1. Mid-Size Cities - Buffalo, N.Y.

In June, Buffalo warms up for the outdoor Allentown Art Festival, featuring more than 400 juried exhibitors. Credit: THE BUFFALO NIAGARA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU/ANGEL ART LTD.

It has proven to be a good year for our returning champ in the Mid-Size category. Buffalo made The New York Times’ worldwide list of “The 44 Places to Go in 2009,” and was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of “America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” AmericanStyle reader Mary Alice Nolan thinks the accolades are coming not a moment too soon. “We have been a well-guarded secret far too long,” she says. “We have much more to offer besides snow!”

CITY STEAL: The Albright- Knox Art Gallery charges no admission on “Free Fridays” from 3-10 p.m. Make an evening of it with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink specials at Muse, their new dining space.

COMING SOON: See the work of more than 400 juried artists at the outdoor Allentown Art Festival, June 13-14.