State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) invites residents of Wareham, Bourne, and Carver to nominate their favorite places in Massachusetts.

A new cultural tourism program, called 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts, celebrates what is unique about our state, its communities, and its people. The program seeks to increase visitation to the state's wide range of exceptional historic sites, cultural venues, and natural landscapes.

Nominations will be considered for a final list of 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts to be announced in May.

"This commission was established as a means of promoting Massachusetts' widely varied tourist destinations, not only for those visiting from out of state but for many of us are looking for a short getaway in these difficult financial times," Rep. Gifford said.

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has established a website to accept nominations from the public: www.massvacation.com/1000greatplaces

Residents who have already made suggestions to Rep. Gifford should still visit the website to officially submit their nomination.

All Great Places that are nominated must be open and available to the public. Only one nomination per person will be accepted.  The nomination period will close April 1, 2010.

Do you have a favorite place in Wareham that you are nominating for the 1,000 Great Places in Massachusetts? We'd love to hear about it! Please e-mail editor Cyrus Moulton at cyrus@warehamweek.com with your suggestion.