Alaska: Sitka
Score: 68
"Impressive balance of Tlingit heritage—especially in the terrific Sitka National Historic Park, with its first-class museum and the totem walk through the forest—and significant Russian heritage. Present-day Sitka has marketed its Russian-ness in some very appealing ways, including the long-standing Russian dance show put on exclusively by women. The icon treasures and awesome interior of St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church are a hallmark of a vibrant religious history."
"One of the most beautiful sites in Alaska; the National Park Service does a good job at both the visitors center and the restored historic structures. The Russian Bishop's House is magnificent. The Sheldon Jackson Museum contains some real treasures, and should not be missed. The bane of the town are cruise ships, those Wal-Marts of the water. When the boats are in, it is best to be somewhere else. Walk to the tide pools and the raptor center, and wait for things to get better."
"Poor-quality shops sprinkled with several excellent examples of Pacific Northwestern Art and Tlingit heritage."
Arizona: Hopi Villages
Score: 70
"Many of the Hopi villages have, wisely, restricted access, enabling them to retain their original social and heritage character for the residents."
"Very authentic—tourism is secondary to cultural integrity. The main problem is lack of jobs to keep the young people there to maintain a vibrant culture."
"The ancient Old Orabi Third Mesa perseveres, adapting, trickster-like, to the challenges of modernity. Surface appearances may suggest that tourism has tarnished the Old Ways, but a day of casual, candid, unmediated chatting with some locals in their homes will prove otherwise."
Score: 39
"Tombstone is something of a tourist trap with its staged events and people in old-style Western outfits. If one can look beyond the obvious commercialism, the streetscapes are interesting reflections of frontier Western heritage, at least in part. A local museum is also worth a visit."
"This is a disaster in terms of historic integrity."
"Interpretation does not go beyond guns shooting. There is great history in the region, but the destination does not capture this."
"Looks more like a tacky movie set than a town of any real historic value."
Colorado: Central City
Score: 34
"A disaster. The facades of old buildings and the tangled layout of the streets remain, but the character, the culture, and the economic purpose of the original mining towns has been totally lost among the noise of slot machines. This is not a heritage site; it is a gambling town."
"Central City and other Colorado mining towns that have turned to gambling have been the sacrificial lambs that ironically helped to fund Colorado's State Historic Fund."
"Since the casinos have moved in, historical integrity has moved out."
"A nice place to see the essence of a gold boom town. Touristy, yes, but Central City is big enough to accommodate them."
"Few residents still live in Central City, so the sense of community has largely been lost."
"Frankly, the casino industry has reversed the terrible disrepair and nearly collapsed condition of the historic structures. They do not have a lot of historic integrity, but at least they still stand."
"The opera is still lovely."
Score: 58
"The remoteness of Telluride has up to now probably helped slow the sprawl and boom of, say, Summit County. But like in many ski towns, higher-end development is having an impact here, putting new pressure on locals and changing the social fabric of the area."
"Small-scale, quaint, and not overdone."
"This town is a gem. It retains its unique character, particularly downtown, which has been preserved at great cost."
"No question it's gorgeous, but you can't call this town authentic anymore. Feels artificial and developed anytime you're not skiing or hiking."
"Too much development, locals being priced out; was a very beautiful setting but now overrun with mega-mansions"
Connecticut: Mystic Seaport
Score: 62
"Does a fantastic job of preserving its considerable holding of historic structures and ships. The surrounding town is well-equipped with non-related historic-preservation organizations, and the general sense of living in a historic New England context is strong."
"Reasonable cultural integrity considering this is a collection of rare, mostly wooden structures relocated to site."
"Although the immediate surroundings are a little tacky, the town of Mystic has retained its own charm."
"It can get very busy with tourists, but it stays well organized and clean."
"The museum, cut off from the general population, presents a relatively compelling picture of 19th-century seaport life, although moderately heavy on amusement rather than educational value."
