25 Top Uniquely American Cities
& Towns

This town of fewer than 8,000 is an average, wholesome, Southern town. But its standout feature is its involvement in a National Defense University program. Each year, nearly five dozen international military students begin a master’s program fellowship at NDU that includes cultural immersion throughout the country. As one of the first of 25 stops, Ripley offers a unique experience because it's the only site where students stay with families and are immersed in the American lifestyle. The entire community gets involved in the yearly event.