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Travel + Leisure
11 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This 3,700-mile Trail Will Connect Washington State to Washington, D.C.—and 2,000 Miles Are Already Open to Travelers
The Great American Rail-Trail is a 3,700-mile car-free route that will eventually span from Washington, D.C., to Washington state, connecting 12 states. Over 2,000 miles of the trail are already open, offering walkers and cyclists a scenic, traffic-free way to travel, commute, and explore the outdoors. The project is expected to boost local economies and provide safe, sustainable transportation for millions of Americans. Imagine crossing the country not by highway or interstate, but on a scenic, car-free path built for walkers and cyclists. A trail where the hum of traffic is replaced by birdsong and the crunch of gravel, where you can set out for a morning jog, a bike ride to a neighboring town, or—if you're ambitious—a journey from coast to coast. That's the vision behind the Great American Rail Trail, an ambitious project that's already more than halfway complete. Spanning over 2,000 miles of open trail and eventually stretching 3,700 miles from Washington, D.C., to Washington state, the route stitches together a patchwork of rail-trails, greenways, historic paths, and multi-use trails that span across 12 states. At first glance, it might seem like a novelty—a feather in the national cap—but its potential impact is significant. According to project estimates on the Great American Rail Trail's website, the trail could generate more than $229 million in annual visitor spending, create over $100 million in labor income, and bring in nearly $23 million in new tax revenue. Perhaps even more importantly, it will give the tens of millions of people living along the route a safe, accessible way to connect with nature, commute between communities, and explore their own backyards—all without a car. The number of people impacted by the Rail Trail is even more significant when you zoom out and consider those who live within 50 miles of the route—or the tourists from other parts of the country or the world who will be able to enjoy the cross-country pathway. 'The Great American Rail-Trail has come to represent the potential of active transportation infrastructure that connects the nation,' said Ryan Chao, president of the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the organization that oversees the rail trail project, in a May 2024 press release that celebrated the rail-trail's fifth anniversary. 'It magnifies the opportunity for connected trail systems to deliver economic potential, quality of life, and safe mobility to millions of Americans.' Since the project's inception in May 2019, around 125 miles have been added to the patchwork of existing public-use trails. The full trail won't be finished for several decades. The Great American Rail-Trail is a signature project of Rails to Trails Conservancy, the largest trails organization in the U.S. The ambitious route wouldn't be possible without local, on-the-ground support from communities across the nation, trail organizations, and, of course, trail builders. To see what parts of the Great American Rail-Trail are currently open and accessible to walkers and bikers, check out the organization's interactive map, which shows open, existing trails along with the route's planned segments.


CBC
14-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Roadwork is costing Montague businesses some customers, store owners say
Provincial road construction on the main drag in the eastern P.E.I. community of Montague began in early June and is set to continue until the end of July. Local businesses say both traffic and purchases have slowed. CBC's Gwyneth Egan reports.


BBC News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
In Pictures: Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby
Colourful homemade karts rolled into a south Scotland town at the weekend for an annual Castle Douglas Soapbox Derby was launched in 2019 by a group of local friends. The self-funded event involves gravity-powered homemade cars rolling down a ramp before facing a range of ramps and Matt McKerlie said he hoped the event brought fun to the town while supporting local businesses.


News24
14-07-2025
- Business
- News24
UNICEF SA seeks local suppliers: Join our mission
UNICEF South Africa has announced a new initiative aimed at broadening its network of local suppliers. This strategic move is designed to enhance the organisation's ability to address the needs of South African children while simultaneously supporting the local economy. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been a key player in global child welfare efforts for decades. In South Africa, the organization faces unique challenges that require tailored, locally informed solutions. Partnering with South African suppliers allows UNICEF to leverage local expertise and resources to improve its service delivery. The call for suppliers covers a wide range of sectors, including office supplies, IT equipment, educational materials, and emergency relief items. Additionally, UNICEF is seeking providers of specialized services such as research, logistics, and professional consultancy. Economic impact This initiative is expected to have a positive economic impact on South Africa. UNICEF's prioritization of local suppliers will ensure faster response times and more culturally relevant solutions, while simultaneously injecting funds directly into the South African economy. When international organizations like UNICEF partner with local businesses, it can create a ripple effect in the economy, potentially leading to job creation, skill development, and increased economic activity at the grassroots level. How suppliers can contribute Potential suppliers can play a crucial role in UNICEF's mission. From providing essential goods to offering specialized expertise, each contribution supports the organization's efforts to improve children's lives across South Africa. UNICEF emphasizes that suppliers of all sizes are welcome to apply. The organization is particularly interested in innovative solutions that address South Africa's unique challenges in education, health, and child protection. Looking ahead As UNICEF South Africa continues to evolve its approach to child welfare, the role of local suppliers is set to become increasingly important. This partnership between an international organization and local businesses represents a model of sustainable development that could have far-reaching implications. UNICEF South Africa views this initiative not just as a procurement strategy, but as a way to build partnerships that will strengthen its capacity to serve South African children while fostering local economic growth. Interested suppliers can submit their applications through UNICEF's online portal at The organization encourages businesses that share its commitment to children's rights and ethical practices to apply!


BBC News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Suffolk cinema and sewing shop team up for unique screenings
A cinema is teaming up with crafters to offer a unique experience - and encourage support for local businesses. The Abbeygate Cinema in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, has teamed up with Sew Much To Do, a haberdashery shop opposite it on Hatter Street, to offer customers Craft Club special screenings with the lights turned slightly up, guests will be able to bring along their crafting projects while enjoying a new manager of the cinema, Gareth Boggis, and owner of Sew Much To Do, Lesley Partridge, said each had a great reaction to the idea. Mrs Partridge wanted to work closer with the businesses on her street and she was knew a small group of her customers already met at the cinema it was not something she had organised before, she saw an opportunity for a partnership - with Abbeygate Cinema eager to get involved. Both businesses are hopeful the first Craft Club showing of Four Letters of Love - with Pierce Brosnan and Helena Bonham Carter - on 21 July would be a success. Customers will be able to enjoy new films every four to six Cinema also offers parent and baby screenings, dog-friendly showings and accessible screenings, which Mr Boggis said he was "really proud" of."We think that we offer something really special but we really want to make it as accessible as it can be for everybody," he explained."Sometimes it's adding extra value to that ticket, so the ticket might still be the same price, but we're offering an accessible screening or a craft club or something else that just means you're getting that little bit extra for your money and I think that is what people are looking for." Mrs Lesley echoed that it was important to support local businesses more than ever."We recognise times are tough out there, it's tough for small businesses too," she said."Hopefully by working together, like ourselves with Abbeygate cinema - and hopefully we're looking to do similar projects with other businesses - that will encourage people to come into the town centre and support local, rather than going online as the alternative." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.