Photo: Moment RF
Sometimes, you just know.
You drive down the winding streets of a quaint village lined with historic shops and inviting eateries and can immediately feel how special it is without having ever been there before.
That's the place.
And maybe, the entire experience started out as a detour or a pitstop, but the town's charm, charisma of its residents, and the calmness of its parks drew you into something bigger.
Like a painting frozen in time that's forever evolving and a place that feels like home to all who walk its weathered sidewalks.
Yes, that's the place.
According to a list compiled by HGTV, the best small town in Illinois is Alton. This charming little town was also named among the most charming small towns in America.
Here's what HGTV had to say about the best small town in each state:
"Alton, Illinois, the hometown of jazz musician Miles Davis, is located where Route 66 meets the Great River Road. This quaint river town is known for its limestone bluffs, which make it one of the best spots in the U.S. to see bald eagles. Every January and February, the town kicks off the eagle-watching season with the Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Festival. Alton is reportedly one of the most haunted small towns in America; at least 10 spirits are said to inhabit the McPike Mansion."
For a continued list of the most charming small towns across the country check out HGTV's full report.