• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Lake Geneva named a 'distinctive destination'

LAKE GENEVA — The National Trust for Historic Preservation today named Lake Geneva one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations, according to a press release.

"We're thrilled," Lake Geneva Mayor Bill Chesen said. "This is such an honor."

The trust, which has been compiling its annual list of Distinctive Destinations since 2000, considers cities with "dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitment to historic preservation," according to the release.

"The selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place," the release said.

The trust describes Lake Geneva as "one of the Midwest's most beautiful natural wonders."

The trust names the following as reasons for the city's selection as a Distinctive Destination:

-- Lake Geneva long has been a vacation destination, especially for Chicagoans, who sought refuge in the area as their homes and businesses were being rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

-- Lake Geneva has a well-preserved mix of homes that display a historical spectrum of American residential architecture, from a Gothic revival cottage and large, picturesque Queen Anne mansions to formal colonial revival houses and progressive craftsman homes.

-- Lake Geneva offers a plethora of recreational activities from relaxing on the beach, to boating, water skiing, hiking, biking and horseback riding.

"Whatever time of year you go, Lake Geneva will leave you charmed," Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said in the release. "Its historic small-town appeal, which the local citizens have worked so hard to preserve, makes this resort community a very special place to visit."

"This gives us a great opportunity to show our visitors the real ambience of the area," said Grace Eckland, director of marketing and public relations for the Lake Geneva Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We've always said it's always been the place. We are proud to have this honor, and we hope that it will invite people to come enjoy all we have to offer."

DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS

The 2009 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations includes:

-- Athens, Ga.

-- Bristol, R.I.

-- Buffalo, N.Y.

-- Fort Worth, Texas

-- Franklin, Tenn.

-- Hot Springs, S.D.

-- Lake Geneva, Wis.

-- Lititz, Pa.

-- Santa Barbara, Calif.

-- Santa Fe, N.M.

-- Saugatuck-Douglas, Mich.

-- Virginia City, Nev.

To read more about the cities on this year's list or to see a list of honorees from years past, go to www.preservationnation.org/ddd.