An Alabama city has landed in the No. 2 spot on a USA Today 10Best list of the “Best Summer Travel Destinations for 2023.”

The Reader’s Choice list, published Friday, puts Mobile right behind Mackinac Island, Mich., and ahead of such destinations as Door County, Wisc.; Chicago; Crystal River, Fla.; and Asheville, N.C.

The verdict: “Located on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, this port city has plenty for everyone to do, from the nearby Bellingrath Gardens and Battleship Memorial Park to art museums and airboat tours. Indulge your sweet tooth at Mo’Bay Beignet Co., learn about Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum and take in local history by way of the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail.”

Read the full list.

While it’s a strong showing, there had been hopes of a possible win in the poll: For a time in early April, Mobile led the voting among 20 finalists.

According to a post on an official Mobile Facebook page, Mobile was included in the poll after Visit Mobile brought in Catherine Smith, USA Today’s 10Best production manager and social media director, for a tour.

A variety of Alabama spots have appeared in USA Today’s 10Best rankings over the years. Among the most recent: Back in March, Alexander City made the list of “10 best small towns in the South for 2023,” coming in at No. 2.

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