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We have lived all over as corporate gypses and exposed to all kinds of quaint. Villages. This is one of the most pride filled downtown small cities ever. It has a warm sense of classie ness. I am glad to csll it home. We like shopping downtown as every store you shop in is run by the owner. A sense of pride only an owner can exude. Parade thank you for calling all of us to recognize. Those traits in our cities all 16 of them.
SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA = BEST MAIN STREET ! ! !
The contest has come to a close. Now all that's left is to wait until the August 17th edition of Parade Magazine is published to find out which town won the competition for best Main Street America. As I've been following the rounds of voting and reading the comments posted by the residents of the 16 towns that competed, what is clear to me, is that all of us are winners. Every single person that has the privilege of living in the small towns that are Main Street America. Congratulations to every resident in every small town in America! We are ALL winners.
DID THE POLLS CLOSE EVERYWHERE??? ANYONE STILL ABLE TO VOTE!???
I have had the pleasure of living in close proximity to both McMinnville and Collierville and both are very picturesque and attractive. However, I have to vote McMinnville because i think it offers more. It is several blocks long with a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Peruvian and Spanish to brew pub food, several wine tasting rooms and many fun shops. There is a farmers market, car cruise ins, parades and many other family friendly activities. While Colliervillw offers many fun activities (I especially love the fall festival) McMinnville just offers more. And no matter the time of year the lights in the trees and the friendly people make it a beautiful place to enjoy.
It's 11:14 Central Time, 15 minutes after the stated close of the poll. It doesn't say it's closed yet. What's the deal?
Myself and the previous presidents have all secretly plotted throughout history to move the a White House and Capitol from DC to Collierville. We've built a second secret White House underneath the town square, in fact It's the subject of the next National Treasure movie.
I love Collierville and that's all that really matters
We are still awake in TN...We saw what happened to AR last night. Keep voting for Collierville!! You won't be disappointed August 17th
McMinnville's 3rd Street is one of the nicest places I've ever seen. Here in Mac we have the Spruce Goose, at one point was an official world wonder, a nice water park where you ride out of a plane, Plenty of parades including the Alien Days parade, when people from all around the world come to this festival downtown. We have trees lining the entire street, making it really hard to get a birds eye view, so to see the whole street, you would have to come yourself. We have restaurants from many different cultures, and an old fashioned ice cream parlor. Does Collierville have anything like this?
I love McMinnville. My family have lived her for 7 years. Love walking down Main street with my kiddos. So many neat things to see. All seasons are beautiful here.
I do have to say all of the Main streets that have been featured are all gorgeous. Good luck to all of the participating cities.
Back in the late 70's, McMinnville's downtown was going the route of many american downtowns. Empty storefronts, boarded windows, trash lined gutters and an overall feeling of defeat. Enter a small group of concerned business people who decided to make a difference.
This group got together and formed a plan to revitalize the downtown core and make it the gem of the city. They met with other groups of business people, property owners, government agencies and concerned citizens, all of like-mind, and set to work.
With a self-imposed tax on the properties in the historic district (talk about putting your money where your mouth is!), and dues from the initial membership drive, a downtown manager was hired and McMinnville Downtown Association was born. The manager worked hard to recruit new business to the downtown core and gradually the boards on the windows disappeared, the trash got put in the new trash cans, the vacancy rate fell and community interest kept growing.
It just kept getting better. Festivals were introduced, activities for families, and a growing beautification kept drawing more people to the heart of the city. Now there were benches and bulb outs, new lamp posts and holiday lights adorning the trees for a magical winter experience. It wasn't long before there were special events happening year round from Farmers Market and Brown Bag Concerts in the summer months to Art & Wine Walk every single month. Alien Days and Turkey Rama have been mentioned several times (we locals love to let our hair down and laugh at ourselves occasionally!) along with Safe and Sane Trick or Treating for the kids. There's a Holiday Parade and the Tree lighting ceremony at the city park at one end of 3rd Street which includes caroling, hot cider and lots of Santa secret sharing for the youngsters.
The people of McMinnville have always been known for their ability to see the long term goals of our city, act on them and, put their time, energy, effort, dollars and heart into making them realities.
With a community wide effort, we've come a long way since those days in the 70's. There has been a lot of hard work and dedication that has gone into making McMinnville's 3rd Street the beauty she is today. It's not just the beauty you see - it's the beauty of the people. We take pride in our accomplishments and pride in our town. Come see what coming together as a community can accomplish. McMinnville has become a destination.
I can't believe I forgot to mention the Public Art, 5-star restaurants, wine and beer tasting shops, the ballet studio, retailers, apartments....it goes on and on!
