What’s Inside: Roadside Reflections . . . . 2 National Scenic Byways Program Staff . . . . . . . . .2 Lincoln Highway Wins Governor’s Marketing Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Off The Shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 New MUTCD Rule-Making for Scenic Byways . . . . . . . . .5 Byway Organizations . . . . 6 TIA Releases Landmark Geotourism Study . . . . . . 7 Driving The Byways . . . . . 8 Hampton Inn Restores Unique Roadside Landmarks . . . . . . . . . . .10 Spring Travel Forecast . . 11 Published in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration by: America’s Byways Resource Center Arrowhead Regional Development Commission 227 West First Street Suite 610 Duluth, MN 55802 1-800-4BYWAYS, Ext. 5 MAY 2002 Pointing the Way for Visitors ”We‘re lost.” It’s a common, frustrating travel experience. You thought you were on the right road. But somewhere along the way, you missed a turn, passed an unmarked exit or failed to decipher an unclear map. You thought the cashier at the convenience store said, “Drive five miles and turn left.” Your wife heard, “Turn left and drive five miles.” And, there hasn’t been any sign indicating you are actually on the byway. Getting lost wastes time, elevates emotions and causes family arguments. The routes that locals easily navigate every day can be a puzzling web for visitors new to the area. Travelers get direction from a variety of sources—guidebooks, maps, brochures or a placemat from a roadside cafe. Savvy travelers utilize the Internet and on-board GPS (Global Positioning System) computer systems. We also rely on directions from the 17-year- old high school student at the local gas station or from a map scribbled on a napkin by a waitress at the local restaurant. In spite of all that, it’s easy to get lost. Signs play an important role in pointing the way for motorists. Along scenic byways, signs should contribute to the visitor experience by helping visitors find their way and the services they need without degrading the scenery. And since visitors come from around the world, signs must communicate across languages and cultures: a complicated job for a simple tool that rarely has moving parts. Gateway Signs First impressions are important, and signs can form lasting impressions about your community. A gateway is your front door to the world. Gateways are the intersections and other key access points where visitors sense that they are entering your community or byway corridor. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) just finished installing gateway signs at several key locations along the Indiana portion of the Ohio River Scenic Byway (ORSB), a nationally designated scenic byway. Measuring 3 feet by 5 feet, the signs were placed at principle entry points to the byway corridor in Indiana, such as at the Ohio and Illinois state lines, bridge crossings and where interstate highways cross the byway. Michael O’Loughlin, Indiana State Scenic Byways Coordinator, said, “We want to alert people to places where they are crossing this ‘magic corridor.’ We’ve already noticed a change in the amount of traveler inquiries, especially in the southern part of the state. People are noticing the signs and they are stopping to ask about this ‘byway thing.’ The signs are making a difference.” Some of the ORSB gateway signs are located near interstate exits, a rare (but important) location for drivers who’d like to take the scenic route. “You can imagine driving down the freeway and seeing a sign for a national scenic byway coming up,” said Gary Tonkin, Director of America’s Byways Resource Center. “This would be a welcome sign for those travelers who are interested in a more scenic and experiential drive. If they have the time, they can travel a byway that is close to the freeway or possibly runs parallel to the freeway. Without an interstate sign, they may not have known they had that choice.” Placing byway directional signs on the interstate prior to an exit can be logistically difficult. Interstate highways are designed for high-speed travel with minimum distractions. Two nationally designated byways, the Cherohala Skyway-Tennessee National Scenic Byway and the Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway (LA), took action by seeking state legislation and support from a US Congressman. Each of these byways installed multiple signs prior to key interstate exits. Route Signs Getting travelers started in the right direction is the job of gateway signs. Keeping them moving in the right direction is the job of route signs. Travelers look for route signs to confirm that they are still “on the right road.” Route signs become important markers to guide visitors through communities, across intersections and around a byway loop. Michael O’Loughlin explained that the new gateway signs for the Ohio River Scenic Byway supplement route signs that were installed along the byway in June and July of 2000. O’Loughlin said, “Our focus was first on the route signs. We realized how important it was to provide wayfinding signs for byway travelers.” Over 275 route signs were installed along the 302-mile section of the byway that winds through Indiana. A ten-year stockpile of signs guarantees that the markers can be replaced as they wear out or disappear over time. When it leaves the Indiana border, the Ohio River Scenic Byway continues west through Illinois and east through Ohio. The same logo sign guides visitors in southern Illinois and the logo is also being installed across Ohio, creating a seamless travel