Carthage residents have known for a long time what a beautiful community in which they live.
Now there is documented proof.

The city of Carthage has been recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Missouri, according to the sixth annual Best of Rural Missouri Readers Choice awards.
For the past two years, Carthage has had the distinction of being the second most beautiful city in Missouri. This year, the magazine changed its standards and named beautiful cities in five different regions – Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Northwest and Central. The other four Most Beautiful Towns are:

• Central – Cole Camp;
• Northeast – Hermann;
• Northwest – Weston;
• Southeast – St. Genevieve.

The awards celebrate the uniqueness of the Show-Me State while introducing distinctive shops and restaurants and one-of-a-kind destinations to the public.
More than half a million rural electric cooperative members were asked to vote for their favorite foods and destinations throughout the state. Carthage drew accolades for the courthouse, prosperous town square and picture-perfect Victorian homes and historic buildings.

Other categories and the Southwest Missouri winners were Best Barbecue – Richards Hawgwild BBQ in Aurora, Best Restaurant – Smith’s Short Stop in Bolivar, Best Hamburger – Danna’s BBQ and Burger Shop in Branson West, Best Dessert – Cooky’s Café in Golden City, Best Festival – Apple Butter Making Days in Mount Vernon, Best Antiquing – Ozark, Best Museum – Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Best State Park/Historic Site – Roaring River State Park in Cassville, Best Golf Course – Branson Creek in Branson, Best Day Trip – Branson, and Best Hidden Treasure – Riverbluff Cave in Springfield.

 “This award is a great opportunity for domestic travelers to hear about and explore the many historical and cultural activities and destinations that make our city great,” said Kate Massey, executive director of the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB). “With our rich history, breathtaking scenery and numerous activities, unforgettable vacation memories are available for the entire family right here in Carthage.

“With the increasing cost of gas, more families are choosing day and weekend trips for the family getaways,” continued Massey. “As they begin planning their summer vacations, we’d like to remind them to explore the treasures right here in Carthage.”
“Rural Missouri” is published monthly by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.

Additional information about the award will be included in an upcoming special section called “Round About Carthage.” The section will have anything and everything about Carthage. If you want to be a part of this special section, call the Carthage Press advertising department at 358-2191. The section will publish on April 30.