Issue 006 | What are Cultural Trails?

What Are Cultural Trails? Transforming Travel, One Story at a Time

Once upon a time, travel itineraries were all the rage. Need to see all you can see in just 36 hours? Here's the tightest way to see everything all those experts have deemed "must-see" destinations. Publications like The New York Times celebrated this approach with their 36 Hours series. Today, slowly but surely, visitor destinations are changing the story. Enter cultural trails, which showcase offerings that often extend well beyond the proverbial beaten bath.

Cultural trails, like the West Virginia Theater Trail or the Noquisi Cultural Corridor aren't traditional pathways. In most cases, you can't walk them. Instead, they weave together themes of heritage, art, and community, creating an immersive experience that encourages visitors to explore and engage rather than simply snap a photo and move along. Some are short and can be traversed in hours, others, like the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, encompass multiple states and take days or weeks to complete. Yes, they are still "to do" lists, but these lists feature the activities you've often NEVER heard of.

Unlike traditional itineraries, cultural trails invite travelers to slow down, connect with local stories, and discover lesser-known places that aren’t found on the average “bucket list.”

The Origin and Impact of Cultural Trails

Cultural trails aren’t a new concept. The U.S. National Historic Trails System, established in 1968 by the National Park Service, is a prime example of how trails can showcase history while supporting local economies. For instance, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail reports realizing millions of dollars in economic impact across multiple counties.

While cultural trails are not usually supported by federal recognition and dollars, their economic potential for communities is still immense. From highlighting artisans and small businesses to showcasing heritage, cultural trails offer opportunities for visitors to discover new sites and locations.

Why Cultural Trails Matter to Communities

Cultural trails are not just marketing tools—they’re a bridge between tradition and tourism. Here’s how they make an impact:

• Boost Local Economies: By driving traffic to small businesses, from artisan shops to local eateries, cultural trails help communities thrive.
• Preserve Traditions: Supporting cultural bearers, such as artists and storytellers, drives new visitor dollars their way, which helps them keep traditions alive for future generations.
• Foster Pride: Trails empower locals to share their heritage, creating a sense of community and ownership.
• Level the Playing Field: You don’t need a massive budget to create a trail. Yes, many are formally supported by non-profit organizations or destination marketing organizations. But really, it just takes is a creative idea and a passion for showcasing what makes your community special.

Why Visitors Love Cultural Trails

For visitors, cultural trails offer a refreshing alternative to the fast-paced nature of modern travel:

• Uncover Unique Stories: Trails highlight local treasures and lesser-known destinations.
• Promote Leisure: Visitors are encouraged to slow down and truly engage.
• Create Personal Connections: From meeting a farmer who grows your meal’s ingredients to chatting with a local artist, cultural trails can help foster meaningful encounters.

Building Your Own Cultural Trail

Interested in creating a cultural trail for your community? Here are some quick tips:

1. Collaborate Locally: Partner with artisans, historians, and small business owners to curate authentic experiences and showcase lesser-known stories.
2. Focus on Themes: Themes tied to your community’s identity spark curiosity and stand out.
3. Tell a Story: Don't just list an address and a website. Add context to the stops along your trail to make the experience more memorable.

Inspiring Examples

Here are just a few cultural trails that bring these ideas to life:

• Lackawanna County Pizza Trail ( Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau ; PA, USA)
• New Mexico Wine Trail ( New Mexico Tourism Department ; NM, USA)
• Western North Carolina Cheese Trail (NC, USA)

Find more Cultural Trails to Visit here.

Cultural trails are changing the way we travel. They empower communities, preserve traditions, and create lasting memories for visitors

Read the full newsletter article at What are Cultural Trails