Florida: St. Augustine
Score: 61
"The character of the many accommodations is a terrific feature of St. Augustine, with 28 first-class restorations, mostly from the 1800s, ranging from what were middle-class homes to mansions of the rich and influential. Great stories to tell with all of them."
"The old quarter preserves some of the history of the old city center, but souvenir shops have all but taken over. The old city seems to have become a parody of itself; in need of more protections."
"Saving the Bridge of Lions was a major preservation victory, and the takeover of many state-owned buildings by the University of Florida preservation program will bring more positive change."
"The town needs to tone down the honky-tonk and put cars in their proper place."
Florida: Winter Park
Score: 70
"This gracious town manages to retain its reputation as an oasis within the helter-skelter growth of Central Florida. Brick streets (which provide natural drainage into the aquifer) are still found throughout."
"Winter Park's small downtown has a commercial district with some interesting historic buildings and small businesses. It also has a nice historic residential area."
"There is a clear sense that this is very much a place where people live, work, go to school—not just a showpiece for tourists."
"The location does run the risk of losing its 'old Florida' feel to too much 'new Florida' architecture."
Georgia (U.S.): Atlanta historic areas
Score: 46
"The contrast between the Martin Luther King, Jr., Historic Site and the few surrounding buildings is jarring, but perhaps is an interpretive opportunity. In other areas of the city historic buildings seem to be marooned."
"Atlanta historic sites are isolated. They fail a cohesion test. Sweet Auburn area is sound, but much of the historic urban fabric is lost."
"Historic Atlanta? Gimme a break! A soul-less downtown and exceptional urban sprawl, with some dusty little relics in neglected corners, are all that can be called 'historic.'"
"The influx of non-Southerners in Atlanta has regrettably resulted in a lack of appreciation for the city's commercial core, historic neighborhoods, and cultural identity. Looks like 'Anywhere U.S.A.' Old Atlanta is still there, however; you just have to look hard for it."
Georgia (U.S.): Savannah
Score: 71
"A nice historic city with a waterfront area that has turned into a minor Bourbon Street. All in all, the architectural heritage is in good shape, and tourism is not smothering the history."
"Historic fabric is very well cared for, and new development is mostly kept in character with the old, with some notable lapses. The total tourist package, which includes a good amount of cultural/folk emphasis, is balanced."
"A great city for walking. The squares in the early town plan provide good reference points."
"The aesthetic appeal continues to be first-rate. However, crime and violence continue to affect the social/cultural integrity of the destination."
"The African-American history is lost behind cheap tours of ghosts and haunted mansions."
Illinois: Galena
Score: 69
"In comparison to many other river towns along the Mississippi, Galena has a thriving economy based in large part on tourism. That said, new developments around Galena provide a potential threat to this community along the Great River Road. The core of downtown Galena, however, still retains an authentic historic atmosphere."
"It feels more like a town and neighborhood than a tourist mecca."
"Galena has done a good job with its historic downtown. Serious attention needs to be directed to land-use planning surrounding Galena. Historic view corridors are threatened by new development. The charm of this small city's setting in the landscape is seriously at risk."
"The architectural heritage of Galena has remained largely and remarkably intact. The overwhelming tourism focus of their current economy threatens to overshadow authentic cultural heritage."
Indiana: Columbus
Score: 78
"Columbus has a world-class collection of modern architecture by master architects. It also has a charming older downtown historic district. The community is in excellent condition and has a fine visitors center in a handsome historic building. It is authentic, unique, and unspoiled."
"Rated just behind New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco for architecture, and has really tried to keep its standard of quality with a visitors center that boasts a work by glass artist Dale Chihuly."
"A jewel in the region, and a model of what a small town can do to differentiate itself from the crowd. This town is truly part of America's architectural heritage."
"I was greatly disturbed by the unchecked growth surrounding the city. The old gem of architectural richness within farmland is lost. While the core retains its integrity, the compromising development of the countryside makes for a terrible gateway."
Kentucky: Old Lexington, horse country
Score: 69
"Through land preservation and saving some of the stone-fenced roads, this area has gone far in taming sprawl."
"The outlying horse country is beautiful and authentic as viewed from the smaller roads through the countryside."
"The town itself is nothing too special, but the area, offering driving tours of the horse farms and bourbon distilleries, is beautiful. A grassroots music scene is very authentic."
"Could benefit from streetscape improvements and elimination of billboards."
Louisiana: New Orleans historic areas
Score: 47
"Most areas that tourists see—the French Quarter, the Garden District, Faubourg Marigny, etc.—are intact, and as appealing or appalling (depending on one's point of view and mood) as they were before Hurricane Katrina. Vast areas of the 'unseen' city, however, remain severely deteriorated and/or completely abandoned. These areas will never be the same—and that's a tragedy on many levels."
"The long and painfully slow climb back from Hurricane Katrina depresses the city's scores on all criteria. It continues to be a place like no other, though."
"The French Quarter suffers from inundation of the tourist kind. The amount of 'kitsch' hawked in what seems like every storefront significantly robs the area of dignity."
"Poor, predominantly black neighborhoods are clearly not benefiting from the tourism."
"New Orleans is touristy if you act like a tourist. If you're willing to look beyond the superficial, you'll find wonderful historic buildings, an active community of preservationists, and a fascinating history."
"The range is broad, from deeply historical to commercially seedy."
"A transient population, riotous entertainment, and a certain level of abandon are part of the city's history and identity, so the tourist-trap French Quarter doesn't feel inauthentic or inappropriate. It's not for everyone, but as tourism management goes, much of the wilder, sillier stuff is really confined and doesn't affect the rest of the city's beauty, significance, and livability."
"Preservation is tough in this climate, with termites and molds. Made worse by poor flood control."
"New Orleans's cultural mix, music, and wonderful historic buildings in the Vieux Carré, Charles Street area, and Garden District are outstanding. Poverty, crime, shabbiness, loss of population all threaten this special city."
Maine: Portland historic downtown
Score: 70
"Charming, with many evidently successful attempts to reuse historic buildings while maintaining the city's historic character."
"Continues to enhance its aesthetic charm as a port city. Very impressed with the historic architecture and restoration works at the waterfront, and the growing amount of small businesses in the Old Port section of the city. This is a clear indicator that tourism is thriving and benefiting local people."
"Attractive and vibrant. Coastal location is tremendous asset."
"Portland, while sustaining some lovely original buildings and storefronts, is falling prey to national and international chains, thus marring the overall feel of the town."
Maryland: Annapolis
Score: 63
"Annapolis takes its heritage seriously yet makes room for a vibrant community of politicians, yachtsmen, Naval Academy cadets, academicians (the incomparable St. John's College), and the occasional waterman who has wandered off course and into the high-rent district of the Chesapeake Bay. Perhaps the best urban archaeology program in the U.S."
"Traffic is abominable and parking difficult. Away from the historic streets and colleges, you quickly hit uninspired office buildings and car dealerships."
"The environmental and ecological quality of the Chesapeake Bay is a concern."
Pennsylvania/Maryland/Virginia: "Hallowed Ground" US 15 corridor
Score: 45
"The corridor along the Old Carolina Road (Route 15) from Gettysburg, PA, to Charlottesville, VA, is still very much a spectacular place. The highlights are National Park Service improvements to the core Gettysburg battle area, trolleys in the town, the spectacular agricultural landscape along Catoctin valley in Maryland, the historic fields in Loudoun and Fauquier County, and the historic townscapes in Leesburg, Warrenton, and The Plains. Real downsides are the Dominion Valley and Culpeper land developments outside Haymarket, and old Culpeper town's core area."
"Good agricultural tourism in vineyards. Is being slowly degraded with billboards, power lines, subdivisions, and strip malls."
"Rising gas prices and the collapse of the housing market have slowed the inexorable expansion of Washington, DC's, western and northern suburbs, but McMansions have already proliferated like mushrooms along this corridor, undermining the historical and ecological integrity and aesthetic appeal of the region. Appeal as a tourism destination is significantly compromised by unbridled development."
"The new designation as a National Heritage Area may be somewhat helpful in combatting the problems."
Massachusetts: Historic Boston
Score: 70
"The blending of the old with the new makes Boston a unique destination. The future outlook is promising, especially with organizations, such as the Freedom Trail Foundation, that preserve America's Revolution-rich history."
"Boston is a delightful walkable city with many heritage attractions. Walking is the best way to view and visit the numerous historic sites and museums; a car would be a distraction."
"The whole North End is now a really authentic place—I thought I was back in Rome, Italy, for a minute or so."
"Scrubbed-clean historic buildings in great shape; commercial core is thriving."
"The end result of the Big Dig has been an enhancement of an already attractive area."
"Need to make interpretation relevant to the younger generation."
Massachusetts: Lowell
Score: 63
"A dying mill town has come back to life."
"Given the eleventh-hour rescue of the downtown core of mills, canals, housing, etc., Lowell should be considered a success story."
"The industrial museum is a new kind of National Park Service gem."
"Okay, okay, it is not everybody's cup of tea, but Lowell is a great place in which to discover America's industrial heritage. Lowell is being rediscovered by those forced out of expensive Boston and is developing a new edge."
Massachusetts: Salem
Score: 56
"Between ill-conceived new condo projects, crazy road projects, witch-kitsch, and the imminent destruction of some of the city's best civic buildings, prevailing stewardship practice spells doom for Salem."
"The House of the Seven Gables needs to be reinterpreted, but has potential."
"Go to Salem at the risk of traffic headaches, a boring drive from Boston through endless strip malls, and a poor overall presentation. But go anyway, for the excellent Peabody Museum and other historic sites. Just don't stay overnight."
Mexico: Colonial Campeche
Score: 65
"An impressive 17th-century hexagonal fortress separates the old city from the modern state capital. Walls are kept in excellent shape and there is a very impressive light-and-sound spectacle. The old city streets could be kept cleaner."
"Much tourism development and investment, which, although taking archaeology and conservation seriously, have a Cancun approach and risks not benefiting locals."
"Authentic but only modestly interesting; after visiting the old town and nearby fort, not so much to do."
Mexico: Morelia historic areas
Score: 68
"One of the most beautiful colonial towns in Mexico, well preserved and with a peaceful provincial atmosphere. Many magnificent buildings, including the massive cathedral, built in pink quarry stone. A popular tourism destination for both Mexicans and foreigners."
"The state of Michoacan is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. Historic cities made of stone and adobe."
"Though Morelia has preserved its historic center well, the surrounding metro area's problems—infrastructure, ugly development—threaten the historic city. If you can't get there, and you can't breathe the air, preservation is irrelevant."
"No land-use controls outside the center. Air pollution and traffic are growing problems. Still, worth visiting."
Mexico: Querétaro City & Sierra Gordo
Score: 78
"The aqueduct and several old churches are especially attractive to tourists. Smog has become a problem, as well as excessive motorized traffic. Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, located near Querétaro, protects important tropical deciduous forests and pine-oak forests, as well as several colonial missions dispersed in small towns of the Sierra."
"Very few foreigners know about this place. Fumes from cars are bothersome in any Mexican city, as their gas is such bad quality."
"Querétaro is a little-known gem. Exclusion of cars from downtown has made a wonderful walking precinct and lots of opportunity for outdoor dining. Has tourist facilities, but not a tourist atmosphere."
Minnesota: Red Wing
Score: 74
"A wonderful river community that has still has the wonderful charm of a small community." "One can go boating on the river, and there are lots of interesting shops. The food was classic Midwest. One gets a profound sense of town life in middle America, especially pre-1950s."
"A traditional river town that has shifted its economy to take advantage of its architectural resources and cultural heritage."
"Lots of new development does not appear to be threatening the historic character. Is actually a good example of growth in a historic area."
Mississippi: Natchez
Score: 70
"A historically important antebellum river port."
"A fantastic architectural heritage, and the stories are there (from all cultures) to back it up. Stories of diversity need to be emphasized more, but the right mix of partners is attempting to do just that."
"Great historic resources and great poverty. Downtown is very depressed despite a tremendous stock of historic buildings. There are two Natchezes: the Natchez of great historic mansions and the Natchez of rundown housing and vacant storefronts."
New Hampshire: Portsmouth
Score: 73
"Portsmouth is aesthetically and historically of high caliber. It is alive with positive activity: new businesses, restoration of the local Athenaeum, and establishment of the Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail. There may be a glut of local house museums."
"Attractive, walkable, lively downtown, full of well-preserved buildings in a variety of styles."
"Portsmouth has been able to protect and preserve its classic brick buildings from the early 1800s."
"The conservation of several historic houses has been taken up by one of the country's best grassroots preservation outfits. They have done an impressive job. Tourists, unfortunately, mostly bypass these in favor of the shopping district and seafood restaurants. One big problem is a very poor connection to its waterfront, which may mean that tourists will begin going elsewhere as the coastlines in the Eastern U.S. become more crowded and competition for this resource increases in the coming decades."
New Jersey: Cape May
Score: 64
"Cape May, with its well-maintained Victorian architecture and its related special events, is a popular upscale tourist destination on the Jersey Shore. It appeals to sophisticated and more affluent visitors who stay in the numerous bed-and-breakfast places."
"A terrific collection of historic buildings in the National Historic Landmark district. But in serious trouble because of tacky commercial development and insensitive approach to planning."
"Although quite overrun by vehicular traffic, Cape May holds onto its dignity and grace. Some sort of 'out of town' parking process would be helpful."
"The recent fight to preserve the historic Beach Theater shows that the community has a long way to go to understand and properly protect its great collection of historic resources."
New Mexico: Santa Fe
Score: 62
"Utterly unique. Still worth a visit for the distinctive architecture, the lively arts scene, the crisp air, the beautiful surrounding mountain scenery—and the starry night sky."
"The Spanish squares have a lot of character and the architecture and signage portray a rich Native American and Spanish history."
"The Aspen of the Southwest. The historic structures remain, but their contents now host boutiques with outrageously priced items or bistros with unpronounceable dishes. The exquisite Native American crafts and Navajo fry bread that once typified this city have been relegated to secondary status."
"The Indian Market on the square is nice, but it would be nice to see fewer upscale franchises and chain retail establishments (common to many wealthy city neighborhoods), and more local businesses that truly benefit local people (besides the restaurants, which are wonderful, but pricey). Tourists who visit museums and explore side streets will learn a lot about the locale."
"Historic interpretation, while there, is overwhelmed by shopping, shopping, shopping."
"A wealthy town that has kept a sense of scale and themed its architecture to the region. However outrageous the galleries and boutiques, it is fun and offers visitors a new experience. How it works for the traditional inhabitants is another matter."
"The sprawl surrounding Santa Fe can seem to dwarf the historic downtown."
New York: Lower Hudson Valley
Score: 59
"The lower Hudson Valley has some beautiful small towns, important historic sites, and tranquil landscapes interspersed with some ugly development on both sides of the river. Parts of it are in serious trouble from traffic and unsympathetic development, and much of the rest is fragile. The area needs some strong land-use planning and controls."
"Plenty to explore, with good natural areas on both sides of the river; tremendous early colonial history coupled with the great wealth of the industrial revolution and later contemporary art."
"Poor signage and interpretation."
"River-related sites like Sunnyside, Lyndhurst, and West Point are great to explore."
North Carolina: Asheville
Score: 71
"This is an excellent tourism town, both for its natural attributes (mountains) and historic sites. Both have been well maintained and very well promoted (think Biltmore). The city is quite diverse in its racial, economic, and sexual-orientation dimensions. The outlook for sustaining these seems bright."
"A wonderful downtown with strong historic preservation and design and many unique businesses. The region's popularity is creating growing pains and could result in a loss of character."
"This is one of America's best small cities. Livable, walkable, interesting. They have done a great job of downtown revitalization, trail development, and historic preservation."
"While the area has grown dramatically in recent years, the downtown maintains its uniqueness, without chain stores. Asheville is a premier arts and handicrafts destination and also offers many excellent natural attractions."
North Carolina: Wilmington
Score: 60
"Wilmington is of two minds: conservation or renovation. It also has permitted too much erosion of its beach areas to vacation tourism; likewise for nearby Wrightsville Beach. It is in danger of becoming far too upscale and commercialized to make it an attractive destination."
"The battleship is enjoyable to visit. Far enough away from the Research Triangle sprawl to have a bit of relaxation."
"Much of the downtown's late 19th-century and early 20th-century fabric is gone, especially along river and railroads."
"Several well-preserved residential blocks adjacent to downtown. A couple of good restaurants by the waterfront, but some poor development as well. Lots of sprawl on the fringes."
Nova Scotia: Lunenburg
Score: 73
"World Heritage designation has spurred restoration and preservation. Overall port ambience is retained and new construction is kept outside historic core."
"Great example of a living-heritage community. Parks Canada's involvement has resulted, and will continue to result, in resources for preservation of many of the buildings and features. Best surviving example of the British colonial policy of imposing a model town design in Canada."
"Good history, well told. Local festivals bring in lots of people to enjoy music and seafaring."
"Lack of funds to support property owners in maintaining relatively fragile wooden buildings."
Ontario: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Score: 67
"This may be the most beautiful small town in Canada. It is quite touristy, but has done a great job of preserving its charm."
"It is a very attractive small town on a waterfront, and anchors one of Canada's finest scenic parkways. It displays a high level of building and landscape conservation. A nationally significant theater and a location in a wine region are plusses; the almost complete gentrification of the town is a major problem. To many Canadians, it is the town that tourism killed."
"Tourism is based on the Shaw festival and the history of the town. Local people benefit from commercial interests—bed-and-breakfasts of a high standard, attractive shopping area, restaurants, etc."
"A theme park by any other name. But then that's what many of the visitors seem to expect and may even enjoy. The surrounding vineyards are arguably carrying much more integrity, although they are also being threatened by poor urban and regional planning."
Ontario: Rideau Canal corridor
Score: 84
"This canal corridor linking Ottawa and Kingston has recently been designated a World Heritage Site. It displays a high degree of authenticity along its length."
"Key lock sites and urban sections are nearly all parkland. Towns on the route, such as Merrickville, have maintained historic stone buildings, now converted to tourist shops and services. Heavy boat use is limited by the canal lock capacity. Many heritage buildings along the route are restored and used for inns, pubs, restaurants, etc."
"The historic canal is a cornerstone of the economic and social sustainability of the region. It is currently a national biosphere reserve, which draws attention and consideration to sound environmental practices."
"Very good harmony between the canal, managed surroundings at locks, and natural environment. Good visitor management and interpretation by Parks Canada."
Oregon: Ashland
Score: 75
"Historically and culturally rich, not yet overdeveloped for tourists."
"One of America's most delightful small towns."
"Shakespeare Festival a great attraction, yet threatens to overwhelm the community."
"Generally in fairly good shape, but tourism development is a bit weak. Other parts of Oregon may be more attractive."
"The community is working very hard to keep its integrity. Good planning for tourism, but could be threatened with more hotel development."
