Denton ranked as No. 2 destination in Texas

• Tweet
• Pin It

Olivia Sylvain / Staff Writer

Denton recently came in at No. 2 on Texas Highways Magazine’s Top 40 Travel Destinations list.

Texas Highways announced the contest in celebration of the magazine’s 40th anniversary. The list was compiled by Texas Highways based on reader feedback via Facebook, email and physical mail. Denton is ranked higher than Houston (No. 36) and Dallas (No. 31).

Texas Highways editor Jill Lawless said readers poured in from all over Texas to get their city on the list.

“Last fall, we asked readers to share their favorite places in the state. Thousands of readers helped to shape the final Top-40 list, which we’ve been revealing with a gradual countdown in each issue throughout 2014,” Lawless said.

Both the Denton Convention and Visitors Bureau and Denton Economic Development were active in getting Denton residents to participate in the contest. Denton CVB vice president Kim Phillips said the city can use the recognition to get businesses and families to move to the area.

“We are very thrilled, and everyone in Denton should be thrilled, because just being on that list is amazing,” Phillips said.

Lyn, right, and Scott Ballard, middle, sell “Only In Denton” memorabilia at last Saturday’s Community Market on Carroll Blvd. Their website promotes local business and allows users to promote events happening around town. And UNT’s own Junebug Clark, right, embodies the unique, bizzare, neighborly spirit of Dentonites.

Although Denton city departments encouraged residents to write in to the contest, Texas Highways was responsible for the ultimate ranking of the cities. Those who participated had to write short essays on all the things they liked about the city and why it should be on the list. Voters mentioned features such as the historic buildings, live music, art, friendly community and culture according to Julie Glover of Denton Economic Development.

“We have great restaurants, great bars, and we have transit,” Glover said. “We’re constantly in touch with businesses that are looking for new sites. Everyone that comes here is looking for a good quality of life for their families and employees.”

Denton has also been featured on Huffington Post’s list of eight emerging cultural hot spots and was voted No. 2 on Rand McNally and USA Today’s list of most fun small towns in America in 2012.

Featured Image: The Campus Theatre hosts movies and theatrical productions year round. Sold-out performances of Les Miserables are currently showing and the Thin Line Film Festival will be back in February.

• Tweet
• Pin It

Related Posts

• UNT professor leads research in plant-based building material
  UNT professor leads research in plant-based building material
• Large crowd views unscheduled religious argument in middle of campus
  Large crowd views unscheduled religious argument in middle of campus
• 

  Liquor sales would bring money to county
  Liquor sales would bring money to county
• 

  Renowned artist takes part in new subscription
  Renowned artist takes part in new subscription