Tourism Update
From The Director: Blaina Tallent Best
T postmarks at the Monroe County Courthouse
ourism is a big business in Monroe
County. With a $41.42 million
economic impact annually from travel
expenditures alone, tourism is one of
the driving forces behind our economic
success. Without tourism, many of
us would not have the
opportunity to work, play
and live in one of the most
gorgeous areas in the
United States.
In May 2019, Monroe County
welcomed over 18,167
tracked visitors. These are the
individuals that stopped by
to see us at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor
Center, the Sweetwater Train Depot &
Visitor Center, Fort Loudoun State Historic
Area & Tellico Blockhouse, Sequoyah
Birthplace Museum, Monroe County
Airport and Tsali Notch Vineyard. This does
not include the 83,000 monthly visitors that
are estimated to visit the Cherohala Skyway
National Scenic Byway.
Visitors come from all around to take in
the unique experiences we have to offer.
Thankfully, we also have a ton of events
that they can enjoy while they are here.
These events are local favorites, and visitors
always comment on how friendly everyone
they encounter truly is. This is something
that Monroe County Tourism takes a lot
of pride in – our locals. Without our local
hospitality, tourism would not be such a
success in our area.
Monroe County’s Bicentennial is underway.
The official year of celebrations kicked off
with a successful Bicentennial Homecoming
event on June 8, 2019. The celebrations
will continue as the Monroe County
Bicentennial tent will be traveling to different
events throughout the County from now
until late November. In October, the
Bicentennial Committee is joining forces
with the Cherohala Skyway Festival to host
a “Josh Graves Memorial Dobro Pick-Off
Competition.” November will be filled
with several fun events, including pictorial
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 13th (in
partnership with the Charles Hall Museum);
the “History, Heritage, Home” Bicentennial
Art Exhibit from November 12th-16th at the
Cora Veal Senior Center in Madisonville (in
partnership with MACA); and the Official
Bicentennial Ceremony in front of the
Monroe County Courthouse on
November 16th at 1 p.m.
When you are driving throughout Monroe
County, you will notice the custom pole
banners featuring our official Bicentennial
logo. We also have available commemorative
coins, lapel pins, yard signs and t-shirts at the
Monroe County Archives to help everyone
celebrate this historic year.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone
in Monroe County soon! For help in planning
your next adventure, please visit us at https://
www.monroecountytourism.com/ and find
us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and
Pinterest (VisitMonroeTN).
64 MONROE LIFE SUMMER 2019
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