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Warren County Sees 10.8% Growth in Visitor Spending

Crystal — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:05:31 +0000

Visitor spending in Warren County reached an impressive $73 million in 2023, marking a notable 10.8% increase from the previous year. This exceptional growth rate not only highlights the county’s rising popularity but also positions Warren County as a leader in the state for visitor spending growth.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2023,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics.

North Carolina as a whole saw total visitor spending of $35.6 billion, underscoring the significant role that Warren County plays within the state’s tourism industry. Warren County’s impressive double-digit increase in visitor spending outpaced the state’s growth percentage, highlighting the county’s successful tourism strategies and its burgeoning status as a sought-after destination.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive impact it has on our community,” said Jennifer Pierce, Chair of the Warren County Board of Commissioners. “The increase in visitor spending not only boosts our local economy but also creates jobs and enhances the quality of life for our residents.”

The economic impact of this surge is far-reaching. Visitor spending has created 251 jobs within the community, generating $11.4 million in labor income. Additionally, the local tax base benefited substantially, receiving $3.6 million, which translates into a savings of $293.22 per resident.

According to the impact report, the breakdown of visitor expenditures for 2023 in Warren County includes:
– Lodging: $18.54 million
– Food and Beverage: $21.28 million
– Recreation: $10 million
– Retail: $5.96 million
– Transportation: $16.83 million

“We look forward to growing our tourism economy and marketing efforts in Warren County, including launching our Tourism Development Authority and getting our occupancy tax off the ground,” stated Charla Duncan, Director of Warren County Community and Economic Development. “Our small business community, including short-term lodging hosts, should be commended for their contribution to these numbers. Their investment is paving the way for future commitment to our county.”

For more information about Warren County and its tourism opportunities, please visit warrencountync.org or contact Charla Duncan, Warren County Community and Economic Development at 252-257-3115.

The post Warren County Sees 10.8% Growth in Visitor Spending appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC

Team Warrenist — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:31:52 +0000

Konstantin L // Shutterstock

Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC

Stacker compiled a list of places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC using data from Zillow. Places are ranked by the dollar change Zillow Home Values Index for all homes from October 2021 to October 2022. The ZVHI represents a seasonally adjusted price for the middle market for all homes. All 4 cities and towns with data available were included in the list. Charts for each place show the monthly typical home value since January 2018.

#4. Macon, NC

– 1-year price change: +15.7% (+$27,622)
– 5-year price change: +52.0%
– Typical home value: $203,811

#3. Manson, NC

– 1-year price change: +16.3% (+$29,182)
– 5-year price change: +54.7%
– Typical home value: $208,735

#2. Norlina, NC

– 1-year price change: +26.9% (+$29,375)
– 5-year price change: +70.8%
– Typical home value: $138,530

#1. Warrenton, NC

– 1-year price change: +32.0% (+$32,165)
– 5-year price change: +73.4%
– Typical home value: $132,616

The post Places with the fastest growing home prices in Warren County, NC appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Warren County Farmers Market (10/15/2022)

Team Warrenist — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 01:06:26 +0000

WHAT’S AVAILABLE AT THE WARREN COUNTY FARMERS MARKET (10/15/2022)

Windows On Main
Acrylic painted tile coasters sets, as well as vases and tumblers. All sealed with resin. Other crafts as well!

Mom’s Creative Décor and More
Seasonal Wreaths
Everyday Wreaths
Table Arrangements

Fowl Play Poultry Farm, LLC
Cornish Hens
Whole Chickens
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Bone- In Chicken Breasts
Thighs
Drumsticks
Chicken Wings
Leg quarters
Livers
Gizzards
Feet
Eggs – Pasture raised
Honey (Wildflower) All-natural, raw, local honey

*** EBT/SNAP ACCEPTED ***

Tummy Pleasers, LLC
Chocolate Pound Cake with Lemon Drizzle
Lemon Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Mother’s Apple Cake
Blueberry Crumb Cake
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Bread
Brownies
Muffins

Henderson Natural Farm
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms

Oliver Family Farm
Radishes
Butternut squash
Pumpkins
White Japanese baby turnips
Turnip Greens
Persimmons
Cayenne Peppers
Shishito Peppers
Muscadine Grapes

Other Products – Made with essential oils; never synthetic oils
Candles – All natural, plant-based (rose, lavender, vanilla, pumpkin spice and peppermint)
Bath Salts
Salt Scrubs
Salve – A hard salve made with infused oils and herbs for skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, cuts, scrapes, bruises, scars, bug bites, poison ivy and other skin irritations.
Air Freshener (For those customers who have already purchased air fresheners, bring back your bottles for a refill at 1/2 price! Save the Earth and Recycle/Reuse those beautiful glass bottles!

