The more you consume it, the better it gets...

Doesn't a natural resource deplete with repeated consumption? Well....sometimes yes. In the case of our local historical and scenic sites the answer is no. More museum visits generates more income to improve the collections. More trail enthusiasts can generate more volunteers to maintain those trails, more tourism dollars spent locally to generate tax revenue to help expand and improve the trail system. Cultural events at our local historical sites and parks bring in visitors, generate local income, and so on. Every town in Dutchess County may not have an industry or large service business. But, every single one of our towns does posess historical assets. Let's help each other learn how to use them to build more sustainable local economies!

Cultural Heritage Tourism

Our Dutchess County towns are all richly endowed with historical sites, though perhaps not all are widely known. Many of these sites do not have facilities for regular public visitation. To whatever extent practical we should seek out imaginative ways to share these places with local residents and tourists alike. Tourism helps local businesses survive and grow by stimulating spending. This applies to all businesses, not just those directly involved with tourism. Building a historical theme park or opening a new museum are not the only ways to attract tourism dollars. Historic homes tours, history kiosks at nature preserves, a taste of ___ , theater productions and festivals are all ways to bring visitors into your area and interest them in your shops and eateries. Think outside the box...let your imagination run free.