National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Franklin, Tennessee to its 2009 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Small Town Charm Meets City Sophistication
Posted January 13, 2009 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Franklin, Tennessee one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.
Surrounded by rolling green hills and scenic landscapes, Franklin, Tennessee offers a rare blend of small-town southern hospitality and big-city amenities. The town, which is often described as "100 years" and a few miles south of Nashville, is packed with history including Civil War battlefields, historic house museums and a host of antebellum mansions. Recently listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before you Die, Franklin is a vibrant community and ideal destination for the whole family.
Downtown Franklin, which is comprised of a 15-block historic district, boasts an eclectic mix of more than 70 trendy boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. With a history that dates back more than 200 years, it offers a dynamic American main street experience with commemorative brick sidewalks, Victorian architecture, lush landscaping and beautifully restored historic buildings. Franklin also boasts an impressive lineup of family-friendly festivals that take place throughout the year and attract more than 200,000 visitors annually.
"Franklin has fostered a strong preservation ethic that has helped retain its distinctive sense of place and protect the region's architecture, village communities and traditional farmsteads," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Its rural atmosphere and southern charm make it a vacation destination not to be missed."
Franklin is perhaps best known as the site of the Civil War's Battle of Franklin. Visitors can experience the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War by touring the Carter House, the Lotz House and the Historic Carnton Plantation, which includes the largest privately-owned Confederate cemetery in the nation. History buffs will not want to miss Franklin on Foot-a guided walking tour with fascinating stories of Franklin's past-or the Tennessee Civil War Trail, which has the largest number of markers in the state. A few minutes from downtown Franklin is the working historic village of Leiper's Fork. Protected by conservation easements, this charming rural community offers good country cooking, one-of-a-kind shops and examples of the late 19th century architecture that was once characteristic of villages throughout the county. Other local attractions include the outstanding Arrington Vineyards, and the Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Scenic Byway that invites hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.
The public is invited to share stories about their favorite Distinctive Destinations at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd
To download high resolution images of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations winners, visit http://press.nationaltrust.org/
The 2009 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:
Athens, Ga.- Athens, called the "classic city" because of its name and neo-classical architecture, is known for its distinct blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting southern culture, a mix of historic attractions, a dynamic downtown and a lively music scene. It is also home to the University of Georgia and a growing artistic community.
Bristol, R.I.- A quintessential New England waterfront town steeped in a rich history that spans three centuries. This coastal community, conveniently located only one hour south of Boston, seamlessly blends outdoor beauty with cultural pleasures. Bristol is studded with parks featuring recreational opportunities and stunning vistas, along with a treasure trove of stately historic homes, museums, one-of-a-kind boutiques and seafood eateries. Together, they create a storybook experience that serves as an ideal retreat.
Buffalo, N.Y.- Buffalo is a gold mine of late 19th/early 20th century urban design. This lakeside city harbors an unexpected discovery around every corner - and 500 walking tours - offering a staggering range of cultural resources as well as some of the country's most captivating architecture. Nestled between the pristine network of city parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted are National Historic Landmarks by Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and H.H. Richardson.
Fort Worth, Tex.- The "City of Cowboys and Culture," once a frontier town home to the brave and the brawling now features a world-renowned cultural arts district and well-preserved Western heritage. One focal point, the Fort Worth Stockyards is home to the Fort Worth Herd, the world's only daily cattle drive - Texas Longhorns are paraded daily right in the heart of the Stockyards. This unmistakable mix of historic resources and 21st-century city living appeals to both young and old, distinguishing it as one of the great southwestern urban centers.
Franklin, Tenn.- Surrounded by rolling green hills and scenic landscapes, Franklin offers a rare blend of small-town southern hospitality and big-city amenities - a vibrant community and ideal destination for the whole family. The town, often described as "100 years" and a few miles south of Nashville, is packed with history including Civil War battlefields, historic house museums and a host of antebellum mansions.
Hot Springs, S.D.- Hot Springs, less than an hour from Mt. Rushmore, is famous for its healing waters, impressive collection of pink sandstone buildings, scenic beauty and excess of natural and cultural resources. It is the perfect gateway to the magnificent beauty of the southern Black Hills which includes the Wild Horse Sanctuary, Native American ceremonial sites, petroglyphs and spectacular scenery. Hot Springs is also home to the world-famous Mammoth Site with the remains of 58 Ice Age mammoths and 27 other prehistoric species, most an estimated 26,000 years old.
Lake Geneva, Wis.- Easily accessible from Milwaukee and Chicago, Lake Geneva is commonly referred to as the "Newport of the West" for its pristine natural beauty and beautiful lakefront estates. Highlighting the historic atmosphere is the well-preserved mix of homes that display a historical spectrum of American residential architecture including Gothic Revival cottages, large picturesque Queen Ann style mansions, formal colonial Revival style houses and progressive Craftsman style homes. One favorite pastime for visitors is meandering along the perimeter of the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path, offering pedestrians intimate views of the area's most famous mansions and restored estates.
Lititz, Pa.- Only 60 miles west of Philadelphia, this antidote to high-powered city living possesses a picturesque charm rooted in its Moravian heritage that dates to the mid-18th century. Against a backdrop dotted with old stone mills, log homes and wooden covered bridges, and echoing with the clip clop of horses' hooves, Lititz offers a variety of attractions within easy walking distance of its appealing downtown district.
Santa Barbara, Calif.- Called "the American Riviera," this premier resort destination's idyllic, year-round climate and breadth of attractions delivers on its reputation. The sun-drenched, coastal paradise features white-washed buildings with red tile roofs, acres of lush landscaping and laid-back beaches, plus iconic historic landmarks, cultural venues, culinary delights and world-class accommodations of the caliber usually reserved for a major metropolis.
Santa Fe, N.M.- One of the best-preserved cities in the United States, Santa Fe is an ancient city with a distinctive architecture borne out of its remote location and use of local materials. Perched high in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, it is unparalleled in its richness of history, arts and culture. Signature adobe architecture and old world charm combine with culinary sophistication and a creative flair to make the city one of the country's most fascinating destinations.
Saugatuck-Douglas, Mich.- These neighboring harbor towns, nestled near the shore of Lake Michigan, are defined by steep, rolling dunes to the west and lush orchard country to the east. Today, 19th century architecture forms the basis for the area's old world charm, but the lakeshore community's scenic beauty and singular collection of art galleries, shops and restaurants make it a perfect getaway for a day, a weekend or even a season.
Virginia City, Nev.- The historic mining boomtown of Virginia City provides unique insights into the spirit of the Old West. The town-steeped in silver and gold rush lore-is packed with the history of pioneers turned into millionaires. Mansions, saloons, museums and old mines provide a glimpse into the storied past of American frontier life, capturing the allure that once fueled western expansion.
2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 120 Distinctive Destinations located in 43 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns across the country that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation 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, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. www.PreservationNation.org