Dillahunt Farm
Eggplant
Shelled field peas
Shelled butter beans
Yellow squash
Peppers
Turnip greens

*****

Shop at the Warren County Farmers Market and support our local growers and makers every Saturday, from 8am-12pm located in the Warren County Health Department parking lot (544 West Ridgeway Street, Warrenton, NC 27589).

The post Warren County Farmers Market (10/15/2022) appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Vote for Lakeland Cultural Arts Center for the Levitt AMP Grant Award !!!

Team Warrenist — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:21:39 +0000

Lakeland Cultural Arts Center is now in the final voting stage of The Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards, which is an exciting, multi-year matching grant opportunity bringing the joy of free, live music to small to mid-sized towns and cities. Littleton is one of only 36 communities selected for this opportunity and we’ll need the support of our entire community to receive this grant!

This funding will establish a free concert series in Lakeland’s new 1200 seat amphitheater space slated to open next year.

Support Lakeland Cultural Arts Center by voting at vote.levitt.org between Sept. 12 and 21!

The post Vote for Lakeland Cultural Arts Center for the Levitt AMP Grant Award !!! appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Spectrum Awarded GREAT Grant for Warren County Broadband Services

Team Warrenist — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:43:21 +0000

The NC Department of Information Technology announced on August 31st that Spectrum Southeast, LLC has been awarded $4,000,000 to deploy broadband services to approximately 1434 households and businesses in Warren County. The required match of the provider is $1,408,229; the county has expressed a willingness to partner with Spectrum in helping to achieve the match.

The Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants are awarded from the federal American Rescue Fund Act State Fiscal Recovery Funds.

In 2021, Spectrum was also awarded a majority of the eligible Census tracts in Warren County through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) federal reverse auction; this funding supports a build out of a fiber network to eligible areas, covering approximately 2,000 households.

Warren County has worked with Spectrum since the RDOF award was announced in early 2021 to leverage federal dollars and apply for state funding as well. At their December 2021 meeting, the Board of Commissioners reached a consensus giving the County Manager authority to move forward in negotiating a partnership with Spectrum to cover homes that were not a part of the RDOF award. GREAT grant funds and county dollars will assist in supplying the funding necessary to cover these households.

Combining these programs will essentially lead to countywide availability of broadband.

Details on a construction timeline and specific household addresses that will be served are in the works.

However, both the GREAT grant and RDOF funding outline a set completion time as part of the funding requirements. The GREAT grant program has a two-year construction timeline after all agreements are finalized.

More information on RDOF can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904. More information on the GREAT grant can be found at https://www.ncbroadband.gov/grants/other-resources/great-grant-state.

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Warren County Tops State in Tourism Growth For Third Year in a Row

Team Warrenist — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:00:17 +0000

County Tops State in Growth Since 2019

Domestic and international visitors to and within Warren County spent $63.01 million in 2021, an increase of 27% from 2020. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

In 2021, visitor spending in Warren County grew 68% from spending levels pre-pandemic; prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the county saw $31 million spent in 2019. Warren County had the highest growth from pre-pandemic levels than any other county in the state.

Visitor spending includes lodging (including second home spending), food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transport.

“Our residents and businesses know that Warren County is a special place; visitors have recognized this for years as well,” stated Charla Duncan, Director of Warren County Community & Economic Development. “Warren County’s travel and visitor industry has been able to demonstrate continued resilience, and even come out in a better position than we were before our COVID challenges.”

“Our strength in Warren County continues to be that our natural and cultural assets are a stable, safe, and desirable resource for visitors.”

In both 2019 and 2020, Warren County was recognized for topping the state in visitor spending growth from the previous years.

Visitor impact highlights for 2021

The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 232 people in Warren County.
Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Warren County was $10.8 million.
Visitor spending totals $3.5 million to the tax base in Warren County.

“Our existing businesses are continuing to see a positive impact from our tourism draw, and we hope that potential businesses can look at this growth and see the value of operating in Warren County as well,” stated Duncan.

