5 Alabama small towns nominated for various USA Today 10Best lists—how to vote
Reading time: 5 minutes
USA Today has released its batch of 10Best nominations for nine different 10Best lists on small towns. Readers will now select the top 10 in each category, helping small towns across the country stand out.
Five different Alabama cities were nominated across the different categories. Here’s who you’ll have a chance to vote to the top of the list:
- Best in the South: Orange Beach
- Best Coastal Town: Gulf Shores
- Best Food Scene: Orange Beach
- Best Cultural Scene: Cullman
- Best College Town: Florence + Jacksonville
Keep reading to learn more about why each town was nominated + how you can vote for them.
Orange Beach
It’s no surprise to see Orange Beach nominated in several categories again this year including returning to the list for the overall Best Small Town in the South.
The town finished No. 10 on that list last year and is currently ranked No. 12 for this year. You can vote once per day until 12PM on Monday, March 30.
“This Gulf Coast town is known for photo-worthy white sand beaches and excellent fishing opportunities. Local favorite activities include water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, diving, and boating; visiting the Orange Beach History Museum; and dining on fresh seafood. The town also hosts cultural events like the annual Orange Beach Festival of Art, attracting visitors from near and far.”
USA Today 10Best
Orange Beach is also nominated for the Best Small Town Food Scene. The town finished No. 7 last year but is currently all the way down at No. 18 so it needs your help.
Once again, you can vote for the town once per day through March 30.
“Orange Beach has a vibrant culinary scene and a peaceful coastal charm. There are many noteworthy restaurants here, and fresh seafood delicacies are always a popular choice, including the award-winning sushi restaurant, Big Fish. Guests enjoy the breathtaking waterfront views and this town’s unique dining experiences that capture the essence of this region’s rich flavors.”
USA Today 10Best
Gulf Shores
Right next door to Orange Beach is Gulf Shores. We’re not sure how USA Today distinguished one from the other but Gulf Shores officially got the nomination for Best Coastal Small Town.
It finished No. 6 on the list last year but is currently No. 15 after just a couple of days of voting. Head to the USA Today 10Best page to vote once per day through Monday, March 30.
“Drive an hour west of Pensacola, Florida, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of Alabama’s best beaches aka Gulf Shores. Swim, surf, and sunbathe by the sea, and then check out some of the area’s top attractions like Waterville USA, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo (home to sloths and kangaroos), and Gulf State Park. Visitors also love the multitude of beachfront restaurants.”
USA Today 10Best
Cullman
After finished No. 2 on the list last year, the north Alabama small town is back trying to take over the top spot on USA Today’s Best Small Town Cultural Scene.
But for now, Cullman sits in second place again just behind Bardstown, Kentucky. As always, you can vote once per day through March 30 to help Cullman get to No. 1.
“Nestled between Birmingham and Huntsville, this charming small town celebrates its German heritage with Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt. The Ave Maria Grotto’s 100-plus religious miniatures add a unique draw, while a thriving arts scene, live theater, and festivals like Rock the South and the Alabama Strawberry Festival liven things up. Unique shopping, including the renowned Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, completes a destination rich in history, creativity, and discovery.”
USA Today 10Best
Florence
Florence is back to defends its title as the Best Small College Town in the country. It took the top spot last year but it will need some help to get back there as its currently No. 15.
Head to the USA Today page to vote for the home of the University of North Alabama once per day through March 30.
“Florence is a small town with a large presence. Part of the area known as The Shoals — Florence, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Muscle Shoals — music has been central to the area since the 1960s, when legendary studios like FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound began recording some of the world’s biggest hit songs. Today, you can find live music every night in The Shoals, and the university’s entertainment program has been a forerunner in educating generations of musicians and industry professionals.”
USA Today 10Best
Jacksonville
While Florence is hoping to repeat as the Best Small College Town, Jacksonville is hoping for a little revenge.
The home of Jacksonville State University finished at No. 3 last year but eyes are on that top spot this time around.
“Situated near the Appalachian Mountains, it’s known as the “Gem of the Hills.” Visitors love riding Alabama’s first rails-to-trails bike path known as the Chief Ladiga Trail that wends through town, and birders find much to admire along the North Alabama Birding Trail. Jacksonville’s theater scene is also a big draw in this college town, with productions at both the university and the Community Actors’ Studio Theatre.”
USA Today 10Best
You can find a voting link for Jacksonville on the same page as Florence with one vote allowed each day until March 30.
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