Best Small Towns In US: 2 MD Communities On List

BERLIN, MD — If the urge to dig your toes into the sand and stroll a boardwalk have you planning a trip to the Eastern Shore, your first destination is likely Ocean City beaches, or maybe you want to glimpse the wild ponies on Assateague Island this summer. There are two small towns in the region that you must add to your itinerary, both were recently named by USA Today's readers as some of the Best Small Towns in the U.S.

Easton and Berlin, which was named "America's Coolest Small Town" by Budget Travel four years ago, were selected by the USA Today as great towns to spend time in.

"Bigger isn't always better, and small towns are here to prove it. To highlight these gems, we set out to find the best small towns in the country," USA Today said of its Best Small Towns in the U.S. listings.

A panel of experts selected a total of 120 nominees, each with a population of fewer than 30,000 people. The top ten winners in six categories were then chosen by 10Best readers, and the results included the two Maryland communities.

Here's what USA Today says about Berlin, Maryland:

"A National Register Historic District, Berlin's downtown has been featured in films like Tuck Everlasting and Runaway Bride. But there's more to it than being picturesque; it's also the Best Small Town for Shopping according to 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Main Street is lined with more than 50 retail shops, from antiques and jewelry stores to art galleries and clothing boutiques."

And here's its take on Easton, Maryland:

"Easton has a tiny population of under 20,000 people, yet its cultural offerings rival that of a much larger city, making it home to the seventh Best Small Town Cultural Scene. The art deco Avalon Theatre consistently has a busy calendar of performing arts events. Meanwhile, the Talbot Historical Society oversees a museum highlighting more than 1,000 historic photographs, in addition to many priceless artifacts. And the town's Academy Art Museum has been recognized nationally for its collection that spans two centuries of art."

What's your favorite small town in Maryland? Tell us in comments below or on our Facebook pages.

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Image of Berlin, MD, via Google Maps