Blessed with a beautiful landscape and a rich cultural heritage, Southern Ohio is ripe for the picking by tourism investors.
On a basic level, many of the counties along the Appalachian Highway are in need of motels. The chains are just beginning to discover the potential in places like Adams, Pike and Scioto counties.
But on a more substantial level, there is the potential for agri- and eco-based tourism. The success of such ventures has already been proven in Gallia County, where Bob Evans Farms opens its gates to urbanites who come to enjoy a day in the country. The farm is the homestead of the family that developed a highly successful chain of restaurants.
The Ohio River, of course, has special appeal. Town likes Ripley, Aberdeen and Higginsport in Brown County offer particularly beautiful views of the river.
Gallipolis, "the old French city," is a significant tourist destination. It is the first ethnic and second permanent settlement in Ohio, founded in 1790.
Scioto County's murals are an attraction drawing visitors from around the world. The Ohio River flood walls are decorated with 180 feet of murals, and more art is added every year.
Hocking County already supports a substantial tourism industry, based on its natural caves, rock formations and state parks. The Hocking Hills in Hocking and Vinton counties last year recorded more visitors than the Kings Island amusement park in the Cincinnati metro area.
Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County offers opportunities for chalets, motels and other visitor investments.
The huge Shawnee State Forest occupies parts of Adams, Pike and Scioto counties, and the Wayne National Forest claims parts of several other counties. These and the home-spun appeal of Southern Ohio's fairs, festivals, outdoor events and the region's thousands of ceremonial Indian mounds attract the day-trippers. What is needed are the tourism investments that will encourage extended stays.
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