These statistics come from the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2021,” which can be accessed at partners.visitnc.com/economic-impact-studies. The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics in collaboration with the U.S. Travel Association.

Statewide, visitor spending in 2021 rebounded by 44.9 percent to reach $28.9 billion. Following the devastating pandemic-related losses of the 2020, the total fell just short of the record $29.22 spent in 2019. Direct tourism employment increased 10.5 percent to 197,500.

“These findings are something that everyone in North Carolina can celebrate,” said Visit NC Director Wit Tuttell. “They’re a testament to the resilience of our businesses and our residents, and to the enduring appeal of destinations that include everything a traveler might want. The economic well-being of the state and all its communities rises with the pleasures travelers find in the natural beauty of our public spaces, our culinary traditions and innovation, our remarkable towns and our spirited cities. North Carolina can claim it all.”

Statewide highlights include:

- Total spending by domestic and international visitors in North Carolina reached $28.9 billion in 2021.That sum represents a 44.9 percent increase over 2020 expenditures. The figure falls 1 percent below the record $29.22 billion spent in 2019.
- Domestic travelers spent a record $28.6 billion in 2021. Spending was up 45.2 percent from $19.7 billion in 2020.
- International travelers spent $337 million in 2021, up 25.6 percent from the previous year.

Visitors to North Carolina generated $3.9 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2021. The total represents a 29 percent increase from 2020.

- State tax receipts from visitor spending rose 34 percent to nearly $1.2 billion in 2021.
- Local tax receipts grew 26 percent to $1.1 billion.
- Direct tourism employment in North Carolina increased 10.5 percent to 197,500.
- Direct tourism payroll increased 18.9 percent to $7.7 billion.
- Visitors spent more than $79 million per day in North Carolina. That spending added $6.4 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.3 million in state taxes and $3.1 million in local taxes).
- Each North Carolina household saved $580 on average in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state. Savings per capita averaged $222.

North Carolina hosted nearly 45 million visitors in 2021.

For more information, contact Charla Duncan at Warren County Community & Economic Development at 252-257-3115.

The post Warren County Tops State in Tourism Growth For Third Year in a Row appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Ceremony Planned for Phase 1 Renovations at Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park

Team Warrenist — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 19:22:56 +0000

Phase one renovations of the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park in the Soul City community are complete and to celebrate, Warren County is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 1st at 10am.

In 2020, Warren County received a grant award from North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to assist with renovations at Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park.

Phase one included renovations to the basketball and tennis courts, upgrades to the pump house electrical, and adding an additional paved walking area.

The day’s festivities will include free activities following the ribbon cutting until 11:30 am such as:

Tie-dye T-shirts: participants can make their own (while supplies last)

Tennis courts: racquets and balls available to use, as well as door prizes

Basketball court: basketballs available, as well as youth shooting station for prizes

Free ice-cream (while supplies last)

The Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park is located at 252 Duke Dr., Norlina, NC.

Phase two renovations will include picnic shelter and bathhouse renovations.

: Renovated tennis and basketball courts at Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park / provided by Warren County NC Government

The post Ceremony Planned for Phase 1 Renovations at Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Warren Growers Farmers Market: 6/25/2022

Team Warrenist — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 05:44:22 +0000

Shop for fresh produce and more every Saturday morning at the Warren Growers Farmers Market.

What’s Available at the Warren Growers Farmers Market (6/25/2022)

Wood-In-Tine
Lathe designed bowls and other natural colored wood items specially collected by Reuben.

Kindred Spirits Pottery – Beautiful and unique handmade pottery
Bowls
Berry bowls
Butter dishes
Pitchers
Jewelry
Vases
Gift tags
Platters
and more…

Henderson Natural Farm
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
Dehydrated Shiitake Mushrooms
Pickling cucumbers (Short’s Family Farm)
Zucchini (Short’s Family Farm)

Mom’s Creative Décor and More
Seasonal Wreaths
Everyday Wreaths
Table Arrangements

S and S Family Farm
Sempervivum plants (“Hens and Chicks”) – succulents to enjoy for years to come

Randy’s Red Maples and More
Elephant ears
Caladium
Japanese Maple trees
Azaleas
Gooseneck Loosestrife
Obedient plants
Blackberry lilies
Dutch Iris
Liriope
Irises
Hostas
Swamp hibiscus
Helabore
Mexican petunias
And More…

