DbD Communications Studio Portfolio 031622 by Destination by Design

COMMUNICATIONS STUDIO

DESTINATION MARKETING SERVICES

DE S TIN ATION BY DE SIGN

136 Furman Road Suite 6 Boone, NC 28607

(828) 386-1866 www.dbdplanning.com

FACEBOOK

@dbdplanning INSTAGRAM

@destination_by_design YOUTUBE

DbDPlanning

MATT POWELL Director of Communications & Place Branding 828.773.1311 matt@DbDplanning.com

D E S T I N AT I O N BY D E S I G N

Our multidisciplinary approach combines urban planning and design, with communications expertise. This results in distinctive visual solutions, increased public engagement, and creative end-products for communities and destinations. We are an award-winning firm of planning and creative professionals specializing in land use planning, infrastructure development, and destination marketing. Our team focuses on creating both inspiring built-environments and compelling place brands. Destination by Design (DbD) assists communities and organizations who recognize quality of life and tourism to be significant components of their economic development strategy. We help develop new “product,” such as vibrant downtowns, increased recreation offerings, expanded conservation areas, greenways and trails, and we help brand and promote these assets for our clients. One way we do this is by engaging area residents and local leaders, collecting their best ideas, and building genuine consensus. Another is by analyzing data-driven research. Above all we concentrate on economic development and value creation— the integral elements of our comprehensive planning and design approach. We are on a mission to help the public sector identify strategic investments that will significantly expand quality of life, attract new businesses, and generate private sector growth.

Our Services

DESTINATION BRANDING

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Brand Strategy Development Logo & Visual Identity Design Graphic Design & Print Collateral Web Development Social Media Marketing Photography

Tourism Infrastructure Planning Wayfinding & Signage Custom Mapping Web Development Video Production

GREENWAYS & TRAILS DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Streetscape Design Public Space & Plazas Engineering & Construction Documents Branding Campaigns

Regional Trail System Planning Urban & Rural Greenway Planning Trail Design & Construction Documents Trail Building Education Wayfinding & Signage Economic Impact Analysis

LAND USE PLANNING

RECREATION MASTER PLANNING

Regional & Comprehensive Planning Small Area Planning Civic Master Planning Ordinance Development Public Engagement

Regional Park System Planning Park Planning and Design Engineering & Construction Documents

DES T I NAT I ON M ARK E TI N G S E RV IC E S Branding

Web Design & Development

Graphic Design

Social Media Content

Video Production

Photography

Our Communications Studio provides creative services for Destination Marketing Organizations, municipalities and economic development agencies.

UINTA COUNTY, WY: BRAND STRATEGY

ELKIN NC DESTINATION BRAND PACKAGE

NORTHERN PEAKS TRAIL: BRAND DEVELOPMENT

VISIT BOONE, NC: ROCKY KNOB PARK COMMERCIAL VIDEO

NECK OF THE WOODS LOCAL FOOD TRAIL: MAP

DOWNTOWN BOONE NC COMMUNITY BRAND

SPINDALE, NC: COMMUNITY BRAND

W E B D E S IG N & D E V ELO P M ENT

OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL

DOWNTOWN LENOIR, NC MAIN STREET PROGRAM

THE NORTHERN PEAKS STATE TRAIL

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, NC TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NC

V I D EO P RO D UC TI O N

THE ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE GREENWAY

APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION

LOWER HAW RIVER STATE NATURAL AREA

NC CHRISTMAS TREE ASSOCIATION

CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK

MOREHEAD-ROWAN, KY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SHELBY, NC PARKS & RECREATION

OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL

“Throughout the branding process, we began to see DbD as partners, not just an agency developing a plan for us to execute. It became obvious they wanted us to have a vibrant, prosperous community, and they worked diligently to help us achieve that. They are a dedicated group who believes in the work they do and are committed to making a difference in communities.” — D A L E C AV E N Y Alleghany County, NC Blue Ridge Business Development Center

Eric Woolridge, AICP

Alex Gotherman, PLA

Matt Powell

P L AN N I N G D I R EC TO R

DESI GN DI RECTO R

COMMUN I C ATIONS DIR EC TOR

Our Team “Destination by Design has been a pleasure to work with; they have woven innovative thoughts and ideas into a masterfully comprehensive and cohesive plan for success. They have ensured that we received a quality end-product with high engagement and enthusiasm.”

