The City of Elizabethton is excited to announce the installation of new wayfinding signage throughout Downtown Elizabethton, made possible through the Tourism Enhancement Grant awarded by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

The purpose of the new wayfinding signage system is to better inform, connect, and welcome visitors, both locals and tourists, to the downtown district. The city received the Tourism Enhancement Grant in late Fall 2024 with planning starting in January 2025.  The working group was made up of representatives from the city, Main Street Elizabethton, and Carter County Tourism, to strategically plan the wayfinding sign locations, style, and content. “After a year of planning, we are so excited to see sign installation starting this week!”, says Main Street Director, Courtney Bean. “This has been a dream project for our Main Street Design Committee since our start in 2019, so it is wonderful to see it come to life. These signs will better inform, connect, and welcome our visitors to downtown, which helps support our growing and vibrant district.”

A key component of the project includes signage for the 14 public parking lots downtown, including naming each lot and adding directional signage along main corridors to better guide visitors to the lots. The signs will inform visitors of parking lot locations, guiding them smoothly through downtown and encouraging them to park, explore, shop, dine, and support local businesses within the Main Street district.

In addition to parking signage, the project will focus on directing visitors to downtown points of interest, including historical and local landmarks. By clearly identifying and promoting these destinations (ex. Covered Bridge, Library, Visitor’s Center), the wayfinding system will communicate the variety of experiences available throughout downtown.

Providing consistent and clear wayfinding signage throughout the district could impact local economic activity, tourism spending, and community growth. “We hope the new signs improve the visitor experience, by increasing parking functionality, providing welcoming signage, and better connecting to downtown’s amenities and landmarks.”, says Bean.

Installation of the wayfinding signage began in the new year with completion projected in the coming weeks. The City and Main Street host a dedication in the Spring.

To keep informed on the project, check out Main Street Elizabethton and Facebook and Instagram at @DowntownElizabethton or go to MainStreetElizabethton.com.