2. Mid-Size Cities - Chattanooga, Tenn.

This spring, the Hunter Museum of American Art presents "Jellies: Living Art" with the nearby Tennessee Aquarium.

Chattanooga’s commitment to the arts has helped lead a citywide revitalization, drawing artists and art lovers to take up residence there. Programs such as “Art in Public Places” put power in the public’s hands, allowing them to choose which outdoor sculptures to install around town. “Chattanooga has art everywhere, from the side of a walking path to downtown sculptures,” says reader K. Schwartz.

CITY STEAL: Tour the city like a local, on the budget of a college student. Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga has put together maps of art and craft destinations around town; visit www.alliedartschattanooga.org to find free “Art Trails.”

COMING SOON: The Hunter Museum of American Art teams up with the Tennessee Aquarium for “Jellies: Living Art,” featuring live jellyfish alongside studio glass by Dale Chihuly, Stephen Rolfe Powell, Cork Marcheschi and Thomas Spake beginning May 15.