'Stay-cation, happy to get away'

If there is one brightside to the rising cost of gasoline, it is that tourists -- both from North Carolina and from our nearby neighbors -- may opt to enjoy what the Old North State has to offer instead of heading off to Disney World or Paris.

"Visitor spending increased 7.4 percent across North Carolina last year, to a record $17.1 billion, according to information released Tuesday by the state Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development," and according to WRAL.com.

“Our very important state tourism industry continues to grow, even as the national economy is struggling,” Gov. Mike Easley said in a statement. “Tourism is a key economic driver, particularly for several of our rural and urban counties, and plays a critical role in adding new jobs to our economy and supports our other economic development efforts.”

Domestic travelers' expenditures reached $16.5 billion, up 7.2 percent from 2006, while international travelers’ expenditures increased to $607 million, a 13.2 percent jump from the previous year.

Visitor expenditures created 198,900 jobs and nearly $4.2 billion in payroll income statewide last year. Employment increased 2.2 percent, and payroll jumped 4.3 percent from 2006. Visitor spending also generated close to $2.7 billion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments, up 4.6 percent from 2006.

Earlier reports had stated that our nice, clean beaches saw an increase in visitors, but apparently so did most Triangle-area counties.

"Wake County was one of six counties to register double-digit growth in visitor spending, with a 10.7 percent increase to almost $1.5 billion. Nash County saw the largest jump statewide at 12.7 percent, to $218 million," said the report.

"All Triangle-area counties saw increased tourism spending, except for Lee County, which registered a 0.4 percent decrease."

Outer Banks are kinda popular

More people visited the Outer Banks of North Carolina in June than a year ago, despite rising gasoline prices -- or perhaps because of high prices.

"Statistics compiled by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau show a 7 percent rise in occupancy in June over the same period last year, The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported," says the AP.

"The numbers showed, however, that restaurants experienced a slight decline in business, indicating that visitors spent less money once they arrived at their rental house. ..."

After all, they were probably homebound after spending a small fortune on gas.

Quick hits: One museum sees dwindling numbers, while another is running out of space

10 years after fire to Wolfe house, visitors dwindle
"Any other old home so badly damaged by fire would have been razed.

"Early on the morning of July 24, 1998," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times, "an arsonist broke a window in the dining room of the Thomas Wolfe House, a wood frame home memorialized in the author’s autobiographical 1929 novel 'Look Homeward, Angel.' The person started a fire that smoldered for an hour or so, then erupted into a conflagration.At 3:07 a.m., a call to 911 sent more than 25 firefighters to the house on Spruce Street, and they found flames shooting through the crumbling slate roof of the rambling, 29-room home.

"Built in 1883 and significantly expanded in 1916, the house was the boyhood home of the famous American author from 1906-16 and a tourist draw that brought in 30,000 visitors annually.

"And it was burning down.

" 'I would say in another five-eight minutes we would’ve lost that house,' said Tommy Brooks, a division chief with Asheville Fire and Rescue and a captain at the time of the fire 10 years ago this week.

"Firefighters saved most of the structure and 85 percent of the artifacts, though, and after an extensive renovation, the site reopened in 2004. But visitation has never returned to pre-fire levels, and state officials and site workers struggle to explain why. ..."

A museum loaded with N.C. history
"Walk into the North Carolina Baseball Museum, and you wonder where to begin," writes the News & Observer's A.J. Carr.

"The 3,200 square-foot space inside Fleming Stadium is stocked with about 4,000 items, from a 1893 Eastern League scorebook to an autographed bat by Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.
"Since the facility opened in 2004, an estimated 30,000 visitors from 45 states have perused the montage of pictures, pennants, gloves, bats, hats and other memorabilia.

"Organizers say it's running out of space, while still seeking more memorabilia. A campaign is getting under way to raise $200,000 to add more room. ..."

Hola! Welcome to Carolina du Nord!

According to the N.C. Department of Commerce, North Carolina ranked 15th in the United States for attracting overseas visitors last year, up from 18th in 2005.

North Carolina attracted 358,000 tourists from overseas last year, which was a record, according to the state Department of Commerce [and according to this article].

"The prior high was 305,000 overseas tourists in 2004. A total of 282,000 overseas tourists visited the state in 2005, the last year that overseas tourism data was compiled for North Carolina, said Commerce Department spokesman Wit Tuttell. ...

"North Carolina was the third-most popular destination among overseas tourists in the Southeast, according to the Commerce Department.

