Sometimes, a city’s descriptive moniker is so memorable, it becomes a part of modern culture.

New York—The Big Apple
Philadelphia—The City of Brotherly Love
Las Vegas—What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.

However, there is a unique universe to explore in the town slogans and welcome signs of some of America’s smaller cities. And the focus that each community chooses can be a travel inspiration.

Meet Butterfly Town, U.S.A. The sign at entrance to Pacific Grove reminds visitors and residents alike that this quiet California town by the sea is a haven for the Monarch butterfly’s winter migration. Every autumn the butterflies are welcomed by a hometown parade as they come to rest in two special groves of eucalyptus trees.

Pacific Grove has branded itself with one of the unique aspects of its identity—a wondrous natural phenonmenon that attracts visitors from around the world.

As we travel from place to place, especially on the roads of the U.S., the town slogans that appear on welcome signs are not just an interesting read, but also a revelation of a town’s spirit. Oh, I see. They may also be a call to action.

When should we pause and turn off the highway? Why is this community significant? What towns should we visit . . . and why?

A town’s motto, whether official or unofficial, originates with a number of questions. What makes a town unique? What is its marketable quality—for businesses, residents, and visitors? How should it present its essence in a brief slogan on a sign that people speed by? How does it get passersby to take notice in a world of fast-paced information and fleeting sights?

Collaboration with marketing firms, brainstorming sessions, chamber-of-commerce soul searching, market research, contests, and lengthy discussions all play a role in the creation of a community’s homespun brand.

The paths are varied—with history, location, humor, wordplay, unique qualities, friendly seduction, and just plain bragging rights presenting myriad possibilities.

Many town slogans take advantage of that all-important aspect of location—a gateway, a crossroad, or a geographical center.

For the “gateway” towns, it seems to pay to be at the entrance to something.

St Louis, Missouri—The Gateway to the West
Sioux Falls, South Dakota—Gateway to the Plains
Aurora, Colorado—The Gateway to the Rockies
Clarksville, Tennessee—Gateway to the New South

Los Banos, California, seems special for its place “At The Crossroads of California;” and Milpitas, California, opens the door to the tech corridor as “The Crossroads of Silicon Valley.” But it’s hard to compete with Terre Haute, Indiana—the “Crossroads of America.”

Pittsfield, Wisconsin, is “The Exact Center of the State;” Belle Fourche, South Dakota, is the “Center of the Nation;” and, with all due humility, Boswell, Indiana, is the “Hub of the Universe.”

Carrboro, North Carolina—The Paris of the Piedmont
Decatur, Alabama—The Chicago of the South
Ouray, Colorado—The Switzerland of America
Muskegon, Michigan—The Riviera of the Midwest
Deland, Florida—The Athens of Florida

Reno, Nevada, is “The Biggest Little City in the World” (although it’s unclear who set the statistical parameters).

Manhattan, Kansas, is “The Little Apple,” and Denver, Iowa, is “The Mile-Wide City.”

Livonia, New York, puts things in perspective with “Some Bigger, None Better.” And Burkeville, Virginia (population around 500) proudly proclaims that it is “The Little Town That Could.”

Some of the best town slogans are the ones with humor. Travelers on the roads of America can always use a smile.

Some slogans perhaps fall short of Pulitzer depth, but are still a breath of creative air in the whirlwind of the more staid “biggests” and “bests.”

Gettysburg, South Dakota—Where the battle wasn’t.
Gravity, Iowa—We’re down to earth. (If gravity goes we all go.)
Drumright, Oklahoma—Town of oil repute.
San Andreas, California—It’s not our fault.
Walla Walla, Washington—The city so nice they named it twice.
Bushnell, South Dakota—It’s not the end of the Earth, but you can see it from here.
Knox, Indiana—Where opportunity knocks.
Hooker, Oklahoma—A location, not a vocation.

Some cities and towns just want people to feel good when they visit or want to attract more residents through a rose-colored promise.

Hico, Texas—Where everybody is somebody.
Andover, Kansas—Where the people are warm even when the weather isn’t.
Happy, Texas—The town without a frown.
Eustis, Florida—The City of Bright Tomorrows
Boyd, Wisconsin—The friendly town. Why go by?
Gulfport, Mississippi—Where Your Ship Comes In

Wasko, California—A nice place to live.
Forest Junction, Wisconsin—You can get there from here.
Bellingham, Washington—Let us surprise you.
Metter, Georgia—Everything’s better in Metter.
Beaman, Iowa—You’re not dreamin’ you’re in Beaman

Some towns dive deeply into their brand, carrying the theme through all aspects of community life.

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is “The Sweetest Town on Earth” and, of course, “The Chocolate Capital of the World.” Chocolate can be found everywhere.

Castroville, California, is the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The expansive fields surrounding the town confirm the title, as does the artichoke “cuisine” offered in the town’s restaurants.

Which towns won my heart from their town slogans . . . and made me curious enough to put them on my travel “to do” list?

