Not-So-Hidden Gem: Eau Claire Highlighted by 'USA Today'
the city’s No. 2 designation is a little bit of proof that good things come from our growing corner of the country
V1 Staff, photos by Mike O'Brien |
As many Chippewa Vallians know, we have a particular appreciation for the community's offerings, especially those found in our home base: Eau Claire. As the years have gone by, Eau Claire continues to transform, and has been called a “hidden gem” more than once – including USA Today.
This year, Eau Claire has been ranked No. 2 on USA Today's list of "10 hidden gems to explore on your next American roadtrip." (Perhaps proving the saying, "second is the best," eh?)
Staff at Wander, a vacation rental service, first released a ranking of the 10 most overlooked destinations across the country in an effort to help eager travelers determine their next must-see spot. Their findings were informed by how many landmarks, museums, restaurants, and bars there were in any given community, plus how safe and clean everything was.
USA Today consumer travel reporter, Kathleen Wong, released the publication's classifications and highlighted our growing city as a hidden gem. They describe the city’s natural confluence — where the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers meet — a feature locals are well-acquainted with. Of course, it also references one of the city’s many “hometown heroes,” Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.
"The spot is also the second-fastest growing major city in Wisconsin, so it likely won't be ‘overlooked’ for long,” Matt Kowalewski, the chief of staff at Wander, shared with USA Today. "Anyone hoping for a quiet vacation might want to get to Eau Claire sooner rather than later."
Other national outlets seem to agree. Earlier this year, a U.S. News and World Report ranking dubbed Eau Claire the best Wisconsin city to live in — and the 49th best city in the nation.
USA Today's rankings of hidden gems across the country:
1. Tupelo, Mississippi
2. Eau Claire, Wisconsin
3. Athens, Georgia
4. Helena, Montana
5. Bentonville, Arkansas
6.Bowling Green, Kentucky
7. Vancouver, Washington
8.Bozeman, Montana
9. Williamsburg, Virginia
10. Springfield, Illinois
Midwest Living also featured some of the city's hidden gems this spring — including Leona's Pizzeria, Seven Suns Vintage, and cherished watering hole, The Joynt — all beloved by Vernon and locals alike.
Eau Claire is joined by the likes of other growing areas across the country in the USA Today roundup, including Athens, Georgia and Helena, Montana. It was Tupelo, Mississippi, which took first prize as the No. 1 hidden gem across the United States.
In a nutshell, this isn't exactly breaking news for Chippewa Vallians – that Eau Claire is pretty alright – but, hey, it's kinda cool to see the inclusion.
As visitors continue to check out our neck of the woods, we extend a warm welcome to those who hope to learn about the culture and community. And hey, if you’re traveling through any of the local venues mentioned above, be sure to say hello — we don’t bite (unless it’s a slice of ‘za or cheese curd).
Check out the complete list from USA Today's feature, "Skip the crowds at these 10 American hidden gems everyone should explore" at usatoday.com.
