Is Niles one of the coolest small towns in America?

The answer is “yes” according to the results of BudgetTravel.com’s 11th annual Coolest Small Town in America contest.

Niles checked in at No. 8 on the top-10 list, which was released earlier this month.

Lisa Croteau, of Niles Main Street DDA, said it was “very cool” to see Niles crack the top 10.

“We are an awesome small town with lots to offer residents and visitors alike,” she said.

Nominations for the competition began in the winter and online voting wrapped up June 6.

The final list looks like this:

1. Sykesville, Maryland

2. Pipestone, Minnesota

3. Baker City, Oregon

4. Fairport, New York

5. Abingdon, Virginia

6. Kidron, Ohio

7. Ocean Springs, Mississippi

8. Niles, Michigan

9. Taos, New Mexico

10. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Croteau said Niles’ inclusion on the list is a positive thing that could result in increased tourism.

“I always check out towns on lists when I travel,” she said. “It is good to have a way to share good things about our town.

“It was all about people reading the blurbs, looking at the pictures, checking out the cities and voting, so we earned the rank from people’s votes.”

People can view the list online at budgettravel.com by searching for the Coolest Small Town in America contest.

The following descriptions of Niles were included with pictures of the Niles Main Street Bridge and the businesses on Main Street in the downtown area:

“Artisanal chocolate, beautiful architecture, a stunning Riverfront Park… We had you at ‘artisanal chocolate’ didn’t we?”

“Niles’s proximity to Chicago, Lake Michigan beaches, and Notre Dame University have made it a coveted travel experience for Midwesterners looking for unique antiques, history and tours of the impressive Chapin Mansion. Hungry? Drop by Jim’s Smokin’ Cafe, Brew Ha Ha, or the alluringly named Viking Grill.”

BudgetTravel.com is a website that provides travelers with unique and budget-friendly vacation ideas in addition to other travel services and advice.

BudgetTravel.com is owned by Budget Travel LLC, along with Budget Travel magazine. Budget Travel magazine is published six times a year.