—DOUG BARRICK Manager for the Town of Rutherfordton

Josh Thurman

Lucas Hicks

Zachary Hoffman

S EN I O R G R AP H I C D ES I G N ER

MEDI A PROD UCER

DESI GN ER & PR ODUC ER

Jason Gaston, PE

Tim Johnson

Nicole Higgins

E NG I NE E R I N G D I R EC TO R

SEN I OR PL AN N ER

ADMI N I STRATOR

Sydnie Kroneberger

Ron Hancock

Keagan Massie

L A ND S CA P E D ES I G N ER

SEN I O R PL AN N ER

GI S SPECI AL I ST

Erin Welsh

Dan Cox

Sunny Morgan

S O CI A L M ED I A M AN AG ER

A RT DI RECTO R & DESI GN ER

WEB D EVELOPER

SELECTED WORKS

McDowell County Tourism DESTINATION BRANDING

McDowell County is well-endowed with the mystical wonders of the Blue Ridge, yet their department of tourism was in need of a brand strategy to leverage this compelling story. And DbD delivered it. The “Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland” is an innovative, outdoor-driven identity capable of attracting a new generation of outdoor travelers, and providing a perfect platform to showcase their abundant tourism resources, such as Lake James, the Catawba River, the Blue Parkway and Pisgah National Forest.

SELECTED WORKS

Cleveland County, NC Tourism DESTINATION BRANDING & WEBSITE

Cleveland County, NC, known to some as an Americana rootsmusic mecca, is poised for growth as a tourism destination. Until now, they had never undertaken a strategic, holistic evaluation of their tourism product and potential for brand evolution. How could the County begin to leverage what they do have, while broadening their appeal to a wider audience of cultural and outdoor enthusiasts? Enter “The Land of Rhythm”, an innovative brand solution that beckons visitors to “Find Your Rhythm Here”, whatever it may be. Project deliverables also include a new DMO website and content strategy. This project is freshly minted and planning for a 2021 roll-out.

SELECTED WORKS

Cleveland County, NC Tourism DESTINATION BRANDING & WEBSITE

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Spindale, North Carolina COMMUNITY BRANDING & PLACE MAKING

With an eye on downtown revitalization and a desire to differentiate itself as a community along the newly constructed 12.5-mile Thermal Belt Rail Trail, the Town of Spindale needed a place brand to encapsulate what makes the town unique. DbD engaged local citizens to cast a vision for a brand that focuses on its music heritage and proximity to the new rail trail. Branding efforts were coupled with DbD’s plan for the downtown streetscape, new civic areas, and a community stage.

SELECTED WORKS

Elkin, North Carolina DESTINATION BRANDING

Elkin, NC, in the heart of North Carolina wine country, is quickly becoming known across the state as an outdoor recreation trail town and winery destination. But Elkin’s small DMO needed an overhaul and a more robust brand strategy to place them onto the national radar of wine aficionado’s and trail hounds. Our new “Explore Elkin”, “Find Your Trail” brand enhancement and strategy should do the trick. To be revealed in 2021.

SELECTED WORKS

Elkin, North Carolina DESTINATION BRANDING

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Downtown Lenoir, North Carolina COMMUNITY BRANDING & WEBSITE

A 2019 NC Mainstreet award-winning project for Best Image Building Campaign

As North Carolina’s economy shifts away from its traditional industries of textiles, tobacco, and furniture, the City of Lenoir, like many other communities, needed to take action to remain competitive. DbD and Downtown Lenoir partnered to develop a community-driven brand identity that has been a major catalyst for expanding downtown revitalization efforts. The City’s willingness to embrace its manufacturing roots and welcome the creative class is helping to attract new investors and entrepreneurs ready to reinvigorate downtown.

