The profile also detailed the diverse demographic and natural appeal of the area. "Circus lore and a population of Amish snowbirds add to this town's intriguing history.
Throw in rare gardens and beautiful beaches, and you have a sophisticated cultural getaway that delivers sun and surf, too," the blurb stated.
An accompanying feature story further analyzed the evolution of the waterfront lifestyle in Florida, titled "This coastal Florida town is world-class in more ways than one."
The travel guide recommended specific local establishments for visitors exploring the bay area.
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"Any visit to Longboat Key should include raising something cold to drink — perhaps a Hugo Spritz or mojito — and sampling a grouper sandwich or blackened grouper tacos at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, where alfresco tables overlook Sarasota Bay (a playground for eco tours and dolphin cruises) and egrets stalk the breakwater," CNN noted.
Other cities ranked highly on the list include New Haven, Connecticut at number two, Greenville, South Carolina at number three, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at number four.
Bethlehem has transitioned from its historical roots as a steel manufacturing hub into a cultural destination.
Local musician Robbie Lawrence performed with a polka band outside the city's industrial history museum, singing, "I come from Bethlehem and I'm proud of it, Bethlehem is my home."
Lawrence noted that community members actively worked to preserve the town's identity after the local steel industry declined.
