There was a time that being American gave tremendous privilege and a secure way of life. But, America has changed over the past decades and in many ways it has changed for the worse. Like so many others, I worry that we have not seen the bottom of the spiral, and I have to wonder, am I witnessing the death of America?

In the time of Thucydides, Greeks ruled. Once the power of Rome stretched throughout the known world. And, at one time, "the sun never set on Great Britain". Times change: Greece is no longer a world force. Rome is now nothing but a city; Great Britain has been absorbed by the European Union. Great powers fall over time.

My parents lived a confident life. Superpower citizenship gave them inherent wealth, privileges and opportunities. Being American afforded them a certain security when they traveled, and it meant they were welcomed in most countries of the world. The future looked bright, and they had the luxury of feeling secure within our borders.

Contrast this with the travel advice my generation is given: "when traveling overseas take great care NOT to identify yourself as an American. Ensure you do not attach anything identifiable to your suitcases (such as American flags.)" Now, an unsettlingly large percentage of the world hates us. And at any given moment, there are groups of people plotting ways to kill us at home and abroad, just for the sin of being born in America.

I have always considered myself highly patriotic.  I am a military wife of more than a decade.  Our family has made tremendous personal sacrifices out of patriotic duty.  I am also prior enlisted myself, having personally served a tour in the military.  And, I have engaged in countless arguments with foreign-born friends defending America's honor.

But... America is changing, and I am not fond of the America that stands before me today. American ideals were once celebrated throughout the world. Now it seems we are hated by those same people that once adored us. We are involved in wars that we cannot win, wars that cost trillions of dollars when our country's economy has fallen to the worst state since the Great Depression. Millions of Americans are facing foreclosure and the unemployment rate is at a record high.

What happened to the country I loved? The health care system is broken, with no solution in sight. Identity theft and people who make a business of scamming others seem to be everywhere. Everytime I turn on the TV, I see a report of teen violence, or school/workplace shootings, or another murder.

Racial tension is still rearing it's ugly head. Ten years ago I remember commenting to a friend,

"My grandmother was raised in a time where America was segregated; my mother lived through the time of civil rights and black people being relegated to the back of the bus. I have lived through the time of Affirmative Action. But, to my children, none of this will matter. Each generation comes closer to equality, and my children's generation will be the first to be colorless. Playing with children of all races in the school-yard, they will truly see all colors as equal."

I couldn't have been more wrong. We may have our first black president, but has it really changed? Our entire country stopped last week over racial tension when a black professor was arrested by a white police officer. The tension over Mexican immigration has hit dangerous proportions, with border violence becoming epidemic.

Let me also point out how American's values are skewed. During the same weekend that America was up in arms about the black professor being arrested, several American soldiers were killed overseas defending your freedom. I bet you don't know their names, but I will give you 2 to 1 that you can name that professor....

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Just now, I received the following comment in response, written by Gloria Ives:

Gloria Ives 

So glad I found this blog,Terrific. And especially this particular post. It should be required reading for every teenager who falls into the chameleon trap, searching for his place. The message here for me is this: how you present yourself to the world should reflect your essence. Just as Pepsi has confused it's customer base over the years by changing it's image to suit the times or the "changing" mindset of their audience, continuing to alter your appearance or your image to suit others is a mistake.

Coca Cola still comes across as Old fashioned-- like the wisdom of a grandparent--still fresh, despite the changing of the times, certain lessons remain the same.

Essence always remains the same, despite what we may attempt while searching for"identity".

Identity is Essence. It may be your fondness for Gnomes, or your ability to connect with children. It may be your uplifting spirit; the way you light up a room.It may be the way you see and share the world. It may in fact be your DNA.

But who you are is your greatest gift, and In a perfect world, which is really what it is, at it's essence, every tree, every mountain every stream has a specific role to play, and so do you.

P.S. Thanks for the Inspiration.

"Real authenticity is the key.

It doesn't matter who you are;

success comes from being yourself."

- Danny Strong

I also write a blog about dating, love, relationships and marriage [KeyLargoKiss.com]... So I often find myself looking at things from that perspective.  I have always found it fascinating that so many women fall for the "cad" (old term, forgive me for not thinking up a better one).  Think Charlie Harper from the television show Two and a Half Men--he is a perfect example.

 


Charlie's character is a ruthless womanizer, heavy drinker, compulsive gambler and selfishly irresponsible, but you can't help but like the guy.  On the show, Charlie makes no excuses about who or what he is.  He doesn't try to hide it.  He is what he is, and he is ok with that.  There are no self-help books on his nightstand.  You can like him or not, but your approval is irrelevant. There is something inherently sexy in his self-accepting confidence.   Every man would love to have a beer with him--and despite knowing he is a womanizer, women still find him irresistibly charming.

We find these characters celebrated throughout fiction.  Whether it is the main character in John Sandford's "Prey" series, or James Spader's character on Boston Legal, you can't help but like the person who accepts themselves with unapologetic confidence.

Cowboy in the Courtroom

Another great example comes in the legal field,Gerry Spence, the rebel attorney who is one of America's finest legal minds.  He tried many famous cases, including Karen Silkwood's (of the movie "Silkwood" fame).  What makes Gerry a rebel?  Read his book, "How to Argue and Win Every Time."  You will find a man of extraordinary power, who remains non-pretentious and very approachable... and generally you will find him wearing his fringed cowboy jacket (not your typical attorney attire.)

In his book, How to Argue and Win Every Time, Gerry writes about this very topic: being genuine.  Gerry attributes his success in front of juries to various things:  a refusal to use big words (as opposing counsel will often do in an effort to look important), and an ability to be himself and relate to everyone in the room.  This sounds like simple advice, but clearly it has been effective, and Gerry Spence has one of the most impressive legal records in America.

Tell the truth.  With ordinary words you have learned the incredible power of credibility.  Being who you are is powerful.  Saying how you feel is powerful.  To be open and real and afraid, if you are afraid, is powerful.  The power argument begins and ends by telling the truth.  Truth is power.

--Gerry Spence, excerpt from How to Argue and Win Every Time

Gerry Spence is a "real guy".  And, "How to Argue and Win Every Time" recommends avoiding games and deception.  To be successful in any arena, you must drop your guard, be a genuine voice, and tell the truth even when it isn't popular to do so.  This can only be achieved when you are being yourself.  Everyone can spot a fake.  It takes the truth about yourself and the facts to sway any audience.


Have you ever known someone who chased your approval?  

When looking at the chart below, showing Coke and Pepsi logos over the years it does become clear that Pepsi was chasing public approval, changing logos with definite regularity -- while Coke was retaining the essence of what led to their success.  

 


As Gloria said:

 Coca Cola still comes across as Old fashioned-- like the wisdom of a grandparent--still fresh, despite the changing of the times, certain lessons remain the same.

The message here for me is this: how you present yourself to the world should reflect your essence. Just as Pepsi has confused it's customer base over the years by changing it's image to suit the times or the "changing" mindset of their audience, continuing to alter your appearance or your image to suit others is a mistake.

What I found especially provocative was Gloria's application of this article to the "Chameleon Trap" among teens, where they try so hard to fit in or gain approval, that they lose themselves in the process...  The teenage years are marked by an exploration of self, trying to find your role in the world.  While this can be a turbulent time, it is important for teens to know that this search for self is a vital step in the journey toward adulthood.  Although high school can feel as if it will last forever, anyone who has been out for a few years will tell you that it is a fleeting thing.  It is important not to change for people who are only going to be a temporary fixture in your life.  Remember that you must live with you for the rest of your life; stay true to yourself above all others.   

Losing yourself  

Losing yourself in relationships can happen at any age.  Who hasn't sat through something they hate for the sake of love?  Football? Opera?  Baseball Games? Chick Flicks?  Give and take is part of any relationship, however when you begin to live the other person's life, and give up what makes you the person you are in the process...you tread on dangerous ground.  

“Don’t settle for a relationship that won’t let you be yourself.” 

