While this category continues to elicit eye rolls from English teachers everywhere (SPECIFIC WORD CHOICE, PEOPLE!), “thing” possesses a unique power to ferret out what truly impresses our residents about the place we live. For all the controversy they inspired when they were installed, the Phoenix Park bridge lights are super freaking cool. Our shiny new L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire) also inspires a bit of possessive pride amongst residents, as does the giant kick-ass arts center just down the road. Let’s face it: the two-block radius around the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) in downtown Eau Claire is, without question, the BEST. –Eric Rasmussen