Distinctive Destinations - National Trust for Historic Preservation Locations Locator Map and Directory

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Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.

The destinations selected in 2008 range from a French colonial village along the banks of the Mississippi River that captures the pioneer spirit of the early settlers, to a small Texas town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled terrain of the 19th century western frontier, to a gorgeous Southern city with roots three centuries deep, and a coastal town renowned for its seafood and historic buildings.

"These twelve communities represent the richness and diversity of America’s cultural heritage," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and in preserving their historic fabric and spirit of place are models for other towns and cities."

This is the ninth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 108 Distinctive Destinations located in 42 states throughout the country. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits