Ideas for a Regional Name

Despite having extraordinary resources and experiences to offer, the counties in Northeast Alabama lack a regional identity.  The description "from the deepest canyon to the highest mountain" is an excellent tag line, but is not the concise label that is needed.  It also should not be limited only to natural resources.

Some suggestions have been:

• More than Mountains
• Where Journeys Begin
• Journey to Jewels
• Heritage Triangle

add better suggestions or offer your comments on these

Opportunities / Needs

• Gather tourism data and analysis that has already been done.

• Come up with a name for the region

• Develop 3 day packages to get visitors to keep coming back

• Local Food - develop reputation for outstanding regional cuisine (celebrity chef idea)

• Need for accommodations for small conferences in space that reflects region.  Encourage people who attend retreats/conferences to come back with families

Asset Inventory

This list is just a beginning.  Please add your suggestions in the comments section:

Natural

• Little River Canyon National Preserve
• DeSoto State Park
• Talladega National Forest (Gateway to the Southern Appalachians)
• North Alabama Birding Trail

Cultural / Historic / Educational

• Canyon Center & Field School
• Mentone
• Freedom Riders Park
• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Recreational

• Rock Climbing
• Kayaking / Canoeing
• Chief Ladiga Trail
• Pinhoti Trail System