[quote=Abu Beacon,Apr 20 2005, 01:08 PM]
State's 21st scenic byway hugs lake
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Molly Kavanaugh
Plain Dealer Reporter
When it comes to scenic Lake Erie, the Marblehead Lighthouse ranks at the top - unless you're a driver trying to see the sights.
For 15 years, the self-guided Lake Erie Circle Tour has directed motorists primarily along U.S. 6 and Ohio 2, bypassing the lighthouse and other picturesque attractions.
That will change this week. The Lake Erie Coastal Trail, the state's 21st scenic byway, will take the place of the Circle Tour. The new route will hug the lake and lead to the steps of attractions like the lighthouse.
Gov. Bob Taft will dedicate the 293-mile trail Friday in Ashtabula Harbor.
"It's a great privilege," said Melinda Huntley, executive director of Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Inc., a nonprofit tourism organization that promoted the change.
The designation also is the first step toward becoming a national All-American Road, which means more exposure on maps and grants for historic preservation. Huntley will find out next summer whether the byway earns the designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Meanwhile, the state scenic label will show up soon on brochures throughout the region. Huntley is working on a guide to Lake Erie's 16 lighthouses, the first in a series of specialized maps.
Gretchen Friend, executive director of the Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will distribute a map of beaches and parks along the trail in her county.
"People like to have an itinerary with a starting point and an ending point," she said.
A study by Ohio State University Extension found that most people are willing to change travel plans if they have specific information about attractions.
Bay Village Mayor Debbie Sutherland said her bedroom community is not a tourist draw, but the designation will attract motorists who might decide to move to the lakefront city after seeing the view.
"What's more beautiful than driving by the lake?" she asked.
Maps of the Lake Erie trail and the state's other byways can be found at www.ohiobyways.com.
[/quote]
[QUOTE][quote=Abu Beacon,Apr 20 2005, 01:08 PM]
State's 21st scenic byway hugs lake
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Molly Kavanaugh
Plain Dealer Reporter
When it comes to scenic Lake Erie, the Marblehead Lighthouse ranks at the top - unless you're a driver trying to see the sights.
For 15 years, the self-guided Lake Erie Circle Tour has directed motorists primarily along U.S. 6 and Ohio 2, bypassing the lighthouse and other picturesque attractions.
That will change this week. The Lake Erie Coastal Trail, the state's 21st scenic byway, will take the place of the Circle Tour. The new route will hug the lake and lead to the steps of attractions like the lighthouse.
Gov. Bob Taft will dedicate the 293-mile trail Friday in Ashtabula Harbor.
"It's a great privilege," said Melinda Huntley, executive director of Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Inc., a nonprofit tourism organization that promoted the change.
The designation also is the first step toward becoming a national All-American Road, which means more exposure on maps and grants for historic preservation. Huntley will find out next summer whether the byway earns the designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Meanwhile, the state scenic label will show up soon on brochures throughout the region. Huntley is working on a guide to Lake Erie's 16 lighthouses, the first in a series of specialized maps.
Gretchen Friend, executive director of the Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will distribute a map of beaches and parks along the trail in her county.
"People like to have an itinerary with a starting point and an ending point," she said.
A study by Ohio State University Extension found that most people are willing to change travel plans if they have specific information about attractions.
Bay Village Mayor Debbie Sutherland said her bedroom community is not a tourist draw, but the designation will attract motorists who might decide to move to the lakefront city after seeing the view.
"What's more beautiful than driving by the lake?" she asked.
Maps of the Lake Erie trail and the state's other byways can be found at www.ohiobyways.com.
[/quote]
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This drive would go practically right past my condo, and I agree, it would be a very interesting trip. If you decide to take that trip, I'll wave to you as you go by.
A.B.