Although residents of Marquette hardly needed confirmation, the fact that the city and its environs is a pretty cool place to live was underscored recently with the announcement that Marquette made the top spot in USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice contest.

According to a press release from Travel Marquette, the city bested a whole host of well-known locations. Here is the top 10: Marquette; Florence, Oregon; Watkins Glen, New York; Sedona, Arizona; Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania; Everglades City, Florida; North Conway, New Hampshire; Blowing Rock, North Carolina; Bar Harbor, Maine; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.According to USA Today, a panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to choose the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

“Over the past decade, Marquette County has grown to be a top destination for year-round outdoor adventure in Michigan,” Michelle Cook, board president for Travel Marquette, said in the press release. “To see the recognition and brand awareness extend beyond a regional level is exciting.”

We couldn’t agree more. Marquette, and the surrounding area, we believe, represent the best the Upper Peninsula has to offer, not only in terms of economic opportunities and cultural diversity but educational and recreational options.

It’s nice to be so recognized.