“ 'More and more people realize what a great state North Carolina is,' Gov. Mike Easley said in a prepared statement. 'The survey results also show the success that has come from the hard work our tourism offices are doing to promote the state as a travel destination.' "

Quick hits: N.C. visitors like to spend money, N.C. residents do not

N.C. visitors spent a record amount in 2007

"North Carolina visitors spent a record amount in 2007 – more than $16.5 billion – Gov. Mike Easley announced Monday."

"That was an increase of 7.2 percent from 2006 when visitors spent $15.4 billion," according to WRAL.com.

"Employment in the travel and tourism industry for 2007 also saw an increase of 2 percent compared with the previous year.

" 'From skiing in the winter to an endless variety of summer vacation opportunities, the many wonderful attractions in North Carolina make our state one of the nation’s top travel destinations,' Easley said in a press release. 'Our aggressive efforts to promote tourism are paying off in good jobs and more recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.' ..."

Poll finds support for rail, transit, wider roads

"North Carolinians overwhelmingly say improving public transportation and widening roads are the best ways to deal with traffic congestion, according to a new poll. But they don't like the idea of highway tolls to pay for them," says the N&O.

"The poll, released today by Elon University, found 82 percent support for widening roads and improving public transportation to address traffic congestion. Majorities also favored building more roads (72 percent), increasing park-and-ride lots (73 percent) and adding carpool or high occupancy vehicle lanes (52 percent).

"The poll found strong support for rail systems, including commuter rail in urban areas (72 percent), high-speed trains between the state's largest cities (70 percent) and regional rail (64 percent).

"To pay for regional rail, 67 percent supported extra fees. To pay for work on bridges and roads and other transportation projects, 66 percent supported a $2 billion statewide bond issue. ..."

New statewide travel guide available

Looking for an easy getaway? Want to hit a festival in the mountains for the weekend, or perhaps hole away at a coastal B&B? Well, the 2008 North Carolina Travel Guide -- hot off the presses -- can help you decide.

The guide was released today in both print and online versions. (To get it, call 1-800-VISIT-NC or visit http://www.visitnc.com/.)

“Whether you and your family enjoy hiking in the mountains, playing golf in the Piedmont or surf fishing on the coast, you will find something for everyone here in our state, as well as hospitable North Carolinians who delight in sharing our heritage with visitors,” Gov. Mike Easley said today in a news release about the guide.

The N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development produced the guide, which includes information on more than 650 attractions and nearly 4,000 accommodations.

Categories include family reunion vacations, outdoor adventures, nightlife, learning vacations, food and wine hotspots, motorsports and arts and cultural activities.

Quick hits: One tourist mainstay is restored, while another says goodbye

Wright Brothers memorial sees inner beauty restored
"Towering 151 feet above the rest of Wright Brothers National Memorial, the granite Wright monument is a glittering landmark from afar; up close, it's a mighty sculpted artwork that well represents the feat of flight.

"Inside, it's dark and empty and dank. Niches in the granite walls where busts of Orville and Wilbur Wright and a model of the Wright Flyer were once displayed are bare. The steel map marking aviation breakthroughs has been removed. White buckets are positioned on the floor to catch water drips," says the Virginian-Pilot.

"Because it's so woefully unpresentable, few people have seen the interior of the Wright monument.

"But a restoration project set to start next month will include cleaning and restoring the interior and exterior. Mortar will be chipped out and replaced. Wiring and lighting will be redone. A new air conditioning unit will be installed.

"When the project is completed in 120 days, weather permitting, the Wright brothers monument will be nearly as perfect as it was when it was dedicated 75 years ago. ..."

Famous Cherokee booster dead at 72
"Henry 'Chief Henry' Lambert, who became the iconic image of the Cherokee Indian during five decades posing with tourists at his roadside tepee, died Tuesday of lung cancer. He was 72.
Lambert started 'chiefing' in 1951 to support his family," writes the Asheville Citizen-Times.

"His striking features, flowing headdress and enjoyment of the crowds brought generations of families back year after year to have their pictures made with him. His image still appears on postcards sold in Cherokee.

"Lambert never denied that the character he created was taken from Hollywood expectations of what an Indian should look like. He never promised to be authentic, only entertaining.

" 'I wouldn’t do anything else,' he said in a 1995 interview with The Associated Press. 'Meeting people from all walks of life. Kids. Kids love seeing an Indian.”' ..."

Quick hits: Bluegrass pioneer honored, as is Biltmore's Inn

Bluegrass great low-key about N.C. Heritage Award
"George Shuffler is the first to admit he doesn't move as fast as he used to. But he still gets around his farm pretty well, even though he has to lean on a cane," writes our good friend David Menconi of the News & Observer.

" 'My hips are just about wore out,' Shuffler says, showing a visitor around the farm. He has lived on this Burke County spread 180 miles west of Raleigh for all of his 82 years -- except for the decades he spent on the road playing guitar behind the Stanley Brothers, Don Reno and other legends of bluegrass. ...

