Distinctive Destinations for 2009

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

Each year the National Trust for Historic Preservation designates a dozen distinctive places for Americans to visit. According to Richard Moe, president of the National Trust, “The communities named to this list are pockets of serenity amid the sprawl, clutter, and homogenization that have overwhelmed so many American vacation spots.“ Each of the 12 cities and towns met a number of important criteria, including well-managed growth, a protected historic core, interesting architecture, a flourishing local small business community, and easy walking access.

These 12 cities and towns (in alphabetical order by city) are:

1. Athens, Georgia
2. Bristol, Rhode Island
3. Buffalo, New York
4. Fort Worth, Texas
5. Franklin, Tennessee
6. Hot Springs, South Dakota
7. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
8. Lititz, Pennsylvania
9. Santa Barbara, California
10. Santa Fe, New Mexico
11. Saugatuck-Douglas, Michigan
12. Virginia City, Nevada