Regional magazine with a focus on tourism and economic development by John Dersham

Last Friday night Randy and Olivia Grider hosted a wonderful introduction party at Cook Castle of their new regional magazine called Lookout Alabama Magazine. It is a lifestyles magazine that will feature the beauty and culture of our area. The magazine will highlight the region’s people, history and natural beauty as well as the many cultural, educational, outdoor-adventure, dining, shopping and child-friendly attractions that make this beautiful corner of Alabama an ideal vacation and retirement destination as well as business location.

It will feature Lookout Mountain and surrounding communities and towns throughout Northeast Alabama, Northwest Georgia and the Lookout Mountain area of Tennessee. The quarterly magazine will offer a full size 9.25x11format with excellent print quality. The publication will target business and industry with above average income readers. It will be directed toward potential visitors that are most likely to come to our area for a vacation or long weekend. Distribution of the magazine is in a 250 mile radius. The magazine’s business template and demographics should attract economic development interest in our area and provide increased tax revenue through tourism. This publication should play another important role in our growth and development. The first issue comes out in June.

Last Friday evening’s event introduced the new publication in a big way. Bestselling author Homer Hickam (Rocket Boys and 13 other books) was a featured speaker at the introduction ceremony. Senator Clay Scofield, co chair of the Alabama Tourism Committee spoke about tourism in our state and the very important role it plays in the growth of our economy. He awarded Natalie Cone a first place award in the Literary Tourism writing competition hosted by the new magazine. Congratulations Natalie! Lookout Alabama Magazine promises to feature fiction tourism writing on a regular basis.  There was a host of other speakers beginning with a dinner prayer from Fort Payne Mayor, Larry Chesser. After dinner Senator Scofield spoke, then Homer Hickam, then I spoke about tourism in DeKalb County with an update on our numbers. Director of Tourism in Greater Gadsden-Etowah Tourism, Hugh Stump spoke about his area and Anne Shumaker did the same for Cherokee County. Carol Beddingfield, our Fort Payne Chamber Director spoke about the chamber and the close working relationship between the Chamber, Economic Development and Tourism here in DeKalb County. Lastly, Nisa Miranda of the University of Alabama University Center for Economic Development gave a wonderful presentation about working together as a region to develop a long term partnership that would help develop an appealing regional identity for our area that would generate a larger audience for tourism and economic development all throughout our area.

A special thanks to our host Randy and Olivia Grider who introduced our speakers and gave us a wonderful night of insight to the new magazine. Music was provided by B Sharp. They were great and the food from Nessa’s was wonderful.

Tourism Partners By John Dersham

There are a number of different organizations that help DeKalb Tourism promote tourism in our area. The state of Alabama Department of Travel and Tourism promotes us along with all 67 Alabama Counties, Southeast Tourism Society promotes us along with each of the other 11 states in its 12 state coverage area and then there is North Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association whom promotes tourism for all 16 north Alabama counties. DeKalb Tourism only promotes DeKalb County.  This allows us to get into greater detail about each attraction, lodging facility, museum, gift shop, antique store, festival, fair, retail and restaurant. We include all items of interest to a potential tourist in our travel guide, our website, mobile website, at trade shows, in public speaking engagements and in press releases and general advertising. As the size of the organization increases the fewer things about us are promoted since they have to include everyone else’s areas too. While our information center is the source for all things to do and see in DeKalb County the other organizations include highlights about us usually consisting of a calendar of events that includes our festivals, and major events at our public lands or major area attractions like our State Parks and our National Preserve. All of these organizations play a major role in getting the word out about us. This is because their advertising circle includes a larger geographic area. For example our ads target areas like Huntsville, Nashville, Birmingham, Atlanta and some coastal areas. The larger organizations like Southeast Tourism Society are delivering our messages across 12 states. Each one of these organizations reaches a new set of potential visitors to our area. In theory you would think it was duplication but that is not the case at all. Each of these organizations plays an instrumental role in delivering our message to a different group of potential customers. We are very fortunate here in DeKalb to have this network of promotion going on day in and day out 365 days a year all helping to tell the visitor who we are and where we are located and what we have to offer that would make us a fun and rewarding vacation.

 Tourism partners work closely together to improve the big picture. The big picture is helping all tourism organizations grow.  My many thanks to all of these outstanding organizations.

Lots to do right here at home!

The weather has gotten nice, flowers are blooming and grass is growing, uh oh!

 It is time for a Daycation at home. We are blessed to live in the prettiest county in the state and one with lots of great parks and events to enjoy. There is so much to enjoy and participate in here I suggest you come on out and enjoy some great things we have going over the next couple of weeks.