SELECTED WORKS

CITY OF LENOIR, “CREATE WITH US”

City of Lenoir, North Carolina COMMUNITY BRANDING & WAYFINDING

Destination by Design worked with the City of Lenoir, North Carolina to develop a place brand that would bring the residents together as a community of makers and musicians while broadcasting that identity to the surrounding areas. Building on the success of DbD’s award-winning Downtown brand (featuring a “Together We Create” tagline), the City adopted the tagline “Create With Us” to reinforce revitalization efforts Downtown and appeal to tourists as an inviting and creative destination.

SELECTED WORKS

Rutherford County, North Carolina CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT

The Rutherford Bound Tourism Master Plan serves as a comprehensive county-wide tourism infrastructure investment guide for Rutherford County. After two years of intensive planning led by the Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority (RCTDA), the county and its municipalities agreed on a unified place-based economic development strategy. DbD continues to work with the RCTDA and its partners to implement the master plan through grant funding, capital campaign development, engineering, and construction oversight.

SELECTED WORKS

Randleman, North Carolina COMMUNITY BRANDING

The City of Randleman is conveniently located 20 minutes from downtown Greensboro, yet worlds away from the rat race. In order to attract new residents and unify its communications strategy, the City needed to differentiate itself from surrounding Piedmont communities with a DbDdesigned brand strategy and visual logo system. Ultimately, the brand defines Randleman as a “small town oasis” within the Piedmont Triad, while visual nods to their river mill-town heritage underscore the City’s hard working culture and robust downtown core (just .3 miles from the Deep River State Trail— NC’s only state-designated blueway/greenway).

SELECTED WORKS

AppalCART MARKETING & PR CAMPAIGN

When the Coronavirus happened, AppalCART, Boone, NC’s local public transportation system, hired DbD to design and execute a comprehensive public relations campaign to publicize the benefits of AppalCart for the local community, their COVID-19 safety precautions, and recommended best-use practices. This campaign involved developing a communications plan, creating a series of informational-graphics, writing and distributing press releases, producing original photography, and shooting and producing videos, while distributing the content through a highly targeted social media advertising campaign. LI NK H E RE:

https://dbdplanning.com/project/appalcart/

SELECTED WORKS

Boone, North Carolina OUTDOOR RECREATION TOURISM MAP SERIES

Watauga County is one of the most vibrant outdoor recreation destinations in Western North Carolina. To highlight the area’s key outdoor recreation assets, the local Tourism Development Authority commissioned DbD to develop a custom map series featuring Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, the New River Paddle Trail, premier road cycling routes, and a variety of hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

SELECTED WORKS

Alleghany County, North Carolina COMMUNITY BRANDING

After completing an economic development plan, one thing became clear: Alleghany County needed a community-driven brand strategy that could leverage local assets and unify the locals around a common vision. As a small mountain community, they desperately needed to communicate a more compelling image to the outside world. Using a community asset analysis, our team identified five major themes with which to tell the area’s story, and provided art direction to a local woodcut artist to illustrate these themes. “Authentically Alleghany” continues to build pride among residents as it complements an outward-facing image and spreads the word far and wide about all Alleghany has to offer. This campaign has resulted in significant growth in social media efforts and County events.

WHERE FISHING IS A PASSION. NOT A PASTIME.

Nathan has spent his life on the New River—canoeing, kayaking, ﬁshing and camping along its banks. As a game warden and small business owner in Alleghany County, Nathan brings a relentless passion for the outdoors to his river life and his outdoor enterprise. He knows the New River like his backyard, and he lives to show oﬀ its natural beauty to visitors.

The New River gives a sense of serenity and peace only magnified by the true beauty presented along its mountainous banks.”

