PHOTOS: America's Coolest Small Towns 2014
— By The Editors of Budget Travel
Fiddlers at one of the many lively festivals in Berlin, MD.
Berlin, MD, offers charming horse and carriage rides.
An aerial view of Berlin, MD, during Octoberfest.
The Atlantic Hotel in Berlin, MD, at Christmas time.
Wild ponies running in the ocean near Berlin, MD.
Kayaking on beautiful Cazenovia Lake.
Concert Movie Night at Lorenzo State Park in Cazenovia, NY.
Lakeland park fountain and stage overlooking Cazenvoia Lake.
Veterans Day Ceremony in Lakeland Park in Cazenovia, NY.
Summer Concert Movie Night at Lorenzo State Park in Cazenovia, NY.
The Downtown Historic District in Buckhannon, WV, features specialty shops and boutiques, fresh food served up at local restaurants and a classic small-town atmosphere.
The Buckhannon River offers a peaceful escape. A stretch of the Buckhannon River boasts some of the largest muskies in the nation, and trout streams can be found in the surrounding hills.
Crowds gather every Friday from June to September at Buckhannon's Jawbone Park for Festival Fridays. Each Friday features live music, fresh produce, local artists selling their work and games for the kids.
The Blast from the Past Car Show & Block Party brings people to downtown Buckhannon the last weekend of July each year.
Stop by Buckhannon's Chamber & Visitor Center as you come into town, where the staff will tell you the best places to eat and what to do during your visit.
Biking along Swamp Rabbit Trail in Travelers Rest, SC.
Cafe at Williams Hardware in Travelers Rest, SC.
Sunrift Adventures in Travelers Rest, SC.
Biking in Gateway Park in Travelers Rest, SC.
Travelers Rest's Main Street in the snow.
Zimmerman Boatyard marina in Mathews, VA, is known as a world-class yard specializing in wooden boat building and repair.
Visitors to Mathews, VA, can take eye-popping pictures thanks to Art Miller, a local artist, who designed this vintage photo frame.
For over two decades, this kayak group has planned a paddle every Friday on one of the two Mathews rivers, exploring creeks and marshes along the way.
The historic Sibley’s General Store, built in 1898, now houses the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center.
Precious to Mathews, New Point Comfort lighthouse is the third oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and is located at the mouth of Mobjack Bay.
Downtown Nevada City is one of California’s best areas to view autumn foliage.
Farmers Market Saturday mornings in downtown Nevada City stretch from mid-June to mid-November.
The Nevada City Classic, one of the premier sporting events in the Sierra foothills, takes place every year on Father’s Day.
Nevada City is one of California's classic Gold Rush towns, with beautifully preserved Victorian-era homes throughout the downtown.
Each year, Nevada City's picturesque downtown transforms into a genuine Christmas card come to life for Victorian Christmas.
The Rockport, TX, area has accommodations to meet any need and budget: RV parks, fishing cottages, rental homes, bed and breakfasts and over 1,500 hotel rooms.
At the entrance to Rockport's beach is the gigantic Blue Crab.
Rockport Beach, a hidden gem on the Texas coast, is a spectacular mile-long beach.
Fulton Mansion and Education Center in Rockport, TX.
Birding in the Rockport area is phenomenal. With over 400 bird species and counting, it is one of the nations premier birding spots.
Estes Park, CO, is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Autumn in Estes Park, CO, is known for elk sightings.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO.
Downtown Estes Park at dusk.
Guests riding the path along Lake Estes in Estes Park, CO.
Trolleys at the depot waiting for customers for a tour of historic Galena, IL.
You can rent bikes at Fever River Outfitters to enjoy Galena and the countryside.
Galena, IL, during a busy summer day.
Historic Railroad Depot in Galena IL.
View of historical Galena, IL, from across the Galena River.
The Yadkin Riverkeeper hosts this annual event each June, where paddlers journey down the Yadkin River and stop for three days in Elkin, NC.
Elkin, NC, was the Cruise In capital of the east coast for years, and has revived this popular event, which brings all ages to historical downtown Main Street.
Elkin, NC, is surrounded by dozens of vineyards and showcases some of the tastiest tasting rooms in the Yadkin Valley.
A mural on the wall of Elkin Antiques and Collectibles Mall, depicting the Elkin Depot and the Hugh Chatham Memorial Bridge.
Circle of Friends yarn shop in Elkin, NC.
Who wouldn’t want to live in the Coolest Small Town in America? Budget Travel's 9th annual contest saw some of the liveliest competition ever, with some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet creating videos, songs, and mobilizing their fans all in the name of getting their town to the top. Here, the results.