Oh, and please vote for us. :)
I grew up in AL but had relatives in the Memphis area and came here all my life. The Collierville Historic Town Square and Main St. was always a highlight. I now live in Collierville and I own a shop on the Historic Town Square on Main St. and I don't think there is a more beautiful town square anywhere. My view everyday out of the front of my shop is of the park and gazebo with all its huge 100+ year old oak tress, azaleas, and blooming annuals that the city does such a good job with every season. Planting and watering until they are absolutely beautiful. Awesome mural on the side of on of our buildings and old train depot on one side of the square. There are great restaurants and really great quaint shops. On Friday nights during nice weather anyone who can pick or sing gathers in the park for a night of fellowship. I have even joined in a clogged to some of the bluegrass music. During June and July every Thursday night is a night of music in the park with thousands of people coming to listen. There are festivals, taste of the town, celebrations, weddings, egg hunts, carriage rides, etc. that all take place in the park. Christmas the whole square is lit up from buildings to the trees in the park and huge Christmas Tree. Collierville is a very family friendly town with very little crime. I so glad our town has made it this far. Hope for the best!!
I planned to build my new Trump tower off of the Collierville main street . This is a great location .
Collierville main street was what inspired me to write my hit song
Collierville is absolutely fantastic. I just moved to Tennessee, and I stumbled upon Collierville's Main Street one day while exploring the area. I visited the inviting shops that line the square, ate dinner in the park while listening to the locals play bluegrass music, and watched a wedding rehearsal under the town's gazebo. I met Colliervillians--some of the friendliest, most welcoming people I've ever known. Collierville is a town that emanates pride and Southern hospitality and is one of those places that makes its guests feel immediately at home.
One thing that really helps Collierville come together at our Main Street is the lack of distractions. We don't have scenic mountains. We don't have crystal clear water running down from the mountains on its way to the ocean. We don't have lush vineyards of Yamhill County pinot noir ... mmm. We don't really even have fine dining or theatre, at least not on Main St.
What we do have is comfort. A warm, friendly setting where everybody is in this together ... without any of those annoying distractions. ;-) Comfort food, whether burgers, ice cream, shakes, Gus' world famous fried chicken (ranked by many as among, if not the, best fried chicken in the country), Cafe Piazza for Italian, and of course our local BBQ. BYO laws are friendly here, so we've learned that a nice Sonoma Zin matches well with BBQ, and a Yamhill County pinot noir (I have a favorite from Newberg that I liked so much I helped the owner get it distributed here in Collierville) can match well with the flavors of some of our lighter local dishes. Corkage charges, if any, tend to be only $5-10/bottle, tops.
So please, have mercy. We don't have scenery or natural beauty. All we have is each other, and our friendly town. *sniff*. Please vote for Collierville, and let us at least have this one, nice thing.
McMinnville is a beautiful town. They have so much to offer. I have lived here for 30years. We are 1hour from the pacific ocean and 2 hours from Mt. Hood.This is a family town. Oh yes don't forget we have the Spruce Goose,
We have a water park, one of the water slides come out of the bottom of an airplane. The trees downtown are lit up. We have alien days.
Come check us out, you will have a good time!
Back in the late 70's, McMinnville's downtown was going the route of many american downtowns. Empty storefronts, boarded windows, trash lined gutters and an overall feeling of defeat. Enter a small group of concerned business people who decided to make a difference.
This group got together and formed a plan to revitalize the downtown core and make it the gem of the city. They met with other groups of business people, property owners, government agencies and concerned citizens, all of like-mind, and set to work.
With a self-imposed tax on the properties in the historic district (talk about putting your money where your mouth is!), and dues from the initial membership drive, a downtown manager was hired and McMinnville Downtown Association was born. The manager worked hard to recruit new business to the downtown core and gradually the boards on the windows disappeared, the trash got put in the new trash cans, the vacancy rate fell and community interest kept growing.
It just kept getting better. Festivals were introduced, activities for families, and a growing beautification kept drawing more people to the heart of the city. Now there were benches and bulb outs, new lamp posts and holiday lights adorning the trees for a magical winter experience. It wasn't long before there were special events happening year round from Farmers Market and Brown Bag Concerts in the summer months to Art & Wine Walk every single month. Alien Days and Turkey Rama have been mentioned several times (we locals love to let our hair down and laugh at ourselves occasionally!) along with Safe and Sane Trick or Treating for the kids. There's a Holiday Parade and the Tree lighting ceremony at the city park at one end of 3rd Street which includes caroling, hot cider and lots of Santa secret sharing for the youngsters.
The people of McMinnville have always been known for their ability to see the long term goals of our city, act on them and, put their time, energy, effort, dollars and heart into making them realities.
With a community wide effort, we've come a long way since those days in the 70's. There has been a lot of hard work and dedication that has gone into making McMinnville's 3rd Street the beauty she is today. It's not just the beauty you see - it's the beauty of the people. We take pride in our accomplishments and pride in our town. Come see what coming together as a community can accomplish. McMinnville has become a destination.
