Peak fall colors boost tourism in Laurel Highlands
LIGONIER, Pa. (KDKA) -- Leaves in western Pennsylvania will be at their peak of fall perfection this week and next week, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
With that crush of autumn colors, places like Ligonier in the Laurel Highlands are seeing an uptick in business. Kelli Brisbane of GO Laurel Highlands says this is a very big time of year for both tourism and the local economy.
"The foliage is really bringing so many different people here into the area and it is helping a lot of local businesses," said Brisbane. "I just talked to a hotel today, they're completely booked. This week is crazy."
According to Brisbane, Pennsylvania has been named one of the best places in the country for leaf peeping and she said that they see people coming in from all over the country. And she says the area has begun to rely on that tourism each year.
Places feeling that uptick in tourism are eateries like the Ligonier Creamery where they say the last few weeks have been busy.
"We have Fort Ligonier Days, which is really busy," says Char Wile, whose family owns the Ligonier Creamery. "And then we go from Fort Ligonier Days into people coming in to see the change of the leaves."
So if you are looking to get out in the next few days and see all the yellows and oranges and maybe spend some green, this week might just be the week to do it.
For more information, check out GO Laurel Highlands' website.