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Butterfly Town U.S.A.
\u00a9 Meredith Mullins<\/p><\/div>\n

The Telltale Stories of Town Slogans<\/h2>\n
Sometimes, a city\u2019s descriptive moniker is so memorable, it becomes a part of modern culture.<\/p>\n
New York\u2014The Big Apple
\n<\/em>Philadelphia\u2014The City of Brotherly Love
\n<\/em>Las Vegas\u2014What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas. <\/em><\/p>\n
$\"\"$
One slogan like “The Big Apple” may not be enough for a city like New York (also represented by
“The City that Never Sleeps,” “Gotham,” and “I Love New York”).
\u00a9 iStock\/emyu<\/p><\/div>\n
However, there is a unique universe to explore in the town slogans and welcome signs of some of America\u2019s smaller cities. And the focus that each community chooses can be a travel inspiration.<\/p>\n
Meet Butterfly Town, U.S.A. The sign at entrance to Pacific Grove reminds visitors and residents alike that this quiet California town by the sea is a haven for the Monarch butterfly\u2019s winter migration. Every autumn the butterflies are welcomed by a hometown parade as they come to rest in two special groves of eucalyptus trees.<\/p>\n
Pacific Grove has branded itself with one of the unique aspects of its identity\u2014a wondrous natural phenonmenon that attracts visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
The Monarch butterflies entice visitors to Butterfly Town, U.S.A.
\u00a9 iStock\/LifeImagesbyGloria<\/p><\/div>\n
The Magnetism of Town Slogans <\/strong><\/p>\n
As we travel from place to place, especially on the roads of the U.S., the town slogans that appear on welcome signs are not just an interesting read, but also a revelation of a town\u2019s spirit. Oh, I see.\u00a0<\/strong>They may also be a call to action.<\/p>\n
When should we pause and turn off the highway? Why is this community significant? What towns should we visit . . . and why?<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Why not visit Tombstone? The town will always be there.
\u00a9 Tombstone Chamber of Commerce<\/p><\/div>\n
A town\u2019s motto, whether official or unofficial, originates with a number of questions. What makes a town unique? What is its marketable quality\u2014for businesses, residents, and visitors? How should it present its essence in a brief slogan on a sign that people speed by? How does it get passersby to take notice in a world of fast-paced information and fleeting sights?<\/p>\n
Collaboration with marketing firms, brainstorming sessions, chamber-of-commerce soul searching, market research, contests, and lengthy discussions all play a role in the creation of a community\u2019s homespun brand.<\/p>\n
The paths are varied\u2014with history, location, humor, wordplay, unique qualities, friendly seduction, and just plain bragging rights presenting myriad possibilities.<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Los Banos proclaims its importance.
\u00a9 DMT<\/p><\/div>\n
Gateways, Crossroads, and Centers (oh my)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Many town slogans take advantage of that all-important aspect of location\u2014a gateway, a crossroad, or a geographical center.<\/p>\n
For the \u201cgateway\u201d towns, it seems to pay to be at the entrance to something.<\/p>\n
St Louis, Missouri\u2014The Gateway to the West
\n<\/em>Sioux Falls, South Dakota\u2014Gateway to the Plains
\n<\/em>Aurora, Colorado\u2014The Gateway to the Rockies
\n<\/em>Clarksville, Tennessee\u2014Gateway to the New South<\/em><\/p>\n
Why not promote your being at the crossroads or center of something? Anything?<\/p>\n
Los Banos, California, seems special for its place \u201cAt The Crossroads of California;\u201d and Milpitas, California, opens the door to the tech corridor as \u201cThe Crossroads of Silicon Valley.\u201d \u00a0But it\u2019s hard to compete with Terre Haute, Indiana\u2014the \u201cCrossroads of America.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pittsfield, Wisconsin, is \u201cThe Exact Center of the State;\u201d Belle Fourche, South Dakota, is the “Center of the Nation;” and, with all due humility, Boswell, Indiana, is the \u201cHub of the Universe.\u201d<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Can the “Center of the Nation” compete with the “Hub of the Universe”?
\u00a9 DMT<\/p><\/div>\n
There is also a displacement trend where towns become a tribute to other towns.<\/p>\n
Carrboro, North Carolina\u2014The Paris of the Piedmont
\n<\/em>Decatur, Alabama\u2014The Chicago of the South<\/em>
\n<\/em>Ouray, Colorado\u2014The Switzerland of America
\n<\/em>Muskegon, Michigan\u2014The Riviera of the Midwest
\n<\/em>Deland, Florida\u2014The Athens of Florida<\/em><\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Size is relative.
\u00a9 iStock\/Andrei Stanescu<\/p><\/div>\n
Size Doesn\u2019t Matter<\/strong><\/p>\n
Many cities and towns allude to their size\u2014whether big or small.<\/p>\n
Reno, Nevada, is \u201cThe Biggest Little City in the World\u201d (although it\u2019s unclear who set the statistical parameters).<\/p>\n
Manhattan, Kansas, is \u201cThe Little Apple,\u201d and Denver, Iowa, is \u201cThe Mile-Wide City.\u201d<\/p>\n
