2016

Gateway to Amish Country Corridor Management Plan (CMP)

Ohio Department of Transportation

Submitted May, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1 - 2

A. Designation Summary 1

B. Byway Route Map 2

BYWAY STRATEGIC PLAN 3 - 4

A. Vision, Mission and Beliefs 3

B. Accomplishments since last CMP 3

C. Goals and Objectives 3

D. Action Plan Priorities, Responsibilities, Timeline 4

BYWAY ORGANIZATION 5 - 7

A. Structure and Organization 5

B. Committees, Representatives, Partners, Stakeholders 6

C. Leaders’ Contact Information 7

D. Level of Participation in State/Regional Meetings and Trainings 7

E. Byway Leadership Succession Plan 7

F. Current and Future (5 Year) Funding Needs 7

BYWAY CORRIDOR CONDITIONS 8 - 10

A. Road Conditions Including Safety 8

B. Primary and Secondary Intrinsic Quality/Resources 8

C. Changes in Intrinsic Quality/Resources since last CMP 10

D. Accessibility to Intrinsic Quality/Resources 10

VISITOR EXPERIENCE 11 - 13

A. Interpretation since Designation 11

B. Byway Story 12

C. Future Interpretation 12

D. Plans for Improving Visitor Experience 12

E. Preservation 13

F. Sign Inventory 13

MARKETING AND PROMOTION 14 - 17

A. Current and Future Planned Marketing Activities 14

B. Recommended Products or Attachments for Media and Public Relations 14

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 18

A. Ongoing Communication & Cooperation with Community Partners 18

B. Public Meetings and Public Participation Opportunities 18

C. Steps Taken to Update Byway Mission and Vision 18

D. Narrative on Critical Issues and How They Will Be Addressed 18

APPENDIX 19 - 36

A. Sign Inventory (Excel Spreadsheet of GIS data) 19

B. Most Current Byway Map 20

C. Maps Identifying Primary Intrinsic Quality/Resource Locations 21

D. Seasonal Byway Photographs 28

E. Marketing Materials 33

Page 1 of 33

INTRODUCTION AND MAP A. Byway Introduction Eastern Knox County serves as the Gateway to Amish Country, which traditionally refers to the large Amish communities located in Holmes, Wayne, and Ashland Counties. US-62 and State Route 514 are two of the primary routes that tourists utilize to enter Amish Country when traveling from the western, southwestern, and southern regions of Ohio. The Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway is filled with the natural and agricultural beauty of eastern Knox County that has enticed many Amish families to move here. Many travelers experience their first taste of the Amish lifestyle as they drive the byway. The first Amish families moved into the Danville area in 1990. Many of these Amish settlements are the Old Order that practice a conservative lifestyle and belief system that dates back to the Reformation. The Gateway to Amish Country celebrates Knox County’s role in the Amish migration, as well as the rich rural heritage and natural beauty of small villages and tiny hamlets along the way. The rolling hills and valleys present an ever-changing panorama of visual delights. The byway crosses two of Ohio’s most scenic rivers, the Mohican and Kokosing. “The Bridge of Dreams,” Ohio’s longest covered pedestrian bridge, is the highlight of the Mohican Valley Trail, one of two spectacular recreation trails accessible from the byway. The Gateway to Amish Country is dotted with hamlets feature farmsteads that were first granted to Revolutionary War veterans, interspersed with the farms and shops of the recent Amish settlement. The railroad system of yesteryear remains a favorite mode of transportation, but has taken a new form in an extensive hiking, biking, and horse trail system that cuts across the county. The Gateway to Amish Country cut through the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, contrasted by the gently rolling hills in the western section and sharp hills and valleys of the eastern part of the area. The outwash from the Illinoian Glacier provides an abundance of water.

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B. Byway Route Map

Map can be viewed online at: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18W-R828I1tOLwZigBhcxHmtqL2c

Byway Strategic Plan

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BYWAY STRATEGIC PLAN: VISION, MISSION, GOALS AND ACTIONS A. Vision and Mission Vision: The Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway is the doorway leading from America’s traditional rural communities to the incredible Amish culture that has evolved over the past 150 years in Holmes, Wayne, and Ashland Counties. The coexistence of the Amish with their English neighbors have created a unique and cohesive identity throughout eastern Knox County centered on the natural and built environments that represent centuries of rural lifestyles. The Gateway to Amish Country will serve as a beautifully maintained cultural portal that eases the traveler into the distinctive Amish culture by way of traditional rural living. Mission: To assure the sustainability of the rural lifestyle of eastern Knox County through the preservation and promotion of the rural character, the destinations, and the businesses along the Byway, thereby making these communities accessible to the marketplace in order to assure their economic viability and the preservation of their rural lifestyle. B. Accomplishments since last CMP

1. Gateway to Amish Country Information Center (16325 Millersburg Road, Danville 43014) opened in 2009.

2. KnoxWays promotional items – the KnoxWays brand was developed in 2006-2007. A grant from ODOT in 2008-2009 allowed for the creation of KnoxWay DVDs, pull up displays, map brochures, experience guides, and websites.

3. KnoxWays.info was the original website for the Scenic Byways, Scenic Water Trails, and other recreational trails. As of 2015, it forwards to www.VisitKnoxOhio.org, which offers a more comprehensive look at Knox County in general.

4. Knox County Parks Department acquired ownership of Honey Run Waterfall (10855 Hazel Dell Road, Howard 43028) in 2007, and purchased additional land that is now Honey Run Highlands Park (10816 Millersburg Road, Howard 43028) in 2009 and 2010.

