All Articles In "Awards"

And now the outstading honor of Sheridan being voted #2 Distinctive Destination in the NATION!  Thanks’ to so many of you who were voting for Sheridan from the 12 destinations.

“I am extreamly proud of our authentic western tourism offerings and our community” stated Penny Becker, Director of Sheridan Travel & Tourism. “As well as being selected into American Cowboy’s Top 20 Best Places to Live the West in the March/April issue!  These designations really speak to our cultural heritage offerings!  Encounter Sheridan’s rich western history – Buffalo Bill, Crazy Horse and Custer . . .  Where you can experience western museums, Indian battle and historic sites, rodeo, and polo all in the foothills of the majestic Big Horn Mountains.”

Sheridan, nominated by Sheridan Travel and Tourism, was selected for its vibrant Main Street commercial district, abundant recreational opportunities, and its authentic Western character, all set “in the shadow of the Big Horns.”   And Sheridan Travel and Tourism, along with area and state-wide partners, are already gearing up to use this designation well . . .

For 11 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.  From dynamic downtowns 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.  

“Sheridan is a classic Western town, offering visitors a real taste of its ranching, farming and mining heritage, as well as contemporary theater, arts and dining opportunities,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  “Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and shoppers alike will be amazed by Sheridan’s amenities, including hiking, hunting and fishing; archeological sites and public art; and top-notch purveyors of Western art and apparel.”     

Downtown Sheridan boasts 46 late 19th-century/early 20th-century brick and iron-clad storefronts that house a wide variety of successful retailers, including shops that specialize in Western art, antiques and collectibles, leather crafts, ropes and horse tack, log furniture, jewelry and more.  While experiencing Sheridan’s frontier culture, visitors and residents can also enjoy its modern amenities, an extensive pathway system linking many of the city’s parks and points of interest, a fleet of replica trolleys that provide guided tours of the city, and a range of interesting dining and entertainment options.  Its stunning National Historic Landmark Sheridan Inn—a place where Buffalo Bill lived and auditioned performers for his Western act—is now heated and cooled by an environmentally sustainable geothermal energy system.

Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named Sheridan, Wyoming, one of its 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations!

Sheridan, nominated by Sheridan Travel and Tourism, was selected for its vibrant Main Street commercial district, abundant recreational opportunities, and its authentic Western character, all set “in the shadow of the Big Horns.”

The Sheridan Area Tourism Celebration will be held at the Historic Sheridan Inn on Friday, February 18th, 4-7 pm.  From February 15 to March 15, Sheridan will be participating in a public online voting contest to select the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations “Fan Favorite” .  .  .  Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd/vote

For 11 years the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across America that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from those found at the typical vacation destination.  From dynamic downtowns 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.  

“Sheridan is a classic Western town, offering visitors a real taste of its ranching, farming and mining heritage, as well as contemporary theater, arts and dining opportunities,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  “Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and shoppers alike will be amazed by Sheridan’s amenities, including hiking, hunting and fishing; archeological sites and public art; and top-notch purveyors of Western art and apparel.”     

Downtown Sheridan boasts 46 late 18th-century/early 20th -century brick and iron-clad storefronts that house a wide variety of successful retailers, including shops that specialize in Western art, antiques and collectibles, leather crafts, ropes and horse tack, log furniture, jewelry and more.  While experiencing Sheridan’s frontier culture, visitors and residents can also enjoy its modern amenities, including an extensive pathway system linking many of the city’s parks and points of interest, a fleet of replica trolleys that provide guided tours of the city, and a range of interesting dining and entertainment options.  Its stunning National Historic Landmark Sheridan Inn—a place where Buffalo Bill lived and auditioned performers for his Western act—is now heated and cooled by an environmentally sustainable geothermal energy system.

Highlights:

* Sheridan WYO Rodeo – part of the Million Dollar Tour of Professional Rodeos and a week-long, Western celebration in July that includes World Champion Indian Relay Races, street dances, bed and foot races, as well as a parade and a carnival.
* Don King’s Western Museum – a world-class collection of cowboy memorabilia and Indian artifact collections located with King’s Saddlery & Ropes, a complete Western tack store for outfitting cowboys, cowgirls and city-slickers (shot of whiskey across the street at Mint Bar’s century-old watering hole optional).
* Historic Sheridan Inn – home of Buffalo Bill, resident ghosts, and ongoing rehabilitation into 22 Buffalo Bill-character suites; a designated Save America’s Treasure site.
* Fort Phil Kearny, museum and battle sites – part of the Bloody Bozeman Trail, a National Historic Landmark; also visit the Battle of Little Bighorn site, just to the north of Sheridan.
* Wildlife Refuge – offers majestic views of elk and buffalo as they roam within their park home.
* The Big Horn Mountains – an adventurer’s playground for golfing, hiking, rock climbing, hang gliding, snowmobiling and skiing.
* Public Arts walking tour – featuring 28 bronze sculptures and other public art installations positioned along its downtown streets.

The public is invited to vote online to help determine which of the 12 destinations will be the 2011 Fan Favorite.  From February 15 to March 15, any legal resident of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, can vote once per day for his or her favorite city or town on this year’s list. The winner of the popular vote will be announced on March 16, 2011.  Voters are automatically entered to win a complimentary two night stay at any Historic Hotel of America.  No purchase necessary.  Offer void where prohibited.  Visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd for official rules, information about Historic Hotels of America, to learn more about this year’s destinations, and to begin voting!

2011 marks the twelfth announcement of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations annual list. To date, there are 144 Distinctive Destinations located in 46 states throughout the country. To see a complete list and to vote for the 2011 Fan Favorite Destination, visit www.PreservationNation.org/ddd/vote . The title of Distinctive Destination is presented to cities and towns that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation, sustainability and revitalization. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.

Interesting that Outdoor Life’s selection process began with quality of life, including growth rate of local economy, unemployment rate, taxation, commute time to work, crime rate, income, AND variety of cultural opportunities!  Yes indeed, Sheridan also ranks well in their sporting perspectives from year-round fishing and hunting opportunities, to quality trophy, proximity to public land, etc.

 

We are proud of the many opportunities the Sheridan area and our majestic Big Horn Mountains provide outdoorsmen and women . . .   There are exciting outdoor opportunities for all four seasons – from hiking & biking, to hang gliding & rock climbing, hunting & fishing, to wildlife photography, polo, golf in Wyoming’s Golf Capital, and much more . . .  We really do have it all!  And that explains just why we in Sheridan Travel and Tourism are challenged to vary our promotional features often in order to cover it all.

Now transition into our current season’s outdoor activities, From Old West to Snow West, with our varied winter sports and Top 15 ranking for snowmobile trails explored by visitors and locals alike . . .   With March and April our high-tourism winter season and yet another foot of new powder last weekend, thousands are enticed to discover or re-discover this boondocker heaven!

Sledheads from across the region continue to flock to our Big Horns with their vast open meadows and 300 miles of groomed and 50 miles of ungroomed trails. The snow base is now 44″ – 59″ with 50 – 80% chance of new snow every day throughout the coming weekend.  A day, a week or a lifetime to stay and play in the Big Horns!
SnoWest Magazine praises the Big Horns as “one of the West’s best-kept secrets – offering solitude, scenery and GREAT SNOW!” The Big Horn Trail System is perpetually rated in the Top 15, with the nearest trailhead just 15 miles southwest of Sheridan at Red Grade Road. With 100% ‘real’, dry powder, challenges and excitement continue through April!

In addition, during this season, the mountain in our backyard offers enthusiasts a variety of outdoor adventures, including snow shoeing and snow boarding, alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as wildlife viewing. To explore area adventures, access trail maps, fantastic new features on Snow Reports and forecast conditions for Northern WY – North Bighorns visit www.sheridanwyoming.org/winter.

Visitors embrace Sheridan, voted # 1 Western Town in America, also with it’s convenient location adjacent to Interstate 90 in north central Wyoming, and midway between Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Monument. Sheridan calls to our visitors before and after fun on the mountain, to enjoy the nightlife in historic downtown, comfortable and varied lodging, fine dining, and our warm western hospitality!

From Old West to Snow West – Boondocking the Big Horn’s Near Sheridan, Wyoming – voted #1 Western Town in America!

• Sledders reporting great snow
• Abundant scenic vistas and exciting off-trail opportunities
• Hundreds of miles of trails on over 1 million acres of Big Horn National Forest
• Challenging and endless riding in vast open meadows on countless miles of cross-country trails
• Easy access to fresh untracked powder
• If you have short skis, you will want to leave them at home
• Limited crowds both on and off the trails

We knocked the boots off True West Magazine Editor, Bob Boze Bell with our community’s western enthusiasm and flavor . . . And Bell strongly touts Sheridan as “by far the BEST choice for the first-ever #1 western town in America. We are really excited about what went down in Sheridan, and were kind of in shock all the way home to Arizona.”

 




Bell and staff could not be more impressed and pleased, and I in turn could not be more proud of all involved – our community support, the volunteer participation, the superb historical entertainment, AND of Sheridan!

What a grand performance by our local historical entertainers: Drum & Bugle Corp’s march and play to welcome celebrants and dignitaries arriving in Craig Maris’ horse-drawn carriage, the Frontier Regulars live history demonstration with the Howitzer cannon explosion, the dove release by Gwen Turner, Native American dances by Joe LaForge & Shelly White Bear, the Historic Sheridan Inn’s Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, & Wild Bill Hickok and the grand finale of 1880’s era music by the New Sheridan Cornet Band.

Mayor Kinskey provided a warm western welcome, followed by the reading of Governor Freudenthal’s proclamation. Diane Shober, Director of Wyoming Travel & Tourism, presented Wyoming’s new Forever West tourism theme and an overview of our cooperative ventures with us on recent movies and the Spring TV advertisements filmed in Sheridan.


(left to right:) JIM SCHELLINGER, Chairman Sheridan Travel and Tourism; DAVE KINSKEY Mayor of Sheridan; PENNY BECKER Executive Director Sheridan Travel and Tourism

THEN for the reason we all came together, the presentation of the western statuette for our #1 western town award by Bell. To view our award, stop now at City Hall, or beginning in the spring at the Wyoming Information Center museum, where 150,000 visitors will enjoy viewing and reading all about it.

Attendees also enjoyed the educational displays by the Trail End State Historic Site, Sheridan County Museum, Sheridan Heritage Center, and Sheridan Travel and Tourism. Perhaps we could have used more space, however I heard not a complaint, but rather a happy and festive crowd!

“Sheridan’s culture is Western, in all of its varieties and meanings. The pace of life is Western. When you’re in Sheridan, no matter where you hail from, you are Western. It’s that magic which really makes the town stand out,” writes the True West staff.

Sheridan was selected from the 500 entries judged on its history and heritage; efforts to preserve, maintain and promote that heritage; and success in attracting tourists. The judges noted that Sheridan has several historic districts and dozens of historic sites—and hosts numerous Western events each year. The town raised a million dollars for a new history museum, scheduled to open in 2006. And renovation work continues on the historic Sheridan Inn, where Buffalo Bill Cody auditioned acts for his Wild West show in the 1890s.

Thanks to our community for it’s support and involvement in making an outstanding celebration for our enticing tourism destination, Sheridan – The West at its Best! And now we begin the work together to expand our #1 Western Town in America promotions for the year . . .

For those interested in availability of the #1 Western Town in America commemorative pins, or the True West magazine feature article, or further information, please contact Sheridan Travel and Tourism at 307-673-7120.

Sure, the area is steeped in western history, and Buffalo Bill Cody once called the Sheridan Inn his home for a time in the 1890s. But according to True West Magazine, which announced today its “Top 10 True Western Towns of the Year,” this small northern Wyoming town takes first place honors because everything about it is authentically Western.

 

“The culture is Western, in all of its varieties and meanings. The pace of life is Western. When you’re in Sheridan, no matter where you hail from, you are Western. It’s that magic which really makes the town stand out,” writes the True West staff.

Nestled at the base of the unspoiled Big Horn Mountains, this town not only gives history buffs a reason to celebrate, it makes for an unforgettable family vacation and then there’s the adventure seekers, who can climb, hike, bike, even hang glide in wilderness that is still something of a well-kept secret. In fact, Sheridan’s list of Top 10 Activities for vacationers holds appeal for all, from the smallest of family members to retirees.

Dozens of Western towns applied or were nominated for the award, which is being handed out for the first time. Each was judged on its history and heritage; efforts to preserve, maintain and promote that heritage; and success in attracting tourists. Finally, True West contributing editors, writers, historians, travel experts and friends evaluated how each town succeeded in meeting the criteria. They then arrived at a Top Ten list—with Sheridan at the top.

The judges noted that Sheridan has several historic districts and dozens of historic sites—and hosts numerous Western events each year. It has raised a million dollars for a new history museum, scheduled to open in 2006. And renovation work continues on the historic Sheridan Inn, where Buffalo Bill Cody auditioned acts for his Wild West show in the 1890s. True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell will travel to Sheridan to present the award to local officials on January 28, 2006.

The full feature article can be accessed at www.twmag.com/press/ (user name: gu3st password: twmag06). For an interview or further information, please contact Mark Boardman, True West Magazine, mboardman@twmag.com 888-687-1881 or Penny, Becker, Sheridan Travel and Tourism at stt@sheridanwyoming.org 307-673-7120 or visit www.sheridanwyoming.org.