Here are the other 11 places chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation — www.nationaltrust.org/ — as this year's "Distinctive Destinations."

• Aiken, S.C., which boasts historic homes like the Rose Hill garden estate along with a cosmopolitan downtown where you'll find art galleries and antiques; downtownaiken.com/things_to_see_and_do.html or 888-245-3672.

• Apalachicola, Fla., a charming coastal town known for its seafood, waterfront, eclectic shops and historic buildings; www.apalachicolabay.org or 850-653-9419.

• Columbus, Miss., the birthplace of playwright Tennessee Williams and a mix of Southern history (including antebellum homes), natural beauty and culture; www.columbus-ms.org or 800-327-2686.

• Crested Butte, Colo., a former coal mining village in the Rockies that offers rugged beauty, history and year-round adventure, from mountain biking and whitewater to fishing and skiing; www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com or 800-814-7988.

• Fort Davis, Texas, a 19th-century western frontier town with majestic scenery and wildlife but no traffic lights or chain stores; www.fortdavis.com or 800-524-3015.

• Friday Harbor, Wash., a small, well-preserved community in the San Juan Island chain that is ideal for outdoor adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts and history buffs; historicfridayharbor.org or 888-468-3701.

• Portland, Ore., a big city with a scenic, small-town feel, from the enormous yet funky Powell's Books to the famed rose garden in Washington Park; www.travelportland.com or 800-962-3700.

• Portsmouth, N.H., an old New England seaport dating to 1623 with 18th century homes and a Harbour Trail; www.portsmouthchamber.org or 603-610-5510.

• Red Wing, Minn., one hour south of the Twin Cities, with 19th century architectural gems, a sweeping view of the countryside and the Mississippi River from atop Barn Bluff, and a paved 20-mile bike trail; www.red-wing.org/ or 800-498-3444.

• San Juan Bautista, Calif., dubbed the "City of History" for its Spanish colonial architecture; www.san-juan-bautista.ca.us or 831-623-2454.

• Wilmington, N.C., with riverboats, battleships, grand old mansions, gardens, Civil War sites and historic museums; www.cape-fear.nc.us or 866-266-9690.