Chapel Hill wins ‘Distinctive Destination’ award

Chapel Hill received an official nod as the “Southern Part of Heaven” in a ceremony celebrating the town as a national tourism hub.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation named Chapel Hill as one of its 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, which is based on strong downtowns, classic architecture and an unfailing commitment to historical preservation.

John Hildreth, director of the southern regional office of the preservation trust, presented the award to Chapel Hill Town Council member Sally Greene, who received the award on behalf of the town at a ceremony Tuesday morning at the Carolina Inn.

“Discerning travelers to Chapel Hill have long appreciated the two centuries of architectural grandeur on display throughout the town,” he said.

“Chapel Hill’s commitment to the environment and sustainable practices set it apart from other towns and cities.”

Greene, though not a native North Carolinian, said she immediately felt Chapel Hill’s pull of place when she came to UNC for graduate school.

“Suddenly, the sky turned Carolina blue,” she said.

Greene said Chapel Hill is working to give each neighborhood attention for preservation, and said she hoped the recognition would help increase tourism to the area.

According to Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitor’s Bureau data, visitor spending generated an economic impact of about $134 million in 2009, a 11.7 percent decrease from 2008.

The National Trust mentioned restaurant Crook’s Corner, the Carolina Basketball Museum, the North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Old Chapel Hill Cemetery among highlights of Chapel Hill.

Ernest Dollar, executive director of the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill, said the award was vindication for the preservation society’s decades of work.

“One can feel a sense of pride strolling through the University campus, and many find peace walking through our neighborhood streets lined with green canopy,” Dollar said. “Together these forge a sense of place like no other.”

The public can vote on the preservation trust’s website for their Fan Favorite award until March 15.

Patti Thorp, wife of UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp, voiced her commitment to making Chapel Hill the 2011 Fan Favorite and encouraged citizens to vote.

“This is a town that loves competition, especially in March,” Thorp said. “We love going for the gold, and we’re going to win it.”

Thorp said preservation is not only integral in protecting the past but also in ensuring the future.

“The University and the town are growing as we welcome more people to the community, but we are aware that our heritage makes us who we are,” she said.

“Who we are is not only a function of who we were, but who we will be.”

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