AuthenticallyAlleghany.com

SELECTED WORKS

Uinta County, Wyoming BRANDING STRATEGY

Destination by Design developed an economic development branding strategy for Uinta County and the Southwern region of Wyoming. As part of this process DbD conducted a Discovery and Evaluation project consisting of market research, stakeholder research, and a community branding workshop to gather public opinion on the identity of Southwest Wyoming. This information was formed into a strategic brand platform and provided guidance for the creation of a visual economic development brand for the region.

SELECTED WORKS

SOVA –Southern Virginia REGIONAL BRAND & RECOVERY CAMPAIGN

Along the southern border of Virginia lies a four county region that is known for it’s sprawling pastures, rolling hills, streams, lakes, forests and even mountains. Tucked into that landscape are cities and towns which capture the heart of this mostly rural region and display it proudly. DbD was called upon by the West Piedmont Council of Governments to create a brand and a corresponding campaign which would highlight their region, its people and its unique charm. In response we created the “Life In SOVA” campaign which helped give an identity to Virginia’s West Piedmont as they rose to overcome the unique small town challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

SELECTED WORKS

Downtown Boone, North Carolina COMMUNITY BRAND AND MURAL DESIGN

Located in the heart of the North Carolina High Country, and one of the top leisure destinations in the state, Downtown Boone never had a visual identity to call its own. To effectively capture the imaginations of locals and visitors alike, this new brand needed to examplify exactly why people love Downtown Boone so much. Extensive community involvement resulted in a fun, soulful expression of Boone’s easy-going, mountain vibe at 3,333 feet in elevation and the perfect tagline. After all, everyone can “Live it Up” in Downtown Boone. After providing renderings and recommendations for a mural in downtown, the project culminated with a fun-filled mural reveal. WATC H TH E VIDEOS HERE:

https://vimeo.com/394481210

SELECTED WORKS

Morehead-Rowan, Kentucky EC O NOM IC DEV ELOP M EN T P L A N

As part of a wider Economic Development Strategy for Morehead County, Kentucky, DbD led the development of a robust public engagement and communications plan that included creating a project brand and message, website, promotional videos, and media outreach. The DbD team also facilitated and collected stakeholder input, conducted data analysis, and formulated goals, objectives, and action items for the Livability and Recreation Focus Area element of the final plan document.

SELECTED WORKS

IRON

Tertiary Brand Marks SOUTH CAROLINA

CITY

Tertiary Brand Marks Blacksburg, South Carolina COMMUNITY BRAND

Once a great train depot town started by the Blacks Brothers, Blacksburg’s rich history just needed a little dusting off—and in perfect time for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which will run right through downtown. Blacksburg’s downtown revitalization needed a visual brand to match this excitement, and DbD rose to the challenge by developing a modern and engaging twist on the town’s original Iron City name along with a streetscape small area plan.

SELECTED WORKS

Neck of the Woods Local Flavor Trail LOCAL FOOD TRAIL, BRAND, AND TOURISM WEBSITE

Local and regional leaders in the seven-county High Country Region of North Carolina have long recognized they have more to offer than the outdoor recreation they are well-known for. With a rich local food heritage and a variety of “mom & pop” establishments throughout the region, the ingredients were in place to develop an innovative economic development and branding campaign. Stakeholders from the Appalachian Regional Commission and seven surrounding counties worked together. Ultimately DbD developed the food trail and tourism map to connect communities through interactive digital formats while promoting cultural assets and local food businesses. The new brand, mobile-friendly website, and print map locate various wineries, breweries, farmers markets, farm-to-table restaurants, and other culinary points of interest in the Region’s seven counties. It was featured on CNN Travel in 2017.

SELECTED WORKS

Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING STRATEGY

Music has long been essential to Western North Carolina’s cultural identity. Recognizing the need to promote this iconic aspect of NC culture, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the NC Arts Council sought to enhance marketing efforts for its “Blue Ridge Music Trail” cultural heritage campaign. DbD developed a social media marketing strategy and training handbook for partners, produced video and photography content from events throughout the region, and executed a public relations campaign to increase visibility among target demographics. This allowed the trail to elevate its brand voice.

