2017 is wrapping up and soon we will be ringing in 2018. So this feature on our blog post, we’re going to focus on looking back through 2017.

Looking Back at 2017

There’s many things to celebrate in 2017. Over the past year, Ross County has commemorated the centennial of Camp Sherman, Bainbridge’s Fall Festival of Leaves celebrated their 50th anniversary and a new mural, a leg of the national forest rally returned to Ohio with the Southern Ohio Forest Rally at Scioto Trail State Park, the community enjoy the birth of a new festival, the Chillicothe Halloween Festival, plus the inaugural year for The Buck Fifty – a 150-mile overnight relay race. These are just a few of the examples of how active Ross County has been.

As we’re promoting Ross County as a destination, it makes our job easier when there is so much happening in our community. With a wide variety of events, historical attractions, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and entertainment options Ross County definitely supports our tagline, “Where To Be”.

In addition to the events and attractions, Ross County also has new lodging facilities available for visitors. This was the first full year of the Fairfield Inn & Suites to be operational and Hillside Haven opened its doors for guests. Sadly, Stoney Creek Cottage has announced the closing of their cabin at the end of the year and has the property up for sale.

Wrapping Up 2017

One of the final tasks we do to wrap up a year is the Annual Report for tourism in Ross County. After a year like we had, there’s going to be plenty of data to include within the report. Early statistics provided by partners are very encouraging on attendance to area attractions.

Holiday events

As Christmas nears this weekend, Santa will still be visiting with children at the Santa House near the entrance of Yoctangee Park on Friday and Saturday. For last minute shopping, the Pump House Center for the Arts continues their Holiday Gift Gallery and you can find unique gifts at the downtown shops. If you’re looking to be entertained, the Majestic Theatre will be hosting the annual Phil Dirt and the Dozers concert Friday evening.

Closing out this blog post we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Our office will be closed on Friday, December 22nd through Tuesday, December 26th to allow our staff to celebrate the holiday with their families.