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Americas Coolest Small Towns (one more time)
October 12th, 2009 by Mike Knutson
Back in May, I commented on a list identifying “America’s coolest small towns.” Admittedly, I was struggling for a topic to write about that day, and the idea of “cool small towns” intrigued me. After all, most Americans still seem to consider it an oxymoron for small towns to be cool.
But apparently, there is growing interest in identifying cool small towns because several other publications, including Yahoo Travel, have created their own similar lists.
I’m still not sure how much weight rural community leaders should put into subjective lists, but I think they are worth considering for several reasons:
- First, none of the lists celebrate a town because it has a Taco Bell or a WalMart. In my mind, it adds credence to the claim by Cory Heidelberger at Madville Times, who recently admonished a small town leader for looking to corporate chains like Taco Bell’s for economic growth.
- Second, it offers a host of characteristics for rural leaders to consider as they build a vision for their communities. Granted, the characteristics used to build the lists are based largely on “urban values” as Lisa Pruitt of Legal Ruralism points out; but the characteristics are worth consideration for communities seeking to become more attractive places to live.
- And finally, the lists are significant because I think they point to a change in the way people are looking at rural communities. In the aftermath of the economic malaise that proved “big isn’t always better” (right AIG, right GM) more and more people are beginning to value “small is beautiful.” The growing popularity of Buy Local campaigns is but one element in a movement whereby more people will come to recognize the value of small towns.
Overall the lists make me feel good about the future of rural places. And it has got me thinking about what are the coolest small towns in the Upper Midwest.
“Americas Coolest Small Towns” at Yahoo Travel
“Americas Coolest Small Towns” at Budget Travel
Small Town Gems - This site rates small towns
Photo Credit: anyjazz65 - Flickr (Many individuals recommended Taos, NM, where this photo was taken, as a cool small town because of its arts community.)
Tags: coolest small towns
Posted in Community Development, In the News, Rural | Comments (
7 )
October 12th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
My wife and I avoid the larger cities AND the interstates. From recent travels I can recommend Salina, Kansas and Kearny, Nebraska.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Been to Kearney, but it’s been too many years ago for me to give it the thumps up or down. Thanks for sharing.
October 13th, 2009 at 4:30 am
Very happy to have found your site through, @BeckyMcCreary and @Debworks on Twitter. I couldn’t agree more with your comments about unique and individual is what makes the town a special place to live. We struggle with that daily in rural OH where some believe that a chain= progress. We put a special focus on developing our entrepreneurs and showing their value. Not an easy task but one where I believe will pay dividends in future years.
October 13th, 2009 at 4:43 am
Darrin, I’ve followed Becky for years, and just discovered Debworks because of you. I also have begun following the work of Energize Clinton County. Buy local, green, and entrepreneurship have been key values since the RLC was formed in 2001.
BTW - I LOVE Main Street programs, such as your, and you’ve hit it right on the head: your approach is long term, but will pay dividends. I hope you will share innovative ideas you and other in Ohio are working on.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
There a pretty good book about what some Kansas towns are doing to be “cool” including one very small town that is becoming a prairie art mecca. Its a quick read with good incite into the rural depopulation phenomenon. I don’t necessarily align with some of the views about sustainable agriculture, but they are valid non-the-less. Here’s a link.
http://www.kansaspress.ku.edu/woosur.html
Also, please feel free to share the document that I sent you regarding the downtown master plan for Berthoud Colorado. This was completed for a Main Street Program.
October 13th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Caleb,
I bought the book back in 2008, before we started the blog. I’ll have to go back and read the book again. Do you remember what they said about sustainable agriculture that rubbed you wrong?
For those who are not aware, Caleb started a blog Americas Great Divide where he talks about rift in understanding between rural and urban residents.
October 13th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Not trying to be too highly critical. However, with a close connection to a farming and ranching family, I tire of how critical people are of our current ag producers and techniques. They are trying very hard to innovate and meet consumer demand, all the while people are vocally saying they need to quit using technology and revert to an older style of production. The book has a little bit of that slant when highlighting the prairie restoration research being done in Kansas. I do think the research is useful and interesting. I’m excited that people are able to have a passion and pursue it. However, ag has evolved because it is tough work and extremely difficult to make a living at. People totally forget that in order to pursue these practices we’re going to need another couple million farmers. Its a great debate though!