Washington, D.C. — On Feb. 3, 2010, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail one of its 2010 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The Crooked Road was selected for blending eco-tourism and small town charm with the Appalachian region’s musical heritage, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience that spans 300 miles across 19 towns. In the month of February, The Crooked Road 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 Crooked Road pays homage to a rich Appalachian heritage,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The trail weaves together unique historic districts that share a past steeped in a rare and uniquely American music culture.”

Celebrating and preserving the Appalachian region’s cultural heritage, The Crooked Road encourages visitors to experience authentic mountain music in the region where it was born. The trail highlights eight music venues, including the Ralph Stanley Museum & Traditional Music Center, Carter Family Fold, the Rex Theater & Old Fiddler’s Convention and the Blue Ridge Music Center. The Floyd Country Store is home to the world-famous Friday Night Jamboree, a long-running music series featuring local Old Time, Bluegrass and Gospel music. Nineteen towns dot the 300-mile route and offer historic and cultural programs, artisan crafts, museums and outdoor recreational activities.

Highlights

• Along the trail, wayside kiosks provide information and FM radio broadcasts featuring musical excerpts and narration about the scenic attractions and cultural offerings
• Often called the Grand Canyon of the South, Breaks Interstate Park is a 4,600-acre park that borders Kentucky and Virginia and features campsites, hiking, a lodge and spectacular views
• Chateau Morrisette in Patrick County is a family-run winery featuring an award-winning chef, a jazz festival and popular wine tastings
• “Farm to fork” cuisine can be enjoyed at The Harvest Table Restaurant in Meadowview, which celebrates local produce on menus that change weekly based on harvest
• Downtown historic districts in Abingdon and Bristol offer eclectic shopping experiences

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!

The 2010 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations

• 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.

About the National Trust for Historic Preservation

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 (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.