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DENVER (KDVR) — Two quaint towns in Colorado were chosen as some of the best in the nation, based on a recent survey.
USA Today released a list of the best small towns in the West, which used an expert panel and readers’ votes to decide the best towns with less than 25,000 people. The list chose small towns spanning many states based on their dining options, outdoor activities and charm.
Best small towns in the West
Here’s the full list:
- Seward, Alaska
- Solvang, California
- Grants, New Mexico
- Cody, Wyoming
- Manitou Springs, Colorado
- Gig Harbor, Washington
- Bainbridge Island, Washington
- Williams, Arizona
- Durango, Colorado
- Ashland, Oregon
At No. 5 is Manitou Springs, which lies just outside Colorado Springs.
USA Today specifically cites the town’s art galleries and ice cream shops, with a shout-out to the “old school” Manitou Springs Penny Arcade.
Outdoor activities are another draw to the small town.
The survey suggests a cave tour at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park or an endurance-based environment like the Manitou Incline where you can attempt to climb up 2,000 vertical feet in 2,744 steps.
Durango also hits the list at No. 9 due to its outdoor allure.
The backdrop is beautiful. It has been in movies like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “City Slickers,” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” according to USA Today. But the town has more than just its looks.
There is also plenty to do, like rafting down the Animas River, wandering through Mesa Verde National Park and skiing at a nearby ski resort. The area is home to over a dozen historic sites.
If you’re looking for a day trip outside of Denver or a weekend filled with outdoor activities, two of the best small towns in the nation are in Colorado.
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