FPS staff report
May 6, 2008

Today's tourists want peaceful vacations away from the hustle and bustle. They seek comfortable lodging, quaint shopping destinations and recreational activities. Those who want to retreat, relax and rejuvenate are discovering Carroll County, thanks to ongoing efforts from the Carroll County Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 61 N. Lisbon St., Carrollton.

Established in 2000 in an agreement between the Chamber of Commerce and the county commissioners, the Visitors Bureau is a gatekeeper of sorts, educating consumers throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia and beyond. The goal is to bring tourism dollars into the county through purchases at local attractions, gas stations, retail shops, restaurants and lodging facilities. The bureau is funded by the county's bed tax (collected from establishments with five or more rooms). It does not receive general fund tax dollars.

"The bed tax is designed to promote and create more economic development within the county," says Amy Rutledge, director. "It is an economic generator in the community, without changing the fabric of the community."

In addition to a director, the visitors' bureau is governed by a board of four specified representatives and two at-large delegates who serve three-year terms. Current board members include: Marj Thompson of Days Inn, lodging representative; Jo Christie of Knicker's, restaurant representative; Connie Trushel, Free Press Standard, media representative; and Stefanie Best, Chamber of Commerce board representative. At-large board members are Joyce Hannon, Bluebird Farm; and Jennifer Kiko, Farmgirl Finds. 

Discover the possibilities

 Director Rutledge says area tourism opportunities appeal to all audiences. "Carroll County's diverse vacationing ideas include events, historical sites, local fairs, recreational facilities, hunting, fishing and agricultural exhibits."

The county boasts casual eateries, fine dining destinations and a winery. An array of specialty shops stretches from one end of the county to the other. There are also attractions for history buffs.

"Visitors don't go back to yesteryear when they enter Carroll County; they visit the present with respect for the past."

Rutledge cites the McCook House Museum, Algonquin Mill Fall Festival, Great Trail Festival and Atwood Area Fall Festival as destinations offering a trip back in time. Reenactments, music, crafts and traditional foods provide a view of history that isn't easily found in other tourism hot spots.

This year, Carroll County will host the Eastern Rendezvous, a national historical event expected to draw between 3,000 and 5,000 visitors. It is a primitive encampment sponsored by the National Rendezvous Living History Foundation. Participants from across the United States will convene at the Snode Farm on Arrow Road, Oct. 3-11 to offer a glimpse of life between 1640 and 1840.

"This is a chance to experience living history at its finest," Rutledge said. "A Colonial Trade Fair will allow the general public to wander vendor's row and purchase items available to folks at this time in history on the public days of October 4 and 5."

Don't miss opportunities

"There are 12 residential youth camps in Carroll County, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The lakes have wide appeal and offer numerous activities. Stone Gate Manor, located in the northern part of the county, is becoming a big attraction," Rutledge said.

Agricultural opportunities abound, including the Carroll County Fair, a weekly farmer's market in Carrollton, alpaca farm tours, melon fest and a roadside fruit and vegetable market that has operated for seven generations.

A complete listing of countywide events, activities and destinations is available at www.carrollcountyohio.com.

For information, or to find out how your business can become a tourism partner, contact the Carroll County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 330-627-0103 or 877-727-0103.