THOMASVILLE, GA – April 21, 2025 – The Rose City continues to shine nationally after receiving
recognition in various USA Today’s 10Best Lists. Following a nationwide vote, Thomasville garnered
fourth place for “Best Small Town Food Scene 2025”, seventh place for “Best Small Town in the South
2025,” and tenth place in “Best Flower Festivals in the US 2025.” The national recognition continues to
cement Thomasville’s status as a standout destination for travelers near and far.
“It is a significant accomplishment for USA Today travel experts to, once again, recognize us on each of
these lists,” said April Norton, City of Thomasville Managing Director of Marketing &
Communications. “To know that people across the country voted Thomasville in the top ten of each list,
is a true testament to the strength of the collaborative efforts necessary by our citizens, merchants, and
City leadership to make Thomasville the wonderful destination that it is.”
Lewisburg, West Virginia once again topped the list as the “Best Small Town Food Scene 2025,” with
Thomasville ranking fourth as the only city on the list from the state of Georgia. According to USA
Today, Thomasville is known for its quaint, timeless charm and diverse food scene featuring Southern
specialties and traditional comfort food, welcoming guests to experience a vast range of dining delights.
Thomasville also took home seventh place as the “Best Small Town in the South 2025.” This category
included towns with populations of less than 25,000, and USA Today noted Thomasville’s deep history
and Downtown overflowing with specialty shops and local cuisine. Thomasville was the only city in
Georgia included on the national list. For the second year in a row Starkville, Mississippi topped this
year’s list.
With roses in full bloom, the Rose Show & Festival was also recognized as one of the “Best Flower
Festivals in the US 2025.” The Rose Show landed tenth on the list with our neighbors from Ball Ground,
Georgia the Daffodil Festival at Gibbs Gardens taking the top spot. Breathtaking displays of roses,
Orchids on Parade, the Annual Standard Flower Show, a lively parade, and live music were among the
highlights identified by USA Today.
Thomasville also earned recognition in the USA Today 10 Best Lists in 2024 for both “Best Small Town
in the South” and “Best Small Town Food Scene.”
USA Today publishes their annual 10Best results throughout March and April. Travel experts and
editors across the country created the top ten lists, presenting the finalists to readers who could vote for
their favorites up to one time per day over the course of a month.
“A culinary scene with something for everyone, a vibrant and welcoming small town ambiance, and a
Rose Show & Festival that has blossomed every spring for the last 104 years, we are truly blessed with
the ability to provide locals and visitors with a diverse entertainment scene,” said Norton. “This
recognition reaffirms our standing as a must-visit travel destination.”
