Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Going Green
Year Listed: 2010
Preservation is green. Learn more.
Bastrop, Texas
Two downtown farmers markets and over 15 independently owned restaurants serving up everything from Texas-sized steaks to Tex-Mex cuisine ensure that visitors will be well-fed during their stay. Local restaurants are committed to supporting the area's farmers and producers through the "Go Texan" restaurant program. Ample green space exists along the scenic Colorado River where visitors can enjoy water sports and the two state parks provide outdoor amenities for hiking and biking on nature trails.
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Cedar Falls benefits from being the home of the University of Northern Iowa, which hosts the State of Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education. From responsible food systems to energy conservation and renewability, the city acts as a demonstration laboratory for many of their programs. Active vacationers will enjoy ample recreational opportunities; walking and biking enthusiasts can utilize the remarkable 80 miles of off-road paved trails winding around the city's outskirts, or venture out into the surrounding area for a hike or a kayak excursion on the Cedar River.
Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania
Doing its part to ensure the future of the neighborhood for generations to come, the community invests in sustainable practices, aiding its small businesses in reducing their carbon footprints and encouraging homeowners to restore their homes with energy efficient materials. Chestnut Hill boasts a walkability score of 88 and invites visitors to stroll through the fresh produce stands situated throughout the neighborhood, or to visit the full-scale farmers market that is open three days a week.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Most recently named the 3rd Smartest City by the National Resources Defense Council for their sustainability efforts, Fort Collins has received international recognition for its longstanding commitment to green practices. A combination of wind energy, smart grid technology, peak load demand management and energy conservation practices are being developed in an effort to make downtown Fort Collins the first Zero Energy District in the nation. The surrounding national parks and designated wilderness areas are the perfect settings for rock climbing, camping, whitewater rafting, kayaking and hiking.
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville's commitment to sustainability began over 30 years ago with the founding of Operation Green Team and is now nationally recognized as a leader in the green movement. An affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. and 100 percent funded by the city, Operation Green Team guarantees Huntsville's green legacy through beautification projects, sustainability initiatives and public education for local businesses and residents. Travelers will appreciate that Huntsville has also been named a "Top Adventure Town" by National Geographic Traveler for its plentiful selection of outdoor activities.
Marquette, Michigan
Active vacationers will appreciate the many nearby recreational opportunities; from downtown, a visitor can be boating in the waters of Lake Superior or hiking in the woods at a state park in under 10 minutes. Several miles of bike paths are situated along the lakefront, providing a perfect way to enjoy the lake's scenic offerings. Marquette holds several events annually that attract thousands of participants and observers alike, from a 2,000-rider mountain bike race to one of the largest cross-country ski races in the nation.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown residents have been dubbed "locavores" for their proven commitment to sustaining the region's food industry. Travelers will delight in the locally-owned restaurants' devotion to fresh seafood caught daily in the town's backyard and will appreciate the ongoing adaptive reuse and restoration of local historic buildings, ensuring that Provincetown continues to maintain its authenticity and charm for future generations.
Rockland, Maine
Rockland is perfect for walking and strolling.Visitors can take in much town on foot, experiencing the harbor and the historic buildings and homes. The local businesses sustain one another by frequently partnering to provide visitors and locals with a broader experience of the bounty the town has to offer, and local restaurants and schooner fleets pride themselves on shopping locally at the farmers market.
Simsbury, Connecticut
This town's green legacy began in 1900 when Gifford Pinchot, founder of the United States Forestry Service, was born in Simsbury. More than a century later, Simsbury is still the "cradle of conservation" with over three state parks and a game refuge protecting over 6,500 acres of the town's land. Visitors will enjoy strolling the scenic Farmington Canal Heritage Trail or a visit to one of the ten farms open to the public, where local farmers provide everything from homemade ice cream to horse stables, a petting zoo and even wine.
Sitka, Alaska
Accessible only by air or ferry, it is no wonder that Sitka has implemented a master plan for walkability and has been named Alaska's first "Bicycle Friendly Community" by the League of American Bicyclists. Visitors to this scenic island can be active by land or sea with opportunities for walking tours, hiking, marine trails and kayak routes, wildlife boat tours, world class charter fishing trips and visits to the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest.
St. Louis, Missouri
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, St. Louis ranks ninth among U.S. metropolitan areas for the number of buildings certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The region features 11 LEED-certified construction projects that have been completed, with another 36 in the process of attaining LEED certification. Seasonal markets are interspersed throughout the city to promote a Buy Local campaign, and St. Louis lays claim to an abundance of sprawling parks and green spaces including the nation's oldest public garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail
As it winds through southwest Virginia, a region renowned throughout the world for its natural beauty and spectacular views, The Crooked Road offers its travelers ample opportunities for recreation: eight national forests and state parks provide areas for backpacking, camping, biking and water sports and the 4,600-acre Breaks Interstate Park features the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River.
