10 great US towns to check out now
These destinations, selected by CNN Travel editors, offer loads of personality and plenty to see and do without the elbow-to-elbow crowds of the big tourist cities.
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how we chose
We tapped our network of CNN Travel contributors for nominations for our inaugural list, winnowing the finalists to 10 by looking at each town's attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. We also looked at lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.
PHOTO CREDITS
- Intro: Chris Johnson/Visit Richmond
- Duluth: Visit Duluth
- Knoxville: SeanPavonePhoto/iStockphoto/Getty Images
- Grand Rapids: Ideology/Experience Grand Rapids
- Macon: Visit Macon
- Flagstaff: CNN
- San Luis Obispo: Brittany App/Visit SLO
- Portland: Visit Portland
- Tacoma: CNN/Travel Tacoma/Museum of Glass
- Providence: N. Millard/GoProvidence.com
- Richmond: Richmond Region Tourism