5. The Mohican Valley Trail was paved on one side in 2015 to better accommodate non-mountain bike traffic. The other side of the tail remains dirt and gravel so that equestrian riders may still utilize the path.

C. Goals and Objectives Objectives: Promote rural lifestyle of Eastern Knox County, Ohio, including, but not limited to, agricultural practices, natural resources and outdoor recreation, and the social fabric and interaction with the growing Amish community. Goals:

1. Create new series of web videos 2. Update KnoxWays maps by end of 2016 3. Create a Byways page on www.HistoricKnoxOhio.org, the site developed for Knox County’s

heritage tourism initiative. 4. Promote Amish businesses as much as the Amish bishops will allow.

Byway Strategic Plan

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D. Action Plan Priorities, Responsibilities, Timeline 1. Create new series of web videos – KCCVB will contract with local film producers to create a new

series of KnoxWays videos that highlight the county, including the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway.

2. Update KnoxWays maps by end of 2016 – KCCVB will work with area partners to create an updated map of Knox County’s scenic byways, waterways, trails, and attractions. These partners include the Knox County Parks District, the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Knox County Commissioners, and other organizations with an interest in Knox County’s recreation and history

3. Create a Byways page on www.HistoricKnoxOhio.org – The Historic Knox Ohio Initiative started as a means to highlight Knox County’s rich history and cultural heritage. The site currently highlights properties contributing the National Register of Historic Places, the Ohio Historical Marker program, and will eventually highlight those places, people, and events that are eligible for inclusion to these programs. The two Ohio Scenic Byways in the county contribute to Knox County’s historic and cultural identity, and are ideal for inclusion www.HistoricKnoxOhio.org.

4. Promote Amish businesses as much as the Amish bishops will allow – The KCCVB development committee will work with the area’s Amish community to help promote their contribution to eastern Knox County in a sincere and respectful manner.

Byway Organization

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BYWAY ORGANIZATION: STRUCTURE, COMMITTEES, VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS AND BUDGET A. Structure: The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau (KCCVB) became the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway Committee in early 2016. The KCCVB is a non-profit 501(c)6 corporation consisting of individuals and business organizations that share broad based local community support, that promotes Knox County, Ohio as a tourist destination. The KCCVB conducts regular monthly meetings, exchanges appropriate information, and conducts programs with the goal of increasing the overall level of convention, visitor, and group meeting business, which will benefit the overall economy of the Knox County area. (Please refer to the Code of Regulations located in the appendix.) The KCCVB meets as a full board the fourth Wednesday of the month, and is further broken down into the Executive, Marketing, and Development Committeees. The Executive Committee meets quarterly. Its purpose is to assist the full board in the implementation of planning, management, of the operations and the finances, and staff development of the KCCVB. The Marketing and Development Committees meet as needed. The Marketing Committee develops the annual KCCVB marketing plan, and assists the staff in implementing this plan and managing an effective marketing program that fulfills the mission of the KCCVB. The Development Committee works with area groups that are promoting the creation, development, and designation of recreational trails, waterways, parks, and byways in and around Knox County. The KCCVB is well-suited to serve as the Scenic Byways Committee for the Gateway to Amish Country (Gateway), and has been the leading organization in the byway’s promotion for many years. This organization is naturally suited to the future marketing and development of the Gateway as a viable resource to locals and visitors to this area.

Byway Organization

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B. Description of Current and Future Byway Committee Representatives, Partners and Stakeholders The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau consists of the following Board of Directors:

Name City Organization(s) Board Position Barb Barry Mount Vernon Alcove Restaurant Chair, elected

Tom West Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Nazarene

University Vice Chair, elected

Bill Conrad Danville Parks Member, elected

John Curtis Mount Vernon Knox County Fair Member, elected

Chuck Kindel Mount Vernon Woodward Opera House Member, elected

Wally Thomen Centerburg Oldtime Farming Festival Member, elected

Tom Dvorak Mount Vernon Russell-Cooper House Member, elected

Richard Morey Mount Vernon Knox County Agricultural

Museum Member, elected

Gloria Parsisson Centerburg Heart of Ohio Trail Member, elected

Susan Ramser Mount Vernon

Knox County Historical Society

Downtown Mount Vernon

Member, elected

Ann Wobbecke Danville Mohican Wilderness Mohican Bluegrass

Festival Member, elected

Lorraine Davis Fredericktown Buckeye Stoves

Fredericktown Tomato Show

Member, elected

Liz Lutwick Mount Vernon Mount Vernon News Member, elected

Matt Starr Mount Vernon I-CONN Video Member, elected

Justin Bauer Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Grand

Hotel Member, elected

Barbara Kakiris Gambier Kenyon College Member, elected

Thom Collier Mount Vernon Knox County

Commissioner Member, designated

Jonette Curry Mount Vernon Knox County Auditor Member, designated

Nancy Vail Mount Vernon Mount Vernon City

Council Member, designated

Jerry Day Fredericktown Fredericktown Mayor Member, designated

Bill Pursel Gambier Township Trustee Member, designated

Larry Grindle Mount Vernon Zelkowitz, Barry &

Cullers, Ltd. Ex-Officio Member

Jan Reynolds Mount Vernon Ariel Foundation Ex-Officio Member

Pat Crow Danville Knox County CVB Staff, Executive Director

Sandy Crow Danville Knox County CVB Staff, Tour Coordinator

Aubrey Brown Fredericktown Knox County CVB Staff, Historic Projects

Specialist

Byway Organization

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C. Primary and Secondary Byway Leader Contact Information Primary Contact: Pat Crow, Executive Director Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau 107 South Main Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 pcrow@VisitKnoxOhio.org (740) 392-6102

