Buffalo listed among 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Buffalo took another step Tuesday toward rehabilitating its weather-beaten image when it was tapped as one of this year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
The designation came from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Washington, D. C.-based preservation organization that already has named Buffalo the site for its 2011 convention. The annual list denotes cultural and recreational experiences different from typical vacation destinations.
“The interweaving of great architecture, landscape architecture and important historic sites makes Buffalo a must-see destination for preservationists, designers, history buffs and anyone wishing to see an inspiring example of American design,” Richard Moe, National Trust president, said in announcing Buffalo’s designation.
The Buffalo & Erie County Convention and Visitors Bureau had applied on two previous occasions to be included on the list.
Spokesman Ed Healy said significant changes in recent years, including the opening of Erie Canal Harbor, improvements to the Roycroft Campus and the restoration of the Darwin Martin House, likely enhanced the city’s chances.
“This is a huge validation and endorsement of the investment the community has made in pursuing the re-branding of the city as one rich in art, culture and history,” Healy said.
The National Trust highlighted “a lively arts scene that includes the world-class collection of modern art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the opulent European-style opera house that now houses Shea’s Performing Arts Center.”
The city’s botanical gardens, Elmwood Avenue neighborhood and annual festivals were singled out, along with architectural marvels by Frank Lloyd Wright, H.H. Richardson and Louis Sullivan. Even the weather — yes, the weather — was lauded.
“While those who love winter sports will have many choices for recreation, Buffalo’s summers are the most temperate in the Northeast, thanks to Lake Erie, one of the world’s largest natural air conditioners,” the release said.
Timothy A. Tielman, head of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo, said the city’s placement was a tribute to the preservation movement and the efforts of homeowners to beautify their neighborhoods. He also said gaining the National Trust’s stamp of approval should pay big dividends.
“Where we begin offering an alternative to Buffalo’s Rust Belt/snowy city reputation is with opinion leaders like the National Trust. It’s saying something that Buffalo is on the list and getting the attention of that community,” Tielman said.
The other destinations chosen for recognition this year are Athens, Ga.; Bristol, R. I.; Fort Worth, Texas; Franklin, Tenn.; Hot Springs, S. D.; Lake Geneva, Wis.; Lititz, Pa.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; Santa Fe, N. M.; Saugatuck- Douglas, Mich.; and Virginia City, Nev.
Buffalo, which was the subject of a splashy, three-page Sunday arts section cover story in a November issue of the New York Times, was named by the Times as one of the world’s 44 Places to Go in 2009 in Sunday’s Travel section. The article highlighted the new Burchfield Penney Art Center.
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