Geauga County ended National Tourism Week in fine fashion as Destination Geauga hosted their Annual Spring Drive-it-Yourself Tour on May 9. Over 600 people participated in the tour, signing in at one of the stops. They came from nine different counties to participate, explore Geauga businesses and spend their money. With 25 possible locations to choose from, participants are tasked to get to at least ten and arrive at the Finale by 4 p.m. with 10 stamps on their map to be eligible for the Grand prizes.
“It was a beautiful spring day,” said Lynda Nemeth, Executive Director with Destination Geauga. “Sunshine, blue skies and temps in the 80’s!” Participating businesses were thrilled with the turnout. As a first time stop on the tour, the Special Hands Shoppe was prepared with extra help and their own basket raffles. After the tour, Director Jim Groner, emailed Destination Geauga stating, “The Special Hands Shoppe had a great day on Saturday! Thank you for letting us be a part of the tour.” An email was also received from Bill Smiley, owner of Valentines Antiques in Chardon, also a first time stop. He stated, “We had a great response from “tour takers.” It’s surprising how many local folks were visiting local businesses for the first time. This is a terrific event.”
The Tour is done annually as a way to showcase businesses in Geauga County, and get people out to explore locations they may not be familiar with,” said Nemeth, “When we go on vacation we do a lot of research into what’s available to see and do, yet in our own community there are businesses we drive past on a regular basis and have never been in. This day is all about giving people the incentive to stop.” Stops varied from retail to restaurants, and experiential, with one return favorite being a tour of the experimental and vintage aircraft at the Geauga County airport. The Cleveland Soaring Society even donated a ride as part of their basket in the Finale auction!
When shop owner Helen Humpal of For the Birds, Wildlife & More in Chardon sent her registration slips back to Destination Geauga attached was a note simply stating, “We had a record setting Saturday!” “This is what we strive for,” said Nemeth, “All of our stops were packed, and participants on the Tour had a great time & found new venues that are now on their radar. Ironically, we did have one complaint from a gentleman that was not part of the Tour but just stopped in the office. His comment: ‘There were just too ‘darn’ many people out and about in the county.’ That’s a complaint we’ll move to the compliment column and happily accept!”
When the Tour participants checked in at the finale at Middlefield Market, they enjoyed free snacks, “The Real Deal String Band” and auction baskets donated by the stops. Joining the Tour this year were iconic Travelers “Bob & Marj” from Embarrass, MN who made appearances throughout the tour and at the Finale. Over 400 participants made it back to the finale and were eligible for the three Grand Prize Baskets filled with goods and Gifts Certificates donated by Destination Geauga Members. 1st Prize (a $670 value) was won by Brittany B of Willoughby who was touring with her family, 2nd Prize (a $450 value) was won by Don Jones and his wife visiting from Streetsboro, and 3rd Prize (a $350 value) was won by Michael and Laurie Niles, who reside in Thompson.
Destination Geauga would like to thank sponsors Blazin Bills and End of the Commons General Store, Middlefield Market, for the use of the facility, and all of their members for their participation and donation of gifts. You can see photos of the day by going to the Geauga County Facebook page.
For more Geauga County fun, go to DestinationGeauga.com or pick up a free Geauga County Visitor Guide.