Oh, and please vote for us. :)
Collierville is a fantastic Town. After a soccer game there is nothing better that going to the square with the children to cool off with a frozen yogurt or ice cream. It is great to stroll around the square and take in the scenery and fresh air. You can fill your car up at the old time gas station while taking in the amazing mural of the Town's unique features. You can participate in bike night or the car show while listening to great music. When my girls were little they loved to come to the square and see the mounted patrol officer during the many family friendly events. Now they just love coming to the square to hang out with their friends and other members of the community. Our Veteran's Day celebration is top notch and the commitment of our community to our veterans is remarkable. I can't think of a better place to raise my children! Please vote for Collierville and if your ever in the area come see what the buzz is all about, you won't be disappointed!
Collierville is a fantastic Town. After a soccer game there is nothing better that going to the square with the children to cool off with a frozen yogurt or ice cream. It is great to stroll around the square and take in the scenery and fresh air. You can fill your car up at the old time gas station while taking in the amazing mural of the Town's unique features. You can participate in bike night or the car show while listening to great music. When my girls were little they loved to come to the square and see the mounted patrol officer during the many family friendly events. Now they just love coming to the square to hang out with their friends and other members of the community. Our Veteran's Day celebration is top notch and the commitment of our community to our veterans is remarkable. I can't think of a better place to raise my children! Please vote for Collierville and if your ever in the area come see what the buzz is all about, you won't be disappointed!
I lived in McMinnville for almost 10 yrs. I remember riding bikes with my girlfriends for exercise for miles all over town and ending up at the local downtown coffee shop and sitting on the sidewalk people watching and just passing the next hour talking. I have also volunteered at the Turkey Rama couple times and love the small community feel about the whole city. It was great to be able to work & shop in the town you live in and just about know everyone you see.
Make sure to keep voting until 12:59am EST as polls have been staying open later every night!! Go Main Street USA!!!
Ironic that McMinnville, Oregon is named after the Tennessee town of the same name.
The founder here was an immigrant from the Tennessee town. From all over, people
move here because of Third Street and the feeling of warmth. Come see us, hear!
McMinnville Oregon has a great main street (and nice side streets as well). Plenty of things to see, places to eat n drink and interesting architecture. And the tree-lined streets invite a stroll whether it's sunny or in a drizzle!
McMinnville Oregon. Oh how we love you. I have never lived in such a beautiful place and honestly the people are amazing as well. Such a family oriented town, tucked away in a valley surrounded by trees taller then the eyes can see and on a beautiful day mount hood will be in the distance but seems like it is only a few miles away. Winery fields to walk through, downtown is beautiful. Mcminnville is more like a love story and we are thankful to be living in it.
Having visited most recently this past May, I can attest to Collierville, TN town square as magical. I've been a West Coast born & bred who never ventured past NV via car road trip. And when visiting my partner's sister in TN, who lives there, I was blown away how picturesque the gazebo and surrounding shops and the old-timey full-service gas station just captured what a Main St is. And, with Dyer's and Gus's in the area, I was a very happy visiting Californian!
Congratulations to all towns featured in the contest. It's nice to see the pride people have in their main streets. I am a McMinnville resident and can't imagine living anywhere else. Our main street is great any time of year, from the beautiful lights that line the street around Christmas, to the leafy shade trees lining the sidewalks in summer. The various activities that all center in our downtown area, such as TurkeyRama, Alien Days and the farmers market are all part of what makes this main street one of the best. On another note, ALL of the Main Street entries look like wonderful places to visit!
Collierville is a wonderful Town. We moved here primarily for the schools and small Town atmosphere. It is a wonderful place to raise a family. The Town square is a great place to relax and escape the stress of a busy life. It is a true example of what a community should be. There is something for everyone with fairs, shops, excellent restaurants, coffee shop, and so much more. People come to relax and listen to great music, take amazing photographs, and learn a little about the rich history of the Town. It is a place the children can run around and parents can relax knowing they are safe. On a cold winter night the family can watch a classic Christmas movie and enjoy hot cocoa served by our Mayor and Alderman, police and other officials. Our community is truly one big family. Tennessee is the volunteer State and it shows in Collierville! We would really appreciate your vote and for you to come see why we love it so much!
I have traveled alot over the years nationally and internationally and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. and so can attest to how great this town and downtown are.......I came to McMinnville to go to Linfield College and really never looked back. I have watched downtown Mac evolve over the last 40 yrs and can say that the national main street program has made all the difference. We have a great town and people and our downtown reflects the work and pride of our community. It would be great if we were to win, but bottom line even if we lose...we win because we get to live here in McMinnville.
Congrats to both beautiful towns. Collierville is a big small town with a beautiful, iconic Main Street and residents with Hearts to match. I can think of no place I would rather live. Good luck to both towns and vote accordingly.
I live in McMinnville, and think that it I a wonderful place to live. Not to mention, we have some pretty great coffee shoPs. (my personal favorite is chrysalis, which is located by the grain station brewery) it is wonderful being able to walk around downtown and see about half a dozen people that you know!!! :)
McMinnville is a wonderful town - historic, eclectic, down home, incredible cuisine, famous theater, No. 1 restaurant in Oregon about three years ago. Home of the Spruce Goose! Good folks!
