The National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected Asheville, North Carolina, as one of "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations." The National Trust anually selects a dozen locations that it regards as the best preserved, unique communities in America. Some of Asheville's landmark historic properties mentioned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the Grove Park Inn, the Biltmore Estate (see second photo), the Thomas Wolfe home (see bottom photo) and Biltmore Village.
Richard Moe, National Trust President, said, "Asheville is home to the Biltmore House, America's largest private residence, and the luxurious and historic Grove Park Inn, and also offers diverse natural, historic, and cultural experiences that preserve generations of the "Appalachian tradition. It is encouraging indeed to see a community so committed to the preservation of its historic landmarks, the revitalization of its downtown area, and the protection of its unique heritage."
Moe added, "Each one of these 12 communities represents a truly distinctive slice of America's past that make them exciting alternatives to the homogenization of many other vacation spots. It is my hope that more American cities and towns will follow the lead of these great destinations in preserving their own spirit of place."
This is the third time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has compiled a list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations. More than 50 destinations in 27 states were nominated by preservation organizations and local communities.
The 12 winning communities met these criteria: well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation with a protected historic core and meaningful context, interesting and attractive architecture, cultural diversity, activities for families with children, an economic base of locally-owned small businesses, and walkability for residents and visitors.
In each community, residents have taken forceful, concrete actions 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.
Below, please find the complete list of communities selected for this years "Distinctive Destinations" awards by the National Trust.
Asheville, N.C. (pop. 68,889): Home to Biltmore House, America's largest private residence, and the luxurious and historic Grove Park Inn, Asheville also offers diverse natural, historic, and cultural experiences that preserve generations of the "Appalachian tradition."
Butte, Mont. (pop. 33,954): Sitting atop the "richest hill on earth," Butte celebrates its rowdy history and invites visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind urban landscape dotted with well-preserved architecture, abandoned copper mines, mansions of mining millionaires, and more.
Fernandina Beach, Fla. (pop. 10,549): Fernandina Beach offers a residential and commercial mix of late-Victorian architecture in its downtown that reflects the city's great prosperity in the late 1880's, while wide beaches on the east frame the Atlantic Ocean.
Ferndale, Calif. (pop. 1,382): In Ferndale, visitors can stroll along the town's Historic main street District, where art galleries, antique shops and boutiques complement a dazzling array of 19th-century Gothic Revival, Italianate, Eastlake and Queen Anne homes.
Frederick, Md. (pop. 52,767): Located just 48 miles from Washington, D.C., in the rolling hills of central Maryland, vibrant, historic Frederick boasts fine restaurants, art galleries, antique shops galore, more than its share of Revolutionary and Civil War ghosts, and a plucky, long-deceased heroine named Barbara Fritchie.
Holland, Mich. (pop. 35,048): Located on a beautiful lakefront site with a revitalized main street lined with quaint cafes and unique shops, the town is the perfect setting for a weekend getaway or a family vacation.
Milan, Ohio (pop. 1,445): Inventor Thomas Edison was born in this picturesque "New England town in Northwestern Ohio" and in the Edison Birthplace Museum, visitors can view a collection of rare Edisoniana, including examples of many of his early inventions, documents and family mementos.
Morristown, N.J. (pop. 18,544): George Washington spent two inhospitable winters here, but today visitors can step back in time while strolling through the town's carefully preserved "green" or admiring the cache of Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian homes that comprise the historic district.
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (pop. 26,186): Long one of America's premier resorts, culminating in the construction of the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel & Conference Center, the town is filled with dazzling examples of Greek Revival, Gothic Revival and Queen Anne architecture.
Silver City, N.M. (pop. 12,500): Once an Apache Indian campsite, later the boyhood home of the gunslinger Billy the Kid, and most recently a silver mining boomtown, visitors can also discover ancient Native American cultures by visiting the nearby Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.
Walla Walla, Wash. (pop. 29,686): A destination rich in historical significance, natural resources, and inherent beauty, Walla Walla boasts a magnificently restored main street, year-round arts and music festivals, events, and many fun opportunities for families with children.
Westerly, R.I. (pop. 17,682): Tucked into Rhode Island's southwest corner, coastal Westerly is one of the state's best-kept secrets with beautiful beaches, sprawling gabled Victorian cottages, vast green lawns and awe-inspiring ocean views.
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