Hunterdon County expands tourism signage program to support agritourism destinations
HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners has approved a resolution supporting participation in the New Jersey Tourist Oriented Directional Signs program to improve wayfinding for visitors and support the county’s agritourism industry.
County officials said the initiative will allow qualifying local businesses to participate in the state-administered signage program through the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The resolution also permits limited additional signage along county roadways, including areas along County Route 579, to help direct visitors to tourism and agritourism destinations.
Commissioner Susan J. Soloway, co-liaison to the county’s Economic Development and Tourism Department, said the effort is intended to improve access to rural attractions that can be difficult for visitors to locate.
“Our agritourism destinations are a cornerstone of Hunterdon County’s identity, but many are tucked away in places that can be difficult to find. This initiative helps bridge that gap by making it easier for visitors to discover and navigate between these locations, supporting our local businesses and strengthening the overall visitor experience,” Soloway stated.
County officials said local business owners, particularly those involved in agritourism, have raised concerns for years about visitors struggling to locate destinations in rural parts of the county, especially in areas with limited cellphone service.
According to the county, the enhanced signage initiative is designed to guide visitors more effectively between farms, wineries, markets and other local businesses.
Officials said the resolution also updates a county policy originally established in 1991 while maintaining roadway safety requirements and compliance with state regulations and local ordinances.
County leaders said the initiative supports ongoing tourism efforts, including the Hunterdon 579 Trail, while promoting the county’s agricultural heritage and local economy.