Dear John Talbot,
You portray a poor image of Christians. You slinging hate and ignorate generalizations is the exact opposite of the message of the bible. God gave us the commandment of Love as the most important. I would urge you to reflect on this in your life and before you make a statement representing Christians. Jesus never made a damning statement to anyone in the bible and he was without sin. I don't understand why you, a man who is not without imperfection, feels it's okay to damn those who identify as Gay. Jesus was drawn to the company of sinners and broke bread with them. John, let ye without sin throw the first stone, God Bless!
Go McMinnville!
I am so excited that our lovely Collierville Main Street is being recognized. We have been here 20 years and the quaint town square charmed us from day one. I can't wait to visit McMinnville though. It looks like a wonderful place. Honestly, there were some amazing towns in this competition. Beautiful! I think being in the top two is an honor. Of course, that being said, I hope Collierville wins. It's home!
Ted- I heard you on Lars Lason last week- you rock! or you killed a deer with a rock?
Come visit us we are one hour from Lars-
Forget the Clark County Fair we would love to have you play in McMinnville at the Yamhill County fair-!
If you try to vote more than once it shows this : Thank you, we have already counted your vote.
I hunted wild black bears after my concert in Collierville. saw so many deer I killed one with rock.
The votes are sadly bogus... as I'm sure people voted multiple times because Parade's website does not know how to filter out the same IP Address... people could easily refresh the page and be allowed to vote over and over again, as well as open a different browser. I voted twice accidentally is how I figured on the mishap. then I tried it again... I ended up voting 4 times, and yes the percentages changed each time. There was no way to stop the abuse.. they should have forced a valid email to vote or checked against IP Addresses if you did not want to register an email address.
I've lived in McMinnville, Or my entire life. I have never had the desire to live anywhere else. I must say, to the person who trashed Oregon, complaining about gays being allowed to marry here. Not everyone in Oregon is a supporter of same-sex marriage. What does that have to do with how beautiful a town is? You don't see people bashing your state.
Quarterback Princess was filmed in McMinnville Oregon. Starring Helen Hunt!
I took a walk down 3rd street in McMinnville today toward the end of my lunch time. While coming upon Ford St I watched two deer cross 3rd street heading north on Ford.
Nuff said.
What a fun contest! I live in Oregon but every single city in this contest looks like it should be a winner! I have 15 new places to visit someday but I will always enjoy coming home to McMinnville's downtown. One picture doesn't do it justice - here is a panoramic view that might just have you purchasing airline tickets: http://www.spherovision.net/html5/US117LS/US117_004_J29/p01_m.html And, just for fun, Hotel Oregon has a rooftop bar so that you don't have to miss a minute of the lively downtown scene. Come visit, drink wine, eat chocolate, read a book, grab a movie, enjoy a microbrew, pick up a pen and sketchbook, and then book a room. It's a one-street destination vacation!
Wow you guys are crazy. This was supposed to be voting for the prettiest Main Street not trash talking each others cities. I have lived in mcminnville for 17 years and I love it. Downtown is gorgeous at Christmas time. If you want a place to visit come check out our small little town. I love it!
I LIVE IN MACMINNVILLE AND ONE TIME I SEEN A DOG DRIVE A CAR AND WHILE SMOKING A CIGARETTE TOO
TENNESEE WOULD YOU LET A DOG DO THIS? TENNESEE YOU ALREADY HAVE A MACMINVILLE AND THEIR ROBBERS DROP THERE PANTS
Very sad reading some of the comments here. People crying fowl, people criticizing the magazine ..... people calling Oregon sick and sinful. Wow. Our country has sunk to a pathetic level. I am ashamed to call America home today. I am still proud of McMinnville and I'm sure Collierville is a nice place too. Can't we act like adults? Shame on some of you people.
Dear "THE WHOLE TRUTH" The Prophets have spoken of the approaching dark ages of mankind that this poll would usher in. Nostradamus wrote of a great poll of "dans la rue principale" or Main Street that would mark the start of the ends of days. He noted that THiS online poll would be started in a far away place between two great metropolis which he called McMinnalia and Collierstan. What evil has this Parade Magazine unleashed on mankind in their cryptic digital pages of befoulment, meaningless topical polling, and celebrity gossip.
From further writing of Nostradamus we understand that the still waters that he gleamed his prophetic visions from spoke also of The Keymaster and The Gatekeeper. Two shamans of great power that would rise up from the citizenry of their respective cities, I, Zedulon Tiberoux, the Key Master from the enchanted city of McMinnville and you, Estuice Ananstaste Dupuis, The Gate Keeper from the great tribe of Collierville were destined for such a time as this. Can there be more clearer words spoken? Oh Prophet of Esty speak the sacred words that will strike fire in the hearts of men! The Oracle Ruofuss Conn, and his magical, polished shotgun spoke highly of your gifts and I have searched 56 years for your council. Now, Pray tell us what we must know about this cursed city so that we may stem the tide of the fall of Man.