Here are some of those things for this weekend and next:

April 25 – 28 FPHS Seniors Present “Aladdin” The 2013 Class of FPHS will be performing their Senior Class play “Aladdin”.  Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thurs – Sat and a show at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 at the FPHS office.  256-845-0535

April 26 Afternoon Rock Climb Come experience first-hand what rock climbing is all about with guides who are fun, safe and energetic. This trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction. No prior climbing experience is needed. Meet at True Adventure Sports. $34 pp. 2 - 6 p.m. 256-997-9577

April 26 Night Zip Line All our zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Enjoy the thrill of the zip line at night. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure. $50 pp. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 256-997-9577

April 27 Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale This is an event sponsored by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners Club. There will be plants on sale, such as roses, perennials, and more. The sale will be at the VFW Building in Fort Payne. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 27 Blow Your Own Ornament This had become very popular here at Orbix Hot Glass. Come design and blow your own ornament with the help of one of our glass artists. No reservations are needed, it is on a first come, first serve basis. For this we welcome people of all ages (at least 5 years old). 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost is $35 per ornament blown 256-523-3188

April 27 Rappelling Adventure Come experience the thrill of rappelling down the sheer sandstone gems of NE Alabama. No previous experience necessary. Each trip includes all the gear plus basic instruction. $37 per person 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 256-997-9577

April 27 Book Signing with Angie Carden Have your cookbook signed by Author Angie Carden. Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with free food from cookbook, a cookbook giveaway, door prizes and fun!  Kamama Gallery in Mentone. 3 p.m. 256-634-3001

April 27 Treasure Hunt Adventure Do you enjoy trying to solve riddles and clues?  Ever wanted to find buried treasure?  Up for new & exciting challenges?  Then our Cave Treasure Hunt is for you.  This 5-hour adventure will take you deep into the heart of Manitou Cave.  You will have to solve and follow each clue in order to find the next one, and ultimately the Treasure!  Are you up for the challenge?  Meet at True Adventure Sports $65 per person 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. 256-997-9577

April 27 – 28 The 5th Annual Mentone Area Art Council Home Tour and Silent Auction The Mentone Area Arts Council (MAAC) will present a two-day fall tour of nine homes and one historic camp in the Cloudland and Mentone area of Lookout Mountain. Guest registration will take place at the Fire Hall in Mentone and tickets good for both days can be purchased for $5 each. Maps listing the locations of the tour stops as well as information on each house will be available with each ticket purchased. The Silent Auction items will be displayed in the Fire Hall and bidding sheets will be available during tour hours. Bidding ends at 4pm Sunday when purchases can be claimed. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. 706-398-0858

April 28 Rappelling with DeSoto State Park  Learn the basics of rappelling with trained PCIA instructors and descend an 80 foot sandstone wall. Learn about basic gear, knot tying, rappelling hardware and its uses in a beautiful location. Meet at DeSoto State Park Lodge at 1pm. Ages 10 and up. $30 pp. 256-845-5075

May 3 Zip Line Adventure All our zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before the adventure. $50 pp. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 256-997-9577

May 3 Trion Steel Drum Concert at the Canyon Center This unique ensemble has grown in size and popularity from its humble beginnings. The ensemble is comprised of 31 musicians and performs a wide variety of musical styles, from socas and calypsos to reggae and pop. Little River Canyon Center, 6:30 p.m. $5 adults; 256-845-8548

May 3 Extreme Night Hike This end-of-day adventure does not slow down just because it's dark. Intended for a large group team-building exercise, this hike has a bit of bouldering, some scrambling, some spelunking, and a whole lot of required working together. Headlamp and enthusiastic guide included. Meet at True Adventure Sports. $18pp. 7:30 - 10 p.m. 256-997-9577

May 4- 21^st Annual Wildflower Hike Join DeSoto State Park staff & volunteers for a wonderful day of learning about the many species of blooming plants found on Lookout Mountain. DeSoto's trails can vary from fairly flat terrain to slightly steep inclines & rocky ground. Each hike is marked for its difficulty level. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear & bring along water & snacks along on the hikes. Through out the course of the day you will be able to choose from 3 separate hikes during the day, each hike with different leaders.

9:00 a.m.-First Hikes of the day

11:30 a.m. Lunch (on your own)

1:00 p.m. ~ Second Hikes of the day

3:00 p.m. ~Third Hikes of the Day

7:15 p.m.-Plant Presentation-DeSoto’s Nature Center (Next to the Country Store)

Trail Maps, Wildflower Checklists, & trail descriptions can be found at the Lodge, Country Store and Nature Center. All hikes are free to the Public and no registration required! For any inquires contact Brittney Hughes at 256-997-5025.

