Exceptional Places profiles the nation's most iconic historic places, with a focus on core districts, traditional central business districts and mixed-use neighborhoods. It also analyzes the intricate balance between the historic preservation movement and economic development in the face of challenges posed by gentrification, elitification, overtourism, and erosion of historical character and authenticity. Drawing on case studies from cities across the United States, it unravels the complex dynamics underlying the arc of resource preservation from allying with local tourism interests to create a "clean" industry to confronting the impacts of a dominant industry tied to national-level financial interests.