http://www.georgiatrend.com/our-state/01_09_lumpkin.shtml
(Here's an excerpt from the Georgia Trend story that we can definitely learn from.) - HB
“There are also our wineries,” Herring says. Five wineries have opened in Lumpkin County, one of which, Wolf Mountain Vineyards, produces Georgia’s first champagne. Another, Frogtown Cellars, was founded by a retiree living in the Achasta community.
“Because of our climate and slope of land, Lumpkin County has excellent conditions for growing grapes,” Herring says. “Our wineries do very well, and thrive on the wedding business. One winery is already booked for next season.” Lumpkin’s wineries host 30 to 40 weddings each over the four-month traditional wedding season. The busiest tourist season is fall, of course, but spring is becoming popular with visitors as well.
Wineries also have attracted a new brand of tourist to Dahlonega – visitors come up from Atlanta on weekends for the winery tours. “We’re starting to get the proof on paper that even though the economy has slowed, people will still drive a couple of hours to get away from it all, and they’re coming to Dahlonega,” Herring says.
Tourism is the major industry in Lumpkin County and the economic engine that sustains the area through sales tax and bed tax dollars, says Powers, who notes that hotel and B&B occupancy is actually up 9 percent over last year’s figures with the city bringing on some new properties and several B&Bs coming online.
“Liquor by the drink was passed last November in the county. We are hopeful that once the economy begins to improve, we can attract some boutique hotels to the Hwy. 16 and Ga. 400 corridor to keep visitors in Lumpkin County and produce more bed tax and sales tax dollars. This could serve as a hub for travelers who still want to explore the beautiful northeast Georgia Mountains,” he says.
No comments:
Post a Comment