BREAKING NEWS: VIDEO OF PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING NATIONAL AWARD FOR PROVINCETOWN
February 3, 2010 – 1:05 pm
BREAKING NEWS: Provincetown Receives Historic Award
February 3, 2010 – 12:20 pm
National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Provincetown, Massachusetts, to its 2010 List of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
First Year that Public Will Vote for Fan Favorite Destination
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Provincetown, Massachusetts, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Nominated by the Provincetown Historical Commission, Provincetown was selected for its extraordinary history dating back to the Pilgrims and its unrivaled cultural and pioneering arts, including America’s first art colony. In the month of February, Provincetown will be participating in the first-ever public online voting contest for the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.
For 10 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.
“Provincetown is an American gem that offers visitors the ultimate experience, from its beautiful coastal setting to its unique colonial past,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “People will discover a vibrant, diverse town that is unlike any other coastal destination out there, complete with Provincetown’s trademark artistic flair.”
Hugging a sheltered harbor and surrounded by the dunes and beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore, this New England seaport town boasts a rich history, including the site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact. For over a century, notable artists and literary giants, including Tennessee Williams, Norman Mailer and Charles Hawthorne, have called “P-town” home, and the Gallery Stroll on Summer Friday nights is still a village staple. Commercial Street bustles with pedestrians, who can rent bikes or hop on a pedi-cab to explore the farmer’s market, shops and museums – most located in adaptively-reused historic buildings. While it has long been a favorite destination for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travelers, Provincetown has something for everyone – and knows how to make every visitor feel welcome.
Highlights
· 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pilgrim Monument, an iconic 252-foot tower that commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims, who made their first landing in Provincetown and signed the Mayflower Compact here before relocating to Plymouth
· Along with beach-going activities, visitors can enjoy historic walking tours of 50 sites, sand dune rides and whale watching excursions
· The oldest artist colony in America exists in Provincetown, founded by Charles Hawthorne, whose studio still stands and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places
· The Crowne Pointe Historic Inn & Spa, a Historic Hotel of America, has a rich history steeped in Cape Cod’s fishing past.
· The elegant waterfront 1805 Red Inn and Restaurant was recently featured in Travel & Leisure magazine
· LGBT landmarks include one of the oldest gay bars in America — the Atlantic House, which Frommer’s calls “the nation’s premier gay bar”
For the first time, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote as often as they like for their favorite city or town on this year’s list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 1, 2010. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. No purchase necessary. Offer void where prohibited. Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year’s destinations, and to begin voting!
To download high resolution images and video of this year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.
The 2010 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:
Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from kayaking on the Cedar River to shopping on its acclaimed Main Street, Cedar Falls delightfully connects a dynamic downtown with its natural surroundings.
St. Louis, Mo. – Destination highlights are nestled amongst the historic brick buildings that line St. Louis’ cobblestone streets, proving the city lives up to its iconic status as the “Gateway to the West.”
Marquette, Mich. – Named one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America, cosmopolitan Marquette offers wonderful views of the Lake Superior waterfront and an equally enchanting downtown.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The great Rocky Mountains overlook the thriving businesses of Fort Collins’ Old Town Square – a vibrant area that so epitomizes the ideal of a bustling American main street that it was actually used as a model for “Main Street, USA” at Disneyland.
Provincetown, Mass. – This New England seaport town, site of the 1620 signing of the Mayflower Compact, positions fabulous galleries and restaurants next to National Seashore dunes and beaches.
Simsbury, Conn. – This quintessential small town appeals to the heritage traveler with its top-rated restaurants, historic sites and parks and real working farms that produce everything from wine to sweet corn to homemade ice cream.
Rockland, Maine – With great pride in its maritime past and present, Rockland blends tradition with an innovative spirit and delivers delicious dining opportunities as well as historic lighthouses and museums.
Chestnut Hill, Pa. – Enjoying a unique combination of colonial and modern history, Chestnut Hill features historic homes ranging from Federal to Modernist, a boutique shopping district, and recreational opportunities at nearby Wissahickon Valley Park.
Huntsville, Ala. – Still preserving the largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama, Huntsville has grown from its deep southern roots to become “America’s Space Capital.”
The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, Va. – The Crooked Road celebrates the region’s rich Appalachian heritage, weaving together quaint historic districts that share a past steeped in a uniquely American music culture.
Bastrop, Tex. – Only 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop takes visitors back in time with traditional Texas charm and historic buildings set along the banks of the Colorado River.
Sitka, Alaska – Sitka prides itself on its diverse cultural heritage and offers a glimpse of a unique chapter of American history, while the extraordinary wilderness in its backyard beckons visitors to explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
2010 marks the eleventh announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.
