Friday, July 22, 2011

'Town so nice they named it twice' wins 'friendliest' category in 'Best of the Road' contest

Walla Walla, Wash., long known for its name (that of a Native American tribe), can now claim a title: America's friendliest small town in Rand McNally's annual "Best of the Road" contest. After all, it is "the town so nice they named it twice." Its population is about 32,000. (MapQuest image; click to enlarge)

The award was announced yesterday at the Destination Marketing Association International's annual meeting in New Orleans. USA Today, which co-sponsored the contest, quotes judges Jason and Nikki Wynn of Dallas, who visited Walla Walla: "It seemed everyone was involved and loved their city, from wine growers and politicians to cleanup crews. This is a happy town which made for friendly people." Click here for the story from the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin (subscription required for full version).

Runners-up in the "friendliest" category were Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; Mount Airy, N.C.; Nacogdoches, Texas; Valdosta, Ga.; and Woodward, Okla. Winners in the other categories were Sandpoint, Idaho, most beautiful; Lafayette, La., best for food; Rapid City, S.D., most patriotic (Mount Rushmore, but also the Crazy Horse Memorial); and Glenwood Springs, Colo, most fun. (Read more)

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