National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Bastrop, Texas, to its 2010 List of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations
First Year that Public Will Vote for Fan Favorite Destination
Posted February 3, 2010 | Contact pr@nthp.org or 202-588-6141
Washington, D.C. (February 3, 2010)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Bastrop, Texas, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Bastrop, nominated by Bastrop Main Street, was selected for its unique place in Texas history, its well-preserved and vibrant downtown, its rich and varied calendar of annual events and its proximity to the Lost Pines natural region. In the month of February, Bastrop 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.
"The city of Bastrop is remarkable for its vibrant, walkable downtown, distinguished architecture, celebrated cultural diversity, and a population devoted to protecting its character," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Bastrop embodies everything that a distinctive destination should be, and I hope many will take the opportunity to visit when our annual National Preservation Conference takes place in Austin in October 2010."
Nestled against the banks of the Colorado River just 30 minutes from downtown Austin, Bastrop boasts a history that dates back over 175 years. The town offers visitors a glimpse of Texas' rich past, a dynamic downtown filled with 19th- and early 20th-century buildings, unique restaurants and shops and access to two state parks. Established in 1832 as one of Stephen F. Austin's original colonies and later home to many participants in Texas' struggle for independence, Bastrop is widely recognized as one of the most historic communities in Texas.
Highlights:
- Bastrop County Historical Museum, located in a restored 1853 home, is one of over 130 homes and sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places
- Yesterfest, a family-friendly annual festival, held the last weekend in April, celebrates the cultures that make up Bastrop's story: African American, American Indian, Mexican, German, Scottish, Czech and Cowboy
- Bastrop Opera House, built in 1889, is one of the oldest in Central Texas and still offers performances
- Bastrop and Beuscher state parks, part of the ecologically unique Lost Pines region, are nearby
- El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail links Bastrop with dozens of other historic places from Louisiana to Mexico
- Over 15 restaurants, including Anita's and Maxine's on Main, serve locally produced food, and the town has two farmers markets
- Downtown Bastrop showcases an array of interesting boutiques, many housed in adapted historic buildings
- The Colorado River, which runs right through downtown, is lined with parks and miles of walking and biking trails
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, a privately-funded nonprofit organization, works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future. www.PreservationNation.org