To Ted Nugent: The hunting is fantastic in McMinnville, OR
Simply put, McMinnville is the town where you'd want to walk down the sidewalk, holding hands with your sweetheart. Congrats to all of the other towns in this competition. I hope to get to visit at least all of the 'final four' as you all seem to have great towns.
Live and work in Collierville. Its the best little city in the south. The trees the people just love it here.
I played Collierville in 1977 and it was great .
Hey John Talbot! Why don't you keep your IGNORANT, hateful comments to yourself. I'm a Christian and I do think gays have a right to marry. Also, Christians aren't being persecuted for using god in school. We are supposed to be a free nation where you can practice what religion you choose. Hence the separation of church and state. That means keep the church out of the state and the state out of the church. Do you want the government coming to your Sunday worship and giving a sermon on democratic dogma?
McMinnville? More like Sick-Sinful. Oregon is a sinful place. It is full of left wing progressive trash who think it is ok for gay people to marry and schools to persecute Christians for saying G-d or Jesus!
For Just a Thought
For your consideration, go to www.downtownmcminnville.com and catch a glimpse. Sometimes a girl really is pretty. Our main street is anchored by beautiful city park, filled with majestic cedar and fir trees which grace a bridged sparkling stream. Not all the the beauty shows. Take a look at the photo gallery as well.
I've lived in McMinnville nearly 50 years and during that time, I've known many folks who moved away to other towns or states, but Mac is a magical, magnetic place, that even after being gone for years, it has pulled them back home.
For the record, the McMinnville Main Street is gorgeous from Galloway to Adams Streets (7 blocks). Go to maps.google.com and search for it. Our Main Street is NE 3rd Street so you can see for yourself. It is picturesque from the Micro Brewery on one end to the swimming pool and City Park on the other end. Interesting factoid. On the west end of main street in McMinnville, Oregon is a very very old Sequoia growing at the entrance to the park.
First off, those of you who are trash talking the other town need a life lesson in respect. Especially the first comment. Any person who is proud of their town would think that their main street is better, but does that really mean that one should degrade the other? Have you ever been? Do you know the other well? No. I will say that yes I am in McMinnville, but I am not going to trash talk the other. I will say that our main street has a classic feel, and fits in well with being within Oregon's whine country. It looks wonderful during the holidays. Our boys love the Halloween event for trick or treating up and down the street. McMinnville works on making sure the people enjoy themselves. Based on other towns I have lived in, this one is best for the towns main street. I'm sure the other town is beautiful, but I would not know being that I have never been.
In response to "Just a thought": This is only one tiny corner of the amazing street in Mac! I understand your point, but it's incorrect when being applied to this. There are actually many other pictures of the street that would better do it justice. It Goes on for blocks filled with wine shops, restaurants that include every array of food & dessert, boutiques, trendy bars and cafes, and even rooftops to dine on. Don't make assumptions before you see it yourself c;
Just throwing this out there, the Collierville Town Square looks amazing from any angle. The McMinnville Main Street looks like it would only be appreciable from the angle that picture was taken from.
Source: I know how girls take selfies that make them look way better than they actually are, thanks to lighting and angles.
Collierville is the place to be! I grew up in this town and danced in the Gazebo as a four year old child for my tap and ballet classes. I participated in homemade cake walks in the historic town square! I went to Kindergarten-12th grade in this town! It's the PERFECT place to raise a child and live forever and feel safe. Its has small town values, but an affluent small town feel. That fact is known and loved by all surrounding communities. Collierville is a unique place to live. I have always felt home here, so I'm loyal to a town rich in history, pride, and respect. You can still get any imaginable created soda from the soda fountain, and walk around to get the BEST burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, fries, and ice cream at any restaurant nearby. You can shop for hip clothes, antiques, find a realtor, fire department, car repair, farm supplies, home decor, and jewelry on the square. There's even a museum on the corner! You can find it ALL in my precious hometown. Our Fair on the Squares and Christmas parades are the best. Don't knock it until you try it. The BEST part of ALL would be the PEOPLE in this town. You can take two steps in any direction, and find a local person to fill you in on the rich history. I'm willing to be your tour guide, if you doubt it. There is a lot of warmth in my hometown. I'm homegrown Collierville, and you couldn't make me move for a million bucks. With that being said, Crown Collierville, and hats off to the other pretty towns, but this is the BEST hidden secret in America!
I know some of you have mentioned the time zone thing so I figured I'd let you know how this works... Voting ends at 11:59pm Eastern Time... That would have been 10:59pm in Arkansas and 8:59pm in Oregon. Nobody had 2 extra hours...
Mr. Cincaide, I do not wish to make you "loose." I have no sexual aspirations towards you at all, as you would know if you were truly a resident of Collierville. You see, I lost all interest in sex during the Great Tomato Famine of '89-'90. That was a miserable winter. Collierville had lost its access to common fertilizers due to the embargo by OPEC. We thought we could use common household cleaners but they merely rotted the earth and caused the tomatoes to whither on the vine. Why, even Gorgio McShane's (an excellent Itallian-Irish fusion restaurant a block from the gazebo) was unable to make their famous corned beef and cabbage red sauce, so we were forced to eat our potato noodles undressed. I never looked at a woman again after that.
