EXH 33
C.1.4 “Welcome To” McDowell County The boundaries of McDowell County on Interstate
MCDOWELL COUNTY BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN WONDERLAND
40, which had an average annual daily traffic count of 38,000 vehicles in 2019, are currently delineated by a standard NCDOT sign that states, “McDowell County”. Upon request, NCDOT will allow local governments to have larger “optional” welcome signs at their boundaries that include specific content and more details. The awareness component for McDowell County could be improved greatly by including the “Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland” brand on NCDOT welcome signs throughout the County. ACTION ITEMS: •
Request NCDOT install optional welcome signs at the County boundaries that feature the new Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland brand.
•
Work with partners to establish a “Welcome To McDowell County” monument sign designed with a mountain vernacular that includes the Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland brand and aesthetic at the intersection of US 221 north and NC 183 in the Linville Falls community.
A separate branding and marketing effort was conducted with the McDowell County TDA while the Destination McDowell planning process was underway. The new brand will be incorporated into future gateway signage.
DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN
Recommendations —83
