Crested Butte Lands Spot on National Trust for Historic Preservation's "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" List

Colorado town recognized as “one of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies”

GUNNISON-CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (February 7, 2008) — Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Crested Butte, Colorado one of its 2008 “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.”  Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination.  From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

“Crested Butte is a delightful hidden gem that offers a rare mix of beauty, history and adventure,” says Richard Moe, president of the NTHP.  “Filled with endless recreational opportunities no matter the time of year, this authentic mountain town is arguably one of the most charming vacation destinations in the Rockies.”

Crested Butte to Celebrate Honor on Feb. 17

To commemorate being part of the NTHP’s prestigious Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum will host a celebration on Sunday, Feb. 17 from 5 – 7:30 p.m.  The museum also will debut its new textiles exhibit.  The exhibit features historic clothing from Crested Butte that will rotate frequently using the museum’s sizable textile collection.  The museum, located at 331 Elk Ave., nominated Crested Butte for the designation. 

Visitors and residents are invited to enjoy an evening of Crested Butte fun, refreshments and free admission to the museum.

“Our town is very honored and excited to receive this designation from the NTHP.  Our historic buildings create a town with distinct character, and the human-scale has been preserved,” says Melissa Belz, curator of the museum.  “We hope that people come and experience the beauty that Crested Butte has to offer.  There is something for everyone from the mountain adventurer to the bench enthusiast.”

Crested Butte at a Glance

Nestled in a stunning valley of wildflowers and majestic mountain peaks, this year-round destination is a recreational paradise offering a dizzying array of activities for any traveler—from the avid sports enthusiast to the history buff.  The former coal mining town has faithfully held onto its 19th century heritage, retaining the heart and spirit of the landscape while creating a main street that oozes charm. 

A National Historic District since 1974, Crested Butte illustrates the vibrant design of a Victorian-era village, with its wooden false-front buildings, street-corner flower boxes and antique lamplight.  The main street, Elk Avenue, is lined with original 19th century buildings that have been reinvented as inviting coffee shops, quaint restaurants and specialty shops.  The town enacted a preservation ordinance 35 years ago setting forth the conservation of its historic fabric.  Today, with a “no demolition” law in place, more than 465 residential and commercial buildings make Crested Butte the eighth largest historic district in Colorado.

Historic attractions include the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum.  Built in 1883 and one of the oldest standing structures in town, the building first housed the Crested Butte Hardware store and later a blacksmith shop and gas station.  The museum is now a repository for relics from the town’s past mining era and more recent ranching and skiing history.  It also houses the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame as Crested Butte has the unique distinction of being one of the birthplaces of mountain biking.

The village of Mt. Crested Butte is easily accessed from town by a free shuttle bus.  Named after the 12,162-foot peak that has become the area’s signature, Mt. Crested Butte offers skiing and snowboarding thrills like few others at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.  Once the snow melts and summer blossoms, visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fishing, kayaking and river rafting.  Festivals and other cultural events run year-round, providing dynamic entertainment alternatives.

2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations

Crested Butte is in good company on the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, which also includes Aiken, S.C.; Apalachicola, Fla., Columbus, Miss.; Fort Davis, Texas; Friday Harbor, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Portsmouth, N.H; Red Wing, Minn.; Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; San Juan Bautista, Calif.; and Wilmington, N.C.

This is the ninth time the NTHP has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations, which was established to recognize unique and lovingly preserved communities and regions and to promote heritage tourism across the United States.  To date, ther
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