These Streets
I’m thinking back fondly on some of the streets I’ve walked along when being in close proximity to thousands of people seemed desirable. Someday we’ll walk amongst others again without unconsciously holding our breath or measuring out six feet of space in our heads. Here are six I look forward to visiting again someday should the travel gods smile favorably upon me:
La Rambla in Barcelona
If you want to see Gaudi, walk down the bustling Passeig de Gràcia or take a ride over to see La Sagrada Familia. But if you want to avoid the roar of traffic and absorb the energy of Barcelona, walk down La Rambla, stop for tapas at one of the many restaurants and stroll off the calories on this pedestrian way. I walked La Rambla in January with a light coat on and it was still fully alive. I would love to visit in other seasons to see how it transforms when it’s really full.
Duval Street in Key West
Slip on your flip flops and stroll the full length of Duval Street during the day and try the same journey at night. It’s jammed full of people determined to have a great time, and that’s easy to find on this street. Start your morning at the Southernmost Point and cap the daylight hours at Mallory Square, just off Duval Street. If you’re lucky maybe you’ll see a green flash. When the sun sets return to Duval Street for some evening fun. Like many people I found my way into Sloppy Joe’s a few times for live music with something to wash it down with.
Broadway in Nashville
Wander around the honky-tonks on the lower part of Broadway and you’ll fall in love with the energy of this city. I was just there a few weeks ago, just as the world was flipping around into the new reality. Timing is everything I guess. A perfect time to visit would be during a normal SEC tournament or in the fall when the Tennessee Titans are playing just across the river. Walk back after the game and soak up the live music poring out of every bar. Walk up to a rooftop bar for a view of the city. If you love live music this is the street for you. Just make sure you’re over 21 to get into the honky-tonks.
The Royal Mile in Edinburgh
The Royal Mile is a walk in the footsteps of history. Sure, that’s cliche, but it fits well on this street, or rather, these streets. The Royal Mile is made up of High Street, Lawnmarket and finally Castlehill as you approach it’s namesake. Edinburgh Castle commands the city as it has for centuries. But a walk to the bottom of The Royal Mile has it’s own rewards with a visit to The Palace Of Holyroodhouse (open when the Queen isn’t in residence). In between is plenty of touristy shopping, some very enjoyable side trips down the many Closes, each with their own personality. Want to burn more of that haggis off? Extend your walk with a hike to the summit of Arthur’s Seat and the 360 degree view of forever. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a rainbow but avoid the source.
Boylston Street in Boston
There are plenty of famous streets in Boston, with Beacon Street, Lansdowne Street, Commonwealth Avenue and Newbury Street each offering something unique. But Boylston Street has a special place in my heart one day every year, and that’s Patriot’s Day. That’s the day when the Boston Marathon finishes on Boylston Street and Red Sox fans pour onto the street after the early game and Boylston Street comes alive with an incredible vibrancy that you look forward to all year. This year won’t be the same with the pandemic postponing both the marathon and the start of the baseball season, but hopefully a year from now we’re talking about Patriot’s Day in Boston once again.
George Street in St John’s, Newfoundland
The shortest street on this list, George Street in St John’s is jammed full of bars. This is a sailor’s town if I ever met one, and it’s highly likely most sailors have made their way onto George Street when they spend any time at all here. I fell in love with St John’s during my one visit, and I still can’t believe I haven’t been back again since then. Someday, maybe. Just like all the rest of the streets on this list.
