By Tammie Mulvey
Houlton Rotary
HOULTON — Leslie Jackson was our guest speaker on Monday, April 22. Jackson represents Aroostook County Tourism.
Jackson shared what they are doing to promote Aroostook County, such as attending trade fairs outside of the state and in southern Maine, distributing the magazine Aroostook County Visitor Guide, and video of some of our beauty that can be found on visitaroostook.com.
Many of us are fully aware of the peace and serenity that our area offers but how often do we take advantage of it? And why not? Do we just get used to what we have and forget how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful place? Many of us travel out of the area to vacation, yet have not seen all of the County.
Contributed photo/Michael Clark
TOURISM TALK — Leslie Jackson of Aroostook County Tourism was the guest speaker at the Houlton Rotary Club April 22. With Jackson is outgoing president Ryan Bushey.
Some of the reasons why we live in The County are the most valuable reasons to vacation here as well. Like the hospitality that is like no other place in the world. Jackson told us about a story that some visitors were broken down with their sleds and had no idea what they were going to do. They were an hour or more from their hotel, and having lunch.
One of our great neighbors overheard them and asked if they could help. He went home, got his trailer, loaded their sleds, took them back to their hotel, and offered up places where the sleds could get fixed.
Now many us are thinking “well yeah, that is no surprise.” You are right, that is just the way we are around here and that is something that none of us should take for granted. We are all very busy, but when is the last time you simply admired the beauty around you? You know what I am talking about, whether it is the skyline, the many mountains, the fields, the little towns with the beautiful old buildings, or maybe it is just your wonderful neighbor that always waves or should I say nods and smiles at you?
If you haven’t done this in awhile I strongly suggest you do and when you start planning your vacations for this year remember how wonderful The County is and maybe go explore some of it that you have always said that you wanted to do but just haven’t taken the time.
We have miles and miles of trails of all sorts, so lets take advantage of what is right here in our “backyard” and maybe take several short vacations this year rather than traveling away and you will find that it is much more rewarding.
For more information, you can visit the tourist information center or visitaroostook.com or follow “us” on Facebook or Twitter. You can also contact Leslie at ljackson@nmdc.org.
We are all affected by tourism. As the summer season approaches, let’s see how well we each do at showing our appreciation for those that visit us, maybe just a smile or welcome or thank you. Maybe we can even help some out this summer and make their day or vacation one to remember.
If you are interested in learning more or sending employees, there will be a customer service training that you can contact Jackson for more information.