May 4 Zip Line & Sky Swing Adventure  All our zip lines are set up just before the adventure to ford a gorge or cross from one high point to another. Enjoy the thrill of the swing and zip line. Pre-registration required at True Adventure Sports by 6 pm the day before adventure. $50 pp 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 256-997-9577

May 5 5th Annual Art at the Barn Join us for a spring art sale, featuring works by regional artist and artisans. The festival is located on beautiful Sweet Seasons Farm in Valley Head, one of Alabama's oldest and largest sheep farms. There will be pottery, antiques, jewelry, food and so much more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 256-635-6791 or 256-996-3400

For more information about DeKalb Calendar of Events and other questions call DeKalb Tourism at 256-845-3957 or visit us at www.tourdekalb.com

Destination Capitol Hill by John Dersham

I spent last week with tourism executives from all around the country who come to Washington D.C. every spring to bring forth the legislative issues that are of interest to our industry. Last week I, along with Alabama tourism partners, visited with all of our US House of Representatives and senators that represent our state at the federal level. These visits help our elected officials understand our issues and why we’d like them to support our legislative issues.
This has become an easy task in hard economic times due to the fact tourism has shown growth even in the worst of economic times. Due to our success there has been a lot more emphasis at the state and federal level, in support of our industry. Our issues are very small in comparison to some of the issues like gun control, immigration, North Korea and the budget that were all being discussed and argued about all week. I think our representatives considered our issues easy and refreshing when compared with everything else. We are the positive news in a rough time.
Our visit to Washington was on behalf of the Southeast Tourism Society and the National Travel Association. I am part of this as a representative of the Policy Council at Southeast Tourism Society and Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association. I am honored to play a role in helping Fort Payne and DeKalb County grow via economic development that comes through positive growth oriented legislation. Tourism is our nation’s third largest growth industry, behind two medical services industries. Last year international travel to the US grew by $600 billion and now accounts for $2 Trillion in economic output in the United States.  Tourism in the United States employees 14.6 million people. This growth is aided by the completion of one full year of an international marketing campaign advertising International travel in the USA by Brand USA. People in 18 countries see TV, web and print ads generated under the new international advertising plan. It is the first such international adverting program for tourism since the early 90’s. International travelers come with lots of money and lots of time. They bring us large amounts of tax revenues into our cities and towns. Our National Park system, a favorite among international travelers serves as a gateway to smaller markets. This is true of our area. Little River Canyon is getting international Visitors and in turn our local economy gets lodging, retail and restaurant sales, attractions and museums are visited and our entire community benefits from the increased tax revenues. We are fortunate locally that we are a destination that both domestic and international visitors enjoy.

Finally It's Spring by John Dersham

Yes, we had a mild winter but what happened in March? In looking at pictures I took last March 15^th our Cherry trees were almost done blooming. This year mine are just working toward full bloom.  Last year was an unusually warm early spring and this year is later than normal…but I do believe that beloved spring has finally arrived. It is time to pull off the long sleeves and get out there in the wonderful warm air and enjoy yourself in our little niche of paradise here in northeast Alabama. We are so fortunate to have the influence of the Appalachian Mountain chain that with it comes a diverse culture of beautiful spring blooming trees and shrubs, that are native to our area like Dogwood Black Cherry, Silverberry, Rhododendron , Mountain Laurel, wild Azalea and too many more to name. Sometimes we take these things for granted but if you go much further south or west you will not find these beautiful plants as natives.

My suggestion is enjoy our gifts and take a Daycation or two here in DeKalb County. Our scenic drives are everywhere and our parks and public attractions are scattered all over the county. How about a picnic at DeSoto State Park? You can play on the playground, hike the trails and look at the wonderful 104 foot waterfall. How about a little fishing and picnicking or camping at DeKalb County Lake in Sylvania, or a trip to Bucks Pocket or High Falls parks? There is the beautiful canyon rim drive and picnic and hiking at Little River Canyon N.P. If you like beautiful scenery combined with a breathtaking cave experience then you need a trip to Sequoyah Caverns. It is a great time to go to Collinsville Trade Day each Saturday, or go on a flea market excursion on Sand Mountain. All of our towns and cities have great locally owned second hand stores. It is fun to spend a day just milling around through these shops. You can visit antique stores like the S House Antiques, The Strand, Goosie’s, Myrtle Jane’s, The Classy Flea, Vintage Green and The Old Big Mill in Fort Payne.

Don’t let spring pass you by without getting out an enjoying the very county you live in. You will not find prettier scenery anywhere you choose to travel than right here at home.

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO MAKING OUR COUNTY EVEN MORE LOVELY BY GETTING OUT AND PICKING UP THE LITTER ALONG YOUR OWN ROAD FRONTAGE AND BETTER YET TAKE A LITTLE HIKE AND PICK UP LITTER ALONG YOUR ENTIRE STREET OR ROAD.

For more information about things to do and places to go in our own back yard, please contact us at DeKalb Tourism at 256-845-3957 or visit our website at www.tourdekalb.com