The hole truth is a liar. Why he wants to make us loose I dont know but it wont work!
Wow people, I'm pretty sure this was supposed to be a friendly little competition, not a scorching insult/whine-about-the-results fest! All of the towns are going to be getting press off of this. Be glad you all got as far as you did and be happy for the ones going further. That said, GO McMINNVILLE!!! :-)
We should all be proud of our Main streets, to be among the 16 in the first place!
I've lived in Mac for 24 of the last 32 years, & have seen our Main street a happy bustling place, then with more & more empty stores, as Big Biz came in on the outskirts!
What a dream come true for the turn around, back to a pleasant, friendly bustling downtown! Lots of foot traffic, lovely shops owned by & employing local folks, hanging baskets, historic street lamps, TREES! (I worked in one of the historic buildings a decade ago, & we had a photo from the 30s or 40s, with the street bare of trees!) We also have a lovely city park, a block from that office, with a Carnegie Library & public swimming pool, with a beautiful play structure built by parents & families, all 3 Sequoias. Its a great downtown for walking, visiting, shopping (Buy Local First!) and enjoying life!
Whichever town 'wins,' we've had glimpses of some of sweetest - kudos!
I voted for both the finalists. I do work in McMinnville and I'd love to see us win. They are both great places. No need to be rude. We are all residing in the great country of USA. Let's just all have a harmless fun contest.
Both suck . ELLICOTT CITY FTW
Hats off to SILOAM SPRINGS! What an spirited effort they made against McMinnville. This small little town in Arkansas fought a see-saw battle all day and at one time turned a 46% to 54% deficit into a
51% to 49% lead, which went on to change hands all day. It was like watching an epic Ali and Fraizer boxing contest. Who are these guys? They took on a much bigger town and held their own. I hope they now side with McMinnville who now faces a much bigger town, with Memphis as their big brother. If McMinnville wins, it will make Siloam Springs look that much better.
We moved to McMinnville last year *because* of Main Street. After deciding to move inland from the beautiful Oregon coast, I looked for over a year for a home that would be better than what we had. Oregon has much to offer but when I checked into Hotel Oregon and then walked down the row of fun shops, excellent restaurants, and wine stores (so many!), I knew we'd found our new home. The next day, we bought a farm just outside the city limits but we still go downtown almost every day. It truly is a wonderful place to call home. Lots of sunshine, no humidity. And where else can you share a park bench with a life size bronze replica of Benjamin Franklin? McMinnville is Oregon at its best and our Main Street exemplifies this.
I am neither an anonymous internet troll nor a disinterested third party. My truths, like Cassandra's prophecies, are accurate, and just as Cassandra, I am cursed with a community of doubt. Resident's of Collierville will know me as Estuice Ananstaste Dupuis. Esty for short. I have chronicled the trials and tribulations of this town for nearly 40 years. I remember the twister of 1976, when our parade for the national bicentennial was destroyed by a tornado, flinging floats and marching band members through storefronts and launching them onto roofs. Oh, it rained confetti for hours that day, but our hearts were not joyous. I remember speaking to old Mr. Ruofass Conn that evening. He was rocking in his porch chair, drinking his corn liquor and slowly stroking his shotgun. He said "this town is cursed." And so it is, although, I and the residents endure these hardships because we love our gazebo, and also our 30 foot tall inflatable Jesus that sits in front of city hall.
The Collierville Town Square and Main Street is such a wonderful and friendly place to take family and friends. There square is surrounded by local shops and an old railroad station with train cars that kids can climb on. I am personally partial myself because my husband proposed to me at the gazebo and we were married at the Church on the Square. Every Saturday you can see happy brides and grooms taking photo's on the square. We also have free concerts every Thursday during the summer and tons of activities year round to bring the community together. There are plenty of antique shops, boutiques, ice cream shops, coffee shop, churches, artist studio's, and restaurants that are all local. Not many places can boast about that. At Christmas they light up the Square with beautiful lights strung on all the trees and building. It really is just the most perfect little Main Street/Town Square you have ever seen!
TIME DIFFERENCE - While McMinnville was sleeping yesterday morning you all had two hours to vote so when you went to bed we had two hours to vote in the evening, just like the presidential election, it allows for ti
McMinnville is a town with vineyards, wineries and full of talented artist, there is no place like it-
it is located close to mountains, lakes, rivers and the ocean in the heart of wine country, it is the future Sonoma.................
You guys are treating this like peppy high school drama, be proud of your towns for making it this far, and less about "Oh you guys rigged the votes!" OR "You guys shouldn't even be here!"
That is just childish behavior, be happy that you can live in a town that is even being considered for being named the Best Main Street.
