National Trust for Historic Preservation Announces That Marquette, Mich. is 'Fan Favorite' Among 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

First Ever Public Vote for Fan Favorite Destination

WASHINGTON, March 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that Marquette, Mich., is the winner of the 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations "Fan Favorite" award – chosen by the public via an online vote that took place during the month of February. For 10 years the National Trust has annually selected 12 communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. This year, the National Trust asked the public to get involved by voting for their favorite destination among the 12, to be named the 2010 Fan Favorite. Garnering more than 30 percent of the online votes, Marquette was the overwhelming winner this year.

"Each of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations offer travelers a way to get off the beaten path and enjoy an authentic, dynamic and entertaining travel experience," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "This year's new Fan Favorite voting put heritage travelers in the driver's seat and allowed them to tell us which vacation destination they think is most distinct. While all these places have much to recommend them, the public has spoken and voters recognized the outstanding charm and character of Marquette. We congratulate Marquette for being the '2010 Fan Favorite.'"  

Marquette is nestled along the shoreline of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Its rich history—throughout the 19th and 20th centuries it attracted immigrants from over 40 nations to work in the shipping, mining and timber industries—can be seen along the well-preserved streets of its downtown. The city's collection of magnificent red sandstone buildings now houses a dynamic array of retail shops, galleries, and restaurants—many of which are situated to provide breathtaking views of the waterfront.  

The city boasts a total of 27 nationally and state-designated historic sites. Events at Northern Michigan University, which is located in Marquette, also contribute to the city's vibrancy. Among the hidden gems in Marquette are a city park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and the world's largest wooden domed stadium.

This year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations range from a culturally diverse New England seaport steeped in the arts and a bustling city known as the "Gateway to the West" to an Appalachian music-heritage trail, an Alaskan gem rich in Native American and Russian history and a charming Southern city with deep roots in space exploration.

FAN FAVORITE DETAILS

The public determined which of the 12 destinations would be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From February 3 to February 28, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, could vote as often as they liked for their favorite city or town on this year's list. Voters were 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, and to learn more about this year's destinations. To see the final results of this year's vote, go to: http://www.preservationnation.org/travel-and-sites/travel/dozen-distinctive-destinations/ddd-results.html

As the winner of the Fan Favorite, Marquette will receive a complimentary one-year Gozaic partnership. Gozaic.com is the new online community for travelers interested in heritage destinations, sites and events that define the nation's past and enrich Americans' lives. Easy to use and filled with information, Gozaic provides visitors with a powerful travel planning resource and an online community for finding and sharing travel experiences.

The 2010 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:

Cedar Falls, Iowa – With recreational activities ranging from bicycling along 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.

To download high resolution images and video of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.

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.

SOURCE National Trust for Historic Preservation