Oregonians have their own opinions about which parts of the state are their favorites, choices that vary depending on whether you’re looking for scenic beauty, a thriving cultural scene, an urban feel, adventure, recreation, family fun, and more.

So, it’s sometimes interesting -- and sometimes baffling -- to hear what others outside the state find notable in Oregon. Do we agree with their choices about which beach is best? Which campgrounds are tops? What city is a great travel destination? Maybe. Maybe not.

The latest example of an outside source weighing in on Oregon’s attributes comes from the HGTV website. A list called “50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in America” invites readers to “Explore the hidden gems of each state: towns with quaint shops and restaurants, fascinating histories, fun experiences and natural beauty.”

Related: Two Oregon towns featured on HGTV list of ‘must-visit’ movie filming locations

Among the municipalities in other states that make the list are Unalaska, Alaska; Winslow, Arizona (and yes, they mention the town’s shout-out in The Eagles’ song, “Take It Easy”); Carmel, California; Wallace, Idaho; Kennebunkport, Maine; Nantucket, Massachusetts; Hannibal, Missouri; Whitefish, Montana; Carson City, Nevada; Taos, New Mexico; and La Conner, Washington.

So, which Oregon community made the most charming small towns list? Take a bow, Jacksonville!

The southern Oregon town is described this way on the HGTV list: “Historic Jacksonville, Oregon, is in southern Oregon’s wine country and a gateway to the Applegate Valley Wine Trail. Come in the summer to enjoy the Britt Music & Arts Festival, the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts event, or explore the town’s independently owned shops, restaurants and hiking and biking trails year-round. Jacksonville has been called one of America’s 10 ‘coolest small towns.’”

Want to know more? The Oregonian/OregonLive invites readers to visit the Jacksonville Woodlands, where “it’s easy to let the outside world vanish: busy Interstate 5 just five miles away, even the bustling small town below. A peaceful silence settles over the southern Oregon forest, a place designed for wandering and disappearing into nature.”

— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

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