May 7-13 marks the 40th annual National Travel and Tourism Week.

Established in 1983, to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day.

That’s why here in Belmont County, and all across America, we are celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week to recognize the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, highlight our assets and look eagerly to the future. From historic landmarks and museums to outdoor recreation and eateries, the local businesses of Belmont County enhance our area’s tourism industry, contribute to our local economy and encompass the spirit of our community.

In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, now is the perfect, time to start exploring right here in our own backyard. So, get outside, explore our beautiful county, and have some fun!

Grab your kayak, load up the bikes, or put on your walking shoes — miles of trail and glistening shorelines await you, right here in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County!

Kayaking continues to grow in popularity each year and is a great way to exercise while recharging in nature. Belmont County offers many places to explore on the water like: Barkcamp State Park, Piedmont Lake, Rotary Lake at Barnesville Memorial Park and Zion Retreat & RV Park.

Barkcamp State Park features the peaceful 117-acre, Belmont Lake in Belmont. Join Belmont County Soil and Water Conservation District for PaddleFest on Friday, May 12, from 5-8 p.m., at Barkcamp State Park Beach. From kayaking to canoeing, fishing to grilling out, this free event will be fun for the whole family!

Learn more online at www.belmontswcd.org/events.

If you are looking for a kayak adventure that offers a variety of other activities, visit Zion Retreat & RV Park in Flushing. The 800-plus acre park features a 27-acre lake, various fishing ponds, rustic and luxury cabins, RV and primitive campsites, stand-up paddle board and kayak rentals, swimming area and an aqua zipline.

Additionally, they have just opened a new 4.6-mile mountain bike trail, offering scenic routes through the beautiful landscapes around Zion. The trail is open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. Learn more online at www.zionretreatrvpark.com.

Whether it’s on the water or on the trail, your next outdoor adventure awaits in Belmont County!

To find out more about all the outdoor recreation options and upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. Also, if you are planning an event in 2023, please contact us at info@visitbelmontcounty.com and we will add it to our website event calendar and share on our social media channels.

We are your community partner, and here to help promote all the upcoming events happening right here, in Friendly. Beautiful. Belmont County.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.