Published
11/03/09
Travelers Can Vote for Their Favorite Small U.S. Town
(New York, New York) – Do you think your town is cool, or do you remember a special town from your travels? Then BudgetTravel.com may be your medium for soapbox, as the travel magazine and website is currently accepting nominations for its 2010 America’s Coolest Small Towns Readers’ Choice Poll.
Until November 22, 2009, go to www.budgettravel.com/coolestsmalltowns to nominate and defend your picks for coolest small town. As part of the nomination process, you can also upload your own photos and videos of unique town features.
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For Oregonians, is there an awesome small town you’d be rooting for? Perhaps it’s somewhere in spectacular Yamhill Wine Country? |
Final voting will be held on January 12, 2010.
Representatives from BudgetTravel.com say they are looking for a town with a population of fewer than 10,000 people.
“We're talking small towns, not big cities,” said Steve Merrill, the GM of BudgetTravel.com. “It's also got to be on the upswing, a place that's beginning to draw attention - and new residents - because of the quality of life, the arts and restaurant scene, or the proximity to nature. And cool doesn't mean quaint. We want towns with an edge, so think avant-garde galleries, not country stores.”
Budget Travel’s Readers’ Choice Poll debuted in 2009.
“We knew from past experience that readers loved the Coolest Small Towns concept, but we built the poll tool for fun, and we were a little surprised to see such a huge response,” Merrill said. “We received more than 100,000 votes, published almost 1,500 thoughtful reader comments, and then heard from the governor of Maine, who issued an official proclamation calling on Maine residents to vote for Rockland, Maine. It was wild.”
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Hillsboro, just west of Portland, will undoubtedly get a few votes with its charming downtown. |
If you’re not sure if your town makes the cut, the company has come up with five questions for you to answer about your town.
Is there a restaurant that's so amazing it could survive in New York? Where do locals shop for unique clothing, furniture, art, or gifts?
Is there a local mascot?
What's the weirdest piece of local folklore?
Is there anything else that qualifies as "cool" (i.e. organic coffee shops, wine bars, a hotel in a renovated barn or warehouse)?
You can nominate now at www.budgettravel.com/coolestsmalltowns. Then make sure you return to the site to vote on January 12, 2010.
Featuring must-know tips, hidden gems across the world, humorous stories, smart deals, and timely news, Budget Travel has become a staple for 2.1 million educated and sophisticated consumers. Budget Travel redefines the travel category by integrating breathtaking imagery with valuable, practical knowledge and inspiring yet affordable strategies for real vacationers. For more information, visit BudgetTravel.com.
Oregon Winter Event Highlights
December 4 – 5. Oregon Coast Aquarium Presents ''Sea of Lights.'' Ring in the holidays as the Aquarium becomes a winter wonderland surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. Festive caroling, a Christmas village and a visit with Saint Nick. Photos by the big Christmas tree in the lobby. Hot chocolate and holiday treats. Many gift ideas in the Aquarium gift shop. 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The Oregon Coast Aquarium. Newport, Oregon. www.aquarium.org
November 14. Lincoln City Seafood and Chowder Cook-Off. Enjoy live cooking competitions, People's Choice, Food Vendors and more. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lincoln City Cultural Center. 540 SE Highway 101. Lincoln City, Oregon. 541-994-9994.
November 21. Manzanita Writers Series. Karen Karbo, reads. Writers can register at the door to read from their original work. The first nine registrants are invited to read for five minutes each. 7 p.m. $5 donation is suggested. Hoffman Center Annex, 594 Laneda Avenue. Manzanita, Oregon.
Nov 27 – 29. Holiday Gift Fair. Vendors selling handmade items. Free admission. Times: Nov 27 at 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Nov 28 at 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Nov 29 at 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Seaside Civic & Convention Center, 415 1st Ave. Seaside, Oregon. |