A Writer’s Top 7 Must-Visit Cities in the U.S.

As a writer originally from New York City, I grew up observing people, soaking in different vibes, and letting those atmospheres shift my mood. I was never a full-on party girl—though I had my moments and still love to dance. But more often, you’ll find me tucked away with a cup of coffee, journaling, and taking in the ambiance of a place.

If you’re looking for a list of U.S. cities known only for nightlife and partying, this isn’t it. Granted, you can do that in many of these destinations, but my picks are about something deeper—the way certain places spark creativity and inspire stories.

Here are my top seven cities that every writer should visit at least once.

1. New York City, New York

NYC is a must on any travel list. While overwhelming (and exhausting—take it from a former native), there’s no other city like it. It’s full of colorful characters, every culture imaginable, and unpredictable adventures. A single day of people-watching on the subway or wandering neighborhoods can spark blogs, short stories, or entire novels.

New York is still where I consider home, and it set the backdrop for my Dream Catchers series—I couldn’t imagine those books set anywhere else. If you want inspiration, park yourself at a café in Bryant Park, Central Park, or somewhere quirky like the Village. In fact, I’ve been toying with a vampire/witch series based there.

2. Los Angeles, California

LA isn’t for everyone. While I’ve been back a few times for work—including when I helped a client on a horror film—nothing compared to my first visit. For a movie buff, seeing Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (where my favorite film, Grease, premiered) and the Hollywood Walk of Fame was surreal.

After that initial magic, it lost some luster for me personally, but for aspiring screenwriters and dreamers, LA still holds a special energy. It’s a place where film and creativity feel possible.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been to NOLA—my best friend lives there, so I’ve experienced both the tourist favorites and local gems. But nothing beats writing in the French Quarter. Café Envie is one of my favorite spots to settle in with a notebook.

Author’s Note: I pronounce it “on-vee”, while my bestie calls it “envy”. I asked a barista the pronunciation and she said my way was correct, but call it whatever you want!

When you need inspiration, stroll to Jackson Square, join a ghost tour, or follow in the footsteps of literary greats. Tennessee Williams lived here, and while you can’t go inside his former house, you can still visit spots like the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone, a favorite haunt of his.

4. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville may be known today as a bachelorette party hub, but for writers, it still has plenty of quiet corners. I lived here for two years while writing The Watch Dog. It was my first time living in the South, and many of the people I met inspired characters in that novel.

The city is also rich in music history and coffee culture. I loved hopping between coffee shops along West End Avenue. Working at the Starbucks on 21st Avenue, I noticed many of my regulars did the same thing—we were all chasing that creative buzz. It’s a city made for creatives!

5. Seattle, Washington

For me, coffee and creativity go hand in hand—and Seattle is basically America’s coffee capital. From iconic spots like the original Pike Place Starbucks to countless indie cafés, there’s no shortage of cozy corners to write in. The overcast weather only adds to the atmosphere, making it perfect for crafting moody stories and complex characters.

6. Covington, Georgia

For fans of The Vampire Diaries, Covington is a dream come true. Known as the filming location for Mystic Falls, the town is full of show landmarks—like the Mystic Grill, which even has a chair dedicated to Alaric. I bought a Stefan-style journal at The Vampire Stalkers shop and wrote in the town square on the bench honoring Liz Forbes.

Even if you’re not a TVD fan, Covington is charming and quaint, ideal for a mini writing retreat. Its mix of small-town southern charm and TV magic makes it uniquely inspiring.

7. Ashland, Oregon

Ashland is a small town that shines especially in autumn, with some of the most stunning foliage in the country. It’s already a writer’s dream setting, but add in Lithia Park for contemplative walks, antique bookshops for browsing, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for entertainment—and you’ve got endless inspiration.

I even set my novella Decaf for the Dead partly in Ashland, pairing it with New Orleans for a haunted backdrop. Both cities have a reputation for ghostly energy, which only fuels the imagination.

These seven cities are special to me for more than their sights—they sparked characters, moods, and stories I might never have written otherwise. If you’re a writer (or aspiring one), consider planning your next trip around creativity instead of just sightseeing—you never know what story might be waiting.

Have a favorite city that inspires you? Share it in the comments!

Looking to plan a writing retreat? Let me help - contact me at Sandy Lo Travel or on Instagram: @AuthorSandyLo