Key Takeaways
- Palisade earned its first top‑10 finish in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for “best small town to visit in the western U.S.”
- Breckenridge placed fifth, marking its second consecutive appearance on the list. – The award spans nine categories, including coastal, historic, college, cultural, and food scenes, but only two Colorado towns cracked any list.
- Winners were chosen through a two‑step process: expert nominations followed by a public four‑week online vote.
- The recognition highlights Palisade’s agricultural heritage, vibrant fruit and wine industry, and year‑round outdoor recreation.
Overview of Palisade’s Award Milestone
Palisade’s designation as the best small town to visit in the western United States marks a historic moment for the community, as it is the first time the town has secured a top‑10 position in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Although the town previously earned nominations for its food and arts scenes, the latest honor reflects a broader appreciation of its unique blend of agricultural abundance and natural beauty. This accolade not only celebrates local achievements but also draws national attention to the Western Slope’s growing reputation as a premier destination for travelers seeking authentic Colorado experiences.
Agricultural Roots and “Peach Capital” Appeal
At the heart of Palisade’s allure lies its rich agricultural legacy, prominently featured in the award write‑up. The town proudly calls itself the “Peach Capital of Colorado,” a title earned through a climate that supports a nearly six‑month growing season. With 30 wineries, more than two dozen orchards, and numerous fruit farms, Palisade offers visitors abundant opportunities to taste fresh peaches, sample award‑winning wines, and explore farm‑to‑table experiences. This agricultural vibrancy forms the backbone of the town’s identity and serves as a major draw for tourists seeking both culinary delights and scenic countryside.
Year‑Round Outdoor Recreation in Palisade
Beyond agriculture, Palisade provides a full spectrum of outdoor activities that cater to diverse interests throughout the year. In the winter months, residents and visitors alike can hit nearby slopes for skiing, while the warmer seasons invite hiking, biking, and rafting along the Colorado River. The surrounding landscape also accommodates leisurely pursuits such as scenic drives, wildlife watching, and picnicking in designated parks. This comprehensive recreational palette ensures that Palisade remains an attractive destination no matter the season, reinforcing its status as a versatile Western getaway.
Breckenridge’s Skiing Prowess and Post‑Season Adventures
Breckenridge secured the fifth spot on the list, a testament to its longstanding reputation as one of North America’s premier ski destinations. The town’s world‑class slopes, combined with an energetic après‑ski culture, attract snow enthusiasts from across the globe. When the ski season concludes, Breckenridge transitions seamlessly into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and exploration of alpine lakes, offering summer adventurers equally compelling experiences. Additionally, the town’s craft breweries and hearty mountain cuisine provide ideal venues for relaxation after a day of outdoor activity, further enriching its appeal to a broad audience. The Diverse Mix of Western Small‑Town Winners
The USA TODAY 10BEST list showcases a curated selection of small towns that span coastal retreats, mountain havens, and inland oases. Alongside Palisade and Breckenridge, the roster includes Big Bear Lake in California, Grants in New Mexico, Cody in Wyoming, Astoria in Oregon, Solvang and Healdsburg in California, and Friday Harbor and Anacortes in Washington. This variety reflects the editors’ intent to highlight destinations that each offer distinctive regional flavors, whether through historic charm, natural scenery, or cultural vibrancy, thereby providing readers with a wide array of travel inspiration. Recognition Across Additional Categories
Beyond the “best small town to visit” and “best ski town” categories, the awards honored excellence in eight other domains. Pismo Beach claimed the title of best coastal small town, while Granbury, Texas, was celebrated as the best historic small town. State College, Pennsylvania, earned the best small college town designation, and Ruidoso, New Mexico, shone in the best small town cultural scene. Lewisburg, West Virginia, took the best small town food scene award, with Vevay, Indiana, recognized as the best Midwestern small town, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, as the best Northeastern small town, and Starkville, Mississippi, crowned the best Southern small town. These selections underscore the nation’s rich tapestry of community identities.
How the Readers’ Choice Awards Were Determined
The USA TODAY 10BEST methodology involves an initial panel of experts who nominate locations for each category, followed by editorial curation of the final nominee list. Once announced, the public receives a four‑week window to cast votes online, with one vote permitted per nominee per calendar day. This transparent, democratic process ensures that the final rankings reflect genuine public enthusiasm while still incorporating professional insight to guarantee a balanced field of contenders.
Implications for Colorado Tourism and Future Prospects
The accolades bestowed upon Palisade and Breckenridge are likely to have a ripple effect on Colorado’s tourism economy, attracting new visitors, increasing local business revenues, and encouraging further investment in infrastructure and services. As word spreads about these towns’ distinguished rankings, residents can anticipate enhanced opportunities for cultural exchange, expanded seasonal programming, and heightened visibility on national platforms. Consequently, the awards not only celebrate past achievements but also pave the way for sustained growth and community development in Colorado’s Western Slope and mountainous regions.
About the Coverage
Nate Trela, a journalist with the USA TODAY Network, specializes in reporting on trending news across Colorado and Utah. His work provides readers with timely insights into regional developments, cultural highlights, and economic shifts, helping audiences stay informed about the stories that shape their communities.