Bastrop’s status as a vacation destination took another leap forward this week as it was selected as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Nominated by Nancy Wood of Main Street Bastrop, the city was chosen for its unique place in Texas history, its well-preserved and vibrant downtown, its rich and varied calendar of annual events and its proximity to the Lost Pines natural region, according to a press release from the NTHP.
“For us, this is an opportunity to have the traveling public view Bastrop as a destination and a reason to come into Texas,” Wood said. “It’s the national exposure that for us is going to be a boon and for heritage tourism. We have everything and this is a chance on a national level to have people know that.”
According to Richard Moe, president of NTHP, Bastrop has many reasons to have been named to the list.
“The city of Bastrop is remarkable for its vibrant, walkable downtown, distinguished architecture, celebrated cultural diversity and a population devoted to protecting its character,” Moe said. “Bastrop embodies everything that a distinctive destination should be and I hope many will take the opportunity to visit when our annual National Preservation Conference takes place in Austin in October 2010.”
Bastrop joins other Texas cities such as Galveston, Ft. Worth, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg and Fort Davis that made the list in previous years. This year’s list includes Fort Collins, Colo., St. Louis, Mo. and Huntsville, Ala.
Feedback gathered in an informal survey from other Texas cities on the list show that most feel the exposure generated from being on the list has been a positive factor in increasing tourism.
“It was a big deal for us,” said Lisa Nugent, director of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce. “If it’s used and promoted properly it will help. It’s all in what the community does to follow through.”
Started in 2000, the NTHP selects communities across America that offer a different tourist experience than those found in typical vacation destinations, according to their press release.
“It really is that we do have it all,” Wood said. “We do have history that’s accessible. We have outdoor venues. We have a culture of including visitors. People are very friendly. That seems to be the major remark that we get is that the people are so welcoming and friendly to visitors and newcomers.”
Bastrop Mayor Terry Orr said this latest honor will add to Bastrop’s appeal to tourists and businesses alike.
“I am very proud of the leadership and the unstinting work our Main Street Program director and board, along with the tremendous cooperation and initiatives our Historic Landmark Commission, chamber of commerce and Downtown Business Alliance, have lent to achieve this recognition,” Orr said. “The ongoing incentives our Bastrop Economic Development Corporation board has provided have attracted considerable private investment in our city.  The completion of our Chestnut Street beautification and pedestrian-friendly walking ways, the parks board’s splash pad park improvements and recently completed Bark Park, the future Bastrop Historical Society Museum, city hall and convention center will continue making Bastrop an attractive destination for years to come.”

Public can vote
New this year, the public will determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2010 Fan Favorite. From Feb. 3 – 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.  Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two-night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. 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.