Mineral Point is #8

(CBS) In a country where bigger is usually considered better, more than 100,000 small town residents have voted to have theirs crowned the "Coolest Small Town in America." The poll was conducted by Budget Travel magazine, whose editor in chief, Nina Willdorf, revealed the top ten on The Early Show Wednesday. She says the magazine was looking for Main Street, U.S.A. -- places where you find real people, excited to be part of their communities. And the results help readers discover up-and-coming towns. To qualify, and town has to have a population of less than 10,000: "We're talking small towns, not small cities," Willdorf says. As for what makes a town "cool," it's very subjective, Willdorf explains. It's not an exact science, but in general, there are three really good markers for a small town:

You have to be able to get a good cup of coffee

When people leave for the big city, they realize they've made a mistake and come back home

You'll see more art galleries than country stores.

"This is not quaint America," Willdorf remarked to co-anchor Harry Smith." "This is cool America!" Smith quipped.

#8. Mineral Point, Wis. (3,142 votes) A rural English village filled with 19th century stone cottages surrounded by Wisconsin's rolling hills dotted with farms

Located: Southwest Wisconsin, 50 miles over from Madison
Population: 2,538

There's a growing artist community; you can find organic greens!

Uncle Benny was the mayor, anyone got a good picture of uncle Benny email it to me and I will post it
dan