National Trust for Historic Preservation Names Simsbury, Connecticut, 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 Simsbury, Connecticut, one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Nominated by Simsbury Main Street Partnership, Inc., Simsbury was selected for its rural New England charm that is laced with an unparalleled environmental consciousness and commitment to preserving a centuries-old past. In the month of February, Simsbury 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.
"Simsbury has taken enormous strides to retain its rural ambience – and this has paid off in the most beneficial ways for visitors, who will discover a quintessential small town that is rich in heritage and big on adventure," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Nestled along the Farmington River in the outskirts of Hartford, Simsbury appeals to the curious heritage traveler – whether an outdoors lover or gastrophile who enjoys fresh, locally-grown dishes. This quintessential New England village abounds with hiking and biking trails, quaint shops, and top-rated restaurants. Visitors can also sample the bounty from real working farms – which produce everything from wine and fresh corn to homemade ice cream and organic vegetables. Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy a monument to Simsbury native Gifford Pinchot, founder of the United States Forest Service, which is located in front of his birthplace at the Simsbury 1820 House. Other notable activities include whitewater kayaking, fly-fishing, ice skating and strolling through one of Connecticut's largest and most diverse farmers' markets.
Highlights
- Simsbury 1820 House is the birthplace of Gifford Pinchot, and has entertained many notables, including Presidents Roosevelt and Coolidge
- Abigail's Grille & Wine Bar, housed in the ca. 1780 Pettibone Tavern building, is named for the ghost of Abigail Pettibone, who supposedly haunts the restaurant
- Summer home of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, which kicks off its summer season with the Talcott Mountain Music Festival
- Farmington Canal Heritage Trail has extensive hiking, biking and walking trails, and the Farmington River is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and fly fishing
- Simsbury Cemetery, with the earliest gravestones dating to 1688, includes the graves of several notable figures in Connecticut history
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
