Hannibal Named One of America’s 22 Prettiest River Towns

Since I was born and raised in Hannibal, Missouri, I'm probably not the most objective person when it comes to things that are said about my hometown. I am quite proud to learn that Hannibal was just listed among the 22 prettiest river towns in America and the list isn't wrong.

This view of the Hannibal riverfront will forever be a part of me

Hannibal was just given quite an honor from travel website Love Exploring. They listed town always associated with Mark Twain's boyhood among their top 22 prettiest river towns in America. It always fascinates me to see how other people who aren't from Hannibal view my town. Love Exploring says that Hannibal "still carries a sense of nostalgic Americana". They also said that some of the joys in Hannibal include "wandering old-fashioned streets, browsing quirky museums (including one dedicated to Twain himself), and catching golden light over the water". They added that there's a relaxed feel in Hannibal, too.

Hannibal as it is now isn't quite like the Hannibal I remember growing up in, but that's not a negative. All towns change and while I would love it if I could find a time machine and go back to the Hannibal of the 1970's and 1980's, that's not how life works. I'm proud that even with the changes and modern things, the pace of life in Hannibal is still slower than most places and many in the downtown area especially take pride in preserving the area.