Three cheers for Murray and Newport! These two Kentucky towns have been named among some the best small towns in the nation.
Newport ranked No. 6 in “Best Small Historic Town” and Murray clocked in at No. 4 in “Best Small College Town” in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, which were announced on Wednesday. These awards highlight the nation’s best in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle.
Murray, which is located in Calloway County about 230 miles to the southwest of Louisville, is home to Murray State University. Beyond the college, Murray has a bustling town square that is home to several shops and restaurants as well as a farmers market. The city’s population is roughly 17,000, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Newport on the Levee and Ovation development in Newport, Ky., on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Newport, which is located on the Ohio River near Cincinnati, is home to some of Northern Kentucky’s major attractions such as Newport Aquarium at 1 Levee Way, New Riff Distilling at 24 Distillery Way, and MegaCorp Pavilion at 101 W 4th St. The area has a vibrant scene, and the town’s riverfront features a showstopping view of the Cincinnati skyline and hosts numerous festivals and events year-round. Newport’s population was roughly 14,000, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Newport, Murray and the rest of the winning towns were initially nominated by a group of industry experts. 10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.
More: This Louisville festival just landed on the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice list
Reach Courier Journal features writer Maggie Menderski at mmenderski@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: two kentucky towns named to USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice list