USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
The United States has a fascinating history, and exploring the places which most affected it is much more fun than simply reading about it. These 20 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have small populations (fewer than 25,000 people) with big histories, making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation’s past.
Which historic small town do you think is the best? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, March 31 at noon ET. The winning small towns will be announced on Wednesday, April 9.
Read the official Readers’ Choice rules.
The United States has a fascinating history, and exploring the places which most affected it is much more fun than simply reading about it. These 20 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have small populations (fewer than 25,000 people) with big histories, making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation’s past.
Which historic small town do you think is the best? Vote once per day until polls close on Monday, March 31 at noon ET. The winning small towns will be announced on Wednesday, April 9.
Read the official Readers’ Choice rules.
The United States has a fascinating history, and exploring the places which most affected it is much more fun than simply reading about it. These 20 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have small populations (fewer… Read More
Photo courtesy of Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
Abilene is the hometown of Dwight D. Eisenhower, a five-star General of the Army and 34th President of the United States — and that’s just the start of this town’s historical appeal. Besides the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, visitors can ride with the Kansas’ Official Heritage Railroad, tour the historic Seelye Mansion, take a spin on the oldest operational Parker Carousel, and step back into the wild west Old Abilene Town.
Photo courtesy of Two Wandering Soles
Astoria, Oregon, is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, dating back to 1811. The site at the mouth of the Columbia River was first used by Lewis and Clark, whose exploits are commemorated with the 125-foot Astoria Column, which depicts their expedition and Pacific Northwest history. The Maritime Museum is another gem that showcases the region’s naval history. Be sure to check out the Queen Anne and Italianate homes built between 1860 and 1890, as well as the Arts & Crafts homes constructed in the early 20th century.
Photo courtesy of David Day
Bisbee came to fame in the 1880s when prospectors discovered copper, silver, gold, and other minerals in this Arizona desert spot close to the Mexican border. It was a boom town that remains a fascinating place for lovers of the Wild West to visit. Visitors can be immersed in the Old West, first visiting the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum and the Bisbee Restoration Museum, then venturing into the massive Copper Queen Mine itself. Wander Main Street in Old Bisbee to see architecture from the time of the boom.
Photo courtesy of Matt Powell / The Pentagöet Inn & Pub
Castine, located in Eastern Maine, is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, beginning in the early 1600s. This port town remains imbued in its history with buildings dating back to Revolutionary times and maritime tales dating back just as far. Visit the Wilson Museum to learn more about the town’s colorful history and don’t miss the Castine Historical Society’s walking tours that will uncover fascinating tales of the old days in this still-quaint coastal town.
Photo courtesy of Cody Yellowstone
When you get to Cody, Wyoming, be ready to learn all about “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the legendary Western cowboy impresario who helped build the world’s notion of the Wild West. Cody started this town in 1896 and today, it contains over 40 places listed on the National Registry of Historic places. Visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which features five museums dedicated to both Cody’s legend and the overall story of America’s Western expansion. Old Trail Town is on the site of the original settlement, complete with dirt roads, frontier buildings, and furnishings.
Photo courtesy of Eureka Springs CAPC
Eureka Springs was put on the map as a wellness destination in 1879 around the mineral springs bubbling up from the ground. Excitement around the healing waters transformed the run-down town into a booming place filled with hotels and Victorian buildings — a town that’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. Wander the streets and marvel at the architecture, take a ghost tour, and enjoy the Museum of Eureka Springs Art, with works dating back to the early days of this vibrant wellness-oriented community.
Photo courtesy of Town of Georgetown
When two prospecting brothers in the Rocky Mountain valley struck the motherlode back in 1859, this little Colorado town was born. Today, Georgetown — dubbed “Silver Queen of the Rockies” — remains complete with homes, saloons, banks, and more from the Colorado Silver Boom. Industry wealth brought the construction of the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which still operates along its scenic route and takes visitors to see real silver mines. Visit the Hamill House and the Hotel de Paris museums for a glimpse into late 19th-century Georgetown, though there are so many landmark buildings throughout the area that every step you take will transport you back in time.
Photo courtesy of Destination Gettysburg
This storied town is the site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Visit the National Military Park’s Visitor Center and take a guided tour to explore this history. The town offers more historical sites including the David Wills House, where Lincoln stayed, and the preserved Jennie Wade House Museum. Walking and horseback tours provide unique perspectives on the area’s rich history, with many preserved buildings to discover.