Secondary Contact: Barb Barry, Chair Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau 107 South Main Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 bbarrypro@gmail.com (740) 392-6102

D. Level of Participation in State/Regional Byway Meetings and Trainings The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau has not participated in any state or regional byway meetings or trainings, but is prepared to send representatives when those events and activities take place. E. Byway Leadership Succession Plan The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau was formed in 1990 as an agency of the Knox County Commissioners, with the mission “to increase tourism and attract more visitors to Knox County.” Members of the KCCVB Board of Directors serve a 3-year term. After that time, they are re-elected, or another individual is elected into their position. The built in succession plan of the KCCVB ensures that there will always be a core group of individuals responsible for the Gateway’s management in perpetuity. F. Current and Future (Five Year) Funding Needs Current funding needs for the promotion of the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway are included in the overall Marketing Plan for KCCVB. Marketing needs include updating the KCCVB website with current byway information, updating the KnoxWays map brochure. Additionally, the KCCVB Marketing Committee will development a logo for the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway, which will be made into street signs that will be placed alongside the existing Ohio Scenic Byway signs. Other funding needs include the maintenance of the trails, parks, and other attractions that are accessible via the Gateway. Many of these funds will be obtained in the form of grant monies administered through the Knox County Parks District, the Village of Danville, Knox County Commissioners, and other groups and organizations with an interest in the preservation and promotion of the byway.

Byway Corridor Conditions

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BYWAY CORRIDOR CONDITIONS: ROADWAYS, SAFETY, INTRINSIC RESOURCES, ACCESSIBILITY A. Road Conditions The Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway consists of US Route 62 from the Knox-Licking county line to the Knox-Holmes county line, as well as State Route 514 from the Village of Danville to the Knox-Holmes county line. Both of these highways are fully paved, and are very well maintained throughout the year. US-62 is very wide, as it is a major trucking route, and SR-514 maintains a wide corridor, as well, making for a safe and pleasant driving experience. Danville and Martinsburg are responsible for maintenance for the section of road that travels through the villages’ corporation limits. The road through the hamlets of Brinkhaven (Gann), Greer, and Millwood are maintained by Union, Jefferson, and Clay Townships (respectively), while ODOT is responsible for the Gateway’s maintenance outside of these communities. B. List of Primary and Secondary Intrinsic Qualities/Resources

Scenic:

Kokosing State Scenic River

Mohican State Scenic River

Kokosing Gap Trail

Mohican Valley Trail

Rolling through the hills and valleys of eastern Knox County, the visitor is presented an ever-changing panorama of visual delights. Crossing two of Ohio's most scenic rivers, the Mohican and the Kokosing, visitors are transported back to an era when a ride in the country was the highlight of many families' week. Home to Ohio's longest covered bridge and two exceptionally scenic hiking, biking and horse trails, the visitor can spend an afternoon or several days experiencing an area known for its scenic beauty.

Historical:

St. Luke’s Catholic Church

McKee-Pumphrey House

Workman Cemetery

Greer Wesleyan Church

Danville Methodist Church

Camp Nelson Dodd (YMCA)

RR Depot (now Danville Feed & Supply)

The proposed Scenic Byway is dotted with hamlets, all of which still reflect their original cultural significance. Farmsteads first granted to Revolutionary War veterans are interspersed with the farms and shops of the recent Amish settlement. The railroad system of yesteryear is present today but has taken a new form: an extensive hiking, biking, and horse trail system.

Recreational

Bridge of Dreams & River Access

Kokosing Gap Trail

Mohican Valley Trail

Kokosing State Scenic River

Mohican State Scenic River

Millwood River Access (Kokosing)

Greer River Access(Mohican)

Route 62 MX Park

Honey Run Waterfall & Highlands Park

Danville Community Park

Knox County boasts the most complete trail system in the state of Ohio. Visitors can hike, bike, navigate the water, horseback ride or drive the constantly changing scenery, giving the visitor a new visual experience around every corner and over every hill. The Byway is also the Gateway to two of Ohio's most visited areas, Holmes County which is home to the Amish, and the Mohican recreational area which features a variety of outdoor camping and sporting activities.

Byway Corridor Conditions

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Archaeological The "Gateway to Amish Country" Scenic Byway dissects the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, evidenced by the sharp contrast of the gently rolling hills in the western section and the sharp hills and valleys of the eastern part of the area. The outwash from the Illinoian Glacier provided an abundance of water. Flint and Indian arrow heads have been/are plentiful in eastern Knox County. Since Jefferson Township was the last of all townships to be settled due to its isolation, Native American artifacts can be found today by novice and expert "diggers" alike.

Natural:

Honey Run Waterfall & Highlands Park

Mohican State Scenic River

Kokosing State Scenic River

With demonstrated support from the various conservation groups in Knox County, in addition to the expertise and guidance from two institutions of higher learning, the environmental assets will be preserved and protected. Having the various designations from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Transportation will also guarantee the promotion and protection of our natural resources.

Cultural:

Weaver’s Farm & Furniture

Clutter Farms

Kokosing River Outfitters

Danville Outdoors

Country Furniture & Woodcraft

Danville-Howard Turkey Festival

Danville Lions Raccoon Dinner

Martinsburg Community Center

Raber’s Country Bakery

Blueberry Hill Farms

Hitching Posts at public spaces

Spearman’s Restaurant

Pine View School Benefit Auction

The rural fabric of eastern Knox County offers a unique visitors experience throughout the year. The byway is lined with rich, family-owned agricultural lands that showcase a wide variety of crops and animal husbandry. Local diners offer an atmosphere of relaxed country comfort. Perhaps the most unique annual dining event in the state is the Danville Lions Raccoon Dinner, where these pesky critters are transformed into an internationally famous meal. The Danville-Howard Turkey Festival celebrates the close-knit social structure of northeast Knox County, showcasing local musical talent and a traditional auction. Amish and English culture blend well in this part of the county, where you are as likely to see a horse and buggy at the local gas stations as you are a motor vehicle.

Byway Corridor Conditions

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C. Changes in Intrinsic Qualities/Resources since last CMP Intrinsic qualities and resources along the Gateway have been improved upon since the last CMP was submitted. Efforts to preserve natural and historical resources along the byway have occurred. These include the acquisition of Honey Run Waterfall (2007) and Highlands Park (2009 and 2010) by the Knox County Parks Department, the restoration/preservation efforts of St. Luke’s Catholic Church in 2015, and partial paving of the Mohican Valley Trail in 2015. Many more tangible intrinsic qualities and resources have been identified along the byway than were originally identified when the Gateway was designated as a Scenic Byway by ODOT. These intrinsic qualities and resources will be enumerated and marketed as appropriate. D. Accessibility to Intrinsic Quality/Resources: Pull-Offs, Parking, Rest Areas, Visitor Amenities, etc. The majority of intrinsic qualities and resources are easily accessible directly from the road. Parking for Honey Run Highlands Park is available directly off of US-62 a few miles south of Millwood. From there, visitors are able to hike a little over a mile to Honey Run Waterfall. Alternatively, there is a parking lot along Hazell-Dell Road, a short detour from US-62 just south of Millwood, which is within a few hundred feet of the waterfall. Both parking lots and trails are well marked and easy to navigate. The Gateway to Amish Country Information Center has an ADA compliant ramp.

Visitor Experience

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VISITOR EXPERIENCE: INTERPRETATION, STORIES, PRESERVATION, WAYFINDING/SIGNAGE A. Interpretation since Designation KnoxWays is a brand of the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau that was initiated in 2006. The KnoxWays brand focuses on the various “ways” that visitors can experience all that Knox County has to offer, primarily through its byways, waterways, trailways, and more. The Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with the Knox County Parks Department and the Knox County Commissioners, pursued a byways grant through ODOT to help execute plans for disseminating the KnoxWays brand throughout the county. The following was accomplished through this grant, which included a focus on the Gateway to Amish Country (Gateway) Scenic Byway:

1. Gateway to Amish Country Information Center: The Gateway Info Center was completed in 2009. Its purpose is to provide access to maps and other information about local attractions, businesses, lodging, dining, and more for Knox and neighboring counties. The Gateway Info Center is a great resource for visitors traveling to Amish Country and Mohican Country. (See the Gateway Info Center Report for 2010-2011 in the Appendix.)

2. KnoxWays promotional DVD – a series of short videos highlighting the byways, trailways, waterways, and general information about the eastern part of Knox County. Videos about the Gateway, its intrinsic qualities and resources that can be found along the way (such as the Bridge of Dreams and Honey Run Waterfall), and special events were included in these videos. These videos are now available for viewing on the KCCVB website and on the KnoxWays channel on YouTube.

3. www.KnoxWays.info – created as an integral part of the grant to provide general information about Knox County’s scenic byways (Gateway and Wally Road), scenic waterways (Kokosing and Mohican Rivers), and trailways (Kokosing Gap and Mohican Valley Trails), as well as maps for each of these. In 2016, the information contained in the KnoxWays website was transferred to the KCCVB website, www.VisitKnoxOhio.org. This was done to better connect the byways, rivers, and trails to the other attractions and resources that Knox County has to offer.

4. KnoxWays Map Brochure – produced as an abbreviated, hard copy of what the KnoxWays website had to offer. This brochure (see appendix) provided a generalized map of eastern Knox County, highlighting the Gateway, Wally Road, Kokosing and Mohican Rivers, and the Kokosing Gap and Mohican Valley Trails. In addition, the KnoxWays map brochure provided a short informational blurb about some of the key attractions to be found along each of these byways, waterways, and trailways. The initial printing of the map brochure produced 50,000 copies. It proved to be so successful that the KCCVB printed an additional 50,000 copies. The map was updated in 2013, of which another 50,000 copies were distributed, for a total of 150,000 brochures distributed between 2010 and 2016.

5. KnoxWays Pull-Up Displays: Two portable pull-up displays were commissioned to highlight the Gateway and Wally Road Scenic Byways, as well as the Kokosing Gap and Mohican Valley recreational trails, and the Kokosing River and Mohican River Scenic Water Trails. Both displays contained the KnoxWays logo at the top. One display provided a map of eastern Knox County with the byways, waterways, and trails highlighted and labeled, while the other display consisted of a series of images that provided an illustration of the different “ways” to experience Knox County.