A healthy relationship is one that allows both people to grow and express themselves.  It is great to be open-minded about an event, but don't pretend to be someone you are not.  A true love will value your special qualities, will appreciate attempts to share interests, and will treasure you for simply being you.

Whether in a romantic, professional, or personal setting one of the most important life lessons for any of us to learn, is the value of being true to yourself.  Remember in trying to be someone you are not--or denying the person you are--even if it is a selfless act meant to please others, one ultimately finds misery and disdain.  Few things are more attractive than genuineness, and the confidence that is inherent in being true to yourself.  Even if people don't like you--they will respect you for it.

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Well, that is the excerpt of the letter...  It is just a bit of insight into what it was like living overseas.  Yes, it was fun to sample the best of Europe, and travel a bit.  But what I really took home was a new way of looking at the world...

Just call me a Viking...

 

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Who are You?


If someone asked you to define yourself right now, could you?  Where would you begin?

Would you begin with your past, after all your past is makes up the building blocks of who you are today.  Do you begin instead with your dreams and ambitions?  (Some would say we are better defined by where we are going, than by where we have been.)

This is my struggle.   I have been told that I must introduce myself to you, the reader.  This got me thinking.....in normal life we just jump in with others.

In a normal conversation, in a normal setting, we take acquaintances at face value without knowing their past, their bio, their deepest thoughts and aspirations.   Is it really necessary for me to bare my soul here and now?  Do you need to know me to read me, to follow me, to understand my writing?

For the past several days I have sat paralyzed by this task: Defining myself. Explaining who I am, where I come from, and where I am going -- in a blurb or paragraph, or even a page.

Subtle nuances are lost on print; as labels define they also feel harsh and limiting.... I realize am so much more than the sum of the words, and no page can begin to capture the essence of what makes me who I am.

Try it for yourself. Write your bio; write your story. Explain yourself. Give it a shot.... See? It's much harder than it looks!

This article was originally featured on RioDancesOnTheSand.com, a blog for the thinking person... Written by Rio Denali, a 30-something with peculiar curiosities, who makes the observations that many of us avoid. Full of useful links and entertaining articles, it is a fun favorite for the intelligent reader. For more great articles like this, please visit RioDancesOnTheSand.com.

Oh, if we only had the same problem here...

As reported by Radio Netherlands:

"During the 1990s the Netherlands faced a shortage of prison cells, but a decline in crime has since led to overcapacity in the prison system. The country now has capacity for 14,000 prisoners but only 12,000 detainees. Deputy Justice Minister Nebahat Albayrak announced on Tuesday that eight prisons will be closed, resulting in the loss of 1,200 jobs. Natural redundancy and other measures should prevent any forced lay-offs, the minister said.
The overcapacity is a result of the declining crime rate, which the ministry’s research department expects to continue for some time.

Some reprieve might come from a deal with Belgium, which is facing overpopulation in its prisons. The two countries are working out an agreement to house Belgian prisoners in Dutch prisons. Some 500 Belgian prisoners could be transferred to the Tilburg prison by 2010. The Netherlands would get 30 million euros in the deal, and it will allow the closing of the prisons in Rotterdam and Veenhuizen to be postponed until 2012."

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Written by John Carney 
As quoted from BusinessInsider.com


The image of banks locking their doors to keep customers from making withdrawals during a bank run is what immediately came to mind when we heard that Citigroup was telling customers it has the right to prevent any withdrawals from checking accounts
for seven days.

"Effective April 1, 2010, we reserve the right to require (7) days advance notice before permitting a withdrawal from all checking accounts. While we do not currently exercise this right and have not exercised it in the past, we are required by law to notify you of this change," Citigroup said on statements received by customers all over the country.

What's going on? It seems that this is something of an error. The seven day notice policy only applies to customers in Texas, Ira Stoll reports at The Future of Capitalism. It was accidentally included on customer statements nationwide.

"Whatever the explanation, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence in Citi," Stoll writes. "But it's hard to believe a bank would be sending out a notice like that on its statements."

