1. Asset Based Community Development

2. Cultural / Heritage Assets Craft Music Agri-Heritage Ethnic – Food

3. Natural Assets Natural Wonders Scenic By-ways Parks (State and National) Water Amenities – Costal, Lakes, Rivers

4. Educational Assets University Programs – Elder Hostels etc. Unique Schools Craft Schools, Sailing Schools, Boat Builders New Trends Learning Vacations- i.e. Archeological Digs, Cooking Schools Outdoor Recreation/Adventure Schools Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Hang Gliding

5. Asset Mapping and Public Meetings Public Meetings were and are the key for our trails program We asked specific questions of each meeting, but always asked certain key questions –  Where don’t you want visitors to go (sacred places)?  Sites to share with visitors?  What are you most proud of here?  What makes your area unique in WNC? Then we literally put up a map and placed dots where folks gave us information

6. What is a Trail? Thematic Geographic Trail to Marketers Trail to Visitors Trail to Hikers

7. Just a Few Examples from NC * African American Heritage Trail * American Motor Sports Trail * American Tobacco Trail * Appalachian Trail * Asheville Urban Trail * Beaufort By-The- Sea Coastal Carolina Christmas Trail * Brunswick Co Farm Trail * Canoeing the Haw River Trail * Craft Heritage Trails * Madison County Driving Trails * Elizabeth City’s Historic Walking Trails * Farms Gardens and Countryside Trails of Western North Carolina * Glen Burney Trail * Boone Greenway Trail * Historic Albemarle Trail * Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail * Civil War Trails * Great Smokey Mountain Agricultural Trail * Homegrown, HandMade and Absolutely Wild * Rock Stew Ramble * NC Golf Trail * Twenty Miles of Furniture out of 274!

8. When is a trail appropriate vs. straight marketing of sites?

9. Criteria HandMade must have criteria to know who to include – but more importantly to say why certain sites were left out This is the standard that ensures the best experience for your visitor Policing?? Enforcement? (print is very different here from web) Key to striving towards a consistent product Gives the organizers some control over final product

10. Site Criteria Focus on authenticity and quality Celebrates and reflects positively on the cultural heritage of the region Locations easy to access (excludes 4-wheel drive across areas Private residences must have separate business entrance All sites specify: Regular Business hours – a minimum of 2-days per week

11. Craft Criteria Sites (studios, shops, galleries) must provide interpretation Historic sites must be related to craft/crafts person /architectural craft… Shops must feature American-made craft with an emphasis on WNC Selected events include craft fairs, demonstrations, educational experiences must take place on an annual basis

12. Craft/Garden/Farm Criteria Restaurants feature indigenous mountain foods (i.e. blue plate specials, family style dining, organic and vegetarian meals Lodgings – B & B, farm stays, historic inns, fishing or hunting lodges, indigenous garden sites