Gupton’s Growers
Herbs
Oregano
Sage
Thyme
Lemon Balm

Perennials
Lamb’s Ear
Creeping Jenny
Downy Sunflower
Mountain Mint
Sedum
Blue False Indigo
White False Indigo
White Coneflower
Hummingbird Mint

Annuals
Red Leaf Hibiscus
Cut Flowers and MORE…

Soaps, by Beth – Simple and Natural Homemade Bath Products

Hand/Body Soaps (goat’s milk, honey, and oatmeal based soaps):
“Fresh Face” – All Natural Facial Clarifying Soap
“Basic”: unscented, no added oils
“Blush”: geranium, grapefruit
“Balance”: lavender, lemon
“Daydream”: lavender, vanilla
“Light Musk”: patchouli, bergamot, geranium
“Savory Cedarwood”: cedarwood, orange, clary sage
“Citrus Fresh”: lemon, lime, lavender, rosemary
“Forest Fresh”: lemon, basil, Douglas fir
“Herb Garden”: Lime, basil, rosemary, clary sage

Fowl Play Poultry Farm, LLC
Eggs – Pasture raised…Non-GMO feed from Jeff Bender…Cage-free AT G &D PRODUCE’S BOOTH

BB Organic Farm NC – Low impact, sustainable, all natural, hormone free black Angus beef
SPECIAL: FLANK STEAK – $5.00 per pound
Chuck roast
Bottom roasts
Flank steak
Sirloin steak
Short ribs
Stew meat
Brisket
Ground beef

ORelly’s Curry Q Sauces – Signature Flavors – Temporarily see G & D Produce
Hot Jerk
Mild Jerk
Hot Curry
Mild Curry

G & D Produce, LLC
Yellow squash
Zucchini (varieties)
Trombonico Zucchini
Chinese String eggplant (only a few and more to come)
Thai Frog Lavender Eggplant (a very few and more to come)
Fresh garlic
White, sweet onions
Fingerling potatoes
Yukon gold potatoes
Blue potatoes
Red potatoes
Cucumbers, a few
“Pointy Head”/Early Jersey cabbage
Blueberries
Blackberries
Jimmy Red Grits and Corn Meal (Jeff Bender)

Dillahunt Farm
Kale
Yellow zucchini
Yellow squash
Patty pan squash
Green beans
Salad cucumbers

Oliver Family Farm
Veggies
Grape tomatoes

Other Products
Candles – All natural, plant-based
Bath Salts

*****
The Warren County Growers Farmers Market is held every Saturday, and runs from April to October.
8am-12pm
Located at 544 West Ridgeway Street, Warrenton, North Carolina (in the Warren County Health Department parking lot)

: Visit Warren County NC

The post Warren Growers Farmers Market: 6/25/2022 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Warren Growers Farmers Market: 6/18/2022

Team Warrenist — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 03:03:00 +0000

Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and more every Saturday, from 8am-12pm at the Warren Growers Farmers Market, located at Warren County Health Department parking lot (544 W Ridgeway St A, Warrenton, NC 27589).

WHAT’S AVAILABLE AT THE WARREN GROWERS FARMERS MARKET – 6/11/2022

Henderson Natural Farm
Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms
Dehydrated Shiitake Mushrooms
Pickling cucumbers

Mom’s Creative Décor and More
Seasonal Wreaths
Everyday Wreaths
Table Arrangements

S and S Family Farm
Sempervivum plants (“Hens and Chicks”) – succulents to enjoy for years to come

Gupton’s Growers
Herbs
Oregano
Sage
Thyme
Lemon Balm

Perennials
Lamb’s Ear
Creeping Jenny
Downy Sunflower
Mountain Mint
Sedum
Blue False Indigo
White False Indigo
White Coneflower
Hummingbird Mint

Annuals
Red Leaf Hibiscus

Cut Flowers and MORE…

Soaps, by Beth – Simple and Natural Homemade Bath Products
Hand/Body Soaps (goat’s milk, honey, and oatmeal based soaps):
“Fresh Face” – All Natural Facial Clarifying Soap
“Basic”: unscented, no added oils
“Blush”: geranium, grapefruit
“Balance”: lavender, lemon
“Daydream”: lavender, vanilla
“Light Musk”: patchouli, bergamot, geranium
“Savory Cedarwood”: cedarwood, orange, clary sage
“Citrus Fresh”: lemon, lime, lavender, rosemary
“Forest Fresh”: lemon, basil, Douglas fir
“Herb Garden”: Lime, basil, rosemary, clary sage