Livonia, New York, puts things in perspective with \u201cSome Bigger, None Better.\u201d And Burkeville, Virginia (population around 500) proudly proclaims that it is \u201cThe Little Town That Could.\u201d<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
They’re “Down to Earth” in Gravity, Iowa.
\u00a9 Jeff Morrison<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n
Humor Matters (As Well As a Touch of Wordplay)<\/strong><\/p>\n
Some of the best town slogans are the ones with humor. Travelers on the roads of America can always use a smile.<\/p>\n
Some slogans perhaps fall short of Pulitzer depth, but are still a breath of creative air in the whirlwind of the more staid \u201cbiggests\u201d and \u201cbests.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gettysburg, South Dakota\u2014Where the battle wasn\u2019t.
\n<\/em>Gravity, Iowa\u2014We\u2019re down to earth. (If gravity goes we all go.)
\n<\/em>Drumright, Oklahoma\u2014Town of oil repute.
\n<\/em>San Andreas, California\u2014It\u2019s not our fault.
\n<\/em>Walla Walla, Washington\u2014The city so nice they named it twice.
\n<\/em>Bushnell, South Dakota\u2014It\u2019s not the end of the Earth, but you can see it from here.
\n<\/em>Knox, Indiana\u2014Where opportunity knocks.
\n<\/em>Hooker, Oklahoma\u2014A location, not a vocation.<\/em><\/p>\n
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A highway smile
(Image Courtesy of the City of Gettysburg, SD.)<\/p><\/div>\n
The Feel-Good Towns<\/strong><\/p>\n
Some cities and towns just want people to feel good when they visit or want to attract more residents through a rose-colored promise.<\/p>\n
Hico, Texas\u2014Where everybody is somebody.
\n<\/em>Andover, Kansas\u2014Where the people are warm even when the weather isn\u2019t.
\n<\/em>Happy, Texas\u2014The town without a frown.
\n<\/em>Eustis, Florida\u2014The City of Bright Tomorrows
\n<\/em>Boyd, Wisconsin\u2014The friendly town. Why go by?
\n<\/em>Gulfport, Mississippi\u2014Where Your Ship Comes In<\/em><\/p>\n
Sometimes, the promises become even less specific.<\/p>\n
Wasko, California\u2014A nice place to live.
\n<\/em>Forest Junction, Wisconsin\u2014You can get there from here.
\n<\/em>Bellingham, Washington\u2014Let us surprise you.
\n<\/em>Metter, Georgia\u2014Everything\u2019s better in Metter.
\n<\/em>Beaman, Iowa\u2014You\u2019re not dreamin\u2019 you\u2019re in Beaman<\/em><\/p>\n
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A town slogan so ingrained in Hershey, Pennsylvania, that even the lights on Chocolate Avenue
hint at chocolate.
\u00a9 iStock\/gsheldon<\/p><\/div>\n
Town Slogans That Dominate A Town<\/strong><\/p>\n
Some towns dive deeply into their brand, carrying the theme through all aspects of community life.<\/p>\n
Hershey, Pennsylvania, is \u201cThe Sweetest Town on Earth\u201d and, of course, \u201cThe Chocolate Capital of the World.\u201d \u00a0Chocolate can be found everywhere.<\/p>\n
Castroville, California, is the \u201cArtichoke Center of the World.\u201d The expansive fields surrounding the town confirm the title, as does the artichoke \u201ccuisine\u201d offered in the town\u2019s restaurants.<\/p>\n
$\"\"$
Everything artichoke
\u00a9 Meredith Mullins<\/p><\/div>\n
Top Five for Travel Inspiration<\/strong><\/p>\n
Which towns won my heart from their town slogans . . . and made me curious enough to put them on my travel \u201cto do\u201d list?<\/p>\n
\n
Winnemucca, Nevada\u2014The City of Paved Streets\u00a0<\/em>(Paving does seem enticing.)<\/li>\n
Tombstone, Arizona\u2014The Town Too Tough To Die\u00a0<\/em>(There will always be a future.)<\/li>\n
Cherryfield, Maine\u2014The Blueberry Capital of the World\u00a0<\/em>(although Hammonton, New Jersey, might challenge this assertion)<\/li>\n
Bothell, Washington\u2014For a day or a lifetime\u00a0<\/em>(One of my favorite slogans. No pressure. You’re free to do what you want.)<\/li>\n
Knik, Alaska\u2014Dog-Mushing Center of the World\u00a0<\/em>(The ultimate in unique experiences)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Which one provides some travel inspiration for you?<\/p>\n
Thanks to Brad Herzog<\/a> for his list of travel slogans.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
And particular thanks to the Tombstone, Arizona Chamber of Commerce<\/a> for showing the true meaning of hospitality.<\/em><\/p>\n
For a review of additional town slogans, visit Offices Net.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
Comment<\/a><\/i>\u00a0on this post below, or inspire insight with your own\u00a0OIC Moment\u00a0 here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":35214,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[190,199],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-travel","category-usa-mappoints"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35212"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35212\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35320,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35212\/revisions\/35320"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35214"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oh-i-see.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}