experience along this three-state 967-mile byway. Take a Test Drive It’s a good idea to test the effectiveness of your byway’s signage system. Grab your guidebook and drive your byway in the role of a visitor. Or better yet, ride with a first-time visitor as they drive your byway. Shirley Frederiksen, Byway Leader for Iowa’s Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, recruited her mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-aunt as “guinea pigs.” Frederiksen has driven the byway hundreds of times, but her family members had not. She said, “I drove, but I depended on my ‘visitors’ to provide driving directions for me. They had a copy of our byway map and brochure. It was really difficult not to jump in and help with directions. We found out that some of our directions weren’t as clear as we thought. As a result of that experience, we have plans to change some of our signage.” Rules for the Road In planning signage for your byway, keep these suggestions in mind. 1. Too many signs clutter the view and detract from the visitor experience. 2. Conflicting and redundant signs lead visitors and residents to doubt their value. 3. Signs along byways must conform to local, state and federal laws. Sign size, location, height and content are regulated at various governmental levels, depending on the road type. Know which laws apply to your byway. 4. Develop a cooperative working relationship with traffic engineers, sign specialists and the officials who administer sign programs. 5. Become familiar with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This book outlines everything you ever wanted to know about signs, including required standards. (See the MUTCD Web site at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov and the related article below on byway sign rule-making.) 6. Use signs to protect fragile resources. You can prohibit public access with negative messages, or you can direct visitors toward more suitable areas with positive messages. 7. Use signs to promote businesses while creating livable communities that will attract visitors and encourage economically viable services and businesses. 8. Make signs no larger than necessary to communicate essential information at the speed and distance that travelers will view them. In general, position signs to increase motorist safety, avoid sign clutter and complement the landscape while delivering needed information. 9. Inadequate information leaves visitors frustrated and unable to use byway services and facilities. Unhappy visitors don’t stay and they don’t return. Editor’s Note: Portions of this article are reprinted from “Case Study #8: Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign.” To request a copy, contact America’s Byways Resource Center (800-429-9297, ext. 5) or center@byways.org. The case study is part of the “Lessons from the Road” series written by the National Scenic Byways Program of the Federal Highway Administration and the Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service in 1998. BOX: Self-Assessment: Can Visitors Find Your Byway? • Have you traveled your byway in the role of a visitor looking for signs, following directions and asking questions? • Is your byway marked on your state highway map? • Do you have a byway map [that travelers can follow]? • Do you have a byway brochure? • Is current byway information posted on the Web site? [www.byways.org, state agency, community Web site or byway site] • Do you distribute information through your local chamber of commerce, state welcome center and federal agency visitor centers (National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Forest Service, etc.)? • Do you have easy-to-follow byway signs along the corridor? • Do you have an identifiable logo for your byway? • Do you have gateway entrances to your byway? Experiencing the byway like a visitor, have you asked for information or directions at gas stations, restaurants or local businesses to test the knowledge of the staff? • Have you conducted hospitality training for local citizens and businesses? • Do you have an familiarization (FAM) identifiable logo for tours for local citizens so • Have you offered byway familiarization (FAM) tours for local citizens so they can answer visitor questions? PHOTO: It’s a noteworthy milestone! When the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) installed new gateway signs this spring, Indiana became the first state to incorporate the “America’s Byways” logo on byway signs. These signs direct travelers to the Ohio River Scenic Byway. PHOTO: A sign on Interstate 10 points the way to the Creole Nature Trail (Louisiana). State legislation was required to allow this byway signage on the interstate. PHOTO: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has also recently installed signs along the Historic National Road, a nationally designated scenic byway. This six-state route travels from Maryland through Illinois. The states have adopted a common name, but route signs for the entire length of the byway may not look identical. In Indiana, a 2000 National Scenic Byways Grant was used to fabricate the Historic National Road signs. Installation labor and materials were provided by INDOT as the required match. PHOTO: Signs play an important role in pointing the way for motorists. Along scenic byways, signs should contribute to the visitor experience by helping visitors find their way and the services they need without degrading the scenery. PHOTO: Gateway signage at one entry point to the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway (MN) clearly tells travelers they are entering a special place. Roadside Reflections by Gary Tonkin, Director Gary Tonkin, Director It’s More Than a Newsletter I have heard many positive comments on the Resource Center’s VISTAS newsletter. From what I’ve heard, it means many things to people. • It’s a source of information on the National Scenic Byway Program. • It’s a way to share byway successes so that we can learn from one another. • It’s an educational tool for brief articles on important topics. • It’s a networking tool for connecting with other byways, organizations or agencies. • It’s a calendar of events of interest to the greater byway community. • It’s a record of progress for the byway program. We have published VISTAS monthly for three years and never run short of information to share with We like to think of this newsletter as belonging to the scenic byway community. As such, it’s important to focus on a large variety of state and byway success stories, educational features, news of important u events on a national or regional level or helpful ideas to share. While the Resource Center staff writes most of the articles, we feel that special articles from you in the byway community would add considerably to the depth and breadth of this newsletter. If you have an important topic, success story, event or idea you would like to share with VISTAS readers, please call Rebecca Solem at the Resource scenic byway community. As Center: (800) 429-9297 ext. 5 or rsolem@byways.org. She can review the topic with you and discuss how it might fit in an upcoming issue. INSERT: Send Us Your Articles, Stories, Ideas And More! Your insights and experiences with scenic byways can guide others on the road to success. Share your stories, your quick tips, or even your favorite books, Web sites or magazines. If you send out press releases, include us on your mailing list. We work with a writer/editor who can smooth over any rough spots. Talk to Rebecca Solem at the Resource Center at (800) 429-9297 ext. 5, or send your information or articles to rsolem@byways.org. We look forward to hearing from you! National Scenic Byways Program Staff 1-800-4BYWAYS • www.byways.org FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION RESOURCE CENTER Room 3222, HEPM 400 Seventh Street SW Washington, D.C. 20590 Fax: (202) 366-7660 Rob Draper Program Director (202) 366-4649 rob.draper@fhwa.dot.org Sharon Hurt Marketing Manager (304) 594-9768 shurt@byways.org Dennis Adams Program Manager (202) 366-6515 dennis.adams@fhwa.dot.org Mary Ann McNamara Program Manager (202) 366-1929 mary.ann.mcnamara@fhwa.dot.gov Kenneth Petty Program Account Manager (202) 366-6654 kenneth.petty@fhwa.dot.gov Courtney Lyell Scenic Byways Clearinghouse (202) 333-8936 clyell@byways.org Byways Online Steve Clyde, Angel Crane, and Pete Deffendol nsbomaster@byways.org RESOURCE CENTER 227 West First Street Cheryl Newman Suite 610 Duluth, MN 55802 Fax: (218) 625-3333 Gary Tonkin Director (218) 625-3307 Byways Resource Specialist gtonkin@byways.org Michelle Johnson Associate Director (218) 625-3305 mjohnson@byways.org Chel Ethun Byways Resource Specialist (218) 625-3303 methun@byways.org Henry Hanka Byways Resource Specialist (218) 625-3306 hhanka@byways.org Cheryl Newman Byways Resource Specialist (218) 625-3302 cnewman@byways.org Nancy Brunswick USDA Forest Service Byways Resource Specialist (218) 625-3304 nbrunswick@fs.fed.us Rebecca Solem Communication Specialist/ Event Planner (218) 625-3301 rsolem@byways.org Jeanine Buck Information Resource Coordinator (202) 625-3310 jbuck@byways.org Melissa “Missy” Doolittle Office Assistant (218) 625-3300 mdoolittle@byways.org Lincoln Highway Wins Governor’s Marketing Awards The Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway (NSB) in northern Illinois won two awards for its byway brochure and advertising at the 2002 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held March 6-8 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers in downtown Chicago. Over 700 tourism and hospitality professionals from throughout Illinois gathered for the annual conference to discuss the state of the tourism industry and attend a series of workshops focusing on state tourism grant programs, branding, marketing and public relations, packaging, heritage tourism, training and technology. Competition was stiff. Over 120 items were submitted from convention and visitors bureaus, attractions, accommodations and other byways within the state for the conference’s Marketing Awards Competition. Categories included brochures and printed materials, Web sites, promotional items, packaging and advertising campaigns. The Lincoln Highway NSB garnered awards in the General Brochures and Magazine Advertising categories for organizations with budgets under $350,000. Professionals within the state’s tourism, advertising and public relations industries judged the entries. “The Lincoln Highway NSB is fortunate to have won these very competitive awards,” said Lincoln Highway NSB Vice-Chair Bob Lukens. “The awards are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our byway organization and our byway partners. All of our partners and board members played a part in creating these materials, and we’re thrilled to have received recognition from our statewide tourism colleagues for our efforts.” The Lincoln Highway’s winning brochure, “Family Fun Along the Lincoln Highway: Every Mile is a Story,” is used as a fulfillment piece for two leisure advertising campaigns, a general campaign and a golf