U.S. Senator Rand Paul has announced a new tourism initiative for Eastern Kentucky:
The Eastern Kentucky Leaf and Blossom Trail.
Paul said he wants Eastern Kentucky to compete with Tennessee and North Carolina as places to go to see beautiful scenery and then visit local businesses, eat at local restaurants, and attend local festivals along a 600-mile stretch through the state.
The Appalachian News Express reports there will be a steering committee to get the initiative off the ground including representatives from Whitesburg and Pikeville as part of the total of the 24 counties involved.