By Emily Higgs
Serving with the Elkins Depot Welcome Center
Serving at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center through the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area has given me the opportunity to become a part of West Virginia’s booming tourism industry. As a lifelong West Virginia resident, I love being able to share the nature, history, art, and communities I love with others.
Something that has made my time with AmeriCorps worthwhile is being greeted by a returning guest who has come back to tell me about their adventures. I am often able to recommend personalized itineraries for visitors. Whether they are interested in history, culture, food, or the outdoors, Randolph County and the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area always have something to offer. When guests return to tell me how much they loved their hike, their drive, or their visit to the local shops and museums, it reminds me how important personal connections are to the tourism industry. It is something that sets West Virginia apart, in my opinion: the ability to treat every tourist as a part of the community, and welcome them to our part of the world.
Much of the tourism in this region lends itself to the hard work done by the conservationists and preservationists serving with AFNHA and their partners. From the revival of the forests to the upholding of Appalachian traditions, I love to see this level of collaboration within the ongoing projects in the forest. It feels great sending people to the Monongahela National Forest, or the Beverly Heritage Center, and knowing that I am a part of the community that makes these places what they are.
