January 02, 2002

60 BEST AMERICAN PUBLIC PLACES CHOSEN BY UTNE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

(MINNEAPOLIS) Utne Magazine,the nation's leading magazine of alternative ideas, names sites all across America from Rib Joints to the Grand Canyon in its list of America's 60 Best Public Places. At a time when Americans are pulling together, Utne Magazine celebrates the places that bring us together.

"As a new sense of unity sweeps through the land, it's time to recognize the value of places where we come together as neighbors, citizens, friends. That's why we chose to feature these favorite American hangouts," says Jay Walljasper, editor of Utne Magazine.

The 60 Best Public Places were selected with the help of a variety of sources. The work of the Project for Public Spaces was utilized, along with Gianni Longo's book, A Guide to Great American Public Places. Travelers were polled and suggestions were compiled from Utne Magazine staff.

To learn more about how you can create your own great public place, take a look at "How to Turn a Place Around: 11 principles for making a great public spaces," in the January/February issue of Utne Magazine. Jay Walljasper is available to elaborate on the selection of the 60 best sites, and for interviews.

Utne Magazine(www.utne.com) is the nation's leading magazine of alternative ideas. The magazine' s parent company recently launched Utne Communities
(www.utne.com/communities), dedicated to helping educators, nonprofits and businesses develop successful online communities. In September, Utne Magazine published two books--Salons: The Joy of Conversation and Visionaries--in partnership with New Society Press.

To subscribe to Utne Magazine, contact 1-800-736-UTNE or www.utne.com/subscribe.

To buy a single copy drop by your local bookstore or food co-op.