26. Bozeman, MT

Bozeman prides itself on being one of the nation's most liveable cities. There is a university in the area, but it doesn't necessarily run the town like many college communities. The feel of the place is very laid back and relaxed, but that does not mean that there is nothing to do. The downtown restaurants and bars are well worth your time, and the museum of the Rockies will give you some history of the area while allowing you to see some dinosaur remains.The town is bordered by some amazing scenery. Take a drive into the mountains that you see on the outskirts of town, and you will not be disappointed. There is a variety of trails, some of which will take you past wildlife, tall trees, hypnotizing streams, and rushing waterfalls. I slipped into a river towards the end of a snowy season hike and recommend carrying an extra pair of shoes just in case (you'll probably be ok in the warmer months). You're likely to find rewarding conversation with other hikers in the area as well. Everyone there seems extremely friendly and outgoing, and so are their pets. It's not unlikely to meet someone's dog on a hike and see the same one in a local bar later that night.The Bozeman area is also close to many other attractions: ski resorts, Yellowstone, state parks, and national forests. If you're in Montana, it's worth checking out during any season. The first time I went there, I met someone from the same area in New York as me and found out that we knew some of the same people. For some reason, that's not an uncommon occurence in Montana. Remember that Montana is not all cowboys, but it is a good place to go if you like tight wrangler asses.