Updated: National Trust for Historic Preservation Chooses Alexandria as a 'Distinctive Destination'

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected Alexandria as a 2011 distinctive destination, recognizing the culture and recreational experiences found in its neighborhoods, cultural diversity, commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization.

The City of Alexandria celebrated the news with a Tuesday afternoon at Market Square. 

Robert Nieweg, National Trust for Historic Preservation Southern Field Office director, said the trust will place Alexandria at the top of its list of 12 distinctive places for 2011.

"Some places separate their historical districts and places from the rest of the neighborhood, but people in Alexandria actually meet, worship, eat and live in historic places as part of their daily lives," Nieweg told Patch. "That's what makes Alexandria special...No other place on this list has the depth of history" like Alexandria.

Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille accepted the award and lauded Alexandria for being a "model of diversity," adding that "preservation is pivotal to Alexandria's identity."

"Old Town and Del Ray offer modern goods and services in the most charming of settings," he said during the event, which was attended by most council members.

The town has worked hard to preserve its cultural heritage, said Stephanie Brown, president and CEO of the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association. "Each year more than 3.3 million visitors shop, dine and celebrate on our historic main streets."

The First Virginia Regiment in early American militia uniforms fired muskets after the speeches. A drummer boy, who was taken out of George Washington Middle School for the event, and Scottish bagpipers also performed.

This year marks the 12th announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 144 of these destinations located in 47 states throughout the country.

The public is invited to vote online to help determine which of 12 destinations selected by the National Trust will be the 2011 Fan Favorite. In addition to Alexandria, other destinations that were chosen include Chapel Hill, N.C.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Muskogee, Okla.; and Sonoma, Calif. For the full list and to vote, see www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. The winner of the 2010 fan favorite award was Marquette, Mich.

From Feb. 15 to Mar. 15, any legal resident of the United States who is at least 18 years old can vote once per day for his or her favorite city or town on the list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced Mar. 16. 

Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at a historic hotel in America.