Fowl Play Poultry Farm, LLC
Eggs – Pasture raised…Non-GMO feed from Jeff Bender…Cage-free
Honey – All-natural, raw, never heated so contains healthy enzymes! LOCAL HIVES AND LOCALLY HARVESTED, EXTRACTED AND PACKAGED
Chicken – eat fresh grass and non-GMO feed…antibiotic and hormone free, high on omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin E
Cornish Hens
Whole Chickens
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Bone- In Chicken Breasts
Thighs
Drumsticks
Chicken Wings
Beets

ORelly’s Curry Q Sauces – Signature Flavors
Hot Jerk
Mild Jerk
Hot Curry
Mild Curry

*Tastings are available*

Tummy Pleasers, LLC
Chocolate Pound Cake with Lemon Drizzle
Lemon Pound Cake
Old Fashioned Pound Cake
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Bread
Carrot Cake
Yellow Squash Muffins
Fresh Strawberry Preserves

G & D Produce, LLC
Yellow squash
Zucchini
Fresh garlic
Broccoli (Bender Farms) – LAST WEEK
Fingerling potatoes (Bender Farms)
Yukon gold potatoes
“Pointy Head”/Early Jersey cabbage

Jimmy Red Grits and Corn Meal (Jeff Bender)
Blackberries – (Jonathan Bender)

Dillahunt Farm
Kale
Yellow zucchini
Yellow squash
Patty pan squash
Green beans
Salad cucumbers

Oliver Family Farm
Vegetables
Scarlet Nantes Carrots
Texas White Onions

Candles – All natural, plant-based
Bath Salts
Air freshener with essential oils

MY Meat Farm – Pasture raised, local pork
Chops (thick cut bone in and boneless, thin boneless)
Ham Steaks
Boston Butt/Pork Shoulder
Bacon
Breakfast Sausage
Bratwurst (Jalapeño Cheddar, Mango Habanero, Spinach and Feta)
Hot Italian Sausage
Feet

* Tastings are available *

The post Warren Growers Farmers Market: 6/18/2022 appeared first on Warrenist | Warren County NC Arts Culture Lifestyle Events Calendar Warrenton Norlina Littleton News.

Community Design Workshop to be Held for S-Line Transit-Oriented Development Study

Crystal — Fri, 27 May 2022 13:56:27 +0000

Warren County is continuing work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation Integrated Mobility Division to look into transit-oriented development planning initiatives involving the S-Line route in North Carolina. The S-Line is a rail line that connects from Richmond, Virginia down to Tampa, Florida.

A design workshop and public open house will be held on Thursday, June 16th, and will allow the community to provide input into developing a vision for transit as part of the S-Line Transit-Oriented Development Study. Community members will be encouraged to help the designers generate ideas during the design workshops.

The design workshop will be a floating event held from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.

At the design workshop, community members will share their own innovative ideas and feedback. The floating public open house event will allow the community to learn more about the vision for the S-Line Rail Corridor in Norlina.

The public open house will take place from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Both the workshop and public open house will be held at the Warrenton Armory Civic Center, 501 US Hwy 158 Business East Warrenton, NC.

Families are welcome to join, with opportunities in a “Kids Zone” for children to participate as well.

The State of North Carolina’s S-Line project includes six other communities in the region that fall along a 95-mile-long section of the S-Line rail corridor including Apex, Franklinton, Henderson, Raleigh, Sanford, Wake Forest, and Youngsville.

The S-Line is a freight rail line owned by CSX that connects Richmond, Va. to Tampa, Fla, and is the former Seaboard Air mainline. North Carolina and Virginia are purchasing the right of way for the S-line between Petersburg, Va. and Raleigh to grow freight and passenger rail service.

Additionally, the Southeast Corridor Commission and the N.C. Department of Transportation are evaluating the S-Line corridor for high performance passenger rail service as part of the route to connect Washington, D.C. to Charlotte and Atlanta, Ga. (Source)

Transit-oriented development has a goal to connect communities and public spaces by increasing accessibility without having to rely on a personal vehicle. An important aspect of this study is public engagement.

More information about the S-Line Transit Oriented Development Study can be found online at https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/rail/s-line-study.

For more information, contact Charla Duncan, Director of Community and Economic Development, at (252)257-3115 or by email at charladuncan@warrencountync.gov.

Image Credit: NCDOT

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