Trails Criteria

Criteria for participating in HomegrownHandmade, North Carolina Art Roads and Farm Trails: HomegrownHandmade highlights authentic agricultural and arts experiences unique to North Carolina. Our site feature homegrown and handmade products of high quality that embody our state's heritage and culture.

Hours & Days of Operation
Sites should be open to the public for a minimum of 20 hours a week and a minimum of two consecutive days each week, preferably including one weekend day. Exceptions are for short-term festivals, annual events or tours, as well as sites available by appointment or reservation only, such as an artist's home studio or gallery.

Site Interpretation
Sites should provide informational materials that enhance the visitor's experience. These might include easy-to-understand brochures, signs, photographs, recorded presentations or audio guides. Sites do not have to be staffed.

Authentic and Unique Site Content
Sites should reflect features that are authentic and unique to North Carolina or the region in which they are located.

a) Restaurants
A restaurant should meet five or more of the following criteria:

• Displays work by local artists on the walls or in display cases, and/or uses handcrafted items as tableware.
• Has interpretive materials that tell about the arts on the premises and/or the history of the site.
• Regularly features live music.
• Features locally grown produce.
• Serves North Carolina traditional recipes.
• Offers a selection of foods indigenous to North Carolina
• Has offerings authentic to the establishment.
• Is in an architecturally significant building.
• Is popular with locals.
• Has a unique, authentic regional claim to fame, such as "N.C.'s oldest restaurant."

No restaurant will be considered if it has a current Health Inspection below "A."

b) Farms
Ideally, a farm should combine agriculture and the arts. "Pick-your-own" fruit farms might offer fruit unique to the region or county. There may be craft items offered for sale, or classes might be held in quilting or photography. The farm might feature hayrides, a "learn-how-to-grow" program, an on-site bed & breakfast, or some other value attractive to visitors.

c) Art Galleries
Galleries should regularly display the original works of North Carolina artists. These might include paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, baskets, or other craft. Galleries might also feature exhibitions highlighting notable North Carolina people, places and things.

d) Retail Stores
To be included, retail stores must be locally owned and operated, and offer a significant proportion of North Carolina products.

e) Bed and Breakfasts and Inns
Bed and Breakfasts and Inns should have a connection to authentic North Carolina arts, culture and heritage.

Cleanliness, Safety, and Signage
All sites must be clean and free of threats to human health and safety. Unobstructed, easy-to-read signage should direct visitors to the sites.

Accessibility
All indoor sites must be ADA compliant for physically challenged visitors. Sites offering outdoor experiences should show that consideration has been given to handicapped individuals, even if it means giving notice that a particular activity is not conducive to their safety. Outdoor sites with features like paved walks that make it easier for users of wheelchairs or walkers should indicate these features to visitors.

Questions?
Please email info@homegrownhandmade.com