So, where are you going on vacation this year? The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced on March 7 the selection of its 2006 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, “an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the U.S.” America offers alternative vacation destinations that symbolize an increasing dedication to historic preservation. The 12 winning communities met the criteria of: well-managed growth, a commitment to historic preservation with a protected historic core and meaningful context, interesting and attractive architecture, cultural diversity, activities for families with children, an economic base of locally owned small businesses, and walkability for residents and visitors. In each community, residents have taken deliberate action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.

“It is encouraging to see communities so committed to the preservation of their historic landmarks, the revitalization of their downtown areas, and the protection of their unique heritage,” said Richard Moe, Hon. AIA, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “These 12 communities represent a truly distinctive slice of America that makes them exciting alternatives to the homogenization of many other vacation spots.”

The 2006 America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations are:

Arrow Rock, Mo.: A scenic town perched high on a bluff above the Missouri River, Arrow Rock is a charming and vibrant community known for its cache of well-preserved early 19th-century buildings, breathtaking vistas, and three centuries of river history.

Bartlesville, Okla.: Once a humble Oklahoma prairie town, Bartlesville struck it rich when oil was discovered here, and today the town cherishes both that history and the nation’s only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper, which adorns the Bartlesville skyline.

Bowling Green, Ky.: Nestled along the picturesque Barren River, Bowling Green is a thriving community with a history defined by a wealth of Civil War sites, a treasure trove of early 19th-century architecture, and an ancient cavern, once the secret hideaway for soldiers and outlaws.

Lewes, Del.: The first town in the first state, Lewes is a small hamlet where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet that is proud of its miles of white sand beaches, colorful maritime heritage, and diverse collection of historic homes, some dating back to the 1660s.

Milwaukee: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee boasts a world-famous art museum, a well-loved zoo, and a host of diverse sites that celebrate its history as the beer-making capital of the U.S.

Monterey, Calif.: Made famous in the classic John Steinbeck novel, Cannery Row, coastal Monterey offers not only a stunning setting but an endless supply of visitor delights, including a world-class aquarium, a bustling wharf, historic canneries, and centuries of Native American, Spanish-Colonial, and Mexican heritage sites.

Palm Springs, Calif.: Long a weekend getaway for the rich and famous, Palm Springs boasts a near-perfect climate; a desert location ideal for golfing, swimming, or loafing; and a dazzling array of inspired buildings designed in the Modern style.

Philipsburg, Mont.: Known for its majestic mountains and wide-open spaces, Philipsburg is a city of extraordinary beauty and history. The community’s proud mining past can be witnessed today in its many historic treasures, including the state’s oldest operating school, jail, and opera house.

Prescott, Ariz.: Begun as a rustic and raucous mining camp on the Hassayampa River in 1863, Prescott was literally born overnight when gold was discovered in this stark land of granite dells. Today, Prescott is a thriving community that celebrates the Wild West in several nationally recognized museums featuring Native American and Western art and frontier history.

Saranac Lake, N.Y.: A timeless Adirondack village nestled among pristine lakes, evergreen forests, and mountains, Saranac Lake came to prominence as a pioneering health resort in the late 19th century. Today, the town is still a refuge for those who come to be cured by its serene setting and impressive collection of period architecture.

Waimea, Kaua’i, Hawaii: In the foothills of the Kohala Mountains on the island of Kaua’i, Waimea is too good to be true. The town’s exquisite setting and vast rugged canyon provide the perfect backdrop for Waimea’s most treasured possession—a diverse collection of architectural and cultural sites that date from the 13th century.

West Chester, Pa.: A former Quaker village incorporated in 1799 and located in the Brandywine Valley, West Chester is a picture-perfect town known for its charming brick sidewalks and large collection of Victorian and Greek Revival architecture.

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