Book your car rental for the Best of the Road contest at BudgetTravelinc.com

By Jayne Clark
June 6, 2011

The votes are tallied and 30 U.S. towns — six in each of five categories— have been selected in the Best of the Road contest, sponsored by USA TODAY and Rand McNally.

Popular vote and editors' choices winnowed the 600-plus nominated locales to 30. On June 23, five teams of travelers will hit the road from New York City, landing in Los Angeles on July 15. Along the way, each team will visit six towns in an assigned category — most beautiful, most patriotic, friendliest, most fun and best for food — as well as points of interest en route.

Follow their three-week adventure via videos, photos and updates at bestoftheroad.com. At the end, each team will choose the No. 1 town in each of their respective categories (to be announced July 22). The towns will be highlighted on the Rand McNally website and in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Atlas, as well as on travel site of USA TODAY.

The winning team takes home $10,000 in prize money.

The top choices in each category and excerpted voter comments:

Most Beautiful

Pacifica, Calif. "…a great combination of surf and hills."

Coral Gables, Fla. "…One of the best places in South Florida. World class restaurants, shopping, historic sites, and homes."

Baker City, Ore. "We have a great historic district and a setting that is nestled in the Blue Mountains."

Marco Island, Fla. "…enjoy warm breezes, spectacular sunsets and white sand beaches, all set in a location that is easily accessible."

Franklin, Tenn. "…parks with walking trails and good biking access, rolling hills, historic homes and architecture, Civil War sites, free festivals, great restaurants and friendly locals."

Sandpoint, Idaho "…surrounded by natural beauty no matter which direction you look … breathtaking."

Most Patriotic

Clarksville, Tenn. "Everywhere you look, there are flags flying and signs posted welcoming our soldiers home (to Fort Campbell) and thanking them for their service."

Emporia, Kansas "…the city that started Veterans Day, (has) many parades and veterans' activities."

Peachtree City, Ga. "Great schools, numerous lakes, tons of green space, excellent facilities for every sport, miles of golf cart paths, and the best Fourth of July celebration around."

Williamsburg, Va. "… the most beautiful, historical and patriotic town that I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Fife and drums, fireworks, reenactments…"

Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "…with one of the country's largest military training posts nearby, it's hard not to see patriotism. Many local business use patriotic colors and symbols…"

Rapid City, S. Dak. "There's a lot to see in the Rapid City area, from Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial to Harney Peak and tourist attractions."

Friendliest

Walla Walla, Wash. "You'll have a pleasant conversation with everyone you encounter… People are just nice in Walla Walla and the quality of life is wonderful."

Valdosta, Ga. "Whether you've met them or not, if you're in Valdosta you have friends! People here do not hesitate to jump in and help if you have a need."

Mount Airy, N.C. "People here don't seem to be in a big hurry…(they) talk to you like you're part of their family."

Lake Havasu City, Ariz. "… has a small town feel and with that comes very friendly people!"

Woodward, Okla. "… folks still extend small courtesies toward each other whether they know each other or not."

Nacogdoches, Texas "… a wonderful place to visit and to live."

Most Fun

Vacaville, Calif. "From Merriment On Main in December, Fiesta Days over Memorial Day weekend, the Summer Creekwalk Concert Series ... and this is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of fun in Vacaville!"

Myrtle Beach, S.C. "Plenty of family-friendly places to go and eat. Great seafood restaurants, museums, shopping. Never a dull moment."

Santa Claus, Ind. "For small-town atmosphere with a ton of things to see and do this town has it all!"

Yellow Springs, Ohio "No chain stores and (many) independent restaurants. Always something going on, on a sunny day you find street musicians or artists."

Glenwood Springs, Colo. "So much natural beauty, so many activities (to) enjoy year-round, plenty of restaurants with great food, and the friendliest locals around."

Sioux City, Iowa "Summer months are filled with lots of outdoor music venues, the Farmer's Market, time on the river and great community festivals …"

Best for Food

Gulfport, Fla. "Fantastic eating establishments … great atmosphere (with) very friendly people!"

Visalia, Calif. "If you are traveling in this area be sure to stop in for a casual or fine-dining experience. You won't be disappointed!"

Burnsville, Minn. "The food is absolutely to die for! So many options to choose from."

Costa Mesa, Calif. "… one of the easiest towns to use as a base to entertain clients and guests, or just to have foodie fun!"

Addison, W.Va. "From the scenery to the businesses to the people, this is the best small town…"

Lafayette, La. "… the degree of culinary talent mixed with down-home deliciousness is second to none."

Have you been to any of these Best of the Road towns? Tell us about your experience in 500 words or more at my Best of the Road towns experience. We’ll publish your comments on our gls55 holdings blog and toss you a FREE t-shirt! (while quanitities last, plus S&H).

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