The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Completes Craft Trail Across Western North Carolina

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area To Announce Completion of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails Across Western North Carolina

WHAT: Blue Ridge Craft Trails will be COMPLETE this Spring.

The professionally curated craft trails include 316 artists, galleries and arts organizations in 25 counties and the Qualla Boundary. The Qualla Boundary is home to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/blue-ridge-craft-trails/

• Plan your trip online and then take to the road—itineraries, extensive listings and video with artisans offers a slice of small town creativity.

WHY you’ll want to cover this: Uncover a new reason to head to the mountains and get outside; find hidden gems. Destination Analysts new American travel research shows travelers will focus on fun in 2022, going to less crowded places, enjoying the outdoors and getting away from crowds. The Blue Ridge Craft Trails answers the need perfectly, inviting visitors to small towns to meet artists and makers. Regional itineraries combine craft stops with local food, culture and outdoor exploration.

WHO: The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) serves as the steward of the cultural and outdoor heritage of Western North Carolina’s mountains and foothills. The area was federally designated as a National Heritage Area in 2003 because of its unique culture, character and natural beauty. BRNHA is one of 55 National Heritage Areas (NHAs) in the United States. Others include Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area (NHA) in Arizona; Rivers of Steel NHA in Pennsylvania; Ohio and Erie Canal Way NHA in Ohio Great Basin NHA in Nevada and Utah; Augusta Canal NHA in Georgia; and Niagara Falls NHA in New York.

WHY? While the goal of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails project is to connect makers with buyers and bring economic development to the region. BRNHA wants to preserve "living traditions" for the future.

MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT: On March 3, 2022, BRNHA will host a virtual press conference (via Zoom–links to come). This announcement will celebrate the culmination of four years of research and curation.

IMAGES and Video available upon request: BRNHA can share any image on the website and will curate requests to support story angles.

INTERVIEWS with Angie Chandler, Executive Director, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area available.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Desmond Keller at DK Communications Group at [email protected] or 205.243.6989.