Spotlight Paulding Podcast: An Interview with Author D. Jay Powell, his friends call him Doyce.

In this "Spotlight Paulding" episode, host Raymond will be interviewing Author D. Jay Powell, also known as the "backyard travel writer," he explains the concept of heritage tourism, which focuses on exploring local culture, music, cuisine, historical sites, and parks. Unlike typical travel writers, Powell specializes in his own region, creating content for group day trips.

He created South of the Smokies  after noticing "Pathway to the Smokies" signage leading from Tennessee into Georgia. This 150-mile trail encourages residents and visitors to uncover local attractions they might otherwise overlook when heading to the Smokies. The trail spans numerous cities within the Appalachian region, including Benton, Chatsworth, Calhoun, Cartersville, Paulding, and Carroll County.

Travelers on the South of the Smokies trail can find diverse experiences, such as unique restaurants, shops, museums, outdoor recreation, and historical landmarks. It even features international attractions like the Silver Comet Rail Trail, popular with cyclists worldwide. Powell also highlights a 150-mile foodie and shopping trail to showcase distinct local dining and retail experiences.

Finally, Powell describes "treasure hunts" as regional explorations to discover hidden gems for publication. His organization also offers free assistance in planning travel itineraries. You can connect with them or book an author's talk by calling (770) 723-6574 or visiting SouthOfTheSmokies.com.

What local treasures have you found in your own backyard?