Beaufort NC, Hammondsport, NY; Coolest Small Towns tie for 1st place

BEAUFORT, N.C. - We've been telling you about the competition all week and now we have a winner in the contest to be "America's Coolest Small Town."

The winner is Beaufort, NC and Hammondsport, NY.

Yes, it's a tie.

Budget Travel says it decided to call it a draw after its website crashed last night before voting was supposed to end. 

Before the website went down, we checked and Beaufort was ahead by a tenth of a percent.

Both towns will now have bragging rights and the official title of "Coolest Small Town in America."  A title that's sure to increase tourism to the area, something both Beaufort and Hammondsport say is important to their future.

We talked with Brett Steeves, President of Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce to congratulate them on the win.

"We do feel it's a pleasure to have been associated with Beaufort in this area," said Steeves. "Quite a few of us have talked today about coming down for a visit and bringing wine and things from our local winery here and swapping stories about our tourism."

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BEAUFORT, N.C.- (WNCT) There are so many treasures in the town of Beaufort and now the town is getting national attention.

With just one day left to vote (deadline is Tuesday) we  asked both visitors and locals to share their thoughts on why Beaufort should be voted the “coolest” small town in America.

Jimmy Emery is visiting from New York.
“I’m a sailor so it has a fantastic nautical flavor to it,” he said. 

“It’s beautiful, everyone knows each other. It’s a combination between the scenery and the vibe.  It’s low key but there’s a lot to do ,” said Carly Carter who has lived in the area since 2008.

Rebecca Cole is a manager at Island Outfitters.
 “I grew up here—it’s my home town and I think it’s amazing that we’ve got national recognition like this”

Beaufort’s mayor Richard Stanley says the national nod is an honor.  "There were 647 towns that were nominated and we made the top ten.”  Stanley says coming out on top will be good for the economy in Beaufort and the county, bringing more business to the Crystal Coast. 

There is still time to vote.   Click here for more information and to cast your vote!

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BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT) - It's still a close race to be crowned the "Coolest Small Town in America".

And Beaufort is currently in first place.

Right now, it's only two-tenths of a percent higher than Hammondsport, New York.

Beaufort is one of ten communities that got nominated for the title. It's sponsored by Budget Travel Magazine.

You have the power to put Beaufort in a strong lead by voting online.

To vote just go to budgettravel.com and look on the homepage. You have until Tuesday, January 31 to vote. You can vote once every 24 hours.

The last day to vote is Tuesday.