Currituck County’s historian and former high school history teacher, a barn quilt designer from Sampson County, and a campground at White Lake were honored recently as the North Carolina Coast Host presented the 2023 Tourism Impact Awards at their annual meeting.
“We were pleased to present awards to historian Barbara B. Snowden, Kellie and J.D. Tew of Tew Barn Quilts, and Camp Clearwater at White Lake,” said Sierra Jones, president of NC Coast Host.

Barbara B. Snowden has been instrumental in gathering historical facts used in museums and trails in the northern region of eastern North Carolina, said Tameron Kugler, director of the Currituck Department of Travel and Tourism.
Snowden is also a leader of the Currituck Historical Society, and was a long-time history teacher at Currituck County High School.
Kellie and J.D. Tew of Tew Barn Quilts design, paint, and install unique barn quilts for the Sampson County Barn Quilt Trail, said Sheila Barefoot, director of Sampson County’s tourism office.
Terri Dennison of Elizabethtown and White Lake Chamber of Commerce said Camp Clearwater’s management and staff are worthy of the NC Coast Host Tourism Impact Award because of the high level of customer service and assistance they provide to the region in hosting events and festivals that attract visitors to the region.
NC Coast Host is a membership organization that represents the counties, towns, attractions, and lodging east of I-95.
The organization provides members with visibility through marketing on the website, https://www.coasthost-nc.com, coop advertising, networking, and sharing of best practices.