Here we are in May and I can’t help thinking, “Is it ever going to warm up and will it ever stop raining?”
My goodness, I’m ready for the sun’s warmth and some outdoor enjoyment! I know we need the rain, so I’ll stop my complaining but a rise in temperature would be nice. Truth be told, the best scenario I can hope for is that it warms up and the rain continues (perhaps each night after we go to bed?) because I like when our river is high and I can get in my kayak.
You might want to consider procuring a kayak, canoe or another seaworthy vessel of your choosing and navigating the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. Paddling our picturesque river provides relaxation, fun, stress relief, exercise and the sense of peace that we often find in nature.
It also provides a glimpse of national and local history as the river played important roles in the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. Our region and its resources are the birthplace of the movements that shaped the nation, fueled its growth and reclaimed its future.
If you’re considering a serious look at the Schuylkill River from the river, I suggest you register for all or part of the Schuylkill Sojourn June 4 through 10. You can register online at www.schuylkillriver.org.
I often talk about the many opportunities Schuylkill County offers in outdoor recreation. We’ve got hiking, biking, fishing, camping, off-road motorsports and much more. And our great outdoors is one of our largest tourism assets.
This summer, we expect thousands of visitors in our state parks, at our campgrounds, hiking our trails and fishing our streams.
They’ll also be visiting our unique cultural heritage attractions like Yuengling Brewery, Pottsville, and Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train, Ashland, at our many impressive events and in our hotels and our bed and breakfast inns.
While you may doubt it, all you have to do is visit Locust Lake State Park, any of our six wineries, Kielbasi Festival, Pioneer Day, the Schuylkill County Wine Festival, The Great Pottsville Cruise, Jerry’s Classic Cars & Collectibles Museum and Hawk Mountain and see for yourself. Schuylkill County is a natural cultural heritage destination unlike any other and travelers know it. But do you?
I realize that it can be boring, even laborious, of me to keep mentioning it, but I must. It’s my job folks and it’s important to our community. Tourism is the second largest industry in our state and Schuylkill County does a respectable amount of business in the industry.
Don’t let the 10 different SIC codes included in the tourism industry divert the true focus; tourism is important business and a vital component in any comprehensive economic development plan for any community.
While I await more current numbers from the DCED, I can tell you visitor spending in 2013 in Schuylkill County totaled $195.7 million, which included lodging, food and beverage, shopping, recreation and transportation sales.
This accounted for 1,277 jobs in our county and labor income of $36.9 million. Our state and local tax coffers are then increased by $10.3 million and we contribute $8.8 million in federal taxes as well. I can also tell you that hotel tax revenue, one of our key industry indicators for growth, has increased each year since 2013 hence industry growth continues!
This week, May 1 through 8, is National Travel and Tourism Week. The Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau is celebrating this week with a Tourism Expo Saturday at the Fairlane Village mall, Pottsville. Why not drop by and visit with our many members who will be on hand to make sure you know about our attractions, upcoming events, great outdoors and plethora of cultural and heritage resources? We’ve got all the information you need to plan exciting jaunts, while supporting local organizations and businesses in your own back yard, under one roof!
Speaking of supporting local businesses and organizations make sure you shop local for Mother’s Day this weekend. Shopping locally is more than just convenient. It’s a great way to support the folks that support our community every single day!
Maybe mom would like art lessons at Walk In Art Center or Tamaqua Community Arts Center? Maybe she’d enjoy a membership to the Schuylkill County Historical Society or Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; gifts that keep giving all year long?
Perhaps she’d enjoy a beautiful work of art from Mud & Maker or The Arts Barn? You could grab mom superior quality lavender products at Hope Hill Lavender Farm and organically grown plants for the yard Saturday at their plant sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I’m betting any mom would love a gift certificate from Pristine Cleaning or The Beehive Salon & Spa. (I know I would love both!) Golf lessons or certificates from Mountain Valley, Hidden Valley and White Birch make great gifts. There’s really no limit to the selection of exceptional local gift choices. Check out our local shopping guide on our website at www.schuylkill.org for more ideas.
Don’t forget to take mom out for a nice meal. There’s nothing I like better than a lovely repast I didn’t cook! 3C’s Family Restaurant has its annual Mother’s Day Buffet, as well as breakfast all day. Mountain Valley Golf Course has cooked up a special Mother’s Day Brunch. Other excellent meal options throughout the county include: Oak Hill Inn, Roma Pizzeria & Restaurant, The Brickhouse Grill, Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza, Port Clinton Hotel, Francesco’s Ristorante, Myrtle May’s, The Red Lion Café, Blue Mountain Summit, Dutch Kitchen, Neapolitan Italian Eatery, Friedensburg Country Restaurant. The list goes on and on.
Our online calendar of events at www.schuylkill.org is full this month. The Appalachian Wine Festival at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds on May 21 is new this year. I’ll also be heading to Shenandoah on May 21 for the ninth Annual Kielbasi Festival, where eastern European music, food, art, and culture abound.
The Walk In Art Center has a fabulous Folk Art exhibit this month. The 15th annual Bear Creek Festival, also at the fairgrounds, is May 15 and The Arts Barn’s Collaborative Art Show at the Schuylkill Country Club is also on May 15. Finally, you can round out the month with Fieldwood Winery’s Spring Festival on May 28.
We’ve got no shortage of recreation and pleasure and no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy Schuylkill County.
Visit our website at www.schuylkill.org to access the calendar of events, local shopping guide, the trails directory, the outdoor recreation map and more or stop by and see us in Union Station, on the lower level and remember “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” — St. Augustine.
(Gargano is executive director of Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau)