Geo-Tourism

The March 23rd Knoxville News-Sentinel had an article about the increasing numbers of tourists who opt for culturally or socially-related travel.

They are looking for trails or themes when they travel. This might be lighthouses, covered bridges, or in NC, there's a barbecue trail.

Alabama has a Hallelujah Trail with 16 historic churches in the northern part of the state. SC has a a Revolutionary War Trail which includes four national parks. There are also many Civil War trails.

There are also linear roads like the National, Route 66, and Lincoln Highway.

Geotourists go on vacation not just to go somewhere, but to do something along the way. "They learn and absorb."

Other trails:

Virginia-- Crooked Road Music Trail-- bluegrass and mountain music
Mississippi-- Blues Heritage Trail
Alabama-- 180 mile Hank Williams Trail
Kentucky-- Country Music Trail from Paintsville to Ashland-- stars like Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle and Judds
Many states have wine trails, including a, Ct,Ohio, and NY.
Tennessee has the Appalachian Quilt Trail in the eastern part.

I see that most states have different trails featured in their state travel guides these days along with individual and more-detailed tour pamphlets.

My wife and I already stop at lighthouses and are quite involved with Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway.

Dallying Along the Way is Half the Fun of Going. --RoadDog