SELECTED WORKS

Visit Appalachia REGIONAL FOOD TRAIL, WEBSITE, AND MARKETING CAMPAIGN

This ain’t yo grandma’s Appalachia! With the growing demand for local food, local beer, and, well...local everything, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) wanted to tell the story of Appalachia’s most distinctive food and beverage destinations. The ARC, a federal economic development agency, worked with DbD to develop and promote a tourism brand, map guide, and social media strategy that would catapult the region’s local food culture onto the global stage. The project included a nomination process, promotional video, and a custom print and online map.

SELECTED WORKS

FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY | STEUBEN & SCHUYLER COUNTIES, NY The Finger Lakes Wine Country provides wine lovers with a reason to sip along its three wine trails and to explore, as well. Dozens of award-winning wineries dot the landscape and grapes grown in differing soils around each lake possess unique viticulture characteristics used by vintners to create original, award-winning blends. Many vineyards emphasize sustainable agricultural practices and organic farming methods. Plenty of wine festivals, museums, art studios, natural areas, unique lodging, and tempting restaurants, including farm-to-table eateries, have earned the region a TripAdvisor award as a “Top Wine Destination in the US.”

CITY SCAPE WINERY | PELZER, SC The young owners of City Scape Winery, Josh and Deb Jones, followed their dreams to become vintners. Using grapes from their vineyard, nearby farms, and other vineyards around the state, they pride themselves on producing small batches of seasonal wines. With an educational goal, the Jones also sponsor hands-on, wine-making classes for those wanting to bottle their own. Visitors love their sustainable, friendly landscape maintenance staff—a herd of goats who munch the weeds. Winning the “Best of the Upstate” award for several years, this winery provides an entertaining and educational destination for the community and visitors.

THUNDER ROAD WINE TRAIL | TENNESSEE Named Thunder Road for the back roads used to transport moonshine in the past, this Tennessee Wine Trail takes travelers to five wineries. It’s not surprising wine-making is one of Tennessee’s most successful agritourism industries. Eagle Springs Winery, Watauga Lake Winery, The Winery at Seven Springs Farm, Goodwater Vineyards, and Spout Spring Estates Winery each offer award-winning wines based on soil type and climate. Several of the vintners practice sustainable farming, sell their own farm produce, and have built their facilities with reclaimed building materials. These wineries offer wine-making classes, festivals, art classes, and wine and food pairing dinners.

TOMATO BAR & BISTRO | PITTSTON, PA Named for the Pittston Tomato Festival, the Tomato Bar and Bistro was founded by regional natives, brothers Andy and Michael Partash. Featuring an early 1900s theme, the building calls to mind pubs and historic storefronts from the city’s past. Many of the varied menu items make use of tomatoes, in creative and surprising flavor combinations. Other savory selections include varieties of mac and cheese, mussel plates, sandwiches, Kobe beef burgers, and small plates. Sip a regional craft beer or one of the many imports and drafts on the outdoor patio and score a front row seat for the Tomato Festival.

COUNCIL HOUSE CAFÉ | FRENCH CAMP, MS Located in an 1820s log cabin on the historic Natchez Trace, the Council House Café stands out not only because it is staffed by the French Camp Academy boarding school students, but also because

BISTRO ROCA | BLOWING ROCK, NC Be sure to peruse the dog photos in Antlers Bar, when you visit Bistro Roca, nestled in near the Blue Ridge Parkway. With a bar billed as “North Carolina’s longest continually serving bar” (since 1932), long-term residents Cindy and Cobb Milner’s restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with gourmet fare. Faithful to supporting the local economy, much of their produce and meat is sourced from nearby family farms, and the menu boasts flavors of Mediterranean, French, and Southern fare that changes seasonally. On Monday nights during the season, cyclists meet there to embark on a 30-mile ride that includes a portion of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

MARKETS & PRODUCTS

ALBANY BISTRO | DECATUR, AL Chef Jakob Reed’s respect for the land’s bounty was honed during his childhood by working in family gardens and provided the roots for Albany Bistro. Creating a network of growers in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, Reed offers classic comfort food with a twist and seasonal menus, as well. His cooking classes and farm-to-table events help educate the community about the personal and community benefits of eating local food. Hailed by South Magazine as one of the South’s Greatest Chefs in 2015, Reed’s enthusiasm for seasonal, southern-inspired gastronomic goodness livens up Decatur’s restaurant landscape.