Photo courtesy of Visit Granbury
With over 40 historic Texas landmarks, many dating back to the town’s founding in 1866, Granbury is bursting with history. From the massive Hood County Courthouse and Historic Granbury Square to the Hood County Jail Museum, Yeates-Duke 1858 Working Museum, and newly-restored Grand Opera House, Granbury is where Texas history comes alive. Located around 70 miles southwest of Dallas, it’s a small town that’s worth a detour off the beaten path. Don’t miss the graveyard, where Jesse James is said to be buried — his headstone is here, at least!
Photo courtesy of dkfielding / E+
Harpers Ferry, a small West Virginia town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, features stunning natural beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But what really draws visitors is its historical significance, which can be explored at Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park. John Brown’s Fort, for example, follows the story of the white abolitionist whose actions in 1859 set the stage for the Civil War. Wander throughout Shenandoah Street to experience what it was like around 1880, then visit nearby Lockwood House, one of the first schools for formerly-enslaved people.
Photo courtesy of Kim Skeltis for Pure Ludington
Ludington, Michigan, built its economy on the lumber industry and has continued to thrive as a shipping port, both by water and by train. Today, visitors come to explore Ludington’s small-town charm, enjoy its waterfront location, and shop at its many specialty shops and art galleries. Explore the town’s past at Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.
Photo courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
Mackinac Island’s history is filled with change. The French arrived in the territory encompassing the island, which had long been the home of the Anishinaabek People, back in the 1600s. By the 1700s, the British had taken over, and Americans claimed it shortly thereafter. Now a scenic, car-free northern Michigan vacation spot, Mackinac’s history is still on display via numerous museums and original structures. Fort Mackinac is one of Michigan’s oldest buildings, now within a state park including 13 other buildings from the 1700s. Find the Biddle House, Native American Museum, Benjamin Blacksmith Shop, and Mill Creek — history comes alive all over this must-see enclave.
Photo courtesy of JillianCain / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Mount Dora, Florida, sits just north of Orlando, and its American history begins in the mid-1800s when homesteaders came to the plateau. By 1887, when the railroad arrived, Mount Dora was already established as a prime vacation spot for lovers of the outdoors. As the town expanded, Victorian homes like the Donnelly House were built and many remain, lovingly kept in pristine condition. Take a walking tour to see plenty historic buildings, and don’t forget to stop into the numerous antique shops that welcome lovers of beloved items from the past.
Photo courtesy of Northern Kentucky Views
Since the late 1700s, Newport has been a bustling town on the Ohio River, just across from Cincinnati. Over the years, it’s had many iterations, from military post to manufacturing hub to a hotbed of Prohibition gangsters, later earning a reputation as “Sin City” for its casinos and adult entertainment. Today, Newport is a family-friendly town with a strong historic core — six districts are found on the National Register of Historic Places including Mansion Hill, East Newport, and Monmouth Street. The Newport History Walk app offers self-guided tours to many of the interesting places found in this long-lived American town.
Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr / E+
First settled by British colonists in 1639, Newport is one of the oldest towns in Rhode Island. Always a thriving seaside town, in the late 1800s, Newport became the playground of New York’s wealthiest families (the Vanderbilts, Astors, and others), who began building huge mansions along the shoreline, their extravagant summer “cottages.” Those Gilded Age homes like The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff and more are now open to the public, bringing Newport a constant stream of tourists. See those and visit the many other historical places of interest here, like the Great Friends Meeting House (1699), St. Mary’s Church (1828), and Touro Synagogue (1763), the oldest synagogue in the United States.
Photo courtesy of Henry McCoy
Home to Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University, Ruston epitomizes the typical college town filled with eclectic shops, unique eateries, vibrant culture, and plenty of entertainment in its 25-block historic downtown district. You can take a deeper dive into the town’s history at its museums, including Lincoln Parish Museum and North Louisiana Military Museum.
Photo courtesy of David Arment / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Shipshewana’s history is intertwined with the Amish settlement established here in the 1800s. Today, the area is home to one of the largest Amish and Mennonite communities in the country. Visit the Menno-Hof Interpretive Center to learn more, then discover the town’s Off the Beaten Path Driving Trail that brings you to 120 Amish shops and reveals more than 80 barn quilts — patterns found on historic homes, barns, farms, and other structures. Take an Amish buggy ride or guided tour to get even more up close to this unique region.