The KnoxWays branding and marketing has proved to be vital in the promotion of the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway as well as the attractions, events, and recreation that can be found along the entire route. While the KnoxWays brand is not limited to the Gateway, it is a recognizable brand that

Visitor Experience

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visitors have come to trust and to associate with the byways, waterways, and trailways, all of which are directly accessible from the Gateway Scenic Byway. Signage along the Gateway features the official Ohio Scenic Byway logo signs, as well as wayfinding signage to assist in locating key attractions, such as the Bridge of Dreams, Honey Run Highlands Park & Waterfall, the Gateway Info Center, and others. B. Byway Story Eastern Knox County serves as the Gateway to Amish Country, which traditionally refers to the large Amish communities located in Holmes, Wayne, and Ashland Counties. US-62 and State Route 514 are two of the primary routes that tourists utilize to enter Amish Country when traveling from the western, southwestern, and southern regions of Ohio. The Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway is filled with the natural and agricultural beauty of eastern Knox County that has enticed many Amish families to move here. Many travelers experience their first taste of the Amish lifestyle as they drive the byway. The first Amish families moved into the Danville area in 1990. Many of these Amish settlements are the Old Order that practice a conservative lifestyle and belief system that dates back to the Reformation. The Gateway to Amish Country celebrates Knox County’s role in the Amish migration, as well as the rich rural heritage and natural beauty of small villages and tiny hamlets along the way. The rolling hills and valleys present an ever-changing panorama of visual delights. The byway crosses two of Ohio’s most scenic rivers, the Mohican and Kokosing. “The Bridge of Dreams,” Ohio’s longest covered pedestrian bridge, is the highlight of the Mohican Valley Trail, one of two spectacular recreation trails accessible from the byway. The Gateway to Amish Country is dotted with hamlets feature farmsteads that were first granted to Revolutionary War veterans, interspersed with the farms and shops of the recent Amish settlement. The railroad system of yesteryear remains a favorite mode of transportation, but has taken a new form in an extensive hiking, biking, and horse trail system that cuts across the county. The Gateway to Amish Country cut through the glaciated Allegheny Plateau, contrasted by the gently rolling hills in the western section and sharp hills and valleys of the eastern part of the area. The outwash from the Illinoian Glacier provides an abundance of water. C. Future Interpretation Future interpretation includes ways to make the Gateway more accessible to potential visitors, primarily for the tech savvy generations. This will be done by creating a greater presence for the Gateway and other byways, waterways, and trailways on the KCCVB website, as well as highlighting the significance of these resources on the Historic Knox Ohio website. Additionally, the KnoxWays map brochure is currently undergoing another revision, and will be updated and distributed by the end of 2016. D. Plans for Improving Visitor Experience

1. The Village of Danville intends to build public restrooms at the Community Park, located directly on the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway.

Visitor Experience

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E. Preservation Past & Current Preservation Efforts:

1. St. Luke Catholic Church – exterior restoration completed in 2015 2. Honey Run Waterfall & Highlands Park – acquisition in 2007, 2009 and 2010 3. Hitching posts installed at several area businesses and public spaces

Future Preservation Efforts:

1. National Register of Historic Places – encourage and assist in nominations along the Gateway 2. Encourage and support local restoration and preservation projects (e.g. historic

homes/buildings, historic bridges, natural resources, etc.) 3. Promote local places/business/sites to maintain the rural fabric of the Gateway

F. Sign Inventory: Documentation of Location and Condition of Signs

i. Existing official ODTO byway signs – See Appendix ii. Local byway signs – There is not currently a local byway signs program, but one is planned in

future. This includes developing a logo for the Gateway to be placed alongside the official Ohio Scenic Byway signs that currently exist.

iii. Interpretive signs – KnoxWays signs – See Appendix Future sign needs:

i. Current byway signs and other interpretive signs are in good standing, and there is not a need for their replacement in the immediate future.

ii. Develop logo and place signs along existing official ODOT byway signs. iii. Local Historical Markers – similar to the Ohio Historic Marker program, but for locally significant

people, places, and events. iv. Wayfinding program – examine all state and federal highway and place signs.

Marketing

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MARKETING: PROMOTION, FEATURED ATTRACTONS AND FUTURE PLANS A. Current and Future Planned Marketing Activities Current marketing of the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway is accomplished through the KnoxWays brand and marketing. This includes our KnoxWays DVD videos archived on the KCCVB website and YouTube, the KnoxWays map brochure, the KCCVB website, the KnoxWays Experience Guide (the annual KCCVB visitors guide publication). Future plans to market the Gateway include updating the KnoxWays map brochure to include the additional resources found along the Scenic Byways, Scenic Rivers, and other recreational trails. A “Scenic Byways” section will be added to the Historic Knox Ohio website (operated by the KCCVB), which promotes the historically and culturally significant places, events, and people of Knox County. Additionally, a mobile-friendly map will be utilized to highlight various attractions, resources, and amenities that can be found along the Gateway. B. Recommended Products or Attachments for Media and Public Relations

i. Short description of byway for use in publications: As you travel the 30-mile Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway, you’ll encounter scenes of Knox County’s growing Amish community. From horse-drawn buggies, quality crafts, and homemade pies, you’ll experience the traditions of authentic Amish heritage. The vibrant colors of each season are revealed along the entire length of the Gateway to Amish Country.

ii. Seasonal digital photographs (at least 300 dpi) – See Appendix iii. Brief description of the top 5-10 unique/authentic attractions on the byway.

