MICHAEL SWAN: VOTE FOR TACOMA TODAY >>>
When maneuvering through Tacoma you often feel as though you’re traveling between two worlds. One world sparks tourists to compliment the city’s beauty. The other world provides the empirical evidence why this town is called Grit City.
I think we can all agree the beauty outweighs the grit, largely due to this city’s arts renaissance.
It’s a proud situation. The Tacoma Regional Convention & Visitor Bureau thinks so, too. In fact the organization doesn’t want to keep it a secret. AmericanStyle magazine is holding a 2009 Top Arts Destinations competition and the Bureau wants us to chime in.
THE DETAILS: Cities and towns across the country are competing to be named the Top Arts Destinations by readers of AmericanStyle magazine. Voting is open now and continues through January 31, 2009. The annual readers’ poll showcases the nation’s small, medium and large cities that roll out the red carpet for art tourists and cultural travelers.
Often, these destinations are in unexpected places. Many towns are recognizing that cultural and arts districts fuel economic development. Your favorite places to buy art, visit galleries and museums, and attend festivals can make the list: Write-in candidates are welcome. Seventy-five cities or towns will be chosen â€" 25 winners in each of three population-based categories.
In addition, one lucky voter will be selected at random to receive a $500 travel gift certificate for participating in the poll.
HOW TO VOTE:
 Go directly to our official poll by clicking this
link or visit
www.AmericanStyle.com and click on the AmericanStyle Top 25 Arts Destinations icon to select your favorite arts destinations. A paper ballot is also available in AmericanStyle magazine, now on newsstands. Voting ends on January 31st.