Photo courtesy of WilliamSherman / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Established in the 1600s as a trading post on the eastern shore of Maryland, St. Michaels is part of the original fabric of the United States. Once a center of shipbuilding and a key location in the War of 1812, the town has evolved into a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer months. Popular historical attractions are the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and the Classic Motor Museum, along with a number of buildings including the Saint Michaels Mill, a gristmill that dates back to the 1800s and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photo courtesy of EunikaSopotnicka / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been home to the Taos Pueblo Native American community for over 1,000 years. The pueblo is the oldest continuously occupied dwelling in the United States and has been preserved since it was constructed. The town of Taos is also filled with interesting adobe structures designated as National Historic Landmarks, including the Kit Carson Home and Museum. And the nearby Taos Plaza, which anchors the downtown Taos Historical District, is surrounded by adobe buildings.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Dekker
One of the Midwest’s first planned communities, Worthington was settled in 1803, with a village green serving as the center of the town. Today, that green remains, as do many of the original homes and other sites. Visit and learn more about the town’s architectural style, featuring the Orange Johnson House built in 1819, the Old Rectory built in 1845, and Rush Creek Village, an enclave created in 1956 according to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian principles. Worthington also offers the Ohio Railroad Museum, one of the oldest railroad museums in the country that opened in 1948, as well as the beloved Doll Museum at the Old Rectory.
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning travel writer… Read More
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning travel writer and photographer from Columbus, Ohio, and owner of ThreeWordPress.com. Having spent nearly 20 years as a top-rated, EMMY nominated television news Anchor and investigative journalist, Anietra is an Ohio native who now uses her journalistic skills to uncover the best in travel experiences. She specializes in outdoor adventure and extreme fishing in the U.S. and around the world. Follow Anietra on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Anietra Hamper is an award-winning travel writer and photographer from Columbus, Ohio, and owner of ThreeWordPress.com. Having spent nearly 20 years as a top-rated, EMMY nominated television news Anchor and investigative journalist, Anietra is an Ohio native who now uses her journalistic skills to uncover the best in travel experiences. She specializes in outdoor adventure and extreme fishing in the U.S. and around the world. Follow Anietra on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Christine Barger, aka The Haunt Girl, has over 30… Read More
Christine Barger, aka The Haunt Girl, has over 30 years experience in the entertainment industry. She started out entertaining audiences through the art of ventriloquism. As an adult she has acted in live theatre productions, haunted attractions, theme park shows, television and movies. She has also designed and built attractions. She is currently building her second escape room coming soon to The Exit Game in Anaheim, California. She is also a popular content creator on TikTok and Youtube. She has gained popularity in the escape room and haunt communities through her IG & vlog channel (TheHauntGirl) dedicated to updating her community on the newest immersive plays, escape rooms and haunted attractions. Her passion for escaping rooms has taken her to over 650 escape games nationwide. Christine’s primary hobby aside from cuddling her cats is a fascination with the paranormal. She has done her fair share of investigations and had a handful of paranormal experiences that she couldn’t explain away using “logical explanations” such as the full body apparition she saw on the Queen Mary. She and her husband even went ghost hunting in London for their honeymoon. While many people look for the nicest hotel or best deal on vacation, Christine plans around the most haunted places to stay. She doesn’t mind a friendly spirit following her home now and again, as long as they don’t bother her beloved cats. Christine knows a lot about: · the paranormal
· unique roadside attractions
· the best places to get locked in a room Connect with Christine at: Instagram @ChristineBargerOfficial, TikTok @ChristineBarger, Youtube, and her website, TheHauntGirl.com.
Christine Barger, aka The Haunt Girl, has over 30 years experience in the entertainment industry. She started out entertaining audiences through the art of ventriloquism. As an adult she has acted in live theatre productions, haunted attractions, theme park shows, television and movies. She has also designed and built attractions. She is currently building her second escape room coming soon to The Exit Game in Anaheim, California. She is also a popular content creator on TikTok and Youtube. She has gained popularity in the escape room and haunt communities through her IG & vlog channel (TheHauntGirl) dedicated to updating her community on the newest immersive plays, escape rooms and haunted attractions. Her passion for escaping rooms has taken her to over 650 escape games nationwide. Christine’s primary hobby aside from cuddling her cats is a fascination with the paranormal. She has done her fair share of investigations and had a handful of paranormal experiences that she couldn’t explain away using “logical explanations” such as the full body apparition she saw on the Queen Mary. She and her husband even went ghost hunting in London for their honeymoon. While many people look for the nicest hotel or best deal on vacation, Christine plans around the most haunted places to stay. She doesn’t mind a friendly spirit following her home now and again, as long as they don’t bother her beloved cats. Christine knows a lot about: · the paranormal
· unique roadside attractions
· the best places to get locked in a room Connect with Christine at: Instagram @ChristineBargerOfficial, TikTok @ChristineBarger, Youtube, and her website, TheHauntGirl.com.
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50… Read More
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San… Read More
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle Travel section and a longtime author and coauthor of Frommer’s guidebooks to Hawaii. Her freelance writing has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, including Hemispheres, AAA Explorer, Sunset, CNTraveler.com, Toronto Star, and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. She lives on Hawaii Island with three rescued pets and one triathlete husband.
