Once a hospice for Civil War casualties, this proud Colonial-era city has a revived red brick commercial district lined with shops, restaurants and weekenders from D.C. and Baltimore -- both about an hour away.
Frederick, Maryland —
Once a hospice for Civil War casualties, this proud Colonial-era city has a revived red brick commercial district lined with shops, restaurants and weekenders from D.C. and Baltimore -- both about an hour away.
Frederick County Tourism Council
One of the country's most successfully revitalized coastal resort communities draws vacationers over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
Coronado, California —
One of the country's most successfully revitalized coastal resort communities draws vacationers over the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
Hotel del Coronado
In the 1980s, Paducah's historic Lower Town was blighted by neglect. Its commercial center sat 70 percent vacant. More than $100 million in investment later, those same blocks are home to an arts and small business community now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Paducah, Kentucky —
In the 1980s, Paducah's historic Lower Town was blighted by neglect. Its commercial center sat 70 percent vacant. More than $100 million in investment later, those same blocks are home to an arts and small business community now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Paducah Renaissance Alliance
Originally a Pony Express station, then a copper mining town, Ely is now home to Wild West experiences, such as the steam-powered Northern Nevada Railway.
Ely, Nevada —
Originally a Pony Express station, then a copper mining town, Ely is now home to Wild West experiences, such as the steam-powered Northern Nevada Railway.
Nevada Northern Railway
Libertyville's four-block epicenter along Milwaukee Avenue (35 miles from Chicago, and a world apart) is lined with boutiques, foodie shops and pubs.
Libertyville, Illinois —
Libertyville's four-block epicenter along Milwaukee Avenue (35 miles from Chicago, and a world apart) is lined with boutiques, foodie shops and pubs.
MainStreet Libertyville
New Iberia's renaissance has yielded a Great American Main Street Award and a revitalized commercial district featuring hot (and hot) Cajun eateries and the restored Evangeline (now Sliman) Theater -- home to Louisiana Live Cajun and "swamp pop" concerts.
New Iberia, Louisiana —
New Iberia's renaissance has yielded a Great American Main Street Award and a revitalized commercial district featuring hot (and hot) Cajun eateries and the restored Evangeline (now Sliman) Theater -- home to Louisiana Live Cajun and "swamp pop" concerts.
Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau
Thanks to a huge civic mobilization, El Dorado has recouped its reputation as "the pride of south Arkansas." The once desolate downtown is now lined with more than 65 shops.
El Dorado, Arkansas —
Thanks to a huge civic mobilization, El Dorado has recouped its reputation as "the pride of south Arkansas." The once desolate downtown is now lined with more than 65 shops.
The Diamond Agency
Conceived in the 1870s as an "Athens of Florida," downtown DeLand's attractions include the restored 1921 Art Deco Athens Theater, nearby Artisan Alley and a revived Garden District.
DeLand, Florida —
Conceived in the 1870s as an "Athens of Florida," downtown DeLand's attractions include the restored 1921 Art Deco Athens Theater, nearby Artisan Alley and a revived Garden District.
West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority