The Anti-Orlando, Anti-Vegas Travel Wish List
The National Trust for Historic Preservation just released its annual list of "America's dozen distinctive destinations" -- alternative vacation spots across the country that will never make the travel industry's Top 10 list, but are lovely examples of beautifully preserved towns and cities, and definitely worth building a vacation around. And lucky us, two of their choices are near D.C.: the gorgeous colonial town of Chestertown, Md., on Maryland's Eastern Shore, and Charlottesville, Va., the quintessential college town in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge. I never get tired of going to either, at any time of year.
Chestertown, Md., has been charming visitors since 1706. (Linda Davidson - TWP)
It's tough to not smile when strolling through Charlottesville, Va. (Andrea Bruce Woodall - TWP)
You could plan your whole traveling year around their list, which also includes the beautifully preserved fishing town of Chatham, Mass.; the "architectural treasure trove" of Mineral Point, Wisc.; the "quirky yet sophisticated" West Hollywood, Calif.; and the lovely Victorian village of Woodstock, Ill. The complete list is here and images of their picks are here.
Take a look at the list -- there are some obvious choices, but a few surprises, too (Ellenberg, Wash.?). Thoughts about the National Trust's nominations? If you have a well-preserved, vibrant town of your own to share, let's hear it.
By K.C. Summers |
March 7, 2007; 1:11 PM ET
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Posted by: cj | March 7, 2007 5:28 PM
Port Townsend, Wash. has done a tremendous job of preserving and redeveloping it's Victorian era downtown. It's a beautiful, walkable city with a maritime flavor right on the Puget Sound.
Posted by: Christy | March 9, 2007 1:04 PM
Never been to Ellensburg, but it sounds like it would be fun to check out. I agree with you about the choices being somewhat expected, but I think it's a nice list considering that places like Orlando and Vegas get most of the vacation action -- it's nice to think that a list like this could help point travelers to some new choices.
Posted by: KC Summers | March 9, 2007 5:48 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Is EllenSburg, WA a surprise because you've never heard of it, or because you've never been there? Even though for those of us who are from the area may call it Smellensburg (for the fragrance of the cattle yards), its not a bad burg. None of the lesser known towns on the National Trust list appear to be much more interesting, just different eras of architecture being preserved.
I'm curious about why West Hollywood? To me, its right up there with Vegas in terms of desirability.