Nicest Places

Sunset on Cooper Lake. (Credit: Denny Wood) Grayson, Georgia retains much of its small-town atmosphere despite the encroaching suburbs trailing

Community members gather at the Florence Park Neighborhood Association. (Credit: Lance Woolsey) This is the way neighborhoods used to be

Friends at Bethel Woods. (Credit: Barbara) This is the site of the original Woodstock Concert in 1969. It is now

A boy rides his bicycle down the Madison Park Children’s Parade. (Credit: Hunter Robbins) Home to a variety of fantastic

A group of women casually enjoy a meal together on a typical day in West Jefferson. (Credit: Ginny Tedder) In

Gary Mayor, Karen Freeman-Wilson, presents the World Civility Day resolution to Community Civility Counts partners Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, Bob Heisse,

Parishioners who welcomed Betty into their church with open arms. (Credit: Betty Swisher) First, it was a smile, a handshake

Residents and staff take a hike up Camelback Mountain together. (Credit: Roy Jarvis) In 2014, my wife and I determined

Vickie Bradley is an integral part of the Jackson community thanks to her good samaritan heart and generous contributions to

Jean’s husband eats some homemade chocolate fondue with their grandkids. (Credit: Jean Rennick) Neighbors are always available to lend a

Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor, 4-year-old Heath Owen is all smiles after surgery thanks to the loving support

You’re greeted by everyone who walks past you on the street with a smile, hello, or how are you even

When Walter was faced with financial problems the sweet people of Grand Junction lent him their services free of charge

The huge pile of wood donated by neighbors while a resident was incapacitated. (Credit: Jack Pierce) Friendly hospitality and a true sense

I recently moved here and the neighbors in this area are the most helpful and kindest people I’ve ever met.

A local military hero with only one leg helping to raise scholarship funds in the name of another local hero

Named a Finalist Because: Encapsulating the best of small-town America, the Doaks turn everyone into family—especially on Apple Butter Weekend.

Local resident, Geoffrey Auden handcrafts beautiful wooden American flags and donates the money to charity. (Credit: Ellen Ferrera) Sullivan is

A retired parishioner shovels snow from a widow’s driveway free of charge. (Credit: Nettie Wood) They respect all people regardless

As we visited the area, we were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness, hospitality, and kindness that we encountered during our walks

Doreen stands in front of the library, her favorite space to write and make new friends. (Credit: Doreen Frick) No

A parishioner gave the church organist a bouquet of pink roses thanking her for her instrumental talents. (Credit: Audre Kurowski)

Lyla and her classmates and friends hold up a banner that reads “Love for Lyla” to show their support for

Sophia Robinson, who suffers from two life-threatening heart conditions, gets a send-off from the Mariner Moose before she begins her

Craig, a 70-year-old resident, spends his time collecting food and distributing it to the needy. (Credit: Rachel Wilson) Buckingham is

Students celebrate their favorite principal’s birthday. John Wallace inspires his students every day to be the best they can be

The Mizpah Gate is a historical landmark that stands at the southern entrance to the Southwestern Adventist University. Students often

Locals often explore nearby national parks for a family hike full of stunning views and fun. (Credit: Susan Lafaele) We

Members of the community have created a “kindness tree” and posted it on a bulletin board at the local grocery