The assignment: Start in New York City and wind up in Los Angeles, exploring the best of small-town America along the way.

Three weeks and 25,000 miles later, five teams competing in the Best of the Road contest - sponsored by Rand McNally in collaboration with USA TODAY - have turned in their maps and car keys, consulted with a panel of judges and come up with the winners: five towns full of friendly people, great scenery, terrific food, patriotic fervor and just plain fun.

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