About the AQT
The AQT is a celebration of all things local! Communities everywhere are falling in love with quilts and barns and the idea that the small act of hanging a wooden quilt square on one building has grown into an international movement. The AQT is a collaboration among several groups and trails to connect local trails so your excursion will be easier and more rewarding. Simply put, we want you to be able to find all the wonderful works of art and discover all the hidden ... and not so hidden .... treasures along the way.
Wondering what there is to do on the AQT? Here is just a sample! Find beautiful handmade items from local artists at AQT shops and galleries. Shop for one of a kind antiques and handmade craft items. Pick up locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and sauces at farm markets. Shop hop for the best fabrics and items from your favorite quilt shop along the trail. Keep up with activities and events in towns and communities along the trail. Shop til you drop along the AQT.
The AQT is a chance to experience the beauty of Tennessee and Appalachia in a new and unique way. Follow the colorful hand painted wooden quilt blocks that dot the landscape to find unique and authentic Appalachian experiences. You will find beauty and tranquility along historic byways. Take a hike on the Appalachian Trail, ride the rapids, stop in our shops and artist studios, shop our fresh farmers markets, cycle our scenic backroads, fish world-famous streams, birdwatch, or explore one of the largest underground caves in the country... Whatever your interests, there are an endless amount of things to do, places to stay, and events along the trail. Quilters and quilt lovers, there's something here for everyone in the family! Explore the Quilt Trail to find barn quilts but also, all manner of other attractions along the trail, marked by painted wooden AQT Heritage Quilt Squares.
Be sure to stop and visit AQT regional headquarters in Rutledge, Jonesborough, Knoxville, Athens, Cookeville and Clarksville, Tennessee, to get all the latest information for that region. Mark your calendars, plan your vacation, your getaway or your leisurely afternoon of quilt trail fun. The Appalachian Quilt Trail is a great excuse to take the scenic route.
Follow our blog at Sawtooth Stories
Agritourism
What's agritourism? It is "the practice of touring agricultural areas to see farms and often to participate in farm activities" (Merriam-Webster). In simpler terms, agritourism is exactly what is sounds like: agriculture + tourism. In Tennessee, this can mean visiting and touring farms, navigating through a corn maze, picking your own strawberries or visiting a local farmers' market. The AQT promotes many agritourism venues, including Ritter Farms, Oakes Corn Maze, Myers Pumpkin Patch, Owen Farm, Autumn Acres, Appalachian Fairgrounds, Amish Welcome Center, Grandaddy's Farm, Mayfield Farm & Nursery, R&C Farms, J&J Century Farm, Thompson Farm and more! Click the links and explore our site or check out the Tennessee Agritourism Association to find a destination for family fun on the farm! Post your AQT agritourism venue photos on our Facebook page for a chance to be featured in the next brochure!
The AQT on Voice America Internet Radio!
AQT was featured on Appalachian Knowledge Economy, a program of Voice America Business online radio. The program explores community development and civic engagement throughout Appalachia, including endeavors of sustainability, technological advancement and much more. Host Joan Minor interviewed Lindy Turner, one of the most involved parties in the start of the Appalachian Quilt Trail in Tennessee and former coordinator for the Clinch-Powell RC&D Council, the not-for-profit organization that started and manages the trail. Joan spoke with Lindy about initial start up of the trail and what its function is within the region today.