I think people are forgetting that there is a two hour time zone difference between the voters of Siloam Springs Arkansas and McMinnville Oregon.
When the polls were closed in Arkansas they were still opened in Oregon thus giving them the same time frame to vote. I am a transplanted Oregonian who now lives in Arkansas. I have visited both Siloam Springs and McMinnville and both are wonderful in their own unique ways, but I will say I am a bit partial to........one of them more than the other. Congratulations to all the towns that were even nominated.
We are actually taking it pretty well in Ellicott City. We were happy to be in this tournament with the other 15 Main Streets and make it to the final four. We were getting the same satirical history comments on our last vote. It may be just a 3rd party. Anonymous internet trolls like to stir things up. Good luck to both Collierville and McMinnville! They both look like great towns! Make it a fun and courteous competition! Love the positve comments about your towns!
We just moved to MAC this past February and we LOVE IT!! We have spent a good amount of time strolling 3rd Street (MAIN). It was one of the reasons we decided on MAC. The Alien Festival is great and quirky fun!! :) 45 minutes from Portland, the mountains, and THE OCEAN!! Perfectly located. Not to mention the BEST pizza slices in any "Main Street" locale - 3rd Street pizza! YUM! :)
Ya'll might be taking all of this too seriously.... just saying. LOL It's just for fun and in "Parade" magazine...which isn't so widely read that the rise and fall of these small tows is imminent. Search best small towns, best main streets, and there are tons of other articles on small towns and Main Streets that aren't even in this poll. Guys, this too will pass. Relax.
As for the "fact" that we buried the dead prisoners of our civil war camp under the gazebo in the town square, you are correct. However, on a brighter note our dead rise up and walk, thus saving money on burial plots. Plus, the undead make wonderful public works employees (saving the taxpayers money). We are hoping to land a deal with the Walking Dead people at A&E to start a reality TV version of their hit TV show here in Collierville. Sadly thou, now the uranium-soaked undead walkers will have to seek you out and destroy you for revealing our secrets.
Hope you survive!
downtown Mcminnville is a fantastic place,great food,great wine,great trees!
I am seeing a lot of sour grapes on here regarding the voting.... (I, personally voted for both that are in the final two.) We here in McMinnville love our small college town. McMinnville is known for it's more than 200 vineyards and wineries, gourmet restaurants, small shops along our main street, and most of all, the feeling of small town pride and it shows. People here are friendly and willing to help you. We are close enough to Portland and it's Metro area, but also close to the Oregon Coast and it's beaches. Our tree lined main street always seems to be bustling with people checking out the shops, taking advantage of the different wine tastings, and perusing the art of our local artists, when they aren't checking out our local events like Turkey Rama and Alien Days (The McMenamins UFO Festival), the McMinnville Farmer's Market, and the McMinnville Garden Tours (which promotes local plant growers)... just to name a few.
And to quote someone on this page, "As a rural farming community, we have all the amenities of the big city without the traffic, crime and crowding. We have live theatre, a dinner theatre, a top rated liberal arts college, many free music venues, lovely parks and the Evergreen Air and Space Museum, plus a water park!"
There is lots to love in McMinnville!! Our main street rocks!!
I am hardly an "embittered Ellicott City troll." I have never set foot in Maryland. I have spent all 56 years of my life in Collierville and I will vote for this town, but you must know its history or the sacrifices that went into building our Main Street are useless. For example, where Doc. Fizzenstine's Old Time Soda Bar stands today was once an asylum. The mentally deranged from throughout the state were housed there. More lobotomies were performed right here than anywhere else in the world. In 1943, during the height of the second world war, the patients rioted, though, in their lobotomized state they could only stumble and drool. But stumble and drool they did, killing nine doctors, nurses, and orderlies, and setting the building on fire.
I stayed up until the polls were supposed to be closed and was very happy going to sleep when I saw Siloam had just barely beat a town twice the size of it! but apparently this great town can't be recognized by the country about how awesome it is....Also just to prove how awesome it is, it also was voted the safest place in Arkansas
Pretty sure this is in the bag for Collierville, Tenn.
Do a google maps search for Collierville, Tenn. town square and you will find what everyone is talking about. Looks very nice, but nothing to write home about.
Take a look at McMinnville street view at the following. It starts at 3rd street and the Library. Turn the map 180 degrees then travel down 3rd street (which is the center of downtown). This is a picture of the classic Amereican downtown.
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.210016,-123.199083,3a,75y,270h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1stiadBJ-K5EJAUay_55kyRA!2e0?hl=en
I can't believe the comments. I am sure sdded this feature so we could better inform people about why we love our mainstreetd not come up with accusations. The point is that communities are building up their MAINSTREETS...not about all the other aspects of their town..to help keep small towns alive with the competition with big box stores, WalMart, etc...we have lost the sense of community and national Downtown orhanization is working very hard to bring that back for the health of America. Compare downtown McMinnville Oregon and McMinnville TN...who have wonderful caring people but totally diffete t downtowns. It takes hard work and dedication by a lot of people.. All of these main streets deserve recognition..thankyou Parade.