Pennsylvania: Lancaster County
Score: 45
"It has ceased to be a distinctive cultural landscape. The Amish are lost amid the sprawl and schlock."
"Parts of the county still offer aesthetic and human-made appeal with their Amish population and farmsteads. Cities and towns such as Lancaster, Strasburg, Lititz, and Ephrata have much to offer in their architectural heritage. Sustainable tourism has been promoted in recent years by the county planning commission."
"Why can we not celebrate a historic area without making cheap junk shops, especially when the local handicrafts are of such excellent quality?"
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia historic areas
Score: 64
"Taken large scale, Old City, Society Hill, and the National Historic Site work well together, offering history, landscaping, and right-scaled big city experiences."
"The hidden churches and houses of early Philadelphia lie several blocks away, real lures in an otherwise gaudy tourist sea."
"To experience the life of Benjamin Franklin on site is an inspiring event. Interpretation is good and it is possible to find all kinds of information."
"Although Philadelphia suffers from many urban ills, the historic sites are intact and presented in imaginative ways (through tours, night shows, interpreters, etc.), ensuring that a new generation of visitors appreciates their importance."
"Tourism is well developed but not always that well integrated in the local cultural settings (e.g. predominantly African-American neighborhoods)."
"The Old City has become one of the 'coolest' parts of the city, with many great restaurants and entertainment options. Whether or not it retains its historical integrity is perhaps another question."
Quebec: Montréal historic areas
Score: 72
"Extensive, enticingly walkable 'Old Quarter,' Vieux-Montréal, is a relatively recent revival that includes the historic port area along the St. Lawrence River. Huge effort and expense have been focused on preserving and representing the city's secular and religious past in an authentic, lively manner. Actors in period costume frequently bring history alive, while street musicians offer up toe-tapping traditional music, and tour guides dress the part for walking history excursions."
"Wonderful character: charming historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Not yet ruined by too many tourist shops selling souvenirs and tee shirts, but nevertheless could go the ye-olde-historic-theme-park route."
"The city's history and architectural museums, its botanical garden and primary historic cemetery, are world-class."
"Large buildings nearby are visible and can detract from general historic image."
Rhode Island: Newport
Score: 62
"The civic buildings, colonial city, 19th-century mansions, and riverfront offer a unique and engaging combination for residents and tourists. Modern hotels are somewhat out of scale."
"The downtown waterfront area is a disappointing hodgepodge, but the rest of the historic area—especially Cliff Walk and the Gilded Age 'cottages'—is spectacular."
"Too much shopping has detracted from historic town. Totally congested. Tacky sprawl outside central area."
South Carolina: Charleston
Score: 77
"Charleston is a city of firsts, both for historic preservation and forward thinking on tourism."
"The historic area is extremely well crafted but runs the risk of becoming a re-created historic environment. The redevelopment of the old market into a boutique zone loses the authenticity. Historic old mansions just outside the town are 'authentically' preserved and well presented, maintaining the sense of pathos and decay that was the result of plantations with slave labor." "Charleston's cultural and historical heritage, events (Spoleto Arts Festival), fine dining, shopping, walking and horse-carriage tours, and beaches attract millions of visitors. There is, however, one element that affects its overall appeal: The integration of the Afro-American community and heritage is absent."
"As good a job as any place in America of managing its tourism and restoring its resources. The only real disappointment is the Old Market, which just sells tacky junk."
South Dakota: Deadwood
Score: 45
"A tourist spend-a-day destination. Maybe that's just a modern version of what it has always been, a place for rubes to drop a few bucks."
"It's unfortunate that Deadwood didn't maintain the historical integrity of its building interiors when it turned the town over to casinos. Constant noise of slot machines and gaming is a detractor to a heritage experience."
"Totally devoted to tourist enterprises of dubious or non-existent historical values (mock gunfights). Surrounding countryside largely devoid of traditional pursuits like ranching and mining. Transient and unrewarding."
