It's that time of year again. Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and hotels, attractions, and destinations throughout the county are getting ready to welcome visitors from around the globe. In 2019, before everything shut down, visitor spending was $46 billion in Pennsylvania. That's a significant number, but you might wonder why you should care about what tourists spend in Pennsylvania. In addition to the more than 333,000 jobs directly supported by the travel industry, visitors generated $4.8 billion in state and local taxes. In a nutshell, that equals $950 in tax savings for every household in Pennsylvania!

After an abysmal year for tourism in 2020, we may be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Gov. Wolf's plan to lift COVID mitigation orders on Memorial Day has people in the hospitality industry breathing a collective sigh of relief. According to Nina Kelly, director of marketing and communications for Chester County's Conference & Visitors Bureau, things are looking up. "With the restrictions easing on Memorial Day, we are looking for more visitors and robust events throughout the summer season into the glorious fall in Chester County's Brandywine Valley," Kelly explained.

More than ever, families are visiting nearby destinations and enjoying the benefits of a staycation. When was the last time you acted like a tourist in your own backyard? Day trips are great, but spending the night in a hotel or bed-and-breakfast will enhance your experience. You'll find great stay-and-play packages at hotels throughout the area, making your staycation in Chester County fun and affordable.

Some popular attractions are already welcoming visitors. "Longwood Gardens remains a draw for visitors seeking the outdoor garden experience, Kelly said, "and the Festival of Fountains will run through the entire summer."

Anticipation is high for the return of events such as annual Juneteenth celebrations. Juneteenth is often referred to as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, but regardless of what you call it, Juneteenth is the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the war and declare slavery abolished.

On Saturday, June 19, the Chester County History Center will offer Underground Railroad in West Chester Walking Tours from 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m. The family-friendly tour covers approximately 1.5 miles, with visits to locations that played a role in the struggle for freedom. The tour is entirely outdoors and will be held rain or shine. Reservations are required, and admission is by donation. For more information, visit http://chestercohistorical.org/node/1057.

"A highlight of summer's end will be Citadel Country Spirit USA - a three-day outdoor music festival in August," said Kelly. "We anticipate a pent-up demand for in-person entertainment to drive visitors from around the country to experience country music's finest!"

If people are willing to travel across the ocean for Chester County's offerings, why not schedule your summer staycation now and see what all the fuss is about?