Have you noticed the big, beautiful quilt squares on barns and buildings around Tennessee?  These quilt squares are part of a statewide, not-for-profit program called the Appalachian Quilt Trail (AQT). The AQT promotes the beauty and heritage of quilts, barns, and Appalachia, while promoting sustainable, economic development in rural communities across Tennessee.

So, how does it actually do this? These brightly colored quilt square designs are featured on barns of historic farms, rural businesses, art shops, heritage sites, and other fascinating locations. By bringing visitors into these areas, along scenic winding trail loops throughout Appalachia, we support sustainable development, promote local goods and services, and protect the region's land, culture, and heritage.

Following the AQT is an adventure as you explore the beauty along Tennessee's historic byways. There are more than 350 quilt squares in more than 35 counties in Tennessee.
Monroe County now has three quilt squares: "Moon over the Mountains" quilt square at the Coker Creek Heritage Group building in Coker Creek; "Bear's Paw" at the Cherohala Skyway Visitors Center in Tellico Plains; and "Delectable Mountains" at the Monroe Area Council for the Arts, in Madisonville. 
How can you support the AQT?  First, plan a trip by following the quilt squares-go online to the AQT Web site at www.vacationaqt.com to help you plan your trip.

Julie Morgan, director for Monroe County Tourism worked on this project for a year. " My hopes are to get another quilt square up in Downtown Historic Sweetwater very soon, many people love our quilt squares and I have heard nothing but positive comments from tourists." "The quilt square in Tellico Plains at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center is unique, reason being we have the actual quilt on display inside with the story behind it and visitors love this experience. This is just one more addition to promoting tourism with any avenue possible to get tourists into Monroe County!"