BEER CHEESE TRAIL | CLARK COUNTY, KY Once the best-kept secret of the Bluegrass state, this popular cheese spread is featured on the Beer Cheese Trail. Clark County is deemed to be the official birthplace of beer cheese more than 70 years ago, and foodies will appreciate its rich flavor and history. Although the beer

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

VINEYARDS & WINERIES

RED RIVER ROCKHOUSE | CAMPTON, KY Although climbers and hikers frequent eastern Kentucky for adventure, one just as exciting gastronomic adventure

FARMS

FARM-TO-FORK RESTAURANTS

THE PALISADES RESTAURANT | EGGLESTON, VA Local native Shaena Muldoon returned home to create The Palisades Restaurant in Pyne’s General Store. In keeping with tradition, Muldoon retained exposed brick walls, wood floors and the pressed tin ceiling of the building, while local historical memorabilia decorate the vintage space. The contemporary menu offers unique cuisine utiizing local pork, beef, trout and produce from the New River Valley. They also offer cosmopolitan delicacies such as duck, wild boar, venison, and gourmet seasonal pizzas. Celebrity Chef Charity Dinners featuring world-renowned chefs are held annually to benefit local charities and engage the community, as well.

HATFIELD & MCCOY MOONSHINE | GILBERT, WV Using the original ‘shine recipe of Devil Anse Hatfield, family descendants opened the Hatfield & McCoy micro-distillery to produce small batch craft moonshine. Keeping it local, they use 100% West Virginia-grown corn and distill the devil’s brew in copper kettles as has been method for more than 150 years. These Hatfield descendants are proud to produce legal moonshine with the state’s blessing, continuing the southern tradition. The two families – made famous for their 19th century feud – have finally made peace by making an old way of life, new.

CALL FAMILY DISTILLERS | WILKESBORO, NC Finally making their family’s bootlegging history legitimate, Brian and Brad Call opened a moonshine distillery in the “moonshine capital of the world.” It’s a family tradition that goes back eight generations as Rev. Dan Call taught Jack Daniels how to make the famous brew. Visitors can tour antique ‘shine stills, as well as view a 1961 Chrysler that was used for bootlegging. Utilizing the largest direct steam injection still in the state, the distillery reinvents the traditional recipe with flavors such as cherry, strawberry, and apple pie. With a focus on local, they use white corn meal from nearby historic Linney’s Mill.

BIG FISH CIDER CO. | MONTEREY, VA Cider is making a comeback, and Kirk Billingsley of Monterey is responsible for its return in Highland County, VA. After years of growing apples and making cider at his home, he capitalized on cider’s renewed popularity by founding Big Fish Cider Company, which is housed in a landmark building. The business is the result of Billingsley’s vision to keep in step with the growth of the local foods movement. The company grows some of its own apples and buys local apples, as well. Cider is deeply rooted in Appalachian history as a traditional drink of choice when friends and families dined together.

BACK FORTY BEER COMPANY | GADSDEN, AL Jason Wilson and Jack Folmer decided to quit corporate jobs and pursue their vision to bring craft beer to Alabama, founding the Back Forty Beer Company. Focused on educating consumers, they began with classic beers that evolved to meet preferences. The brewery owners have worked to change the state's beer laws to allow for higher alcohol volumes, larger containers and tasting rooms at breweries. With national distribution channels, the business was named one of the “Top 100 Small Businesses” in the nation. The hometown brewery hosts creative dinners combining family farmed foods with their craft beer.

