Nicest Places

The people of Darrington faced a terrible tragedy, pulling together and overcoming it with hard work, determination and fortitude. (Credit:

Named a Finalist Because: The nation could use a lesson from this opinionated island community, where combatants leave even the

Neighbors help each other make this beautiful landscape with the cycle of the crops. When someone is injured or sick

Austin has experienced more major disasters in the last ten years than in the previous 100. The community has pulled

When more than 200 homes in Ruidoso burned, neighbors helped everyone who lost recover. (Credit: Dorrie Tyler) Residents of Ruidoso

A local enjoys the Hands on Children’s Museum. (Credit: Margaret Stockert) Olympia may be a small city, but we have

When a local resident lost his life at war, the town pulled together to remember and honor him. (Credit: Anne

In North Kingstown, hugs are a way of life. (Credit: Essie Bowden) I live in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. It’s

The community gathers at an outdoor concert venue for events. (Credit: Craig Schwab) Nestled between cemeteries and Forest Park, a

Kids playing in Burt’s Pumpkin Patch. (Credit: Brian Rogers) Big Canoe has over 100 clubs and several events per week

Even if you’re a stranger, Reliance feels like home. (Credit: Laura Curbow) The folks in Reliance treat you like they

The Sun City West PRIDES make sure to keep local streets clean with their volunteer service. (Credit: Peggy Joynson) There

A 96-year-old resident of Port Malabar Holiday Park starts off the community’s senior olympics in full regalia. (Credit: Becky Earnest)

Ketchikan is a town where people make sure everyone is safe and happy. (Credit: Robin Harford) I was brand-new to

New initiates to the lodge pose for a photo. (Credit: Ben Braden) Members of the Ballard Elks Lodge No. 827

The Huegonot family, pictured near the Deyo House, anchor historic New Paltz. (Credit: Stephen Deck) This town hosts the French

Wall High school wears red to support Iraan School in Texas after they lost their cheer sponsor. (Credit: Megan Timmermann)

Martinsburg is a small, quiet place (population 304), but when it comes to kindness, it packs a punch. (Credit: Amanda

Merry Christmas! So many people go without gifts over the holidays — but in Evansville, far fewer than before, thanks

Look twice! That’s not just a Christmas tree — it goes all the way up the mountain, hundreds of feet!

For Elk Lodges all across the country, helping your fellow man, especially youth and veterans, is a standard. For our...

Tom Martin, a 90-year-old local, is surprised by the town on his birthday. (Credit: Cherie Freeman) This rural community takes