"Standing in the bright autumn sunshine, lamenting a farmer's hardships, Shuffler could be any other old-timer. For long stretches of his life, that's who he has been. A visitor would likely never guess that Shuffler is one of the most influential bluegrass guitarists to ever hoist a pick.

"That will be discussed at some length today in Raleigh, where Shuffler will be feted with an N.C. Heritage Award.

"He'll attend the ceremony, and he'll probably enjoy it. But like another famous Tar Heel guitarist, Doc Watson, Shuffler isn't entirely comfortable with people making a fuss. ..."

The Inn on Biltmore Estate one of the Top 10 resorts for parents & kids
The readers of Travel + Leisure have voted for the Top Resorts for Parents & Kids. Making the list - which includes properties from the U.S., excluding the states Hawaii and Florida -- is Asheville's Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Writes the publication: "Some grounds! 8,000 acres of field and stream surround George Vanderbilt's 1895 Biltmore mansion. Kid magnet: the on-site River Bend Farm, which re-creates rural life in the 1890's."

Quick hits: Food accolades and fall goings-on

N.C. eateries honored
"... For the second year, the N.C. Department of Agriculture sponsored the 'Best Dish in NC' contest for restaurants that serve products from North Carolina farms, markets and companies," writes the News & Observer. "Last week, before the Paula Deen show at the N.C. State Fair, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Deen handed out the awards to the winners. ..."

Welcome to fall in North Carolina
"Fall is the perfect time to visit North Carolina," says VisitNC.com. "Come for our brilliant fall foliage. Enjoy the refreshing outdoor climate and linger at a scenic overlook with breathtaking views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience the abundant fall fishing at the coast or camp at one of our magnificent state parks.

"Enjoy our unique fall events, from woolly worm races to NASCAR . To help you plan your visit, catch the weekly reports from our leaf watchers across the state bringing you the latest updates on when our leaves are at their most spectacular. Discover unique ways to see the fall color, from a balloon adventure to a rafting trip on the Nantahala.

"The governor has proclaimed October as 'North Carolina Wine and Grape Appreciation Month' so relax and enjoy autumn with a plate of signature NC food and a glass of our delicious NC wine. ..."

Pinehurst voted best golf resort -- in the world

The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have named Pinehurst the top golf resort in the world. The resort even finds itself on the magazine's cover.

"Maybe it’s something in the renowned tradition of the pristine golf courses. Maybe it’s something in the serenity of the Sandhills pines," writes the Fayetteville Observer.

"Whatever it is, Pinehurst has a knack for invigorating people ... in a way that keeps them coming back for more."

“This is about what (Pinehurst) provides and how Pinehurst inspires the people that come here,” John Atwood, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, told the Observer.

Atwood acknowledged that while the golf experience was the primary consideration, other features such as staff courtesy and spa quality factored in.

This marks the second time in three years that Pinehurst has received the magazine’s top honor, no small feat considering some of the renowned competition — Kiawah Island in South Carolina, Pebble Beach in California, Kapalua on the island of Maui in Hawaii, just to name a few.

Don Padgett II, the president of Pinehurst, said he believes there’s something to be said for the quality of his resort in besting so many other wonderful venues.

“When you think about it, we don’t have any mountains. We don’t have the ocean,” Padgett said. “But what we do have is a tremendous golf facility and a lot of great people who create a special atmosphere that a lot of people want to be part of.”

Fall color at your fingertips

We're getting close to fall foliage-seeking season, and sometimes it's hard to know where in the North Carolina mountains to go to see prime oranges, yellows and browns.

According to the Hendersonville Times-News, however, there are a plethora of websites out there designed to coach you on your fall foliage expeditions.

Among the suggestions is the state's tourism site, visitnc.com. "It has put together a comprehensive look at fall color in North Carolina," says the newspaper. "The site includes where to go, an easy to read chart of leaf color for each tree (tree, family, color, location and elevation), driving, hiking and biking trails. ...

"Visitnc.com offers a weekly foliage report and forecast, current road conditions, where to see the color, N.C. trees and their color, leaf lodging, leaf peep trips, fun fall events and color for kids."

Here are some other suggested sites, via the Times-News:
http://www.craftcreativitydesign.com/
http://www.biltmore.com/
http://www.theleaf.com/
http://www.exploreasheville.com/
http://www.historichendersonville.com/
http://www.greatsmokies.com/.

Tar Heel Traveler

WRAL reporter Scott Mason has a pretty good gig going: Tar Heel Traveler.

