What My 3 Favorite Cities In America Have In Common

Numerous people have never lived in multiple cities. They have visited other cities to see grandma or on a vacation, though. Even if you've only passed through on your way to somewhere, something about cities you passed through stuck in your mind. So everyone has favorite cities for personal reasons.

Some love different cities for their architecture. People love Southern cities for their antebellum homes, picturing the accompanying plantations. Others love mountain or seaside cities for obvious reasons. My three favorite cities have water in common.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is located in a bowl made of mountains in central Tennessee. To be thus landlocked, the city enjoys more water than you could shake a stick at. Put aside your spreadsheets, your fancy motion sensors, and your voicemail for one day. There are acres and acres of lakes, boating, picnic spots, fishing and swimming holes, as well as walking and hiking trails waiting for you to visit them.

You really should sit outside at night, however, on one of the four major lakes in Nashville. At J. Percy Priest, Old Hickory, Radnor, and Center Hill Lakes, the sound of the water lapping at the shore, the trees whispering together, and the stars and moon shining in quiet glory destroys any stress you ever had. The peace and quiet so close to the bustle of the city is a contrast you simply must feel.

Savannah, Georgia

You would think the Atlantic Ocean would be enough water for Savannah natives to enjoy. Oh, no, no. Lake Mayer in the west side of the city is the perfect getaway for an afternoon of boating, fishing, any kind of ball playing, picnicking, strolling in the sun, and family get-togethers.

The Ogeechee River begins in the mountainous regions of north Georgia. It flows through several counties, eventually ending up in the Atlantic below Savannah. If you've ever heard Alan Jackson sing about learning a lot about love on the Ogeechee River, then you know that boating, swimming, and fishing are big things on this river.

The Savannah River is much of the border between Georgia and South Carolina. It begins just the other side of Augusta and ends up in the Atlantic Ocean at Tybee Island. It has and still does host business, science, and education along its banks, being the home of Georgia Kaolin and the Savannah River reactors. The Savannah School of Art and Design isn't actually on the water, but it's the closest to the river.

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis sits on the Chesapeake Bay, a body of water whose headwaters begin in Pennsylvania and empty into the Atlantic Ocean. Annapolis is basically an island bordered by the Bay, the South River, and the Severn River.

If you want a boat built, you go to Annapolis. If you want to know how to sail them, you check into the United States Naval Academy. But that's not all the Academy does. You can stand on the Naval Academy bridge (so it's locally called) on July 4 and New Year's Eve to watch the fireworks show put on by the Academy.

It's like watching a scene from olden times seeing the sailboats race before the wind. The sails look like multi-colored flowers. At least once a week you'll look into the Bay to see ships headed for harbor in Baltimore. You'll even see the Academy boats put out into the Bay for training.

There's nothing like dining on the water. Viewing a quiet sunset reflected by the waters of the river as you dine on the best seafood Annapolis has to offer is amazing. The stars at night seem to be closer to you on the water, don't they?

All cities are notable for something, whether it be their history, architecture, attractions, or perhaps the top night-time soap set in the city (think Dallas.) What's special about your city?