New Cecil County Tourism workplace in North East helps guests, journey planners | Native Information

NORTH EAST – Located at Jackson House at the end of North East Community Park, the new Cecil County Tourist Office is working at full capacity, ready to meet and greet visitors and locals alike, and share tips and suggestions on how to spend time in Cecil County.

The new office, which opened last month with a grand opening at the beginning of June, is located directly on the water with a wonderful view of the surroundings.

“You only have one chance to make a first impression, and we knew the park was the first impression we wanted to give our prospective visitors,” said Sandy Turner, Cecil County’s tourism manager.

Turner said the park, with its vast expanses and water views, seemed like a perfect place for Cecil County tourism.

“With the park and downtown to the northeast, our visitors got an amazing first impression of Cecil County as a beautiful and fun place,” said Turner. “Over and over again, many told us they didn’t know Cecil County, but when they first saw it and loved it, they immediately started planning trips back to the area.”

While a previous office in Elkton was great, Turner said the tourism department wanted a spot near the water. They have stayed at the Santa House in downtown North East and appreciated the fellowship they already had with the city.

“It was great to speak to so many visitors and educate them about every corner of the county,” said Turner.

In terms of the cost of the new build, Turner believes Jackson House is a fiscally responsible location, largely given its North East City ownership.

“In an effort to manage our tax dollars well, we looked at ways to reduce our operating costs,” said Turner. “We found that at Jackson House. The city of Northeast owns the house. It used to be their town hall until they outgrew it and moved into the city. “

Turner added that the city paid to renovate the home and that their rent on the home is lower than previous locations.

Turner said they now have even more personal interactions with people.

“It was great to speak to so many visitors and educate them about every corner of the county,” said Turner. “Right now we hope to have both Jackson House and Santa House on the weekends as the audiences are different. Other personal opportunities that we would like to return to (since before COVID-19) include having booths at trade and consumer fairs and events. “

Upon entering Jackson House, customers can expect to find brochures, magazines and people to talk to about travel planning, attractions and all other tourist tips and suggestions in Cecil County.

“At our tourist office in the park, we have a visitor information room with great views of the water, a prospectus cart and shelves, and knowledgeable staff who can talk about all the fun things to do in the county,” said Turner.

She added that in addition to car travelers, they hope to get boaters to stop by as well. The tourist office is a short walk from the public boat launch.

In a press release announcing the opening ceremony last month, Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger announced her support for the new office.

“The new tourist office will continue to provide visitors with useful information about the towns, restaurants and activities in our district, while also presenting the beauty of the Cecil district,” said Hornberger in the press release. “I would like to thank the City of North East for their efforts in renovating this beautiful office space over the water that serves visitors and residents alike.”

Steve Overbay, Cecil County’s director of economic development, also expressed support after the opening ceremony.

“Tourism plays a very important role in supporting a balanced local economy while making a significant contribution to our quality of life,” Overbay said in the same press release. “We are very excited to open our new tourism facility, which will serve as a wonderful place to highlight all that Cecil County has to offer.”

The Cecil County Tourist Office at Jackson House is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The weekend times are still to be determined. The Santa House is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. for weekend visits during the summer.

The office is located in North East Community Park at 300 Cherry St.