campaign. The golf ad, “Links Along Lincoln,” won the 2002 Governor’s Award and was published in Golf Illinois magazine. Wolf Design created the brochure and ads, with direction from the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition and the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Assistance was also provided by the Lincoln Highway Association and the University of Michigan’s Special Collections Library Transportation History Collection. For a copy of the Lincoln Highway’s award-winning brochure, call the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition toll-free at (866) 455-4249, visit its Web site at: www.lincolnhwyil.com, or request a brochure via e-mail at: info@lincolnhwyil.com. Off the Shelf Visit the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways Website Online at www.coloradobyways.org The new, easy-to-use site showcases the state’s diverse byways using photographs, maps and descriptions. It also provides links to road conditions and other helpful information. (photo) Gateway Donating Winter Olympics Computers Gateway will donate up to 4,500 computers that were used during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Any 501(c)(3) organization can apply, with priority given to schools and community centers whose programs help enhance access to technology for traditionally under-served communities. The application will be posted online from April 2 to July 31, 2002. Register at http://www.gateway.com/olympics/donations.shtml. New MUTCD Rule-Making for Scenic Byways Your Opportunity To Shape The National Standard Courtesy of Jan Ekern, Minnesota Department of Transportation and Ernest Huckaby, MUTCD Team Leader, FHWA Upcoming changes in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the FHWA’s rule book for highway signing and markings, will address Scenic Byways for the first time. As part of the byway community, you’re encouraged to review the changes and make comments on the inclusion signage for Scenic Byways when the FHWA publishes the rule-making opportunity, according to Ernest Huckaby, MUTCD Team Leader, FHWA. “This is an opportunity to comment and express opinions on the signs that will become the national standard,” Huckaby said. The federal agency will request responses and ideas from any interested party on the appropriate signage for Scenic Byways to be included in the MUTCD. The response period will be a minimum of 90 days. Currently, Huckaby expects the rule-making notice to appear in early June. Look for it in the Federal Register or online at http://www.access.gpo.gov/sudocs/ aces140.html. You can also check the MUTCD Web site at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov for the notice and the actual text for the rules. This Web site already provides access to the current MUTCD edition. You can review the existing document now to prepare your comments on the new rules. Give some thought to sign criteria that would benefit travel and tourism without detracting from the beauty of the Scenic Byway itself. Then respond to the rule-making request so that the byway community’s perspective is documented on this important issue. For more information, contact: Jan Ekern Partnerships Coordinator Minnesota Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Blvd, MS 700 St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 297-7509 jan.ekern@dot.state.mn.us Byway Organizations Editor’s Note: This is an excerpt from “Making the Grassroots Grow,” an upcoming publication from America’s Byways Resource Center. This new guide will present basic organizational concepts, case studies and best practices from the National Scenic Byways Program. Leading the Way: Byway Leadership You may not think of yourself as a leader. The truth is, almost everyone demonstrates some leadership characteristics and has the potential to lead. When you show personal leadership, you are creating a better future for your organization, your byway and your community. Individuals demonstrate leadership along byways in many ways. You are showing leadership when you: • Speak positively about the program to a neighbor, co-worker or community leader; • Act as an advocate and spokesperson for the byway; • Encourage others to become involved with the group; • Work to diversify byway membership and broaden the group’s ability to make an impact; • Build relationships with partner organizations; • Identify valuable resources and funding to expand the byway’s ability to reach its goals; • Serve as a catalyst to spark new ideas; • Show interest and enthusiasm for the byway program; • Willingly volunteer to take charge of a byway project. The Importance of Champions It only takes a spark to get a fire going. The same is true of volunteer leadership. One energetic, enthusiastic individual can spark an organization, inspire a group, initiate a project or implement an idea. One person with a strong belief in a cause or concept can create lots of momentum and action. Sometimes these people are called champions. A champion is a dedicated individual who believes in an idea, advocates it to others and sees it through to great success. Champions can assist your byway by getting support for its initiatives, neutralizing opposition and arranging resources (funding, people, time, things, etc.) to implement change. Sometimes champions come forward naturally. But often times, a champion must be recruited. How can you find and keep these types of dedicated individuals? Ten Ideas for Recruiting New Leaders It’s a natural cycle. People join organizations, while