FREDERICK, MD - Downtown Frederick has painted its way into a prestigious national award.

The city has been named one of the top 12 "Prettiest Painted Places in America."

"What is really does it let everyone know what we already knew here in Frederick is that Frederick really does have some unique buildings that are beautifully painted. Visitors come here because they enjoy our historic architecture and our downtown and we're just very proud to be recognized," said Michelle Kershner, marketing and communications manager for the Tourism Council of Frederick County.

The Paint Quality Institute sponsored the contest. The photos featured painting at both residential and business properties.

"We really wanted people outside the Frederick area to know what we have here to share," Kershner said. "There are so many great places to see here, just different color schemes, a lot of historic color schemes, and it just really speaks to just how pretty it is when you walk down the streets of downtown Frederick."

The Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Tourism Council of Frederick County submitted 21 photos. They included everything from the 3D mural in North Frederick to the brightly-colored pet shop, "Two Paws Up."

Downtown Frederick was selected from nearly 200 nominees across the country.

"We definitely know that Frederick is a a unique downtown," Kershner said. "It's vibrant, and it has great shopping and dining. The painted places really reflect the vibrancy that happen and are going on in the downtown Frederick area."

To see the photos of Frederick submitted in this contest, click here.