Interesting and great suggestions. I think the ones that jump out at me the most that I've seen mentioned multiple times are Kansas City, Halifax, and Portland ME, so that should be a great start.

I was surprised to see Spokane mentioned a few times - it's a city I've never really paid much attention to. The last time I was there I was about 13 years old and we just spent the night at some cheap hotel. I don't remember being particularly impressed - but what 13-year old can be impressed?

Is there a penance I can do for saying the best barbecue I've had was in St. Louis? I did have some great barbecue in Nashville a few years ago...