The Highland Tourism Council introduces a revised and expanded version of its popular Highland County Barn Quilt Trail Brochure.
Highland County’s Barn Quilt Trail was the first in Virginia and began in 2011 with just 13 barn quilts. The updated brochure has 80 barn quilts for travelers to explore throughout Highland County. The new version includes 28 additions since the last revision in 2020. The release of the new brochure coincides with the fall tourism season with stunning foliage on display in the mountains, as well as the upcoming county-wide Hands & Harvest Festival on October 11 to 13, 2024.
Barn quilts are colorful painted wooden squares and diamonds that hang on barns, outbuildings and homes. The unique works of art are the merger of traditional roles on the farm, blending the customs of quilting bees together with outdoor barn work into a beautiful combination.
Highland County’s barn quilts include interesting names like “Foxes Making Tea,” “California Poppy,” “Mug Club,” “Creation Sings” and “Rising Star.” A story is often behind the name that corresponds with the design. The barn quilt may memorialize a special friend or moment, showcase a business, or represent the love of plants, animals or other natural wonders. The public is invited to learn about the history and inspiration of Highland County’s barn quilts in the brochure.
Local artist Margie Boesch created the majority of the barn quilts on the trail, but more and more creators have been inspired to develop their own. Whether viewing the county’s LOVEwork letters in Monterey, striking designs on generational farms in McDowell, or an old maple syrup-producing barn with multiple barn quilts on it in Blue Grass, everyone can enjoy the beauty and rich traditions of Highland County while experiencing the self-guided barn quilt trail.
The 2024 Highland County Barn Quilt Trail Brochure will be available at the Highland County Visitor Center, 27 W. Main Street in Monterey, as well as local businesses throughout the county. Physical copies may also be ordered online.
A corresponding website with digital versions of the brochure is also available online. For children of all ages, barn quilt design templates are available online to be printed out and colored in. For inspiration, use the colors of a current barn quilt on the trail or create your own.
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Rebecca Barnabi
