"DISTINCTIVE" CITY: Not only is the Carson Mansion one of California's most instantly recognizable structures, it is probably one of the most famous buildings in the world. It's a house that has inspired a dozen famous movie houses, we'll wager, and perhaps countless real-world abodes. Now its Victorian-laden hometown -- that would be Eureka, as you know -- has been selected for the 2011 Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, a roster compiled the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
WHERE YOU COME IN: The official Humboldt County site is recommending that Eureka aficionados go to the National Trust site and vote in the "Fan Favorite" contest. The winner gets a two-nighter at a Historic Hotel of America, and that's any of the Historic Hotel properties.
VOTING DATES: Feb. 15 through March 15, 2011. We also want to give loving props to Sonoma, the other Golden State entry on the lofty list. How to choose? So many good picks, here and in other states. Read all and get voting.
