Are you ready to follow an incredibly different trail that leads you to Main Streets across North Carolina? A route called the Main-to-Main Trail connects neighboring Main Streets together and helps you visit local communities across the state. The Main-to-Main Trail provides the user with a virtual platform that allows you to explore towns across North Carolina, each with their own unique small town experience. You don’t even have to be on the lookout for breadcrumbs to know where to go for one of a kind shops, restaurants and activities! The guide will give you the tools to explore a part of the state that many don’t even know exists. If Garner is your destination, then the North Central portion of the main to main trail is your choice for more information and links you to our and other neighboring quaint downtowns just outside of the capital city of Raleigh. Be adventurous and exit off the highway, take the road less traveled and explore brand new regions.
When visiting Main Streets be on the lookout for the Destination Businesses scattered throughout. The Destination certification process was Funded in part by a federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant and supported by the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center. A Destination Businesses is a small but mighty company that was selected after taking a deep dive into their business and what they offer in their community. These businesses were challenged to work towards continuous improvement, keep high standards and highlight their unique offerings. Destination businesses have succeeded in taking a rigorous course to not only strengthen their businesses, but to help support the economic vitality of their towns.
Each certified Destination Business has a one of kind statement that separates them from all other organizations across the state. In Garner, Banks Bed and Breakfast and Steep Right Up are both certified enterprises. Each business has its own unique positioning statement that specifies how it differentiates itself in the community and the state. Banks Bed and Breakfast is the only 1897 historic stay located on North Carolina’s first paved highway. Steep Right Up is North Carolina’s only tea shop with train view seating, exclusive story-driven tea experiences, and home to that crazy tea lady. Simple statements that make a difference in how people think about what they are actually experiencing go a long way in understanding the special nature of these small businesses and their small towns.
A Main Street town can be wrapped around a central courthouse, divided by a railroad, several historic building blocks long, or just one quaint street. Progress might have put a highway right through a small town that you just have to pause in to discover. You might also have to travel a few miles in order to search out more hidden locations waiting to share their local vibes with you. Discovery comes in many forms and how you think about old historic towns or what memories they bring to mind are individual to all. Consider giving your brain a break from the normal, franchised, standard places of today and find a new love with areas giving you a chance to slow down, breathe and explore a calmer more unique setting.
It’s time to explore the path of special experiences. Get ready to park the car and stroll down the street to become part of small town life. Let your travel dollars support local entities where you know more of your funds stay in the community and make a bigger impact on a greater number of people. And this year, the trail website is showcasing stories of small towns and their role in America’s founding for the 250th Anniversary Celebration! Let our Main Street neighborhood and the Main-to-Main Trail become a starting point for new experiences, tastes, and sights.
Happy “Main to Main” Trails!
Mary
