Self-guided tours can be a powerful, low-cost, and long-lasting way to get more feet on the street downtown. From food trails to art walks, they encourage exploration, support local businesses, and help visitors and residents see the city center in a new way.
Digital passports, stamp cards, or app-based check-ins turn these trails into fun challenges often with prizes for completing a trail. And unlike other downtown events and activities that draw visitors during a specific time, self-guided tours are available virtually anytime.
The June issue of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter includes highlights of several self-guided trails including Mice on Main in Greenville, SC.
For over 25 years, children have been invited to explore downtown as they search for bronze mice inspired by the classic children’s book, Goodnight Moon.
The book features a mouse hiding on each page. A sculpture of the book and one mouse is mounted on a fountain in front of a downtown hotel. Eight more mice are installed throughout a nine-block section of downtown.
Since its installation in 2000 Mice on Main has grown to have its own website, t-shirt, book, and board game.
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