America's BywaysWe are reaching out to new government and private partners to let them know about the National Scenic Byways Program, and we want to keep you posted as we continue our outreach efforts!
Patricia McNally, National Scenic Byways Program marketing director, participated in a workshop hosted by the Department of Commerce (DOC), International Trade Administration (ITA). Domestic and international Commercial Service members were in attendance. Presentations were given by the National Scenic Byways Program, USDA Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Agriculture, Preserve America, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Working in small teams, participants identified possible partnership activities. Doug Baker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Services, DOC ITA said that he sees "the spirit of cooperation and coordination among federal government agencies involved in travel and tourism as a mechanism to enhance the efforts of all."
Do you have news to share with the byway community?
Here's how you can post your byway news on www.bywaysonline.org. It's easy!
First login to www.bywaysonline.org. (If you don't have an account, just follow the directions under the My Account link in the blue line under the Search.) Next, find the News feature. It's on the left hand side on the Web site's home page. Just click on the More News link. That will bring you to the News List page. In the left side column, you'll see a Post a News Item link. Just follow it and fill out the form. If you want your news to show up on www.bywaysonline.org, pick the Community News category. Choose Traveler News to display on www.byways.org. You can even attach a photo or a document. That's all there is to it!
Congratulations to Arizona! The Arizona Scenic Roads Web site, www.arizonascenicroads.com, won a TIA Odyssey Award in the Travel Facilitation category. The Web site was developed with a National Scenic Byways Program grant in partnership with the Arizona Office of Tourism, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and Arizona Highways Magazine.
Check out these great, recently launched Web sites:
The seven river boats and excursion train arrived at St. Paul's Lamberts Landing near the balloon arch. The Great River Road NSB is visible just beyond the train.
Photo courtesy of David Larson, MN DOT.
In July, the Grand Excursion brought together the communities of the upper Mississippi River for a commemorative event celebrating the 150th anniversary of a steamboat trip up the Mississippi River.
The original Grand Excursion of 1854 celebrated America's first railroad connection to the Mississippi River. The event hosted more than 1,200 people on a journey that began on rail from Chicago to Rock Island, IL, then by steamboat up the river from Rock Island to St. Paul, MN and Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, with several stops in riverfront communities along the way.
Participants in Grand Excursion 2004 had hundreds of opportunities to attend special events, festivals, parades and programs showcasing riverfront improvements, pathways and tourist attractions in the participating communities in this four-state initiative (Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota). Learn more about Grand Excursion 2004 at www.grandexcursion.com.
TIA is designing a treasure hunt as part of the See America's Treasures campaign, and America's Byways will be included! See www.tia.org/marketing/sa_treasurehunt.asp or www.tia.org/marketing/sath_submit.asp to submit trivia or interesting facts about your byway. Please send a copy of your submission to angel@byways.org for inclusion on our Web site. The campaign looks like lots of fun!
Do you have news or ideas to share with the Byway community? Contact us!
