ARC to Produce Local Food Mapguide with American Heritage Society March 2013

ARC and American Heritage Society have partnered to collaborate on the production of a tourist-oriented "mapguide" designed to boost tourism and stimulate economic development in the Appalachian Region by showcasing its food-heritage and agritourism attractions. Sites to be featured on the mapguide will include local farms, farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and other distinctive food-related destinations.

American Heritage Society was selected for the project because of its knowledge of heritage destinations and its historical expertise. The mapguide's development will be guided by the members of ARC's Tourism Advisory Council.

Site nominations are now being accepted from the public at appfoodguide.com. All nominated sites must be located in the Appalachian Region and accept visitors. The nomination period ends June 9, 2013. Final site selections will be made by September 2013 by ARC, American Heritage Society, and the Tourism Advisory Council.

The mapguide will be available as a free insert in a spring 2014 American Heritage publication. It will also be distributed through targeted traveler mailing lists, regional welcome centers, and tourism trade shows.

More information will be provided at appfoodguide.com and on the ARC Web site as the project develops. For questions about the mapguide, contact ARC at info@arc.gov.