Time is running out to make Athens the 'best town ever'

Athens is trailing Boone, N.C., in the 'best town ever' competition.

Athens is trailing Boone, N.C., in the 'best town ever' competition.

Voting ends tonight in round three of Outside.com's 'best town ever' competition, and Athens could be eliminated.

As of Monday afternoon, Athens had 9,208 votes to Boone, N.C.'s 12,198 votes. Voters have until 11:59 to ensure Athens advances to the next round.

Outside will place the crown on a town's head in June, based on which town gets the most votes.

Outside picked the cities based on access to trails and public lands, restaurants and neighborhoods, and a number of other criteria — including a good beer scene.

The contest is set up bracket-style, with the winning city of each round advancing. The first five rounds of voting will last five days each.

You can vote once each round per matchup. The winner will be announced June 5.