others leave. Individuals move in and out or organizations for lots of different reasons—relocation, increased job demands, new family commitments, changes in health conditions, even sudden deaths. When these changes happen unexpectedly, it can create serious problems for byway organizations. There are great risks in continuing to depend on one or two people to carry the load for an organization. Is your organization preparing new people to take on leadership positions? It requires ongoing efforts to recruit new byway members and leaders. Byway groups may want to use succession planning to identify and groom future leadership for the organization. By having a plan in place, there will be smooth transitions as the people within an organization change. Ten Ideas for Recruiting New Leaders Adapted from the Heartland Center for Leadership Development 1. Ask the Question, “Who’s Not Here?” Understanding the make-up of your community allows you to analyze the leadership pool and know when a section of the community isn’t represented. When you have an answer to “Who’s not here?” you can develop a plan to increase involvement and target the areas that aren’t represented. 2. Look for Skills, Not Names Rather than depending on the same people again and again for help with certain tasks, analyze the skills needed for the job and seek out a new helper. By looking at skills rather than names, you can discover leadership potential and involve new people in a byway project. 3. Try Involvement in Degrees Ask for help with small, simple tasks that allow people to grow into larger commitments. Gradual involvement helps leaders emerge and builds a cohesive group at the same time. 4. What’s in it for Me? Match your recruiting style to the personal motivation of the new leader. Self-interest may be intellectual or social, but it is the foundation of volunteer efforts. Understand why prospective volunteers might be motivated to help. 5. Use a Wide Angle Lens Keep in mind that even the smallest, most limited volunteer effort can be part of the leader- ship activities of a community. What’s important is seeing how each contribution fits into the whole picture. 6. Define the Task The simple technique of recruiting new leaders by asking for help becomes very effective when the task is defined by time commitment needed, the skills to be used and the contribution that the completed task will make. 7. Use Current Leaders to Recruit New Leaders Current leaders are in the best position to draw new leaders into community activities. Visibility, position/authority and example are powerful tools to use in persuading others to become involved and take on some responsibility. 8. Create a History of Efficient Use of People’s Time Practice good time management by keeping meetings focused and organized. A reputation for efficiency always helps recruiting efforts. 9. Offer Membership “Premiums” What are the advantages and rewards of assuming a leadership role? A “premium” can be anything from a trip for a convention or workshop, to a certificate of appreciation. 10. Market Your Wares Build on the reputation of your group as effective and important to the community. Reports, newsletters and public awareness can do this formally, and word of mouth works informally. PHOTO: Byways are supported by local, state and national leadership. In mid-March, byway leaders and key players from the Iowa Great River Road met to discuss grants, communication, marketing and other issues important to this 326-mile corridor. Shown here (L to R): Craig Markley, Iowa Dept. of Transportation; Patsy Ramacitti (Byway Leader), Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission; Jan Thompson, Federal Highway Administration-Iowa Division; and Margaret Roetman (State Scenic Byway Coordinator), Iowa Dept. of Transportation. TIA Releases Landmark Geotourism Study 55 Million Americans Now Classified As Geotourists Courtesy of The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) and National Geographic Traveler The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) and National Geographic Traveler recently released results of the first, large-scale national study of the current and potential consumer market for geotourism. The Geotourism Study examines the travel habits and attitudes of the 55 million Americans now classified as sustainable or “Geotourists,” as well as the nearly 100 million traveling Americans moving in that direction. The term geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of the place being visited–-its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well being of its residents. Sponsored by National Geographic Traveler and prepared by TIA, the study surveyed a representative sample of 8,000 U.S. households. “We undertook this study so that the travel and tourism industry could see what consumers really want, rather than just allowing businesses to dictate policy. In the end, it will be better business for travel and tourism and a better travel experience for the consumer,” remarked Dawn Drew, vice president and publisher of National Geographic Traveler. “Geotourism is environmentally and culturally responsible and it seeks to preserve the distinctive attributes that make each destination a special place to visit.” The Geotourism Study identified eight traveler segments or “profiles” from the 154 million Americans who have taken at least one trip in the past three years. The top three segments represent over 55 million American travelers, or more than one-third of the total traveler market. Top Three Geotourism