The Williamsburg, VA Brand

I've never really thought about it before, but cities are actually brands.  Funny coming from me, because I tend to think that everything is a brand!

We spent the 4th of July weekend down in Williamsburg, VA, an annual tradition with my family now for years.  It is the quintessential place to spend the holiday, IMHO.  The rich heritage, the colonial museum, the theme parks, and of course the fireworks.  For me Williamsburg IS the 4th of July, can't imagine spending the holiday anywhere else.

Colonial Williamsburg manages this brand, it's an entire corporation unlike any other.  The company has seamlessly integrated the Williamsburg experience with the actual town and its attractions with the 4th of July holiday.  It's a family destination for the summer.

So it got me thinking that this is true of so many places -- a signature theme or food or holiday or destination -- cities are brands too.

New York City is known for so much, but it pretty much owns New Year's Eve, and it's The Big Apple.  Others include:
- Paris, the city of lights
- LA, tinsel town
- Chicago, the windy city
- Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love
- Boston, clam chowder and baked beans
- San Francisco, sour dough bread
- Miami, latin beach culture
The list can go on an on.

What's your city's brand?  What's your experience?  Jim.