1. St. Luke’s Catholic Church (Danville: 40.44770, -82.26037)

The history of Danville and its Catholic parish, the second oldest in the state of Ohio, is intimately connected with the lives of the community’s founders, the Sapp Family. The first generation of Sapps came from Holland. They arrived as early as 1650 in Lord Baltimore’s Maryland Colony. George and Catherine Sapp immigrated from Allegheny County, Maryland to Union Township, Knox County, Ohio in 1805. George purchased the first piece of land in Union Township in 1806, and was one of 15 men who voted in the first county election that year. Sapp gave the land to the community for a church and a cemetery. The first church in Danville was constructed around 1809-1810. This log structure most likely served all the Christian denominations in Danville at that time, which included Catholics, Methodists, and others. The Catholic parish, consisting of 30 families, constructed its own church in 1819, but it was not formally dedicated until 1822. The cornerstone for the church that now houses St. Luke’s was laid on August 11, 1895, and was dedicated on March 1, 1896 once it was completed. St. Luke’s continues to serve an integral part of community life, for Catholics and Protestants alike. It is used for most of the area’s youth activities, monthly euchre parties, Senior Citizen meetings, and more. So much community activity takes place at the parish that they built a separate community center in 1970, located directly behind the church on Rambo Street, to meet the demands of the Danville community.

2. Bridge of Dreams (Brinkhaven: 40.46525, -82.19320) The Bridge of Dreams is the longest covered bridge for pedestrian use and non-motorized traffic in Ohio, and remains the star attraction of the Mohican Valley Trail. Its life began as a defunct railroad bridge with girders and piers stretching over the Mohican River. The Mohican Valley

Marketing

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Trail needed to cross the river, but there was no other way. The idea of constructing a covered bridge on top of the former railroad bridge seemed far-fetched to many. The public told the group that “they were dreaming,” which only encouraged the trail group to step up to the challenge. The completed covered bridge was dedicated on April 17, 1999 and christened “The Bridge of Dreams” in honor of the fantastic vision that made it possible.

3. Honey Run Waterfall & Highlands Park (Millwood: 40.38347, -82.26685 / 40.38214, -82.28170) Honey Run Waterfall is the only such feature in Knox County. It cascades 25 feet down the side of a sandstone outcropping, picturesquely situated among towering hemlocks, partridge berry, witch hazel, and rue anemone. The Knox County Parks Department purchased just over 2 acres of land to preserve the stunning waterfall. The Parks Department purchased an additional 19 acres of land in 2009 from the Millwood Sand Company. This was done to allow visitors to hike a short distance from the waterfall to the Kokosing River. The area across the street from Honey Run Waterfall was purchased in 2010 to become Honey Run Highlands Park. It consists of 348 acres, 60 of which has been restored to a tall grass prairie. The park contains over four miles of hiking trails. Highlands Park is the perfect location for berry picking, geocaching, and bird watching. The state-threatened barn owl frequents the area. Upland birds such as wild turkey and ring-necked pheasants are routinely spotted at the park, as well as other wildlife.

4. Ohio to Erie Trail: Kokosing Gap and Mohican Valley Trails (Danville: 40.44414, -82.26356 and 40.44586, -82.25704) Two of the rails-to-trails programs that make up part of the Ohio to Erie Trail system are easily accessible along the Gateway, the Kokosing Gap Trail and the Mohican Valley trail. Both of these trails are easily accessible in the village of Danville. The Kokosing Gap Trail enjoys the distinction of being designated as one of the best rails-to-trails in the United States by the Rail to Trails Conservancy, a national rail-trail advocacy group. The trail is fully paved the 14 miles between Danville and Mount Vernon, and was built on top of the former Pennsylvania Railroad line. The trail crosses the Kokosing River twice along the way, with forests, wetlands, agriculture and villages providing a scenic backdrop. The flora and fauna along makes it a great way to commune with nature and exercise at the same time. Although only 4.5 miles long from Danville to the Holmes County Line just east of Brinkhaven, the Mohican Valley Trail is a spectacular way to experience the Mohican River valley. Like the Kokosing Gap Trail, it is built upon the former Penn Central railroad bed. The Mohican Valley trail accommodates equestrian traffic as well as cyclists. One side of the trail was paved in 2015 to allow cyclists without mountain bikes to enjoy the trail, while still maintaining the dirt and gravel path for horses.

5. State Scenic Rivers: Kokosing and Mohican Rivers (Millwood: 40.39657, -82.27842 / Greer: 40.42239, -82.19494) The Kokosing River has the distinction of being the first state-designated scenic water trail, in 2005. Access to the Kokosing River along the Gateway can be found just south of Millwood. A float down the Kokosing River takes the explorer back in time. Paddling the upper end of the water trail takes the traveler through areas that were extensively glaciated beginning 100,000 years ago. Between Mount Vernon and Gambier, paddlers travel through the Kokosing Gap, a valley area with Blackhand and Logan sandstone. As the paddler progresses downstream from Millwood, a stunning, narrow boulder-strewn, sheer sided valley known as “The Narrows” awaits. The Blackhand sandstone cliffs seen here are over 300 millions years old. The ancient Moundbuilders, Delaware, and Algonquin American Indians used the Kokosing as a major transportation route. Pioneers harnessed the river’s power by building mills to support the

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growing Euro-American population. The Mohican River can be accessed in Greer by the SR-514 bridge. The 2-acre site includes a picnic table and grill. The Mohican was designated as a state scenic water trail in 2006. The verdant, forested valleys you see while paddling the Mohican are reminiscent of the viewshed experienced by American Indians and early Euro-American settlers. In the 1800s and 1900s, human activities transformed the landscape surrounding the Mohican River, with few wooded hillsides remaining. Today, the Mohican creates an experience of wilderness, a welcomed chance to allow stillness and tranquility to envelop the paddler or angler.

