Athens Named one of 2009's Dozen Distinctive Destinations

January 13, 2009

Contact:
National Trust for Historic Preservation, Communications & Marketing:
202.588.6141, pr@nthp.org
Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau: 706.357.4430
Chuck Jones, Director, cjones@visitathensga.com
Hannah Smith, Communications Manager, hsmith@visitathensga.com

NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION NAMES
ATHENS, GA, TO ITS 2009 LIST OF
AMERICA'S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS

Athens, GA (January 13, 2009) -- Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Athens, Georgia, one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place. Athens is the first Georgia destination to receive this prestigious national designation since 2004, when Macon made the list.

"The evolution of the Athens community from a sleepy college town to a vibrant urban center is remarkable," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "By reclaiming its streets and neighborhoods, the city has been reinvigorated and now nurtures a dynamic blend of art, music and history that's not to be missed."

Athens-Clarke Mayor Heidi Davison was presented with an award plaque from Karen Nickless, Southern Office field representative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, at a ceremony held at the Taylor-Grady House, a National Historic Landmark. The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation and the Athens Welcome Center, are planning a year of special events and celebrations in honor of the city's recognition as a 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destination.

"The application process is very involved and competition for this designation is intense," remarked Amy Kissane, Director of the Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. "It was gratifying to work with so many ardent supporters of Athens during the process. We received letters of support not only locally, from Athens Downtown Development Authority Director Kathryn Lookofsky and Bertis Downs of R.E.M., but also from the state level from The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation and Michael Thurmond at the Georgia Department of Labor."

The vibrant city of Athens, Georgia, is known for its distinct blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting southern culture, a mix of historic attractions, a dynamic downtown and a lively music scene. Athens, called the "classic city" because of its name and neo-classical architecture, is home to the University of Georgia and a growing artistic community.

There is no shortage of architectural gems in Athens -- there are 16 neighborhoods on the National Register of Historic Places, including four house museums open for public tour. Guided and self-guided audio and podcast tours provide a glimpse into Athens' past, including a driving tour of 21 significant African American heritage sites. Athens is a notable stop on Georgia's Antebellum Trail, both for the extent of architecture that was spared during Sherman's March to the Sea and for the number of Confederate leaders whose homes were located in the area. The Milledge Avenue historic district, one mile from downtown, is home to Athens' most impressive residential architecture. From stately Greek Revival homes to a mid-century modern gas station, the neighborhood is also ideal for antique shopping, fine dining and architectural sightseeing.

Athens has earned a national reputation for its vibrant performing and visual arts scene. In addition to numerous art galleries and the Georgia Museum of Art, Athens lays claim to an unrivalled musical legacy. The city is a popular stop on the Georgia Music Trail, which winds its way through the state, highlighting destinations associated with Georgia's rich and storied musical history. Homegrown bands include R.E.M. and The B-52s and hundreds of new bands play live music nightly in intimate downtown clubs, classic concert halls, and bustling bars. World-famous venues include the 40 Watt Club and the Georgia Theatre.

Athens is an ideal hub for quick and easy excursions to nearby areas that showcase the best of Georgia's natural resources and attractions. It is a featured stop on regional driving trails, including Georgia's Civil War Heartland Leaders Trail, which includes sites in Athens such as the world's only double-barreled cannon and the Cook and Brothers Armory, where Civil War rifles were manufactured; additionally, Historic U.S. 441, a federal highway from Lake City, Tennessee, to Miami, Florida, recalls the days of travel before interstates.
For nearly 30 years, the revitalization and preservation of downtown Athens has kept the district pulsing with energy from morning through night. The restored Victorian-era buildings that line the heart of the downtown area house an eclectic mix of more than 70 specialty retailers, 60 popular eateries and 50 taverns and nightspots.

The public is invited to share stories about their favorite Distinctive Destinations at www.PreservationNation.org/ddd

To download high resolution images of this year's Dozen Distinctive Destinations winners, visit http://press.nationaltrust.org/.

THE 2009 LIST OF AMERICA'S DOZEN DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS INCLUDES:
Athens, GA
Bristol, RI
Buffalo, NY
Fort Worth, TX
Franklin, TN
Hot Springs, SD
Lake Geneva, WI
Lititz, PA
Santa Barbara, CA
Sante Fe, NM
Saugatuck-Douglas, MI
Virginia City, NV

2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 120 Distinctive Destinations located in 43 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns across the country that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation 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 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, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, 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. For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org.

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The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau is a proactive sales and marketing organization whose primary goal is to increase the economic impact of the hospitality and visitor industry by attracting individual visitors, group tours, and meetings and conventions to Athens. Tourism WORKS for Athens, contributing $207.15 million in spending, 2,440 jobs, $44.83 million in wages earned, $7.73 million in state tax revenues, and $6.24 million in local tax revenues in 2007.