Record number of tourists stop by Wareham's Cranberry Region Visitor Center
It was a season for the record books! Between Patriots' Day and Veterans Day, more than 30,000 tourists from Wyoming to Germany -- and beyond -- stopped by Wareham's Cranberry Region Visitor Information Center.
"On the recommendations of staff, nearly 25% of the visiting families went to local restaurants, businesses, and attractions in the Wareham area," said Bruce Hutchins, the Center's coordinator. The Center is located on Interstate 195, just before exit 21.
Tourists hailed from 48 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia. (Utah! We'll be looking for you next year!)
Visitors learned about area businesses through displays that promoted local products, and on several weekends, Lindsey's Family Restaurant and Eastwind Lobster provided samples of chowder.
Tourists could be assured that they were getting the best advice around -- all of the staff members live in town!
"Because the center has remained open and provides great service to visitors, there has been a growth of 'repeat' customers," Hutchins explained. "In addition to those people traveling to their vacation homes and hotels, many local residents obtain information and coupons for their own family visitors and renters."
Operated entirely on funds generated from businesses advertising and vending sales, the Cranberry Center is the only information center open north of New Jersey on the Interstate 95-195 route, Hutchins noted. The Center is assisted by the town's Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA), which provides administrative oversight.
A grant from the town's Community Events Committee helped the Center promote Wareham's and Onset's local events -- from the Onset Beach Jazz Festival and the Blues Festival, to the Onset-Wareham Fireworks and the Cape Verdean and Cranberry Harvest festivals.
"The staff at the Center is dedicated to providing friendly service," Hutchins explained, "with an interest in promoting the local attractions and businesses."
Check out the graphic below to see who stopped by the Cranberry Region Visitor Center this year!
