If you’re serious about your love of cigars, you owe it to yourself to take a road trip this summer and explore these five exceptional cigar-friendly cities. Each city has its own unique character that you’re going to absolutely adore as you spend the day scoping out the very best cigar spots in town. Even if you’re not much of a traveler, we strongly suggest you visit at least one of these cities in order to stock up on high-quality cigars and meet fellow cigar enthusiasts like yourself.
5. Philadelphia
Unlike most cities around the country, Philadelphia doesn’t have any tobacco tax. This means that you can stock up on cigars to your heart’s content without worrying about any hidden costs. It also means that this city fully embraces cigar smokers from around the world who wish to come to visit Philly’s many exceptional cigar shops and learn more about different tobaccos.
Besides being great for exploring cigars, the “City of Brotherly Love” is rich in history and culture. You’ll enjoy exploring the city while indulging in a newly purchased high-quality cigar. Check some of the very best restaurants in the country thanks to the city’s thriving food scene. And, you’ll learn some things about our country’s origins to boot.
4. New York City
If a cigar can make it here, it can pretty much make it anywhere. New York’s reputation for being a cigar lover’s paradise comes from the abundance of cigar lounges around the city. Because this city is known for keeping businesses open late, you’ll likely be able to check out a cigar lounge at any hour of the day or night. Many of these cigar lounges are of historical importance, allowing you to embrace your history nerd side while indulging in the city’s offerings. You’ll also find some outstanding restaurants to enjoy in-between cigar sessions. And, of course, the city has some of the best tourist attractions in the world.
It’s important to note, however, that tobacco laws are fairly strict in New York City. Cigars are heavily taxed and it’s illegal to smoke in public outdoor spaces. Still, it’s pretty amazing that there are still spaces where you can smoke indoors considering the country’s current attitudes toward smoking.
3. Washington DC
In Washington DC, you’ll find a plethora of exceptional cigar shops, including one of the very first in the country. Given DC’s reputation, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that there’s a thriving cigar scene. In fact, you just might get lucky and walk into one of the many cigar events that take place throughout the year.
When you’re not checking out the many cigar shops that our Nation’s Capital has to offer, you might want to learn about the nation’s history by exploring the many museums that are dispersed throughout the area.
2. Atlanta
Atlanta is rich in history, making it a fascinating place to visit whether or not you care about cigars. However, the cigar scene in Atlanta is enormous. You’ll find plenty of interesting cigar lounges, including some that are almost one hundred years old. If you’re into that old-fashioned way of life, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop.
ATL also boasts some impressive cigar shops where you can stock up on rare beauties for your cigar collection.
1. Chattanooga
Chattanooga also has a thriving cigar scene that’s been around for possibly a century. In Chattanooga, you’ll find some of the very best cigar shops in the country. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of cigar lounges that range from hip and modern to old-fashioned and upscale. To put it simply, this city is a cigar lover’s dream. You’ll have no trouble finding other cigar enthusiasts who want to talk about their hobby with you for hours.
These Cities are Where It’s At
Any of these five cities will help you further explore your passion for all things cigar-related. Each city listed above has its own unique cigar scene that will allow you to geek out on your hobby to the fullest.