Communities

Elkins Depot Welcome Center offering new brochures

ELKINS -- We all constantly hear that technology is the wave of the future. You are encouraged to continually update to a new, better and faster device. It seems like things are changing daily, and to keep up to date you need to be vigilant and always aware of the next best thing.

But what do you do when you can't find a hot spot, when your cell phone provider does not offer service where you are visiting or your battery goes dead? What if you simply want to unplug and enjoy your surroundings? You do what over 500,000 people have done in the last 15 years -- go to the Elkins Depot Welcome Center to research all of the lodging, shopping, dining and activities available to you in Randolph County.

"When people step into the Welcome Center CVB, they are looking for information they can read, brochures they can hold and keep, maps they can follow and someone to help explain what they find. They are not looking for a website or Facebook address. In 2019 we gave out over 85,000 brochures and maps to the people that walked through our doors and received thousands of requests for materials to be sent via mail. We know that printed materials are still essential to our marketing of the rea and we routinely have to adjust what we offer based on the public's interests," said Anne Beardslee, the Center's executive director.

The CVB watches for trends and opportunities to capitalize on tourist's and local's interests. One of the fastest growing activities in Randolph County is riding motorcycles. "We have developed an entire campaign around this demographic and most importantly have a new brochure that offers six different tours encompassing all levels of riders.

Taira Gainer, the director of marketing, created a brochure that offers six different loops, including the Randolph Rattler, Mountain Salamander, Small Town Scenic Route and Copperhead's Coil.

Gainer explained that "These routes are designed to get riders out into all parts of our county so they understand the beauty and opportunities available to them and their families."

There are many requests from trip planners, locals and visitors who would like to have more information on fairs and festivals in Randolph County. Morgan Glup, the Welcome Center AmeriCorps, felt that a Fairs and Festivals brochure would be a great addition to the CVB's family of publications and to increase participation in activities throughout the year.

"People are looking for trip planning materials and things to do when they arrive, and we want to give them a reason to return to the area in the future. The more information we can provide, the chance they will visit increases" said Glup.

The brochures are available at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.