The National Trust for Historic Preservation designates a dozen distinctive places for Americans to visit each year. The communities named on these lists are said to be pockets of serenity amid the sprawl, clutter, and homogenization that have overwhelmed so many American vacation spots. These cities and towns incorporate well-managed growth, a protected historic core, interesting architecture, a flourishing local small business community, and easy walking access.
These are the featured cities and towns from 2008 through 2009: