Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Sheridan,Wyoming Named One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations

Washington, D.C. (February 15, 2011)—Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Sheridan, Wyoming, one of its 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Sheridan, nominated by Sheridan Travel and Tourism, was selected for its vibrant Main Street commercial district, abundant recreational opportunities, and its authentic Western character, all set “in the shadow of the Big Horns.” From February 15 to March 15, Sheridan will be participating in a public online voting contest to select the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.

For 11 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and a commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

“Sheridan is a classic Western town, offering visitors a real taste of its ranching, farming and mining heritage, as well as contemporary theater, arts and dining opportunities,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and shoppers alike will be amazed by Sheridan’s amenities, including hiking, hunting and fishing; archeological sites and public art; and top-notch purveyors of Western art and apparel.”

Sheridan, Wyoming Images

Downtown Sheridan boasts 46 late 18th-century/early 20th -century brick and iron-clad storefronts that house a wide variety of successful retailers, including shops that specialize in Western art, antiques and collectibles, leather crafts, ropes and horse tack, log furniture, jewelry and more. While experiencing Sheridan’s frontier culture, visitors and residents can also enjoy its modern amenities, including an extensive pathway system linking many of the city’s parks and points of interest, a fleet of replica trolleys that provide guided tours of the city, and a range of interesting dining and entertainment options. Its stunning National Historic Landmark Sheridan Inn—a place where Buffalo Bill lived and auditioned performers for his Western act—is now heated and cooled by an environmentally sustainable geothermal energy system.

Highlights:
• Sheridan WYO Rodeo – part of the Million Dollar Tour of Professional Rodeos and a week-long, Western celebration in July that includes World Champion Indian Relay Races, street dances, bed and foot races, as well as a parade and a carnival.
Don King’s Western Museum – a world-class collection of cowboy memorabilia and Indian artifact collections located with King’s Saddlery & Ropes, a complete Western tack store for outfitting cowboys, cowgirls and city-slickers (shot of whiskey across the street at Mint Bar’s century-old watering hole optional).
• Historic Sheridan Inn – home of Buffalo Bill, resident ghosts, and ongoing rehabilitation into 22 Buffalo Bill-character suites; a designated Save America’s Treasure site.
Fort Phil Kearny, museum and battle sites – part of the Bloody Bozeman Trail, a National Historic Landmark; also visit the Battle of Little Bighorn site, just to the north of Sheridan.
Wildlife Refuge – offers majestic views of elk and buffalo as they roam within their park home.
The Big Horn Mountains – an adventurer’s playground for golfing, hiking, rock climbing, hang gliding, snowmobiling and skiing.
Public Arts walking tour – featuring 28 bronze sculptures and other public art installations positioned along its downtown streets.

The public is invited to vote online to help determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2011 Fan Favorite. From February 15 to March 15, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote once per day for his or her favorite city or town on this year’s list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 16, 2011. Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America. No purchase necessary. Offer void where prohibited. Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year’s destinations, and to begin voting!



To download high resolution images and video of this year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, visit www.PreservationNation.org/press.

2011 marks the twelfth announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 144 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2011 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd. 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 (www.PreservationNation.org) 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.

Media Contact:
Penny Becker, Sheridan Travel & Tourism
307-673-7120
stt@sheridanwyoming.org

1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much for this. I can't tell you how much guilt it alleviates. La Vie

    ReplyDelete