Segments Urban Sophisticates 21.2 million adult travelers The Good Citizens 17.6 million adult travelers Geo-Savvys 16.3 million adult travelers “This study shows that a destination’s unique characteristics are what primarily attract the consumers who take the most trips, spend the most money and produce the greatest volume of visitors overall,” said Dr. Suzanne Cook, senior vice president of research for the Travel Industry Association of America. “We’ve determined really for the first time that there is not only a consumer market for geotourism but that it’s a very large market of some 55 million American travelers. And many more are likely to take that path in the future.” A second phase of The Geotourism Study will be released later in 2002. TIA will re-survey several of the geotourism segments to collect additional detail about their travel behaviors, preferences and expectations. Geotourists will also be surveyed on their opinions about travel companies, how they make travel decisions, and whether or not they would be willing to pay more for culturally and environmentally sensitive facilities and services. For more information about Geotourism or the project log on to www.tia.org Driving the Byways Acadia Byway (Maine) Length: 40 miles (64.37 km) Travel Time: Allow 3 hours Designations: Maine State Scenic Byway (2000) All-American Road (2000) The Acadia Byway accesses Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island. This 40-mile All-American Road stretches through the rocky ledges and seascapes of an area affectionately referred to as “down east” even though the island region sits northeast of the nearest major metropolitan areas. The byway begins in the town of Trenton, Maine on the north side of the Thompson Island Bridge. The bridge connects Mount Desert Island to the mainland and extends along state Route 3, joining Acadia National Loop Road at two locations: the Visitor Center in Hulls Cove and the Seir de Monts Spring Entrance just south of Bar Harbor. Many scenic vistas stretch along both sections of the byway, including views of the ocean, lighthouses, offshore islands, mountains, rural villages, historic structures and cultural remnants from Bar Harbor’s “cottage” era. The Cottage Era A favorite destination for the nation’s elite (the Rockefellers, Morgans, Fords, Astors, Vanderbilts and Pulitzers), this quaint island region was treasured by the owners of the often-grandiose vacation cottages. When more and more travelers began discovering Mount Desert Island, many summer residents began purchasing land and incorporated as a group, called the Hancock County Trustees of Public Preservation. The lands were later donated to the government and became Acadia National Park. Before the lands became a park, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., began building a series of carriage roads that linked Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor to Bar Harbor, and literally extended accessibility from the ocean on the south to the ocean on the north. The carriage roads gave residents and visitors access to the interior of the island—access that previously had been possible only on horseback or foot trails. When the system was completed in 1940, there were 57 miles of roads, 17 bridges and two gatehouses. Throughout the project, Rockefeller was concerned with how the road or bridge “lay on the land.” To ensure that these elements blended into the natural landscapes, Rockefeller instructed his engineers to use native materials. He also hired landscape designer Beatrix Farrand to open up and frame vistas. Believing that private money should be used to foster conservation and public enjoyment, Rockefeller built much of the Park Loop Road. This magnificent 26-mile stretch of roadway snakes around cliff sides, swoops toward the ocean and affords the traveler glorious views of the Atlantic Ocean. The road contains tight curves, good view sites and the readily recognized “Rockefeller’s teeth,” a series of coping stones used as guardrails on tight turns and precipitous edges. The motor road is a historic resource eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the island’s wealthy cottage dwellers, Charles W. Eliot, formed a land trust in 1901. In a succession of years, the island’s elite resort families donated a total of 40,000 acres to the National Park Service, preserving the remainder of Mount Desert Island from additional roads and development. The adjoining villages of Salsbury Cove and Hulls Cove became an immediate draw for visitors. Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants and other visitor businesses enjoyed the success of the park’s popularity. Concerns for the Future: Acadia National Park is the eighth most visited National Park in the United States. Because Acadia is located on an island, it’s difficult to sustain the approximately three million park visitors each year. The historic roads of the Rockefeller era cannot take the pressure of increased daily traffic. Sections of the byway cannot be widened to accommodate more traffic without destroying the byway’s historic or design integrity and the visitor experience. The Corridor Management Committee for Acadia, a committee formed of concerned citizens, tourism professionals and local planners, has worked in cooperation with the National Park Service to devise plans for a sustainable tourism future for Acadia. Encouraging visitors to park their cars and take the free “Island Explorer” shuttle, not adding more parking areas in the park and increasing the promotion