The Nominees for America's Coolest
Small Towns

Strawberry Festival in Owego, N.Y. (tioga) [enlarge photo]

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Berlin, Md.
Berlin is a great spot for water and land lovers alike. Surf, sunbathe, or fish at Assateague Island National Seashore, located on one of the few remaining natural barrier islands, or cycle along the 63-mile "beach to bay" trail nearby. Visit the Globe for an eclectic dinner and live music five nights a week. Chef Brook T. Lamar's Globe Crabcakes have won him the American Culinary Federation's Gold Medal. —reader burleybrown

Jim Thorpe, Pa.
Located at the base of a valley in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is known for its scenic landscape and historic architecture. Experience a bit of Jim Thorpe's history with a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. For a look into a darker part of the town's history, take a ghost tour of the Old Jail, allegedly haunted by 17th-century murderers. Sample Eurasian-inspired vegetarian cuisine, like Thai papaya salad or stuffed whole portobello mushroom, at Café Origins. —reader dhugos

Owego, N.Y.
On June 20, the streets of Owego will be packed for the annual Strawberry Festival. With over 150 vendors and artisans lining the streets, visitors can explore what has been called the best-kept secret in the area of New York. Downtown shops and galleries stay open late for the monthly Third Friday Art Walk, featuring art, entertainment, and refreshments. At the Jailhouse Restaurant—the former county jail, transformed into an eatery in 1998, complete with cell blocks and prison-bed dining tables—try the pulled pork sandwich in the company of a ghost named George. —reader tioga

Onancock, Va.
There's not a chain store in sight in Onancock, an old-school fishing village on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Roseland Theatre, the town's retro movie theater, shows first-run films and an international film series, and the North Street Playhouse has 12 to 15 theatrical productions each season. Grab a hand-dipped cone at Scoops Ice Cream and take the historic downtown walking tour, which includes a half dozen churches and Ker Place Historic House. If you prefer the water, take a guided kayak tour with Mary and Bill Burnham—some say the best way to see the Eastern Shore is from the water. You'll soon be on a first-name basis with the shop owners and artists in this friendly town, where the family-owned pharmacy is housed in the oldest bank building on the Eastern Shore. —reader BurnhamInk

Jacksonville, Ore.
You'll feel like you've been transported back in time in this Gold Rush town—yet this well-preserved 19th-century locale has a 21st-century vibe. In summer, the annual Britt Festival features more than 40 performances from internationally renowned musicians, as well as dance, musical theater, and Broadway musicals. Stop by MacLevin's Whole Foods Deli, which serves delicious kosher food like open whitefish sandwiches with a side of potato latkes and matzo ball soup. For the town's best cup of coffee, visit Good Bean Coffee, a café and roaster located in an 1859 billiards hall. —reader jillcobb15

Eureka Springs, Ark.
A self-proclaimed shopper's paradise, Eureka Springs has no chain stores. At the boutique Bath Junkie, you can create one-of-a-kind gifts—and suds for yourself, too. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweet's Fudge Kitchen with award-winning, handmade fudge and hand-dipped chocolates. Penuche, the kitchen's newest flavor of fudge, is made from brown sugar. For a glance at lions, tigers, and even bears, visit Turpentine Creek, a 450-acre wildlife refuge for big cats. Life doesn't stop once the sun goes down: Check out Chelsea's Corner Café for drinks and live music or try the "speedy martini" at Henri's Just One More. —reader gojigirld

Port Royal, S.C.
Located between the Beaufort River and Battery Creek, this charming fishing village is a great place to spend a slow day. Take a walk on the town's boardwalk or along Sands Beach. Stop by Bateaux restaurant for mouth-watering seafood specialties like bacon-wrapped scallops. April 18 brings the town's annual Soft Shell Crab Festival, which offers a variety of seafood, beverages, vintage automobile exhibits, live music and handcrafted arts. And for a look at Port Royal's aquatic life, take a tour of the Lowcountry Estuarium. You can observe local species, become acquainted with local shrimping practices, and learn how to cast a net. —readers shannonerickson and CharlotteGonzalez

Huntingdon, Pa.
Located along the Juniata River, the town is the center of culture and business in Huntingdon County. The antique trains on the East Broad Top Railroad tour will take you back to the time of coal-fueled steam engines. Visit Juniata College's Baker Peace Chapel, a granite circle that sits atop a secluded hill, which was designed by artist and architect Maya Lin. In the evening, dine at Boxer's Café, a local favorite for a large selection of microbrews and live music. The home-cooked meals appeal to many and include vegetarian options. Drop by Mimi's, a cosmopolitan restaurant and bar known for its desserts and martinis—and dessert martinis. —reader rberdar

Rockland, Maine
Rockland is located in an enclosed bay, and life revolves around its rocky shore. Take a walk on the waterfront boardwalk and tour the Breakwater Lighthouse at the end of the mile-long breakwater. Visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum to see the largest collection of lighthouse artifacts in the country. From July 29 until August 2, the annual Lobster Festival takes place. You can enjoy lobster dishes, lobster-crate races, and live music. For a meal with a view, make reservations at Amalfi on the Water, and be sure to order the crème brûlée. —reader CaptBren