Whether your idea of the perfect getaway is a history lesson, going to the theater, relaxing by the bay, indulging in good food or shopping ’till you drop, there’s a small town for you. We’re looking for the best small towns in each region and across the United States, so we invited a panel of travel writers to help us select 20 nominees for each Readers’ Choice Awards category. Now we need you to vote and help us select the 10 best.
Voting ends on Monday, February 20 at noon ET, and you can vote once per day, per category.
Click on each category below to vote:
Best Coastal Small Town
Where are the best coastal small towns? — Photo courtesy of iStock / Kirk Fisher
South Beach, Daytona and Myrtle Beach have their perks, but these 20 small towns, nominated for Best Coastal Small Town, offer a calm and charm that’s hard to find in more heavily populated areas.
Vote: Best Coastal Small Town »
Best Historic Small Town
There’s history around every corner of these small towns — Photo courtesy of E+ / jonathansloane
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 the nation’s past.
Vote: Best Historic Small Town »
Best Midwestern Small Town
Which small town in the Midwest is the best? — Photo courtesy of iStock / Aaron Yoder
Friendly faces and down-to-earth folks are just some of the reasons people love the Midwest. Help us find the Best Midwestern Small Town by voting for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, February 20 at noon ET.
Vote: Best Midwestern Small Town »
Best Northeastern Small Town
Which Northeastern small town is your favorite? — Photo courtesy of iStock / halbergman
Fascinating history, great shopping, plenty of culture and delicious food are just some of the reasons people love exploring the Northeast. Which small town gets your vote?
Vote: Best Northeastern Small Town »
Best Small Town Cultural Scene
These towns may be small, but they’re big on culture — Photo courtesy of iStock / GregC
Bigger isn’t always better, especially when it comes to these small towns, each with a population of fewer than 25,000 people. What each lacks in size, it makes up for in culture – museums, art galleries, performing arts and plenty of events.
Vote: Best Small Town Cultural Scene »
Best Small Town Food Scene
These small town food scenes are poised to impress — Photo courtesy of Liudmila Chernetska // Getty Images
Some people believe you can’t find good food in a small town – but those people are mistaken. These 20 small towns, nominated for Best Small Town Food Scene, are on a mission to disprove that thought. From bakeries and farm-to-table restaurants to thriving farmers markets and specialty food shops, these small towns pack big flavor.
Vote: Best Small Town Food Scene »
Best Small Town for Adventure
Go an adventure in these small towns — Photo courtesy of iStock / dsabo
Whoever said small towns are boring must have missed out on visiting these 20 spots. Each is big on adventure, from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and rock climbing. Which is your favorite small town for adventure?
Vote: Best Small Town for Adventure »
Best Small Town for Shopping
These small towns are all set for shopping sprees — Photo courtesy of huePhotography // Getty Images
In need of a little retail therapy? With farmers markets, antique shops, art galleries and boutiques, these small towns with populations of less than 25,000 deliver big on their shopping opportunities.
Vote: Best Small Town for Shopping »
Best Southern Small Town
Which Southern small towns get your vote? — Photo courtesy of iStock / Michael Warren
Charm and hospitality are just some of the characteristics that attract visitors to small Southern towns. Which one do you think is the best?
Vote: Best Southern Small Town »
Best Western Small Town
Which of these small towns is best of the West? — Photo courtesy of iStock / Bill Chizek
From incredible scenery and big art scenes, these Western small towns have a lot going on. Help us find the Best Western Small Town by casting your vote.
Vote: Best Western Small Town »
Remember, you can vote once per day in each category. The 10 nominees with the most votes in each category will be announced on 10Best.com on Friday, March 3.