Seems like the Chippewa Valley has been getting bunches of awards lately (like this and this), and I don't know about you, but I think we deserve more recognition. Like what, you ask? Like Rand McNally's Best of the Road, I answer. The competition takes a look at small towns (populations under 150,000) across America, and five towns will be dubbed winners in five categories: Most Beautiful, Most Patriotic, Friendliest, Most Fun, and Best for Food.

So how can the towns and cities of the Chippewa Valley qualify? Just go to bestoftheroad.com and vote for your town. If you're feeling especially sentimental, you can post a review of your favorite things to do there, too. If we get enough votes, we could qualify for the top 30 towns in America. And then, this June, five driving teams will visit the 30 finalists, eat at the favorite eateries, treasure the local museums, grovel at the beautiful landscapes, and high-five the friendly residents. In July, the teams will gather in Seattle to determine the five winning towns, one for each category.

It'll be no easy feat, but I think we're up for the challenge.