Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

12 Unique Destinations for 2010

National Trust offers up Dozen Distinctive Destinations

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 3, 2010 11:31 AM CST

(Newser) – Looking for a getaway that's just a bit different this year? Look no further than the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The list encourages travelers to, for example, skip Disneyland's Main Street, USA, and instead "travel to Ft. Collins, Colorado, to see the real thing that was the model for Disneyland," the VP tells USA Today. The rest of this year's list:

  • Cedar Falls, Iowa: Activities include kayaking or shopping in its "dynamic downtown."
  • St. Louis, Mo.: Enjoy the grand Mississippi River and historic brick buildings.
  • Marquette, Mich.: Offers great views of Lake Superior and a variety of art galleries.
  • Provincetown, Mass.: A Cape Cod resort town where the Mayflower Compact was signed in 1620.
  • Simsbury, Conn.: The "quintessential small town," Simsbury offers a glimpse at working farms.
  • Rockland, Maine: Boasts galleries, lighthouses, and museums.
  • Chestnut Hill, Pa.: Historic homes, boutique shopping, and nearby recreational activities.
  • Huntsville, Ala.: The largest collection of antebellum homes in Alabama.
  • The Crooked Road, Va.: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail celebrates Appalachian heritage and American music.
  • Bastrop, Texas: Take a trip back in time to visit historic buildings along the Colorado River.
  • Sitka, Alaska: This "extraordinary wilderness" is a popular cruise port of call.

This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows downtown Fort Collins, Colo.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows downtown Fort Collins, Colo.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows Main Street in Cedar Falls, Iowa.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows the Old Courthouse in St. Louis.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows the Old Courthouse in St. Louis.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows Provincetown, Mass.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows Provincetown, Mass.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows Heublein Tower in Simsbury, Conn.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows Heublein Tower in Simsbury, Conn.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows the Space Center in Huntsville, Ala.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows the Space Center in Huntsville, Ala.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows a corn maze at The Crooked Road, Va.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows a corn maze at The Crooked Road, Va.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows a totem pole in Sitka, Alaska.
This photo released by the National Trust For Historic Preservation shows a totem pole in Sitka, Alaska.   (AP Photo/National Trust for Historic Preservation)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
0%
76%
0%
12%
6%
6%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
dax
Feb 3, 2010 8:27 AM CST
Visit America First ! ! !
JoeQ
Feb 3, 2010 7:58 AM CST
I kind of like Boulder myself. And Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. But for vacation I think warm places, scuba diving, water sports, etc. U.S. VIrgin Islands. Hawaii. Sorry all you American xenophobes out there but my next trip will soon be to one of the ABC islands. Lots of Europeans and besides English, everybody speaks Dutch and creole.
stuck-in-paris
Feb 3, 2010 7:13 AM CST
there are beautiful places to visit in America

More Newser Stories

South the Big Winner in New Census

John McCain, Here's How You Can Still Win This Election

America's Top Ten Diners


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne