As historic U.S. spots go, Columbus, Ind., is a winner. Cape May, N.J., may be at risk. And Central City, Colo., has serious problems.Or so reports National Geographic Traveler's November-December issue, out Nov. 4. The fifth Places Rated survey, conducted by the National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations, had 280 travel experts score places they know on how well those spots have withstood the pressures of mass tourism and time. Top-ranked was Austria's Wachau Valley, cited for "excellent preservation of both landscape and structures." Ontario's Rideau Canal corridor and the historic center of Ghent, Belgium, were Nos. 2 and 3.The 109 destinations are grouped in five categories ranging from best-rated (relatively unspoiled) to worst-rated (severe problems).The top-ranked U.S. city, Columbus, Ind., at No. 11, was cited for its midcentury modern architecture. Details: nationalgeographic.com/traveler.
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