Hope's hometown continues to earn national acclaim.  Forbes has included Holland as just one of 15 communities on its list of “America’s Prettiest Towns.”

The listing recognizes “towns seemingly custom-designed for soaking in the sights, with charming main streets, a variety of activities and beautiful vistas.”  In addition to citing the annual May Tulip Festival and Windmill Island Gardens specifically, Forbes’s description of Holland notes that “Holland attracts visitors year-round with wide beaches, a lively arts scene, shops that celebrate Dutch culture, and even a sidewalk snowmelt system that keeps downtown’s streets dry during those cold, wet Lake Michigan winter days.”

                In addition to Holland, the communities on the list are:  New Iberia, La.; Camden, Maine; Anna Maria, Fla.; Decorah, Iowa; Breckenridge, Colo.; Fort Benton, Mont.; Athens, Ga.; Lambertville, N.J.; Kapa’a, Hawaii; Edgartown, Mass.; Asheville, N.C.; Leavenworth, Wash.; Galena, Ill.; and Fish Creek, Wash.

                Holland has earned accolades from multiple organizations and on a variety of measures through the years, including recognition as one of the country’s “happiest” and “tidiest” communities, as well as inclusion among the “smartest” cities based on education and as a “distinctive destination.”  Holland has also received multiple honors in the national America in Bloom competition, including the top spot in the 25,000-50,000 population category in both 2011 and 2012 (this year’s winners have not yet been announced) and induction into the “Circle of Champions.”