Among the places Scott has been recently: Andy Barker's Love Valley (the smallest municipality in the state with a population of less than 50 -- but that's not the real story in Love Valley); "Mayberry"; "Shangri-La"; Wilmington; and Sunset Beach.

All of Scott's pieces come with slideshows. It's definitely worth checking out.

Quick hits: Water woes and water parks

Drought likely here until February
"Last week's rainfall and the soaking showers of Thursday haven't been enough to ease the statewide drought, meaning North Carolinians need to continue conservation measures, Gov. Mike Easley says," writes the News & Observer.

"In the face of plummeting water supplies from a drought expected to last until February, Easley warns that the worst might lie ahead.

" 'The rain last week certainly helped, but forecasters say we need several months of normal to above-normal rainfall before we see any improvement in the drought,' Easley said in a statement Thursday. 'We must do all we can to save water now so we do not face even more severe shortages this fall and winter.' ..."

Concord lands water park, resort
"Great Wolf Resorts has decided to make a $140.million splash in Concord," writes the Charlotte Observer.

"The company will announce today it plans to build its indoor water park and resort in the city, a Cabarrus economic development official said.

"The Wisconsin company also had been considering other sites for its Charlotte-area project, including Fort Mill, S.C., and Charlotte’s University City near where Ikea is being built.

"Great Wolf contacted the Cabarrus Economic Development Corp. Thursday and indicated the company would name Concord as the project site today, said John Cox, the EDC’s chief executive officer.

"The move is welcome news for Concord. The city has been hit hard by the pending loss of all 2,500 jobs at the Philip Morris U.S.A. plant and the purchase of CT Communications by Windstream Corp., which is slashing jobs and selling the local headquarters. ..."

Zoo biz booming with gas prices soaring

Business at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro is booming, most likely due to high gas prices. (In others words, families are staying close to home this summer.)

"For the fiscal year ending June 30 , the Asheboro zoo's annual attendance reached its highest mark in a decade," writes the Greensboro News & Record.

"Zoo officials credit the boost to a variety of factors, including gas prices that kept travelers closer to home.

"We think gasoline prices have impacted us more positively than anyone else," said Rod Hackney , the zoo's public relations manager . "We think we are getting a lot of people who are staying in the Piedmont instead of going to the beach or mountains. They are using the zoo as a day trip."

Figures for fiscal year 2006-07 show that nearly 747,000 people visited the zoo, an increase of 9.3 percent . That's the fourth-highest annual attendance in the zoo's 33-year history.

The surge came when North Carolina experienced its largest increase in tourism expenditures since 1990. Visitors spent more than $15 billion last year, a jump of 8.3 percent .

But those numbers don't mean all tourist attractions are seeing more visitors. For example, state park visits in the Piedmont fell 8.7 percent last year.

"What a lot of people are seeing is that expenditures are going up more than the (number of) bodies is going up," said Wit Tuttell , public relations director for the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development . "Ideally, you want them both to go up."

[Note: I will not be posting for about 10 days or so. Sorry. I know you'll get by. Somehow.]

N.C. Birding Trail could lead to revenue boost

From the Associated Press:
"Dozens of sites known to birdwatchers as being packed with rare or popular bird species are now linked in a single trail that state officials are promoting as nature-theme tourism.

"Officials hope the North Carolina Birding Trail will give the state an economic boost. And they may be on the right track: a 2006 federal study found that 2 million people in North Carolina spent about $700 million on birdwatching activities, said Perry Sumner of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. ...

"When completed, the trail will include dozens of places throughout the state where visitors can look for more than 440 species. ..."

N.C.: Sixth-top state for tourism

North Carolina is now No. 6 among U.S. states in terms of tourism, according to News 14 Carolina.

"The tourism industry celebrated that fact [May 15] at the state legislature. The industry brings in billions of dollars and thousands of jobs across the state," said News 14's Tim Boyum in his report. Boyum noted that while most people think of the beaches or the mountains when it comes to N.C. tourism, "you might be surprised where most of those dollars are spent.

... Last year, tourists spent more than $15 billion, which is 8 percent more than 2005. The industry also employs nearly 200,000 people.

While you may think the beaches and mountains bring in a majority of the tourism dollars across the state, that is simply not the case. In fact, the state's biggest cities bring the biggest amount of money.

"Some might think the Biltmore house, the beaches, or Asheville could be the number one spots -- they are not," said Visit Charlotte's Molly Hendrick. "More tourists flock to Raleigh and Charlotte."

The article states that Mecklenburg, Wake and Guilford counties rank 1,2 & 3 when it comes to visitor spending.

"Our cities are getting so much more attention because we have so much more to offer, but visiting family and friends is the number one reason," Hendrick added.