Each year the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” program recognizes unique tourism towns with a commitment to historic preservation and this year’s list includes Alexandria. A nationwide voting contest, open through Mar. 15, selects the top destination. Crisafulli, senior director of partnerships for the trust, explains how towns make the cut. So do you guys actually get to go to all these places?
Actually, the National Historic Trust calls for nominations. We’re looking for communities that are a little bit off the beaten path … and we try to find a group of 12 places to highlight each year that are geographically and ethnically diverse. … We do our own research and rely a lot on those that have actually experienced site firsthand — many of our regional offices are familiar with the places.
How do you narrow it down?
We get more than 100 each year. We focus on criteria like … unique heritage and history, a vibrant downtown and unique places for tourists to visit with a focus on local products and cuisine.
Not that we don’t know this already, but tell us what’s so special about Alexandria?
Alexandria offers its own view of history and the view of the waterfront here is unequaled. Walking down King Street, there’s a real array of locally owned restaurants and shops that you can’t find anywhere else. … And I think a town like Alexandria is under a lot of pressure [for space] that it could easily yield to the pressures of development, but it has preserved its character.
Who’s the underdog this year?
I think Dandridge, Tenn., [home to the 100-year-old Tinsley-Bible Drug Store and soda fountain] is your quintessential frontier town. It’s eclipsed by its big resort neighbors in the Great Smoky Mountains, so I think Dandridge is a great example of a town that’s … coming to the forefront.
