2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced their 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations List. This features places "that showcase and preserve their unique histories while offering and enriching--and fun--visitor experience."

It is quite an honor to make the list.

An asterisk means I've been there. I'll make my own comments later. These are Krista Walton's. This year's destinations:


1. SANTA BARBARA, CALIF-- known for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, sometimes called America's Riviera. Over 70 designated historic landmarks.

2. *BUFFALO, NEW YORK-- Locals have made preservation a priority the last decade. Numerous restored structures and 500 annual walking tours with Frederick Law Olmsted parks and Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan-designed buildings.

3. *SAUGATUCK-DOUGLAS, MICHIGAN-- century-old harbor towns and artist retreat.

4. SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO-- adobe architecture and surrounding 1.6 million acres of national forest. And, on a Route 66 alignment.

5. *ATHENS, GEORGIA-- 15 National Register-listed historic districts, neo-classical architecture and black heritage sites. Also home to Univ. of Georgia.

6. *VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA-- Founded during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, outside Reno.

The Other Six Coming Up. --RoadDog