About the Appalachian Quilt Trail
The AQT is a great way to experience the variety of rural life in one of the country's most scenic areas. Along the way, stop as often or as little as you like. It's easy to spot waypoints and trail stops along the trail: just look for the painted wooden squares. We invite you to take a trip back in time as you slow down and enjoy the scenic countryside of our region. For your pleasure we have displayed the artistry of the traditional quilt on a backdrop of historic and beautiful barns. Take your time, pack a lunch or better yet stop at a local country store or diner to enjoy some local flavors. You will find a variety of historic sites, produce stands, shops, galleries and other places to entertain you along the way.
About the visitor center
We are, first and foremost, a voluntary business membership organization. Our resources are derived from the time, skills and financial support of our members. Through partnerships between business and community organizations, we work to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in our community and region.
We are defined by people's perception of our past accomplishments, our current actions and our preparation to deal with the future. As we work to accomplish this we wear many hats: Economic developer and planner, tourist information, business spokesperson, economic counselor and teacher, governmental relations specialist, human resources advisor and public relations practitioner.
Location
The Elizabethton-Carter County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Council has a large center on 321/19 as you enter the Elizabethton area. But you are most likely to remember the train exhibit next to it.
Nearby Waymarks to visit
Under the green "railway station" sit 3 railroad cars which represent the railway lines which helped Elizabethton and Carter County develop.
"Carter County's railroad history is the story of three trains, the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina (better known as Tweetsie 1881 - 1951); the Southern Railroad (1911 - 1940); and the North American Rayon Steam Engine (1936 - 1992). The glory days of the railroads have ended. The memories are captured in this exhibit: an original Tweetsie boxcar, a Southern caboose, and the NAR steam engine which was believed to be the last active steam locomotive in the United States in commercial use."
Historical Marker at the Visitors' Center
The Tourist Bureau's website www.TourElizabethton.com (see link below) is a wealth of information about the area and the site is also linked to other sites in the area including Carter County, The City of Elizabethton, Elizabethton Electric, The Elizabethton Star newspaper, and the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce.
Inside the Visitors Center Tourism Director Larry Gobble and others provide information that only people raised in the area could provide.