Discover Appalachia one mile at a time. That’s the slogan used by one of Kentucky’s most innovative cultural heritage tourism programs, the Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails (KAHT). KAHT is a website (www.KAHT.com) and business development program designed to improve, promote and increase cultural heritage tourism primarily in eastern Kentucky. It combines the technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for cultural attribute mapping, business homepage development, beautiful photography, and easy navigability so that tourists can develop their own custom driving tour based on their own interests and timetable.

The Kentucky Artisan Heritage Trails was developed by the Center for Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Technology (CEDET) at Eastern Kentucky University and supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission. CEDET links the resources of Eastern Kentucky University with the economic needs of communities, businesses and industries in the region. The program is a collaborative effort that promotes economic and community development.

Cheryl Stone, executive director for CEDET says, “By effectively utilizing information technology to map and market a full array of cultural heritage attractions, the KAHT website invites tourists to places they otherwise would not go. Since the trails consist of a network of easily navigated routes, customers find their way to businesses like artisan shops, historic sites, and regional cuisine restaurants while also enjoying scenic views. This cluster-marketing approach draws upon the strengths of local communities and businesses and grows economy.”

Carolyn Carroll of McKee, Ky., has worked on quilts all of her life and running a quilt shop has been her life’s dream. Carolyn created Carroll’s Quilts & Grafts in 1996, but it wasn’t until she became involved with KAHT that she truly realized her potential.

“My participation in KAHT has improved my business dramatically by tripling the amount of orders I have taken. I’ve had calls from as far away as Michigan and Canada. It has been the starting point for a lot of exposure. I have had more phone calls from people who have found me on the KAHT websites and needed quilts repaired or made,” said Carroll.

As important as the media attention, Carroll believes her involvement with KAHT has increased the credibility of her business. Carroll says, “Potential customers that I meet at craft shows recognize me from the websites and know that I am a serious craftsperson.”

Terry Fields, owner of the Top Drawer Gallery, located in Old Town Berea, Ky., says, “I think that programs like KAHT are very important to the arts and crafts industry. It helps our gallery to reach beyond the local market. I’ve had clients from as far as California say they found me because of the KAHT website.”