of bike traffic are ways for visitors to experience the byway’s island portion while mediating disturbance to the Loop Road section. Current Projects: Bar Harbor’s long-range planning committee received a grant from the Rural Heritage Fund to tackle growth-related challenges in the Hulls Cover area. This section of the byway is very reminiscent of the distinctive New England Village with small storefronts, open agricultural space and typical New England architecture. A Futures Committee was formed to evaluate the long-range planning for Hulls Cove and the surrounding open space. The Corridor Management Committee also received a grant to address the historic and cultural integrity of the Loop Road section of the byway; to establish standards for signage, pruning and utilities along the Route 3 section; to explore bikeway options; and to develop a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown Bar Harbor. For more information, contact: Ann Kozak, Byway Leader 23 Cleftstone Road Bar Harbor, ME 04609 Claire Wood Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce 93 Cottage Street PO Box 158 Bar Harbor, ME 04609 PHOTO: The Acadia region offers unparalleled surf and opportunities for visitors to explore the fascinating world of the tidal zone. PHOTO: Historic Granite Arch Bridges are typical on the Park Loop Road. Between 1915 and 1933, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., built the 57 miles of carriage roads and associated bridges of Acadia. He gave more than 11,000 acres, about one-third of the park’s area, to what became known as Acadia National Park. PHOTO: Bar Harbor is the Acadia visitor’s service center on the Island. Interesting historic storefront architecture and beautiful views of Frenchman Bay delight all who visit this special town. PHOTO: The Park Loop Road provides the visitor with transportation options such as bicycling, walking, cross-country skiing, and driving by automobile. Hampton Inn Restores Unique Roadside Landmarks Hampton Inn has launched a national initiative, “Explore the Highway with Hampton™” to identify and help restore some of our nation’s historical, fun and unique roadside attractions. Hampton employees, armed with paint, ladders and other supplies, are excited to join their local communities in refurbishing some of America’s timeless landmarks. Since the campaign launch in 2000, volunteers from Hampton hotels have restored seven landmarks, with plans for future restorations. More than $300,000 in funding, labor and goodwill has been spent by Hampton to save many of America’s favorite stops along rural roadways. Hampton is looking for other projects to undertake. In March 2000, Hampton Inn fielded a national survey to determine what Americans think about our national landmarks. Survey results indicated that: • More than nine out of ten people believe it’s important to protect our nation’s landmarks. • Two-fifths of Americans believe the country’s landmarks could use a good makeover. An additional 13% believe landmarks are often ignored and are in desperate need of repair. • Nearly three quarters (72%) of Americans take a family vacation by car once a year or more. And almost eight out of ten say they sometimes or always include a visit to a historical landmark or roadside attraction. The types of landmarks people enjoy visiting most are: • Historical (54%) • Cultural landmarks (31%) • Landmarks reflecting a city’s heritage (26%) • Fun, wacky or “world’s largest” landmarks (17%) Other interesting findings: • Married couples and those with children are the most likely to believe it is “very important” (67%) to preserve America’s roadside landmarks. • Thirty-six percent of 18- to 34year- olds say they would be willing to reach for their wallets when it comes to funding the preservation of landmarks, compared to just 19 percent of those 55-years-old or older. About one-third (32%) of 35to 54-year-olds say they also would contribute. Hampton is looking for places that are unique and captivating to the tourist. To view the restored landmarks, or to nominate a project, visit www.hamptoninn.com or write Explore The Highway with Hampton Inn, c/o Douglas Cohn & Wolfe, 8730 Sunset Blvd., Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90213. PHOTO: Students from Ivey Ranch Elementary School helped Hampton hotels restore the 199th and 200th Bell Markers at the Aliso Creek rest stop in Oceanside, California. In the early 1900s, these bells marked the historic route to California’s missions. Photo Credit: Hampton Inn PHOTO: Hampton Inn journeyed to famous Route 66 (near Odell, Illinois) on the byway’s 75th anniversary to restore a vintage gas station originally built in the 1930s. Visited by thousands of travelers taking the trek from Chicago, Illinois to California, the station was restored to its original glory with help from eight Hampton hotels. Photo Credit: Hampton Inn PHOTO: The “Explore the Highway with Hampton(tm)” program restored “The Big Duck” in Flanders, New York. Hampton volunteers worked to bring some of the original 1931 charm back to the cherished Long Island attraction, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo Credit: Hampton Inn Spring Travel Forecast Down Slightly, Still Strong Courtesy of the Travel Industry Association of America According to the Travel Industry Association of America’s (TIA) Spring 2002 Travelometer, Americans will take 144.5 million pleasure person-trips during March, April and May 2002. A person-trip is one person on one trip traveling 50 miles or more from home, one way. The