Bring Your Boots… and Then What?

As the Convention and Visitors Bureau continues with its “Bring Your Boots” campaign, it has created the often asked question. Bring your boots and then what do you do in Victoria when you get here? Not that there is nothing to do in Victoria, but do we have anything unique and outstanding that could attract a visitor here for a full weekend?

Sure we have the Texas Zoo, which is exceptional in its efforts. We have the Museum of the Coastal Bend, the Nave Museum, the Children’s Discovery Museum, a great historic district, the Bach Fest, Theatre Victoria, and a symphony. Is that enough to keep a visitor here for a full weekend? Is that enough to keep our hotels at a 80% occupancy level for a weekend? Sadly, no. These are day trips at best and possible sites to events when a visitor is heading somewhere else, north and south or east and west. Yes, our hotels are full but it is during the weekdays from area industry employees. So counting those hotel occupancies as true “Bring Your Boots” visitors is somewhat of a stretch.

Victoria is a great town. It has the potential of becoming a true weekend destination, but we are years away from actually creating it. Yes, we have restaurants, mainly Asian and Mexican food and few quality national or even regional chains. Shopping is decent but most downtown businesses avoid or refuse to cater to a weekend visitor.

Victoria needs something. It may cost money to develop or it could be something undeveloped that is right under our noses. JACK FM wants to know from you, what does Victoria need? What could we do to make people stay here for a weekend and see what kind of great town we have? Let JACK know your thoughts. Keep it constructive and no personal attacks. JACK FM wants to know.