Lakeshore village recognized as one of 12 Distinctive Destinations nationwide

Recognition of one lakeshore village’s penchant for preserving historic architecture and emphasizing the arts places it among a dozen elite tourist destinations across the country.

According to excerpts from the story:

Saugatuck, MI — Santa Barbara, Santa Fe and ... Saugatuck-Douglas?
The California coastal village of Santa Barbara on the “American Riviera” and idyllic artists’ enclave of Santa Fe in New Mexico have got nothing on the quaint lakeshore villages of Saugatuck-Douglas. Or so says the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which today named Saugatuck-Douglas one of its 2009 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The award was announced at noon Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Since 2000, the trust has annually selected a dozen historically significant destinations. The criteria for selection includes a strong community commitment to historic preservation and revitalization, cultural landscapes, an authentic visitor experience, attractive architecture, dynamic downtowns and cultural diversity.

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