ABOUT THIS MAPGUIDE Appalachia offers many attractions for the traveler – captivating landscapes, sparkling waterways, abundant flora and fauna, internationally-acclaimed music, unique arts and crafts, a rich and compelling history, and much more. But perhaps the Appalachian Region’s most vibrant and sustainable resources are those pertaining to food and agriculture – bountiful local farms, lively farmers markets, farm-to-fork restaurants, inventive chefs featuring local ingredients, delightful vineyards and award-winning wineries, craft breweries and distilleries, heritage food festivals, and other distinctive culinary events. Here you can experience the authenticity of Appalachia at its most intriguing. This map celebrates one of the most exciting and innovative culinary destinations in the world. It serves as an introduction– a taste – of Appalachia’s distinctive local food destinations and the farmers, food producers, chefs, and entrepreneurs who have committed themselves to local food craft and tradition. Bon Appétit Appalachia!

Visit edibleradio.com to discover memorable, innovative food and farming stories in the beautiful Appalachian region.

cheese!

store featuring local items, including a butcher shop, coffee counter and gathering place, and was accomplished when the business was begun with a Kickstarter campaign. Pete offers over 40 different kinds of sausage and makes several cured meats, while soups and sandwiches are also available. They have created a market for local farmers’ produce and a needed food and goods market.

The Bon Appétit Appalachia! campaign is a project of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a regional economic development agency whose mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia. Particular gratitude is extended to ARC’s Tourism Advisory Council.

ALABAMA

JAEMOR FARMS | ALTO, GA

www.northalabama.org

Operated for four generations, the Echols family farm transitioned from a roadside peach stand to Jaemor Farms – a market selling produce and other local items from their 350-acre homestead. The Echols family grows more than 32 peach varieties, but their pie kitchen, boiled

GEORGIA

www.exploregeorgia.org

KENTUCKY

www.kentuckytourism.com

MARYLAND

www.visitmaryland.org

MISSISSIPPI

www.visitmississippi.org

FIREFLY FARMS | ACCIDENT, MD

NEW YORK

www.iloveny.com

OHIO

www.ohio.org

DISCOVER LOCAL FOOD, FARMS & FLAVOR

PENNSYLVANIA www.visitpa.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

www.upcountrysc.com

TENNESSEE

www.tnvacation.com

VIRGINIA

www.virginia.org

WEST VIRGINIA

www.gotowv.com

FESTIVALS

NORTH CAROLINA

TASTE OF THE CATSKILLS | DELHI, NY Combine a family farm in the Catskills with tasty local food, beer, and wine, and the result is the Taste of the Catskills Festival that is attended by thousands. The festival is sponsored by the environmental group, Catskills Mountainkeepers, to celebrate farming in this scenic area and empower communities. Attendees learn about how food travels from farm to fork and share in a harvest dinner of local produce, all on the family-owned Maple Shade Farm. Organizers include workshops on cooking, farming, brewing and wine-making, energy conservation, and demonstrations of regional arts and crafts to celebrate and gather support for this special place.

This is just a sampling of what the Appalachian Region has to offer! For a complete listing of more than 900 local food destinations, including festivals and events, visit:

visitappalachia.com

cheese boasts a distinct regional flavor from fresh local goats’ milk. Mike Koch and Pablo Solanet use traditional techniques to craft, age, and package the cheeses by hand. They encourage farmers to maintain humane animal husbandry practices, respect seasonal milk production cycles, and minimize chemical use. Solar-energy unit installations, renewable energy measures, and “upcycling” the whey by-product as feed for local livestock, are evidence of their commitment to sustainability, local economic growth, and family agricultural enterprises.

www.visitnc.com

visitappalachia.com

WHITE HOUSE FRUIT FARM | CANFIELD, OH This third generation family farm with over 100 acres of fruit and produce, reinvented itself to survive and now boasts a signature apple crop of more than 20 varieties. The Hull family runs one of the largest farm markets in Ohio, selling other fruits and vegetables alongside thier apples. Seasonal events such as a pumpkin patch, pick-your-own, wagon rides, and festivals draw crowds year-round, who also come for the free food samples, deli meat selection, local maple syrup, Ohio food products, and delicious bakery goods. Visitors appreciate the family’s commitment to keeping farming a viable way of life.

