Winners for best small towns in America announced

Photo of Bardstown, by Kip McGinnis

BARDSTOWN, Ky. - On July 17, the "Best of the Road" contest sponsored by Rand McNally in collaboration with USA Today announced the five winners designated America's most beautiful, friendly, tasty, patriotic and fun small towns.

From 30 nominees (six in each categories) the winners were:
•    Bardstown, Ky., for Most Beautiful Small Town in America
•    Gainesville, Texas, for Most Patriotic
•    Santa Fe, N.M., for Best For Food
•    Murray, Ky., for Friendliest
•    Delray Beach, Fla., for Most Fun

The nationwide contest started with 650 nominated towns, which were narrowed down to 30 finalists in five different categories. Judges were sent across the country to explore these small town gems.

“Being selected as Most Beautiful Small Town in America is a tremendous honor and the exposure we receive will be a wonderful boost to our marketing efforts,” said Dawn Ballard Przystal, vice president, tourism expansion and marketing at the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission.

Each of the winning towns was featured on July 25 by The Travel Channel during a special program hosted by Bert Kreischer.

For more information, read the USA Today article.