Another thought...I recommend Charles Kuralt's book America. I'll always remember his descriptions of Alaska, New Orleans, Key West and of course, my favorite, Charleston, South Carolina. He had the luxury of staying a month in each city and having friends who showed him around, but it really gives you something of the flavor of each city.

Once again, having someone to share a city with was always more important to me than just sightseeing. My sister-in-law took Hubby and me to Breakfast at Brennon's in New Orleans, my best friend showed me Charleston, SC, a friend who had lived in Chicago years ago showed me (and a bunch of teenagers) many wonderful places in Chicago including a Monet exhibit at the Art Institute, a little Italian retaurant in Little Italy and the Botanical Gardens. I remember these things for the times we shared more than the sightseeing.