The city of Rockport has been nominated in the 2019 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for Best Coastal Small Town.
Other towns nominated include: Chincoteague Island, Va.; Sandusky, Ohio; Georgetown, S.C.; Saugatuck, Mich.; Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.; Pismo Beach, Calif.; St. Simons Island, Ga.; Biddeford, Maine; Fernandina Beach, Fla.; Southport, N.C.; Edgartown, Mass.; Kihei, Hawaii; Bay St. Louis, Miss.; Bayfield, Wisc.; Beach Haven, N.J.; Cape May, N.J.; Ellsworth, Maine; Gulf Shores, Ala.; and Mystic, Conn.
Each town has a population of fewer than 25,000 residents.
Rockport’s population is about 8,500. It was ranked No. 4 in votes as of Thursday afternoon.
A panel of five travel experts made the nomination for finalists under consideration. The final rankings will be determined by a popular vote.
“The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce encourages all its friends, residents and visitors to vote daily.
a release from the Chamber of Commerce read. “There is no doubt the Rockport-Fulton area is the #1 Best Coastal Small Town in America. Help us secure the title for 2019!”
People can vote once per day until polls close at noon on May 6. The 10 winners will be announced on May 17.
Rockport ranked fifth in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice for Best Coastal Small Town in 2015 and fourth in 2016.
Other recognition by USA Today 10 Best in the Coastal Bend included Rockport Beach receiving recognition in 2018 as Texas’ Best Beach and Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was named fifth best Wildlife Refuge in 2015 and top for Birding in 2016.
