He pointed out that people still live off U.S. 11 and people still shop in the small towns. All along U.S. 11 are signs of its past, Edwards said. Route 11 is like a history book, each chapter overlaying the other. The Valley has it all. There's a mystique associated with just the name.
Tourism brings money into a community without requiring additional services, such as schools.
However, Fravel warns that even tourism has its pitfalls. He points to Lancaster County, Pa., which was once one of the most picturesque areas of the country. You don't know what you've got until it's gone.