12 U.S. Cities Named Distinctive Destinations
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This week, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Marquette, Mich., is the winner of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations “Fan Favorite” award – chosen by the public via an online vote that took place during the month of February. For 10 years the National Trust has annually chosen 12 communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.
This year, the National Trust asked the public to get involved by voting for their favorite destination among the 12, to be named the 2010 Fan Favorite.
Marquette is nestled along the shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its rich history—throughout the 19th and 20th centuries it attracted immigrants from over 40 nations to work in the shipping, mining and timber industries—can be seen along the well-preserved streets of its downtown. The city’s collection of magnificent red sandstone buildings now houses a dynamic array of retail shops, galleries, and restaurants—many of which are situated to provide breathtaking views of the waterfront.
This year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations range from a culturally diverse New England seaport steeped in the arts and a bustling city known as the “Gateway to the West” to an Appalachian music-heritage trail, an Alaskan gem rich in Native American and Russian history and a charming Southern city with deep roots in space exploration.
The 2010 America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations are:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from bicycling along the Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic brick buildings that line St. Louis’ cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the “Gateway to the West.”
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America, cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving businesses of Fort Collins’ Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for “Main Street, USA” at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become “America’s Space Capital.”
The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road celebrates the region’s rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
SOURCE National Trust for Historic Preservation
This entry was posted on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 10:28 am and is filed under Rentals by State, U.S. travel news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
4 Responses to “12 U.S. Cities Named Distinctive Destinations”
Destin FL activities March 6th, 2010 at 3:03 am
I'm happy to see my hometown marquette in the top 12!
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