Ontario-New York: Niagara Falls Area
Score: 54

"The first tourism destination in North America" has had development as an issue for 170 years. The water in the falls is cleaner now, but a legacy of "overwhelming kitsch"and "tackiness" prevails. Pluses: An "attractive" vineyard area and projects for landscape preservation.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"On the Canadian side, the area immediately surrounding the falls is an example of tourism happening with little to no planning. And further hotel development is planned. However, the greater Niagara region, including Niagara on the Lake, is a source of pride for locals, as it should be."

"The problem is the overwhelming kitsch that has to fight with the area's natural beauty. Developers want to build shopping malls and giant hotels. Even the wineries want to get bigger. Meanwhile, Niagara on the Lake is becoming a theme park—and no one realizes the majesty of the waters that surround them."

"Still a great destination for travelers who happen to be in western New York. To see the Falls in their full grandeur, it's best to travel over the Rainbow Bridge and see it from the Canadian side, or suit up in a raincoat and see the falls from the historic Maid of the Mist boats."

"One of the country's great clean-up stories. A far different place than it was a decade ago—for the better."