Over the next few years, we’ll be criss-crossing the country in search of places that don’t usually make the tourism billboards. No gondolas. No “must-see” lists written by people who only stayed the night. Just towns with one main road, a closed pub that definitely used to be great, and at least one local who remembers when things were done properly.
In every town, we’ll be conducting a rigorous and highly scientific evaluation based on the things that genuinely matter:
- Local attractions (intentional and accidental)
- Best museum (including the possibility that someone’s garage counts)
- Best antique shop (or “antigue”, if the sign says so)
- Most memorable local (criteria: memorable, not necessarily willing)
- Best small-town story (bonus points for being unverifiable)
- Best public toilets (cleanliness, ambiance, and emotional journey)
- Best shop (defined loosely, sometimes very loosely)
We are not experts. We are not travel influencers. We will not pretend that every place is a hidden gem. Some towns will be delightful. Others will be… informative. All will be assessed fairly, respectfully, and with just enough sarcasm to stay honest.
This isn’t about ranking communities against each other or declaring winners. It’s about noticing the small things, the odd things, and the quiet brilliance of places that usually get driven through rather than to.
If you live in one of these towns: we’re probably coming. If you don’t: you might be surprised what you’ve been missing. If you built a public toilet in 1997 and are still proud of it: we see you.
Let the Tiny Town Tour begin!
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