A: It depends on the meaning of best, easiest, and near. It also depends on the time of day and time of year (a rhyme!).
My personal favorite is Lot B just off the Parkway between Front St. and Cass. It’s easy to get in and out, has many long-term meters, and is a 3-minute walk to the either the State or Bijou. The Hardy Parking Garage at Park and State St. is very close and will keep your car dry and snow-free (unless you’re on the top deck). If you love to parallel park, and can find an open spot, and are willing to pay premium at the meters, there’s always Front St. near the theater.
If you don’t mind a 5 or 10-minute micro-trek, nearby neighborhoods between Boardman Ave. and Franklin St. have free street parking. (Be good to the neighbors!)
Here are links to TC parking rates and locations:
https://parking.downtowntc.com/parking-rates-and-payments/parking-rates/
https://parking.downtowntc.com/where-to-park/parking-maps/