Siloam Springs, I feel for you and you had my vote. Sad to see the extension of voting knocked you out, but I hope you will support your neighbors in Collierville as we compete against the town you should have beat last night!
Classic. Ha ha ha ha.
Although "The Whole Truth", and other related personalities, seems to be an embittered Endicott City troll, there is a grain of truth in their post.
Collierville, like other area cities and towns, was actually under Union control for most of the Civil War. There was a "Battle of Collierville, only a minor skirmish, but few people know that it was in this battle that Gen. Sherman, famous for his destructive march to the sea, was almost captured/killed here -- his favorite horse, unfortunately, didn't survive.
Ironically, many Union soldiers that were imprisoned in notoriously brutal camps (Andersonville prison in Georgia and Cahaba prison in Alabama) are buried near here -- in the Memphis National Cemetery. They died on their way home after the war, when the ship they were on -- the Sultana, which was negligently overcrowded by the profiteering owner -- exploded on the Mississippi River. An estimated 1,800 of her 2,427 passengers died, making it the worst nautical disaster in the history of the US -- right here in the heart of the Mississippi River Valley.
Soldiers killed in the battle of Collierville were reinterred at the Memphis National Cemetery (with the second largest number of unknown soldiers in the country), right along with victims of the Sultana and many other historical events.
Really no message past this guy's mastery of Google and Wikipedia information and manipulating it against Colliersville. Good thing nobody reads these comments to establish their vote. This whole thing is really a guise to drive page/ad hits to towns voting. Can you imagine someone saying to themselves, "I take this very serious. I'm going to read the Internet comments on this voting link to help me make an informed, credible decision". Is that EVER the case with Internet comments ? For our entertainment only people.
Walking in downtown McMinnville is a treat from the past. Simple elegance and delightful shops along a tree lined street invite one to slow down and indulge in an unexpected treat.
My husband and I will return again soon and hope to catch the downtown 'Farmer's Market'.
I am sorry if the truth is painful. But it is necessary for Collierville to face its painful and oppressive history in order to advance into the twenty-first century. Just as Collierville came together after the great flood of 1964 wiped out the local uranium enrichment facility, costing half the town employment, I believe that Collierville can face its brutal history and survive. Did not the founder of Collierville, James Eugene Collierville the Elder, say "ask not what you can eat in Collierville, we grow plenty of gourds and squash."
Parade really botched the voting last night by allowing votes to be cast for a full hour after the shut off time. I totally don't mind losing a fair contest but it's frustrating to get so engaged in a contest when the rules change without notice. I'd love to hear an explanation from Parade but I doubt that will happen. Hopefully it was an honest mistake and not an attempt to skew the results toward the larger town.
I have lived in Collierville twice, for a total of 7 years. Having lived in seven states, I returned for several reasons - primarily the unbelievably strong sense of community.
We treasure and maintain our historic square; it is the centerpiece of the town. I include it in my route nearly every time I go out for a run. Nothing compares for a place to reflect and recharge.
We in Collierville will vote and will support the town in this round - as always - in a positive manner. It is who we are.
WOW...TO THINK I THOUGHT THIS WAS A POLL ABOUT BEING PROUD OF YOUR TOWN. TALKS OF HACKING FOR VOTES, TRASH TALKING ABOUT SENSELESS THINGS. TAKE PRIDE IN WHERE YOU LIVE. MAKE IT THE BEST. BAD CHARACTER REGARDLESS OF WHAT TOWN YOU LIVE IN.
BTW...WELL SAID STACY N.
My parents lived in Collierville for years (after I was grown and gone) and I have to say, it was great. This contest, I think, is about the best main streets in towns, NOT the "best town" overall to live in. With that said, Collierville's main street is the Square, and it is truly awesome how the business owners have come together and made it something to be proud of, and a great place to shop. My town, Moorhead MN, is a small town with 38,000 people and is a great place to live. But it does not have a great main street shopping area like Collierville. I wish it did! But one mile away is downtown Fargo ND, with absolutely the world's best main street (Broadway). Good luck to Collierville!
If you'd like to know more about why Collierville has made it thus far, checkout their website www.mainstreetcollierville.org
No matter which town takes the title, I am proud to live in Collierville TN
The whole truth is telling the truth ....google it.
McMinn should not even be in the final, the people at Parade don't know how to tell time it would appear because the polls were open an extra hour. Nice to see that Parade is hiding the results, I smell an unfair competition.
THE WHOLE TRUTH- seriously??? Do you have nothing better to do than make up false stories about the towns that have made it to the final round? GET A LIFE!!!
Collierville may be a Memphis suburb, but McMinnville is less than an hour from Portland, and it's been pushed in the Portland media market as well. Given that the Portland media market is larger than the Memphis market, I don't know that your advantage is as big as you think. Nor that people in the city really care (for either town).
Two quick things. It's Alien D-A-Y-S. And what exactly is Parade magazine?