BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem’s historic Main Street is the best in the country.

The picturesque downtown strip beat out well-known locations like Salem, Massachusetts, Lake Placid, New York, and Cooperstown, New York to claim the “Best Main Street” crown in USA Today’s 10Best Main Street competition.

“Now the whole country knows what everyone who lives and works here already knows, Bethlehem is the best,” said Kelly Ronalds, director of room sales and guest experience for Historic Hotel Bethlehem.

In March, USA Today included Bethlehem’s Main Street among the top 20 places that offer “living history, have a vibrant culture, and serve as the hearts of their communities.”

A panel of travel experts picked the top 20 best Main Streets across the country.

Voting by the public took place over the next several weeks to determine the top 10 best Main Streets. Individuals could vote online once a day until noon April 7.

Hotel Bethlehem’s marketing team rallied a get-out-the vote effort.

“Having won the USA Today Best Historic Hotel award four years in a row, our experts have a lot of experience with this and were very excited to support a contest honoring the entire community,” said Bruce Haines, Hotel Bethlehem’s managing partner.

“That’s what a Main Street like ours stands for – community,” added Tammy Wendling, senior vice president of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the several week contest, the Downtown Business Association (“DBA”) worked hard to spread the word.

It created a QR code that made it easy to vote, published many email newsletters, produced social media content, printed postcards, and used good old-fashioned word of mouth to encourage participation.

“Bethlehem is a really special place,” said Kimberly O’Neill, co-owner of Knobs ‘N Knockers and a board member of the Downtown Bethlehem Association.

“We’re thrilled to have our business on such a vibrant Main Street and to be part of such a fantastic community. One of the most special things about our location is that you don’t necessarily have to drive a long way to get here, but when you arrive, you feel like you’re on a getaway.”

The other top 10 Main Streets in America include Emporia, Kansas; Ogden, Utah; Howell, Michigan; Grapevine, Texas; Virginia City, Nevada; McMinnville, Oregon; Paso Robles, California; Winchester, Virginia; and Safety Harbor, Florida.