Harrodsburg named one of “50 Best Small Town Downtowns in America”
Ranked as #41, Harrodsburg is the only Kentucky city to appear on the list! The prominent directory promotes the idea that small town America is alive and well across the entire United States.
Numerous small towns have become gathering places for residents and visitors across the country and many downtowns have rich history and culture attached to them.
The central area offers places to shop, unwind, dine, attend festivals, hear music and so much more. The entire list can be viewed at http://www.bestchoicereviews.org/50-best-small-town-downtowns-in-america/
Karen P. Hackett, Executive Director of Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission, reported the ranking list was created to outline the top fifty small town downtowns in America.
Best Choice Reviews (BCR) defined a small town as a city or town with full time residency of 15,000 or fewer citizens. Attention was specifically paid to those towns that have been named on a respected ranking list for Best Small Town, Best Main Street or Best Downtown.
These respected ranking bodies include Parade Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Fox News Travel, Travel and Leisure, Livability or Huffington Post Travel. A third consideration was given to the median income of the town, median home price as well as the median age of the residents.
They paid close attention to the general appeal to the downtown area, including such things as general appearance, festivals or special events, dining, shopping, entertainment, arts and culture, parks, proximity to airports and hotels amenities available. The goal of this ranking list is to find the best small town downtown areas for both residents as well as visitors to the area.
Hackett said, “Last spring, Smithsonian Magazine named Harrodsburg as one of “The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2014”. I have no doubt this prestigious listing caught the attention of BCR and prompted them to research all of the tourism opportunities included in our extensive website. HMCTC’s marketing efforts continue to bring recognition to Harrodsburg and all it has to offer to the traveling public. For this honor, we give credit to all of the downtown property owners who continue to invest in the historic buildings and who work so very hard to keep the businesses visually appealing, and to the restaurants that offer unique settings and menus for a memorable dining experience, as well as those establishments who create activities and events held in the heart of our community. Most importantly, we thank the locals and visitors who patronize the retail shops and eateries. All of this is possible through the guidance and direction of Harrodsburg First, our local Main Street Program, whose mission is to promote, preserve and maintain Harrodsburg and Mercer County’s historic assets and economic vitality, with a focus on the downtown central business district. ”
Here is what BCR had to say about Harrodsburg—
Harrodsburg is the oldest city in Kentucky and the oldest American settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, earning the town the title “Birthplace of the West.” The entire town is wrought with the feeling and charm of centuries past. There is Old Fort Harrod State Park, which has a full-scale replica of the original fort built in 1774. The town also has an active art and food scene. Bourbon lovers will especially love this old-fashioned town. The Ragged Edge Community Theatre can be found on Main Street and it is as an educational center for the arts, supporting plays and musicals for locals and visitors.
Median Income: $29,495
Median Age of Residents: 37.4
Median House Price: $173,823
National Ranking: #17 on the Smithsonian Magazine Top 20 Small Towns to Visit List
The Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission is the “official” destination marketing organization for Harrodsburg and Mercer County. Harrodsburg is “The Coolest Place in History” offering more authentic historical experiences than any other destination in the state. For more information, visit www.harrodsburgky.com or www.harrodsburgunexpected.com or call 859/734-2364.
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