Jersey Shore Town Named Coolest In America

ASBURY PARK, NJ — Bruce Springsteen knew it. So do Danny DeVito and Wendy Williams (they were both born there).

Asbury Park, New Jersey, has been deemed by Budget Travel "the coolest small town in America 2017," according to its new ranking. Writes the website:

"Asbury Park, New Jersey, exemplifies the cultural and ethnic diversity, creative energy, and unparalleled natural beauty that have defined America for more than two centuries. Leading the pack is the Coolest Small Town in America 2017, Asbury Park is an easy road trip from New York or Philadelphia.

"The coolest comeback in America may be right here in Asbury Park — the revitalized Boardwalk offers great shopping, dining, and views of one of the East Coast’s most beautiful beaches. This beach town that helped launch Bruce Springsteen is, not surprisingly, a music mecca — check out shows at the legendary Stone Pony, the Paramount Theater and Convention Hall, and other venues. We love Asbury Park’s cultural diversity, welcoming vibe, and year-round calendar of events: Fourth of July fireworks, Oysterfest, Zombie Walk, and so much more."

Here is Budget Travel's top 10:

1. Asbury Park, New Jersey
2. Bisbee, Arizona
3. Nevada City, California
4. Chatham, Massachusetts
5. Mountain View, Arkansas
6. Cannon Beach, Oregon
7. Philipsburg, Montana
8. Milford, Pennsylvania
9. Glens Falls, New York
10. Indianola, Mississippi

Photo: The boardwalk at Asbury Park looking south toward the Casino in the distance. Date: March 29, 2016

Own work Author: Acroterion/Wikimedia Commons