GALENA, Ill. - The city of Galena, Illinois - always considered a "town that time forgot" - has stepped back into the limelight as a city that no one can forget about. Condé Nast Traveler recently published the results of their annual Readers' Choice Survey and declared Galena as not only one of the friendliest cities in the United States, but in the world.
Galena, coming in second on the domestic list and fourteenth on the global list with a score of 87.9 out of 100, was praised as being a relaxing destination with plenty to do and a place that can be spiritually and emotionally uplifting. The historic, idyllic city was one of only four from the United States to make the top 20 internationally.
Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most trusted names in travel, had 46,476 responses to their most recent survey. Readers provided feedback such as, "When I want to treat myself or lift my spirits?I visit Galena."
"A 'quaint' city that was once home to President Ulysses S. Grant, Galena, Illinois, is also well known for its 'welcoming' atmosphere. Those who make the trip to this former mining town find it 'relaxing, with plenty to do.' After all, this 'step back in time' has 'neat shopping and historical sites' to spare," stated the magazine.
"The distinction is another feather in the cap for Galena. Our community welcomes visitors from throughout the world that are looking to take a look back into time and experience what small-town America is really all about," stated Celestino Ruffini, director of sales & marketing for the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The friendliest top 10 cities in the United States ranked in order by the Readers' Choice Survey of Condé Nast Traveler are: 1. Charleston, S.C., 2. Galena, Ill., 3. Savannah, Ga., 4. Asheville, N.C., 5. Austin, Texas, 6. Jackson, Miss., 7. Natchez, Miss., 8. Telluride, Colo., 9. Sonoma, Calif., 10. Branson, Mo.
The friendliest top 20 cities in the world ranked in order by the Readers' Choice Survey of Condé Nast Traveler are: 1. Florianopolis, Brazil, 2. Hobart, Tasmania, 3. Thimpu, Bhutan, 4. Queenstown, New Zealand, 5. Charleston, S.C., 6. Paro, Bhutan (tie), 6. Margaret River, Australia (tie). 7. Mandalay, Burma, 9. Kilkenny, Ireland (tie), 9. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (tie), 10. Chiang Mai, Thailand, 11. Christchurch, New Zealand, 12. Dublin, Ireland, 14. Galena, Ill. (tie), 14. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (tie), 16. Auckland, New Zealand (tie), 16. Savannah, Ga. (tie), 18. Edinburgh, Scotland, 20. Asheville, N.C. (tie), 20. Cork, Ireland (tie)
Visitors are encouraged to call the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau toll-free at 1.877.464.2536 or explore www.galena.org for information on attractions, lodging, dining, shopping, events and more in the Galena area.
# # #
