I grew up in Covina, CA, a compact little town 22 miles east of L.A. At least it was little when I was a boy. The last time I was there it seemed to be bursting at the seams. But my memories of Covina are all pleasant, and its motto is still "a mile square and all there."

Started in California, to Houston, to Austin, to Kansas City, to the San Antonio area.

Which is best? Depends.

California: crowded but exhilarating
Houston: humid but never boring
Austin: too hip but lots to do
KC: provincial but close knit
SA area: hot (really hot) but ordinary folks

Twitter: ppalamountain

Blog: http://petepalamountain.blogspot.com