"Hokey and relatively unpleasant."
Virginia: Alexandria
Score: 68
"The architecture is historic, but modest. The real experience is the well-integrated transportation system, waterfront trails, and great shopping, dining, and people watching. The connection to the George Washington Parkway and city transit is a model for all to follow."
"The riverfront and adjacent colonial-era homes attract numerous visitors, but seldom seem crowded. Three large warehouses are obstacles to a riverwalk."
"The town is upgrading and in most cases this is good, but some of the modernization does not add to the social/cultural integrity and the historic sense of place."
"Just don't expect to find much of its past or future. It has considerable appeal as a neighborhood, but is neither authentic nor unspoiled, and I can't frankly think of why a tourist would want to visit it except to see the Torpedo Factory Art Center."
Virginia: Charlottesville and Monticello
Score: 72
"Monticello and Charlottesville, although different, are complimentary. They both possess the tourism assets to attract visitors fascinated with Jefferson's life and contributions: his Montpelier estate and its history, the surrounding vineyards, Monticello, and the University of Virginia campus. Also, Charlottesville's historic downtown mall, characterized by restaurants and small business shops."
"In spite of tremendous pressure, as can be seen on the hillsides surrounding Monticello, this is still a magical and compelling area."
"Highway 29 north of Charlottesville is appalling—miles and miles of ugly road-rash and tangled traffic. The downtown core is nice—the pedestrian mall is one of the handful that remain viable. University of Virginia and Monticello are world-class treasures, of course, and much of the surrounding countryside is serenely beautiful."
"The docent told us about happy slaves without a blink, as if slavery was a free choice embraced by all involved. That tainted my entire visit to the house, and we ended up walking out on our tour and wandering the grounds near the old slave quarters on our own."
Virginia: Richmond historic area
Score: 61
"Richmond has great resources but has done a terrible job of protecting them. Downtown is depressed and unsafe. The battlefields are surrounded by subdivisions. Historic demolitions have destroyed much of the city's unique character."
"In terms of its historic offerings and their upkeep, Richmond is a jewel, although it doesn't score high on the tourist circuit. The city is doing a fair job of coordinating the various 'islands' of attraction—downtown, Fan District, Shockoe Slip, Church Hill, etc.—but needs to package the whole thing better. The outlook is good, however, since its location and access rate are high."
"The riverfront revitalization is engaging and offers good services."
Washington: Port Townsend
Score: 74
"Charming, charming, charming. This quiet port town has maintained a sense of the seaport that distinguishes the area. We stayed at a hotel on the edge of town and cheerfully walked the mile into town each day to partake of wonderful food and ambience. A good blend of modern-day life in an authentic, historic setting."
"Community appears to be stable. Tourism is well integrated."
"A great place to visit, not far from Seattle. It reminds me of what a Northwest rural fishing area was like not too long ago."
"Good pride of place with a strong local government guiding/controlling development."
"Friendly town, architecturally interesting, overall very aesthetically pleasing."
"Strong active retiree and alternative-lifestyle residents. Historical architecture heritage is good. Many bed-and-breakfasts. I find the town quite boring and too touristy in-season. I don't get the impression that tourists are informed about much other than go, shop, eat, and move on. It is a destination among Washingtonians for the jazz festival and other events."
West Virginia: Harpers Ferry
Score: 67
"Despite the ticky-tack tourist places, this still feels like an authentic Civil War era town."
"The off-site parking and busing plan is a smart and appropriate way to manage the effects of tourism on this highly significant and vulnerable historic place."
"The setting is wonderful, and from a distance the town seems appealing, but then try to find a decent place to eat! This place needs more business opportunities offering a variety of tourism experiences, not just historic buildings and interpretive signs."
"The ecological integrity continues to be sustained because Harpers Ferry is within a National Park (it is located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, and the Appalachian Trail runs by it). Numerous housing developments being built in its surrounding environment may constitute a threat."