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A new effort by the Washington Tourism Development Authority is encouraging area residents to support Mexican eateries in Washington. The WTDA unveiled its new “Taco Trail” challenge on social media in August, a contest WTDA Marketing and Special Events Coordinator Gabrielle Whitlock says has taken off in participation.

“On our lunch breaks, my coworkers and I noticed how delicious and unique our local Mexican eateries are,” Whitlock said. “We wanted to find a way to showcase them, especially right now since the pandemic has transpired over a long period of time. It’s really important to support local.”

Participating is as easy as visiting and supporting the eight local Mexican eateries in Washington, in any order. Participants are asked to take a photo of each of their receipts. Upon visiting all eight locations, participants will receive a T-shirt with the phrase, “We don’t have to agree on anything, but … tacos.”

Whitlock says the WTDA may consider other ideas for food trails in the future, offering more businesses a chance to participate. The eight locations participating in the taco trail include:

• El Charrito Mexican Restaurant — 411 W. Fifth St.; 252-940-1614
• La Ribera — 702 W. 15th St.; 252-974-7734
• El Mariachi Mexican Grill — 1302 Carolina Ave. #3538; 252-975-1505
• Mi Fiesta — 1115 John Small Ave.; 252-940-1697
• Taqueria El Gallito — 840 W. 15th St.; 252-402-5357
• Angi’s Mexican Kitchen —126 W. Main St.; 252-940-0845
• La Mesa Mexican Restaurant and Bar — 824 Washington St.; 252-940-0289
• La Perla Panaderia — 128 E. Water St.; 252-940-0839

Participants are encouraged to call ahead to ensure hours have not changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To finish the trail and get a T-shirt, email your receipts to visitwashingtonnc@gmail.com, along with your return address and preferred shirt size.

“We actually had someone spend a whole day going around,” Whitlock laughed. “It was like a weekend, and they were done with it.”