Take a trip down The Crooked Road: Virginia's Music Heritage Trail.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named The Crooked Road: Virginia's Music Heritage Trail to its 2010 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
To see a complete list and to vote for the 2010 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd.
To date, there are 132 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town's character and sense of place.
* The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories. www.PreservationNation.org
* The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail was founded in 2004 for the purpose of generating tourism and economic development in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian regions of Southwest Virginia by preserving, promoting, and showcasing the region's unique musical and cultural heritage. The Crooked Road serves as a model for economic development based on the cultural assets of the region, in this case the traditional music and culture of Southwest Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia has given official recognition to The Crooked Road Highway with signage identifying the 300-mile route as it winds through the scenic terrain of ten counties, three cities and 19 towns that connect eight major music venues and more than 40 affiliated partners. The Crooked Road is funded primarily by participating local governments, with additional support provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