6. McKee-Pumphrey House (Martinsburg: 40.27185, -82.35391) This is the only building along the Gateway that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed on the National Register on July 28, 1995, primarily for its relatively unaltered Italianate exterior and interior architecture. It is one of only two Italianate buildings found in the Village of Martinsburg. This historic home was built by James McKee and his son, Daniel, in 1884. James was a settler from Green County, Pennsylvania. The property was owned by the Pumphrey family from 1891 to 1937. It was during this period that the house was leased to Guy Forbing, a prominent lumber merchant who conducted his business from an office in the house. Forbing purchased large tracts of timber land, harvested the timber, and resold the land for complete clearing and use for farming. He sold lumber for construction of local homes, barns, and business in Martinsburg, Knox County, and surrounding counties. The Evans family acquired the property in 1938, at which time the house served as a residence for retired farmers.

7. Weaver’s Farm & Furniture (Danville: 40.46023, -82.21910) Take a glimpse into the Amish lifestyle while visiting Weaver’s Farm & Furniture, just outside of Danville. Their one-of-a-kind store is house within a barn that was built in the 1850s, and is nestled in the beautiful countryside of northeast Knox County. Weaver’s sells a range of quality Amish furniture that will last for generations to come. Visitors can order a sandwich from the deli to eat as they browse. The deli features items that are made with farm-fresh and locally sourced breads, meats, cheeses, and produce. The free petting zoo gives animal lovers of any age a chance to meet, pet, and feed friendly farm animal using approved animal feed that can be purchased on site. Animals include pigs, chickens, goats, and ponies.

8. Kokosing Valley Produce & Berries/Raber’s Country Bakery (Danville: 40.41478, -82.27018) Kokosing Valley Produce is a small, charming roadside stand with fresh-from-the-earth selections, located 2 miles south of Danville. It provides seasonal fruits, vegetables, and berries throughout the year. Adjacent to the farm stand is Raber’s Country Bakery, which recently expanded to include a bulk food store. Raber’s offers a wide selection of baked goods using Amish family recipes.

9. Kountry Junction Bent & Dent (Danville: 40.40581, -82.27401) This unique grocery offers a glimpse into the “waste not, want not” mentality found in many rural communities. Kountry Junction Bent & Dent is exactly what it sounds like, a grocery where all the dented cans and bent boxes can be sold that don’t pass muster to be sold on the shelves of big box groceries. These “ugly” groceries are sold for a fraction of the cost of normal retail prices, and serves a dual purpose. It helps make certain food items affordable to a traditionally economically depressed area, and also ensures that the food does not go to waste.

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10. Pineview School Benefit Auction (15780 Body Road) (Danville: 40.45183, -82.24420) The Danville Auction house hosts several events throughout the year, including a livestock auction that takes place the first and third Saturday of the month. Livestock auctions could be compared to rural America’s version of the stock market, where producers and buyers gather to buy and sell animals ranging from cattle, goats, swine, horses, animal feeds, farm equipment, baked goods, and more. The livestock is an exhilarating experience for participants and bystanders alike. In addition to the livestock auctions, a traditional Amish auction takes place every August for the benefit of Pine View School, where the area Amish send their children for their education. The auction includes many new furniture and crafts, along with quilts many new and used hand tools and other miscellaneous items. It is usually an all-day affair, with all the proceeds going towards the Pine View Amish School.

iv. Provide website/URL (if available) and local website/URL that manages byway.

www.VisitKnoxOhio.org www.HistoricKnoxOhio.org Gateway to Amish Country Resources Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18W-R828I1tOLwZigBhcxHmtqL2c

v. Marketing contact information:

Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau 107 South Main Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 www.VisitKnoxOhio.org Local: (740) 392-6102 Toll-Free: 1-800-837-5282 Fax: (740) 392-7840

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: COMMUNITY PARTNERS, PUBLIC FORUMS, CRITICAL ISSUES A. Ongoing Communication and Cooperation with Community Partners The KCCVB’s communication with the public primarily takes place via the KCCVB websites, social media pages, and answering questions over the telephone or in person. The KCCVB has a booth at every local festival to disseminate our KnoxWays literature and maps. Additionally, the KCCVB purchases space in brochure racks across the state to distribute these materials to an even greater audience across Ohio and surrounding states. The KCCVB partners with other organizations in the community, such as the Knox County Commissioners, Knox County Parks Department, Wally Road Scenic Byway Committee, and others to organize preservation and marketing efforts for the Gateway and other recreational trails in Knox County. The KCCVB meets with all of these partners as needed, and communicates on a regular basis through emails and phone calls. B. Public Meeting and Public Participation Opportunities The KCCVB holds monthly board meetings. As a public entity, the public is welcome to attend these meetings. The Development and Marketing Committees for the KCCVB meet as needed, and the public is welcome to attend these meetings, as well. Community partners listed above, as well as property and business owners or other groups along the Gateway byway, are highly encouraged to attend these meetings when there is a specific project for the Gateway that will affect them. C. Steps Taken to Update Byway Mission and Vision The KCCVB reviewed the original CMP and compared it to the current status of the Gateway to Amish Country. Based on the reasons for the Gateway’s inclusion to the Ohio Scenic Byways in 2005, and alterations to this program since the Gateway’s designation, the KCCVB has developed a corridor management plan that it feels is in tune with both organizations’ marketing programs. D. Narrative on Critical Issues and How They Will Be Addressed Keeping the Gateway current and accessible through ever-changing technologies and other mediums is a challenge that faces the KCCVB. The transition to mobile-friendly websites has greatly impacted the growing number of travelers who rely on devices such as smartphones and tablets as their primary means of travel. To further meet their needs, the KCCVB intends to create a digital version of the Gateway map with pins highlighting the intrinsic qualities and resources that visitors will experience during their road trip.

