery. Mardi Gras takes place in February but Bourbon Street is a madhouse, both inside and outside the countless bars any time of the year. Just like the Las Vegas Strip, you’re allowed to take your beers and other beverages on the street.
Bourbon Street might overwhelm some, but if you’re looking for a party that’s exactly what you’re going to get. Everywhere you look there’s people trying to sell you on why their establishment is the classiest (or least classy depending on what you’re looking for). Regardless, Bourbon Street is a great release for university students if you make the trip. Plus if the atmosphere is too much, you can always retreat into the more serene parts of the beautiful French Quarter.
2. George Street – St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Almost as far east as you can go in North America sits the seaside capital of Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s. While the harbour and surrounding views are stunning, the main attraction for anyone looking to have a good time is George Street.
Only 2 blocks long, George Street features the most bars and pubs per square foot of anywhere in North America. Honestly, that’s probably the only selling point that you need. Looking to do a pub-crawl? Well it doesn’t get much easier than this. Plus bars are usually open later in St. John’s than the rest of Canada. Even with the added time however, good luck trying to sample them all. If you arrive in October you might catch St. John’s take on Mardi Gras or in August you can take in the raucous George Street Festival. Visiting anytime of the year is sure to be an experience you’ll remember forever (or perhaps forget the next day).
1. Lower Broadway – Nashville, Tennessee
We didn’t plan on putting two Tennessee streets on this list, but you can’t ignore Broadway. In the heart of downtown Nashville is an area known as Lower Broadway – an eye-popping collection of bars, clubs, and restaurants all lit up with bright neon lights.
There’s rarely (if ever) cover for any of the clubs, plus there’s live music in almost every establishment. If you’re not a country fan you can still expect to hear rock, blues, and more. There’s a huge amount packed into Lower Broadway, and even more bars and places to see just off the main street. Music City truly lives up to its name and is a must see for fans of music and of good times alike.
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