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By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

Remember that t-shirt that was going around a few years back that read: “Where the heck is Mocksville, NC?”
Well, it may still be difficult for some to find this town in central Davie County, but once they get close, town leaders are taking steps to be sure they know where they want them to visit.
Candace Hladick, project manager for J.M. Teague Engineering, presented a “wayfaring” plan to town board members last week. It includes signs placed strategically around town guiding visitors and locals to destinations such as the downtown area, parks and other attractions, as well as parking.
She said the signs would be one of the main ways to guide visitors to the downtown area and enhance the town’s branding – with the signs keeping with a certain style, color and with the same logos.
“These can improve visitor experiences … boost future grownt and economic benefits,” she said.
The current NC Department of Transportation signs “do not give a coordinated look and they do not include many of your key destinations here in Mocksville.”
Why do you need signs when most people have maps or GPS on their phones?
“The problem is, they’re going to take a visitor directly where they’re going,” she said, giving an example of someone driving off of I-40 for lunch. They’re likely to stop at the first restaurant, but may travel further if they see a sign offering services in the downtown area a short drive away.
The town should first adopt the plan, hire a structural engineer and get permits from the DOT, she said.
Mayor Will Marklin said the board will discuss the issue further during budget talks in coming weeks.