UPDATE: According to Stoll, Citi issued a statement saying that it has been required to make this change by Federal regulations--and it no longer sounds like it's limited to Texas:

Update: Citibank has now released the following statement by way of explanation: "When Citibank moved to unlimited FDIC coverage in 2009, we had to reclassify many checking accounts to allow for immediate withdrawals in order to ensure all customers qualified for the additional coverage. When we moved back to standard FDIC coverage with most major banks in 2010, Citibank decided to reclassify those accounts back to make them eligible again for promotional incentives. To do so, Federal Reserve Reg D requires these accounts, called NOW accounts, to reserve the right to require a 7-day notice of withdrawal. We recently communicated this technical requirement to our customers. However, we have never exercised this right and have no plans to do so in the future."

Marie* is wildly successful.  She was a pioneer in the ever-popular homemaking-website industry, creating her first website back before there were any others--and initially writing all of her own articles.  Now 10 years later, she runs a mini-empire, with 10 websites, a subscription service, paid advertisers and a small army of writers submitting articles to her for syndication.  Even still, she does much of her own writing yet today, and the articles she authors still  remain some of the most popular on her websites.
 
However, when I met her, she didn't tell me all of that.  Marie is charming and personable--and definitely a consummate professional.  Instantly likable and a true people-person, she is one of the best professional networkers I have ever met.  But when we met, Marie left out some very important parts of her resume...she only told me she was a small business owner.  As we talked more, she told me a bit about the success of  her websites.  Talking in depth over the next few weeks, we covered many aspects of the business, and Marie described herself and her work many ways but never once did she claim the title of "writer" or "author".  In fact, it was about a month into our friendship before I realized she did any writing at all.

Marie has been featured on HGTV and  in Parenting Magazine--and has been reprinted by many other nationally recognizable names; the stuff of any author's dreams.  She has even co-authored a book you may have seen in a bookstore.  Yet Marie did not consider herself a writer.

Being a person who tends to think in psychological terms, I found this most peculiar.  I have met many self-promoters who make their accomplishments out to be more than reality, but I have not met many people good at networking, who do not accept full credit for their accomplishments and promote them with gusto.

When I pointed this out to Marie, the woman who uses words for a living, sat speechless.

"But I am not actually a writer."


"Haven't you made money from writing?"


"Yes."


"In fact, isn't that how you have been supporting your family?"


"Yes, of course."


"And, this has been your sole occupation for the last decade, right?"


"Yes."


"At what point do you get to claim the title of writer?  You do it full-time, make an income from it, and are considered a professional in your field.  Everyone else considers you a writer.  You have already had more success in your writing career than most writers ever do...what will it take for you to consider yourself one?"

 


Or the woman who sits up at night writing the great American novel--at what point does she get to wear the title "writer" proudly?  Is it once she finishes that first novel?  Cashes the first check?  Or is the act of writing itself, performed regularly--even if no one ever reads a word--enough to justify the using the title with pride?

As we discussed this subject, Marie told me about a business seminar she had attended the month before, about being most impressed by a woman who introduced herself as an author.  From the way she carried herself, Marie assumed this woman had published many books.  It was only after talking for a period of time, that Marie realized this woman had never been published at all....in fact, she was still working on her very first novel, yet the woman wore the title of writer with the pride that only comes from a true sense of accomplishment.

Marie said that the irony was not lost on her at the time:  that she, the professional published author, was introducing herself as a small-business owner, while the woman who had not yet finished her first work introduced herself as a writer.  But, even that bit of irony did not push Marie to make the self-concept leap toward adopting the title of "author".

Many labels are an arbitrary thing we assign ourselves.  Someone who writes in her spare time may consider herself an writer, while a paid professional may not.
When not officially bestowed through ceremony or circumstance, a title is often something that we "are" internally and (sometimes but not always) wear externally for the world to see.  It is the sometimes public and always personal definition of a part of our self.  The moment of the first brush stroke, and the moment a person begins thinking of themselves as an artist are two separate events...at some point a mental leap is made, and the title is incorporated into the psyche; a shift in self-perception is made.

Often natural triggers help us make this leap.  Once a person begins spending a significant amount of time in the pursuit of their craft, or once they begin making a certain income from it (particularly if it allows them to "quit their day job") that is when the shift in self image is usually triggered.  But, there are cases where the changes happen so slowly, over a period of years, that there is no natural definitive shift point. 

If you are a stay-at-home mom who begins making a little money from a hobby.... and if success is a slowly built thing, taking place over a number of years instead of all at once... at what point do you consider yourself a professional in your field?  Take my friend for example, at what point did she become a "writer"?  It is hard to pinpoint an exact date, but I think it is safe to agree that she is there now.

Unofficial Experimental Research

They say the recipe for success in the workplace comes down to this:  identify the position you want and dress for it; act like you already have it; carry yourself in a manner befitting the job.

That advice fits in perfectly with the ever-popular Law of Attraction, which states that:

" people's thoughts (both conscious and unconscious) dictate the reality of their lives, whether or not they're aware of it." -Wikipedia

So, why did my friend, who is so grounded in reality in every other way, fail to see what no one else missed?   Secretly I suspect it stems from low self-esteem.  Despite her incredible accomplishments, she did not feel as though she measured up to the accomplishments of others.

Toward the end of our conversation, I challenged Marie to an experiment:  Introduce herself as an author 10 times over the next month. 

Even I could see the difference.  There was something about declaring herself an author to others that finally allowed Marie to incorporate it into her own self-image.  Her new-found confidence was good for her writing and her business, bringing greater web-traffic and ultimately greater ad revenue.   Absorbing the title into her self identity gave her the professional boost she needed to take her business to the next level.


We have all been told not to label our children and not to accept labels put on us by others.  We have been told that labels damage us psychologically, they limit our growth and inhibit our creativity.  However, I would also say that not accepting a label you have earned can be equally as limiting.  I am not a dedicated follower of the Law of Attraction, but there does seem to be something to it; accepting a positive label inwardly, and projecting it outwardly can attract success.

Looking in from the outside, it is easy to see the change that Marie's self-granted title made; the difference in her career when she claimed credit for her success was a pleasure to watch.  I wonder how many of us are doing the same thing?  Take a moment to ponder this question for yourself:  Do you have any missing titles that could make a difference in your life?  Might be worth a closer look.


*Marie's name was changed to protect her identity.

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Written by Rio Denali

Times are changing, yes indeed.

My husband and I watched a TV show tonight on a PBS-type of channel, that got us talking. The show examined the social impact on children, of a family's passed-down stories. The documentary was filmed around 25 years ago. As they discussed the generations of the family, the narrator made a comment about the grandparents being around 40 years old, "middle-aged; a time in life where a person is typically in the height of their career and enjoying spending time with their grandchildren."

I began to ponder how much times have changed since that was filmed only a few decades ago. My husband is 40, and I am 38 years old....and we are the proud parents of a 2-year old. Not quite grandparent material, and certainly not ready to claim the title of "middle-aged" as our own.

I started thinking about my parents' and grandparents' generations, when people commonly married and started families younger. My grandfather's generation had a much lower life-expectancy, and being that he passed away at 75 years old the narrator was pretty accurate; 40 years old truly was middle-aged for him and his generation.

Now, with many of us delaying marriage and parenthood until we are well into our 30's, forty has an entirely different feel to it. It is hard to think of one's self as middle-aged while actively participating in procreation. Being a new parent, although exhausting, has a way of making one feel renewed, alive; and gives a new feeling of vitality.

And with news reports that more and more of us are becoming centenarians, I am thinking that I have another 12 years before I am going to embrace the middle-aged title as my own. I just don't feel as though I deserve it yet. I have not accomplished half of what I am meant to do. I need more time....

I cannot say that I will live to be one hundred, but according to the article How to Live to Be 100 Years Old, I am doing many of the right things. In fact, many of us are on the right path. "By the year 2050, America will be home to an estimated 1 million centenarians." With more Americans sliding into the title "centenarian" it only stands to reason that the term "middle-aged" is sliding too.

When I think of middle-aged, I picture gray hair, matronly clothing in dark colors, and sensible shoes. I don't see an athletic blonde running behind a jogging stroller. Nope, that's not me. You can keep that title for now....check back with me in 12 years!

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As the sun casts its autumnal glow on thousands of picturesque U.S. cities and towns, it's the perfect time to recognize the proverbial winners of the country's civic-beauty contest.

Written by Rob Baedeker - Quoted from Forbes Traveler and  Yahoo Travel

SEDONA, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona

"Inspiring vistas abound" says Vander Stelt of this high-desert northern Arizona town that is surrounded by stunning red-sandstone formations. Anderson puts it on her list, too, for its spirituality, artistry, and "architecture reflective of the desert surroundings." Sedona is home to numerous arts festivals, galleries and spas and a host of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona

SAVANNAH, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia

Called the "Hostess City of the South," Savannah was founded in 1733 and served as Georgia's colonial capital. Civil War Union General Sherman spared the city during his notorious march to the sea, and its antebellum character is still intact. Greg Ward, co-author of The Rough Guide USA, counts Savannah's "superb garden squares, dripping with Spanish moss, and its cobbled riverport" among the features that make it "the loveliest colonial town in the U.S."

Savannah, Georgia
MONTEREY, California
Monterey, California

"Monterey is not only a beautiful coastal town known for its world-class aquarium," says Anderson, "but it has a rich California history. You can spend time wandering along Cannery Row (made famous by John Steinbeck) and visit the shops and restaurants, which pay tribute to the old sardine canneries, or make your way down to the waterfront and admire the bay, a natural marine sanctuary."

Monterey, California

Monterey, California

LAKE PLACID, New York
Lake Placid, New York


101 Best Outdoor Towns co-authors Sarah Tuff Dunn and Melville both put the upstate New York town of Lake Placid on their (independently compiled) lists. Dunn says its "classic Main Street, pine-speckled hills and pristine small lakes" appeal to her, while Melville describes Lake Placid as "the closest you can get to living out West when you're in the East. It's got the jagged mountain backdrop surrounding an unpretentious ski village bordered by two crystal lakes."

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, New York

 LANESBORO, Minnesota

Lanesboro, Minnesota

Painter John Vander Stelt says, "Understated and self-assured, this Southeast Minnesota burg is a busy stop along the 60-mile-long Root River bike trail. The limestone bluffs, unpretentious shops and river bottoms offer visual delights.

Lanesboro, Minnestoa
GUTTENBERG, Iowa
 
Guttenberg, Iowa

"It's like a page ripped out of a Mark Twain novel where the Main Street storefronts face the mighty Mississippi," says Vander Stelt. "The local city park hugs the shoreline and is reminiscent of Seurat's painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.' This quaint village is a laidback slice of Americana."



Guttenberg, Iowa


BURLINGTON, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont

"Burlington has it all," says Sarah Tuff Dunn, co-author of 101 Best Outdoor Towns. Dunn says the town's charms include "a brick pedestrian marketplace, Vermont's iconic white steeples and rolling hills that spill down toward a lively, green waterfront on Lake Champlain."

Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont

DEADWOOD, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota

"This historic town still breathes with the rugged spirit and beauty of a frontier town," Vander Stelt says of Deadwood, the South Dakota outpost whose notorious residents have included Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane.

Deadwood, South Dakota


CAMBRIA, California

Cambria, California

This Central California coastal town is situated near Hearst Castle, just south of Big Sur. Designer Erin Anderson says Cambria "is truly a small town, complete with general store, antique shopping, and shops featuring local artisans." Moonstone Beach, she adds, is a "great place to view migrating whales, sea otters, and elephant seals."

Cambria, California

Cambria, California


UNION, Washington
Union, Washington

"There is something breathtaking about the way the Hood Canal winds its way through hills filled with thousands of evergreens," says Anderson of this enclave on the Kitsap Peninsula, in Washington's Puget Sound. "The town is inviting, the homes situated along the water's edge are modest, and the buildings are characteristic of the Pacific Northwest."

Union, Washington


CRESCENT CITY, California
 
Crescent City, California

Blakely describes this Northern California town, about 20 miles south of the Oregon border, as a quiet town, with big empty beaches, and big stands of redwoods, surrounding it. At 5 a.m. the fisherman head out from the and bring back excellent seafood." The historic Battery Point lighthouse stands watch just off Crescent City's coast.

 
Crescent City, California

 
Crescent City, California




ROCKPORT, Maine

Rockport, Maine

Photographer and host of PBS “Restorations” Bob Krist says little Rockport, on Maine's mid-coast, "has got probably the most picturesque harbor you've ever seen." That harbor was also the summer home of Andre the seal, subject of a 1994 children's movie. The Samoset Hotel, built in the late 19th century, presides on the waterfront, and Rockport hosts a number of arts-focused institutions, including the Maine Media Workshops and the Rockport Opera House.

Rockport, Maine

Rockport, Maine

 
Cape May, New Jersey

Krist says visiting Cape May, which is located at the southern tip of New Jersey, "is like going back in time." Beautiful old hotels, a high concentration of Victorian homes, bed and breakfasts, and an inviting beach are among the features that qualify Cape May for Krist's "prettiest towns" list. He adds that Cape May offers "some the best bird watching on the East Coast."

 
Cape May, New Jersey

 
Cape May, New Jersey
Dillon, Montana

Architecture photographer Blakely says Dillon's conventional main street, independently owned businesses (and absence of big-box stores) contribute to the "nice flavor" of this southwest Montana town, which was developed during the Gold Rush and is named after the president of the Union Pacific Railroad.


Dillon, Montana

Dillon, Montana

Aspen, Colorado

Originally a silver-mining town, Aspen was transformed into a ski resort in the mid-20th century, and four ski mountains, owned and operated by the Aspen Ski Company, now take center stage. Greg Melville says, "The Western-style downtown etched into the narrow and breath-stealing Roaring Fork Valley; the aspen-laden mountains rising above it; the atmosphere—no wonder why the real estate there is so insanely expensive."

Aspen, Colorado
Spring City, Utah

Originally a Mormon settlement, this central Utah town has become an "artists' community of painters, potters and sculptors," says Blakely. The entire town is listed on the National Historic Register.

Spring City, Utah


"Annapolis is somehow able to maintain ties to its historic colonial and maritime past without seeming hokey," says Melville. "Walk down the cobblestone streets, stay overnight in one of the ancient Victorian bed and breakfasts, sail on the Chesapeake, and you'll understand why it is perhaps the East's most romantic town."

Annapolis, Maryland

 
Annapolis, Maryland



 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Urban designer Glanz, of the Calthorpe Associates architectural firm, describes this historic southern New Hampshire port town as "both a functioning modern community and a museum piece. Brick buildings, many of them original to the era of the tall ships, line small streets and alleys. Yet many of those same buildings house high-tech businesses and start-ups."

Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Marfa, Texas

"Marfa is a classic small Texas town that has been reborn as a center for the contemporary arts," says Glanz. In the 1970s the artist Donald Judd turned an old military base into a home for his own sculptures and other artists' work. Now called the Chinati Foundation, the site remains an innovative museum for permanent installations that are integrated with the surrounding landscape. Marfa is also home to the El Paisano hotel, the ornate Spanish Colonial-style structure that served as a backdrop for the film Giant, starring James Dean.


Marfa, Texas

Marfa, Texas
SANTA FE, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico


Melville says the "Pueblo-style architecture and rugged surroundings make Santa Fe unique, homey and immensely inviting." The town is located in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, and the towering Ski Santa Fe resort is 16 miles from the town center. Santa Fe is also home to nearly 300 art galleries and dealers and is one of only nine cities in the world to be designated a "Creative City" by UNESCO.

Santa Fe, New Mexico