The National Trust for Historic Preservation today named Eureka one of its 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations and placed the North Coast city in the running for a public online voting contest to select the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations Fan Favorite.

For 12 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected communities across America that, in the words of its press release, “offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtown's 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.”

Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said Eureka's commitment to its unique past gives visitors an opportunity to step back in time.

”This Victorian-era town offers the complete package for visitors -- the beautiful bay, an active arts culture and an unrivaled array of historic sites, all of which paint a fascinating portrait of our 19th century American West,” she said.

Listed among Eureka's highlights were the Samoa Cookhouse, the Blue Ox Millworks, the Carter House Inns and Eureka's “more than 50 festivals, including an Intertribal gathering of Native American tribes, a mushroom fair and the Kinetic Sculpture Race, which is the original triathlon of the art world.

Other highlights mentioned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the Madaket, the last surviving original ferry that transported mill workers and families to the bay, kayak trips across the bay, a wide array of bird species, the ability to paddle around Indian Island or along the water trails of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Native American wing of the Clarke Historical Museum's displays of Northern California Native American basketry, stoneware and regalia.

See the full story in Wednesday's 2.16.11edition of the Times-Standard.