The upcoming heritage trail here, spotlighting shops unique to Carter County and its neighbors west and south, will draw people in, says Judge-Executive Charles Wallace.

"I'm in favor [of] it," Wallace said. "They have a lot of stuff done in the state already, and I think it will be a good attraction for Carter County."

And, since attraction means visitors means more economic development, it is good news for everybody, he said.

In its third phase of existence, the grant-supported Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails program will market a driving-type trail loop, one of 10, from Grayson through Rowan, Morgan and Elliott back to Grayson.

It has another ready to go online that routes travelers from Inez to Louisa to Ashland.

"From tourism's point of view, it's a real asset," said Joyce Castle of the Lawrence County Tourism Commission. "I think it's going to be wonderful."

As travelers, most people pass small towns wondering if there are interesting places to visit or arts and crafts to see, Castle said.

This is a way for people, when they pass those towns, to find out where they can go, she said.

Dan Click, interim director of the Ashland Area Art Gallery, said the trail into Ashland will be an advantage because it helps link this area with other parts of the state, in an arts corridor.

There have already been advantages economically, said Chris Cathers, KAHT program manager.

Since its inception, more than 70 new businesses were created by KAHT participants, two businesses have expanded and two kept from closing their doors, Cathers said.

There are currently more than 200 businesses that participate.

Castle, who owns Castle's County Crafts, also said she'll take advantage of the trails program's special Web site deal.

The KAHT will build each participant their own Web page, at a minimal one-time cost of $30, which will become a marketing place for that business or artisan to showcase their wares or things like lodging packages, Cathers said.

"That's a steal," Castle said. "I think a lot of local businesses will take advantage of it, and it will be that much more benefit to the county."