number reflects a decrease of 4 percent over last spring. “Despite the decline in travel this spring, the numbers aren’t as bad as we had feared,” remarked William S. Norman, president and CEO of the TIA. “The good news is that the spring travel forecast is on par with the number of pleasure trips taken in spring 2000, which was a strong season for the travel industry.” Most spring travel will be for pleasure purposes, with 81 percent planning to travel for pleasure or personal reasons. Nineteen percent plan to travel for business or conventions and nine percent will travel for some other reason. Family travel continues to be popular this spring. Spouses (48%) and those with children/grandchildren (26%) remain the most popular traveling companions for pleasure trips. Fourteen percent expect to travel with friends and 14 percent will travel with other family members. Thirteen percent of spring travelers plan to travel solo. Only two percent say they will travel with their parents and only four percent intend to travel as a part of a group. CHART: Sprint 2002 Pleasure Travel (March, April, May) 1997 147.9%; 1998 141.9%; 1999 141.7%; 2000 144.6%; 2001 150.5%; 2002e 144.5%. BOX: Look What’s On The Road Ahead! 2003 National Scenic Byways Conference May 18-21, 2003 Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexico Save the dates now for this informative and exciting event. Brought to you by America’s Byways Resource Center and the Federal Highway Administration. 2002 Calendar Send calendar entries by the 5th of each month to center@byways.org MAY May 1, 2002 Ernesto Sirolli: Economic Partnerships Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org May 3, 2002 Smart Moves: Transportation Strategies for Smart Growth Applications due for competition sponsored by FHWA, AASHTO, and the EPA. Download application and instructions at www.transportation.org May 5-7, 2002 Green Space Design 2002 National Conference Hyatt Regency Denver Denver, Colorado For more information, please call: (877) 473-7526 or www.greenspacedesign.org JUNE June 5, 2002 Michael Gross and Ron Zimmerman: Interpretation Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org June 5, 2002 Speaking To Visitors, Basic Interpretive Skills Workshop (full-day) Great Falls, Montana Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 4201 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, Montana 59403 For more information, please call: (406) 727-8733 June 6, 2002 Advanced Storytelling Workshop (full-day) Great Falls, Montana Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 4201 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, Montana 59403 For more information, please call: (406) 727-8733 June 10-15, 2002 Great Outdoors Week Washington, DC For more information, please call: American Recreation Coalition (202) 682-9530 or www.arc@funoutdoors.com AUGUST August 1-4, 2002 San Antonio Forum 2002 National Alliance of Preservation Commissions San Antonio, Texas For more information, please call: (706) 542-0169 or www.arches.uga.edu/~napc August 7, 2002 Amy Jordan Webb: Marketing Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org SEPTEMBER September 3-6, 2002 ProBike/ProWalk 2002 12th International Symposium on Bicycling and Walking St. Paul, Minnesota For more information, please visit: www.bikewalk.org/conference.htm September 28-October 1, 2002 2002 American Indian/Alaska Native Tourism Conference Juneau, Alaska For more information, please visit: www.aianta.org OCTOBER October 2, 2002 Byway Organizations Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org October 8-13, 2002 56th National Preservation Conference Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Cleveland, Ohio For more information, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org October 11-15, 2002 AASHTO Annual Meeting Egan Civic and Convention Center Anchorage, Alaska For more information, please call: (202) 624-8489 or hannahw@aashto.org October 26-29, 2002 National Land Trust Rally 2002 Sponsored by the Land Trust Alliance Austin, Texas NOVEMBER November 2002 National Interpreters Workshop Sponsored by the National Association for Interpretation Virginia Beach, Virginia For more information, please call: (888) 900-8283 November 13-16, 2002 16th National Trails Symposium Grenelefe Resort in Central Florida For more information, please call: American Trails (530) 547-2060 or Fax (530) 547-2035 www.symposium@americantrails.org or www.floridadep.org/gwt DECEMBER December 4, 2002 Web Site Technology Byway Leaders Tele-Workshop America’s Byways Resource Center For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org 2003 MAY May 18-21, 2003 2003 National Scenic Byways Conference Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Albuquerque, New Mexico For more information, please call: (800) 429-9297, ext. 5 or center@byways.org AUGUST August 2-3, 2003 Scenic Summit Action for America’s Communities, Countrysides and Public Lands Hyatt Regency Hotel Denver, Colorado For more information, please visit: www.scenicsummit.org SEPTEMBER September 30-October 5, 2003 57th National Preservation Conference Sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Denver, Colorado For more information, please visit: www.nationaltrust.org SIDEBAR: America’s Byways Resource Center Arrowhead Regional Development Commission 227 West First Street, Suite 610 Duluth, MN 55802 Presorted First Class Mail US Postage PAID Permit No. 721 Duluth, MN SIDEBAR: VISTAS is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, processed chlorine free.