Segment 1, October 26th, 2024

Producer TJ Boggs recently western North Carolina (Hendersonville, NC) to spend some money.

Charlotte’s local outfitter store  is the sponsor of the Carolina Outdoors

Segment Highlights:

Western North Carolina continues to reel from the after effects of Helene & now the economic disaster with the missing tourism.   Review of the towns that are asking for visitors & those that aren’t.  There is a chance of a secondary financial disaster from the after affects of Helene.  Western North Carolina does 1/5 of North Carolina’s Tourism & Hospitality trade each year.  Since the storm & requests that people not visit, many communities that weren’t affected by the storm are not getting tourists.

Show Highlights:

Tourism is a vital economic driver in western North Carolina, especially in the fall. The region’s beautiful landscapes, vibrant autumn foliage, and temperate climate make it a top destination for tourists, which has a significant economic impact in several ways:

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2. Visitor Spending: Fall foliage draws millions to areas like Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Great Smoky Mountains, boosting spending on lodging, dining, and shopping. This influx of visitors generates millions in revenue, supporting local businesses and driving the hospitality sector.
   
3. Job Creation: Tourism in the fall sustains jobs across multiple industries in western North Carolina. Seasonal increases in visitors create demand for part-time and full-time employment in restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and outdoor recreation businesses, directly benefiting the local workforce.
   
4. Agritourism and Local Products: Fall tourism also promotes agritourism, with people visiting apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals. This helps farmers and artisans sell products directly to consumers, adding an important revenue stream for small, local businesses.
   
5. Tax Revenue: The state and local governments benefit from taxes on tourism-related activities, such as hotel occupancy taxes and sales taxes. This revenue can be reinvested into community services, infrastructure, and maintenance of natural attractions, making tourism a sustainable asset.
   

Given the seasonal economic boost that autumn tourism provides, it’s a cornerstone of western North Carolina’s economic landscape.

Noted in Prior Segments:

North Carolina State Parks Closures

due to Helene

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• All State Parks west of I-77.  This includes Crowders Mountain State Park, Lake Norman State Park, South Mountain S.P., & others.
  
• Pisgah National Forest-Ranger District is now openNational Park Service – Blue Ridge Parkway
  
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  • National Park Service – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
    
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture – National Forests, Pisgah National Park, Ranger District opened on October 18th, 2024
    
  
  

  Safety and Emergency Information

  
  
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  • ReadyNC.gov
    
  • DriveNC.gov (road closures)
    
  • NC Emergency Management: Facebook | Instagram
    
  • NCWRC: Potential for increased human-bear conflicts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene
    
  • NCFS: Following Hurricane Helene, NC Forest Service urging the public to be careful and responsible with outdoor fire
    
  
  

  Please Support small businesses whenever you can. This helps weather the fiscal impact of the storm and its after-affect.

  
  

  State Parks west of I-77

  
  

Things You’ll Learn by Listening:

The Carolina Outdoors is powered by local outdoor outfitter in Charlotte.  Mens outdoor pants are popular during this season for protection, fit, & style.  Stop by the online site for Men’s pants at Jesse Brown’s, Duckhead, Mountain Khakis, & Kuhl are all on-hand.  Plus, fly fishing guided trips that originate at Jesse Brown’s, the fly shop of Charlotte, are ongoing.

The Carolina Outdoors is powered by the Charlotte fly shop, Jesse Brown’s