The CBS Early Show Announcement
On Wednesday, April 15, 2009 the CBS Early Show, hosted by Harry Smith, announced the "Top Ten Coolest Small Towns," featuring Budget Travel Magazine Editor in Chief, Nina Willdorf. She said the magazine was looking for Main Street, U.S.A. -- places where you find real people, excited to be part of their communities. And the results would help readers discover up-and-coming towns. To qualify, the town had to have a population of less than 10,000. "We're talking small towns, not small cities," Willdorf said. She described the top five towns mentioning that the criteria to be nominated included: the ability to get a great cup of coffee and good restaurants, a place that makes people realize when they leave their small town to go to a city, that they've made a big mistake, and a place with great art galleries and country shops. She also described Owego as having "gorgeous outdoor beauty, fierce local pride, a picture postcard town with beautiful historic architecture."
Where is Owego, NY?
Located on the Susquehanna River in the heart of New York's southern tier, in the Finger Lakes Region, Owego, New York is a small, but historic village. It is a "Preserve America" community, being awarded this prestigious national honor in 2007. Click here to see Coolest Road Trip Map!
What is Cool?
It is home to an enchanting downtown experience, as eclectic shops and restaurants line the streets of the historic area, and families can enjoy the recreation opportunities afforded by the presence of the Susquehanna River. Crossing over the Court Street bridge (one of the most expensive bridges built in New York State in 2003- @ $18 million) into Owego is an awesome view of the Tioga County Courthouse, built in 1872. It is Owego's tallest and most dominating structure. A fine example of post-Civil War construction, the courthouse was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Evergreen Cemetery in Owego opened in 1851, and contains several old and interesting graves. E.T. Gibson, erected a tombstone honoring his ancestors and family, with one of the longest epitaphs in the United States (135 words). Several Civil War graves can be found in this cemetery as well. The cemetery is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and provides visitors an amazing view of the entire Susquehanna River valley.
In a second floor room of the house at 317 Front Street that world-famous parliamentarian, General Henry Martyn Robert wrote his most important work, "Robert's Rules of Order, Revised in 1915."
Owego is the "coolest" town and has been growing due to its promotion of its heritage, its small town uniqueness, fantastic festivals such as the annual Strawberry Festival and Lights on the River Festival and wonderful shopping. They offer a Third Friday Art Walk which features artists' galleries, live entertainment and refreshments throughout the downtown shops and restaurants.
In 2009, the village constructed a new Riverwalk in the center of town that will have access to the River and run behind downtown "riverow" buildings. Owego, New York is a "happening" town and it welcomed this award!