SELECTED WORKS

DbDplanning.com

visitappalachia.com

Mountains-to-Sea Trail COMPREHENSIVE MARKETING PLAN

Starting at Clingman’s Dome near the Tennessee line and ending at the NC Outer Banks, the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail connects breathtaking mountain vistas to the state’s scenic coastline— and everything in between. Despite its breadth, a lack of public awareness over the years led to low rates of trail usage. Working collaboratively with the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the DbD team led a strategic planning and research process to develop a comprehensive marketing plan. The plan evaluates everything from trail signage to a new website, app, and social media in addition to analyzing public relations and trail maps. It makes recommendations for improving all components in a way that will connect with the trail’s core user base and has ultimately bolstered overall engagement and trail use.

SELECTED WORKS

NC Christmas Tree Association VIDEO PRODUCTION & BRAND DEVELOPMENT

How do you redefine an old tradition for a new generation? With the massive Millennial generation of Christmas Tree buyers on the immediate horizon, the NC Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA) wanted to communicate the timelessness of purchasing real Fraser Fir Christmas Trees and differentiate this experience from that of purchasing a fake tree in a store. The western North Carolina mountains are the only region on earth where Fraser Firs grow natively. DbD produced a campaign that leverages this place identity with a fresh brand and video series to entice a new generation to head to the mountains for a tree this holiday season. WATC H TH E VIDEOS HERE:

https://dbdplanning.com/fraser-fir-campaign-brandvideo-series/

SELECTED WORKS

The Lower Haw River Trail MASTER PLAN PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

In the rapidly urbanizing Triangle Region of North Carolina, the Haw River is a vibrant, natural asset high on the state’s list of land conservation priorities. The Friends of the Lower Haw—a branch of the non profit Friends of State Parks— tapped DbD’s expertise to visually capture the Lower Haw River State Natural Area’s (LHRSNA) story with an educational video that would increase public awareness and engagement with the new Lower Haw River Trails Plan. The video leverages interviews, scenic footage of the Haw River Natural Area, and custom motion graphics to compel viewers to get involved. WATC H TH E VIDEOS HERE:

https://vimeo.com/279143203

SELECTED WORKS

Chimney Rock State Park COMMERCIAL VIDEO PRODUCTION

Though Chimney Rock State Park is famous for its breathtaking views of Western North Carolina from its iconic Chimney, the park has much more to offer than beautiful scenery alone. The State Park partnered with DbD to produce a series of commercial videos and a hand-illustrated map that can communicate the park’s full brand story and remind visitors that “there’s more to the view.” WATC H TH E VIDEO HERE:

https://vimeo.com/383850100

SELECTED WORKS

The Anne Springs Close Greenway COMMERICAL VIDEO PRODUCTION

The Anne Springs Close Greenway (ACG) features over 2,100 acres of nature and offers a variety of recreation opportunities from kayaking and mountain biking, to hiking, horseback riding, and events. In order to take their brand story to a new generation of greenway users and supporters, the ACG partnered with DbD’s Communications Studio to develop an elegant, cinematic, and informational promo video and social media assets. The final video leverages dramatic drone footage, interviews with staff and supporters, motion graphics, mastered audio, and licensed music. Shorter videos were also produced for distribution on the Greenway’s social media platforms. WATC H TH E VIDEO HERE:

https://vimeo.com/366789644

SELECTED WORKS

We are on a mission to enhance quality of life, cultivate healthier places to live, and generate private investment.

COMMUNITY BRANDING

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

GREENWAYS & TRAILS

LAND USE PLANNING

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(828) 386 -1866

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RECREATION MASTER PLANNING