The National Trust for Historic Preservation has posted a list of 10 big wins—significant historic sites saved from the wrecking ball or development in the past year (as well as listing some sad losses). They’re spread across the country, and could make a good guide for planning where to go next! DETAILS
Rethymno: More of Crete
Rethymno is a rare combination of history and modern-day luxury, with its multicultural old town, tropical beaches and exquisite Cretan cuisine.
I like to see some of the Nation’s heritage preserved. I’ve actually been to a number of these places and enjoyed them all.
Note that the National Trust for Historic Preservation is a private organization. I think that’s key in this era of government cutbacks and a congress unable to accomplish anything to speak of. If the National Park Service is unable to maintain it’s infrastructure then one can only imagine how little care might go into preserving bits of our cultural heritage lacking big names, such as those on the list above. Commercial interests also have a place in accomplishing what government and non-profits cannot or will not do. Historic downtown revitalizations are largely the work of private money, restoring buildings one at a time by individual and corporate landlords under historic preservation guidelines. The New Orleans French Quarter is a good example of ongoing commercial efforts, as is La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ, on a much smaller scale. Read about how this Colter-designed Santa Fe RR hotel was saved: http://www.laposada.org/hotel_history.html
PS – Pheymont, I haven’t found the International list (faulty website or faulty eyes, I suspect the latter). Would you post a link, please?
Bummer. Thanks, though, for your attentive concern! And for the interesting post, of course.
PM (and anyone else I misled)…I went back and found the link that said “Around the World” on their page was actually another link to the same domestic 10. I’ve edited the reference out of the clip above. Too bad…I was looking forward to reading it…