Jeanne Cooper is a former editor of the San Francisco Chronicle Travel section and a longtime author and coauthor of Frommer’s guidebooks to Hawaii. Her freelance writing has appeared in numerous magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, including Hemispheres, AAA Explorer, Sunset, CNTraveler.com, Toronto Star, and Marriott Bonvoy Traveler. She lives on Hawaii Island with three rescued pets and one triathlete husband.
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer… Read More
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Kristin Luna is a Nashville-based travel writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, USA TODAY, Southern Living and many more. You can follow her adventures via her blog Camels & Chocolate or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Melissa Locker is a freelance travel, lifestyle,… Read More
Melissa Locker is a freelance travel, lifestyle, and culture writer and world-renowned fish telepathist. You can learn more about Melissa at melissalocker.com and connect on Instagram and Twitter via @woolyknickers.
Melissa Locker is a freelance travel, lifestyle, and culture writer and world-renowned fish telepathist. You can learn more about Melissa at melissalocker.com and connect on Instagram and Twitter via @woolyknickers.
Molly O’Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance… Read More
Molly O’Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She’s lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home. Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations. She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she’s not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling. Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!). You can connect with Molly here: Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com
Molly O’Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She’s lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home. Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations. She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she’s not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling. Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!). You can connect with Molly here: Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com
Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and… Read More
Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and travel writer based in central Ohio, writing his award-winning blog Breakfast With Nick since 2007, where he and his family document their journeys exploring restaurants, coffee, donuts, beer, the arts, family travel, and much more. Nick writes for Columbus Monthly, Ohio Magazine, TourismOhio, Experience Columbus, The Kitchn, Great Lakes Publishing, Experience Worthington, Cubby at Home, Worthington Spotlight, Proof Magazine, and other publications. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Nicholas Dekker, aka Dr. Breakfast, is a food and travel writer based in central Ohio, writing his award-winning blog Breakfast With Nick since 2007, where he and his family document their journeys exploring restaurants, coffee, donuts, beer, the arts, family travel, and much more. Nick writes for Columbus Monthly, Ohio Magazine, TourismOhio, Experience Columbus, The Kitchn, Great Lakes Publishing, Experience Worthington, Cubby at Home, Worthington Spotlight, Proof Magazine, and other publications. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell… Read More
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell in love with Tampa, Florida over a decade ago and has since made it her home base. Originally from Canada, Skye traded snowy winters for sunny beaches and now enjoys sharing her adventures with readers worldwide. Whether she’s uncovering hidden gems in Tampa Bay or jetting off to exotic destinations, Skye’s passion for exploration shines through in her engaging travel narratives. Follow her journeys and discover the best of Tampa and beyond on her Facebook page @BestofTampa.
Skye Rodgers is a seasoned travel writer who fell in love with Tampa, Florida over a decade ago and has since made it her home base. Originally from Canada, Skye traded snowy winters for sunny beaches and now enjoys sharing her adventures with readers worldwide. Whether she’s uncovering hidden gems in Tampa Bay or jetting off to exotic destinations, Skye’s passion for exploration shines through in her engaging travel narratives. Follow her journeys and discover the best of Tampa and beyond on her Facebook page @BestofTampa.
Susan Moynihan learned to sail Sunfish as a kid on… Read More
Susan Moynihan learned to sail Sunfish as a kid on the Potomac River, and did her first overnight with her family a few years later, in a 22-foot sailboat on a Norwegian fjord. She began her career as a travel editor in New York City, and has traveled to 50+ countries and 45 states. She never passes up a chance to get on a boat, and has done charters in the Caribbean and Tahiti. In 2019, she relocated to her hometown of Annapolis, and wrote the book 100 Things to Do in Annapolis and the Eastern Shore. A freelance writer/editor, she is a former contributing editor to magazines including ISLANDS, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, SPA and Chesapeake Bay Magazine. When not working, she daydreams about one day doing the Great Loop, ideally in a Ranger Tug.
Susan Moynihan learned to sail Sunfish as a kid on the Potomac River, and did her first overnight with her family a few years later, in a 22-foot sailboat on a Norwegian fjord. She began her career as a travel editor in New York City, and has traveled to 50+ countries and 45 states. She never passes up a chance to get on a boat, and has done charters in the Caribbean and Tahiti. In 2019, she relocated to her hometown of Annapolis, and wrote the book 100 Things to Do in Annapolis and the Eastern Shore. A freelance writer/editor, she is a former contributing editor to magazines including ISLANDS, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, SPA and Chesapeake Bay Magazine. When not working, she daydreams about one day doing the Great Loop, ideally in a Ranger Tug.
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