Distinctive Destinations for 2011

Updated August 5, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

From 2000 to this final list published in 2011, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated 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 dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization.

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

1. Alexandria, Virginia
2. Chapel Hill, North Carolina
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
4. Dandridge, Tennessee
5. Eureka, California
6. Muskogee, Oklahoma
7. New Bedford, Massachusetts
8. Paducah, Kentucky
9. Saint Paul, Minnesota
10. San Angelo, Texas
11. Sheridan, Wyoming
12. Sonoma, California