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APPENDIX A: Ohio Byway Sign Inventory

Byway Latitude Longitude Direction Condition

GAC 40.5382 -82.1806 South Good

GAC 40.5372 -82.1816 North Good

GAC 40.5235 -82.1951 North Good

GAC 40.5222 -82.1988 South Good

GAC 40.5220 -82.2008 South Good

GAC 40.5223 -82.2003 North Good

GAC 40.5119 -82.2137 North Good

GAC 40.5113 -82.2142 South Good

GAC 40.4551 -82.2598 South Good

GAC 40.4648 -82.1797 East Good

GAC 40.4700 -82.1874 West Good

GAC 40.4647 -82.2030 East Good

GAC 40.4407 -82.2609 West Good

GAC 40.4228 -82.2680 East Good

GAC 40.4220 -82.2684 West Good

GAC 40.4000 -82.2761 West Good

GAC 40.4008 -82.2759 East Good

GAC 40.4220 -82.2684 West Good

GAC 40.4228 -82.2680 East Good

GAC 40.4407 -82.2609 West Good

GAC 40.3823 -82.2816 West Good

GAC 40.3811 -82.2825 East Good

GAC 40.3469 -82.3014 West Good

GAC 40.3457 -82.3015 East Good

GAC 40.3229 -82.3097 West Good

GAC 40.3219 -82.3103 East Good

GAC 40.2918 -82.3384 East Good

GAC 40.2913 -82.3386 West Good

GAC 40.2682 -82.3895 East Good

GAC 40.2675 -82.3916 West Good

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APPENDIX B: Most Current Byway Map

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APPENDIX C: Maps Identifying Primary Intrinsic Quality Resource Locations Key to the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway Intrinsic Qualities and Resources:

Letter Category Resource Latitude Longitude

A Recreational Route 62 MX Park 40.27026 -82.36276

B Historical I.O.O.F. Hall (Martinsburg) 40.27001 -82.35406

C Cultural Martinsburg Community Center 40.27070 -82.35398

D Historical McKee-Pumphrey House 40.27185 -82.35391

E Cultural Clutter Farms (popcorn) 40.33243 -82.30321

F Recreational Natural Scenic

Honey Run Highlands Park 40.38214 -82.28170

G Recreational Natural Scenic

Honey Run Waterfall 40.38347 -82.26685

H Recreational Natural Scenic

Kokosing State Scenic River / Millwood River Access 40.39657 -82.27842

I Cultural Spearman’s Restaurant 40.39939 -82.27754

J Recreational Cultural

Kokosing River Outfitters 40.40914 -82.28085

K Recreational Kokosing Valley Camp & Canoe 40.40200 -82.28362

L Cultural Ohio Laborers’ Training Center 40.40265 -82.28615

M Cultural Kountry Junction Bent & Dent 40.40581 -82.27401

N Cultural Kokosing Valley Produce & Berries / Raber’s Country Bakery

40.41478 -82.27018

O Historical Workman Cemetery 40.43519 -82.26269

P Cultural Danville Community Park / Danville-Howard Turkey Festival

40.44203 -82.26076

Q Recreational Scenic

Kokosing Gap Trail 40.44414 -82.26356

R Cultural Historical

Danville Outdoors / Historic Depot (Danville Feed & Supply)

40.44471 -82.26057

S Recreational Cultural Scenic

Mohican Valley Trail 40.44586 -82.25704

T Historical Cultural

Danville United Methodist Church 40.44691 -82.26042

U Historical Cultural

St. Luke’s Catholic Church 40.44770 -82.26037

V Cultural Danville Lions Raccoon Dinner 40.44775 -82.26152

W Cultural Pine View (Amish) School Benefit Auction 40.45183 -82.24420

X Cultural Weaver’s Farm & Furniture 40.46023 -82.21910

Y Cultural Gateway to Amish Country Travel Information Center/ Country Furniture & Woodcraft

40.46385 -82.20659

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Z

Recreational Historical Natural Scenic

Bridge of Dreams / Mohican State Scenic River 40.46525 -82.19320

a Historical Cultural

Greer Wesleyan Church 40.45503 -82.25965

b

Historical Recreational Natural Scenic

Wally Road Scenic Byway 40.52232 -82.20031

c Recreational Natural Scenic

Mohican State Scenic River / Greer River Access 40.42239 -82.19494

The following maps can be accessed online at: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=18W-R828I1tOLwZigBhcxHmtqL2c

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Detail of resources found in and around the Village of Martinsburg.

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Detail of resources found in and around the hamlet of Millwood.

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Detail of resources found in and around the Village of Danville.

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APPENDIX D: Byway Photographs

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APPENDIX E: Marketing Materials In addition to the enclosed hard copy of the marketing material, much of this information can also be viewed online at www.VisitKnoxOhio.org, including information on festivals, events, parks, and videos filmed about the Gateway to Amish Country Scenic Byway as part of the KnoxWays Initiative. Enclosed:

KnoxWays Trails Brochure

2016 KnoxWays Experience Guide

KnoxWays DVD

Copies of panels on display at the Gateway to Amish Country Information Center

Gateway to Amish Country Information Center 2010 Report