Mayor Michael Nutter

We’ve known it for a long time, now the nation will too: The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced its 2010 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, and Chestnut Hill made the list.

Mayor Michael Nutter received the award on behalf of the Chestnut Hill Community Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 3, at the TD Bank on Germantown Ave. Chestnut Hill is the only location in Pennsylvania to receive the distinction.

“We’re excited that the National Trust found out what we have always known about this great neighborhood in Philadelphia. Chestnut Hill could not have been nominated for this prestigious award without having great civic leaders, business leaders, and political leaders,” says Mayor Nutter.

Greg Welsh, president of the Chestnut Hill Business Association (CHBA), recognized that this award is not an overnight feat, and he thanked the hundreds of volunteers through the decades that have made Chestnut Hill what it is today. If Chestnut Hill wins the #1 spot on the Distinctive Destination list, Welsh believes it will bring an enormous amount of tourism to the neighborhood.

“We believe this spotlight on Chestnut Hill will bring longtime deserved national recognition to our community, and will give Germantown Ave. a new platform to reach future retailers which will help our vacancy situation,” says Welsh.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has nominated the Top 12 Distinctive Destinations around the country since 2000. This award program showcases towns that offer an authentic visitor experience, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, artistic landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation.

Your Vote Will Push Us to the Top

Now, you can help CH top the list by voting online! The National Trust for Historic Preservation is counting fan favorites votes on their website, and the community with the most votes will take the top honor as the #1 Distinctive Destination.

“There is no doubt in my mind that we can win,” says Mayor Nutter, “I know Philadelphians love to vote, so that’s what we’re going to do – Vote and vote often.” The mayor encouraged the community to vote 2, 3, or 4 times a day.

To keep up to date on how Chestnut Hill is doing in the polls, visit the National Trust’s website for standing updates! The more you vote, the better chances Chestnut Hill has of winning! Residents, friends, and families of the Avenue can vote Feb. 3 to Feb. 28, and the winner will be announced March 1.

Celebrate on the Avenue

To spur voting in our community, the CHBA planned a variety of spirited activities on the Avenue between now and Feb. 28, including:

Philly Phanatic Appearances on Germantown Ave.
Live Performances from Mummer’s Day Parade participants
A Chestnut Hill Fire Engine from Company 37

Chestnut Hill is Among the Following Top 12 Nominees:

Bastrop, Texas
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania
The Crooked Road, Virginia
Fort Collins, Colorado
Huntsville, Alabama
Marquette, Michigan
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Rockland, Maine
Simsbury, Connecticut
Sitka, Alaska
St. Louis, Missouri