ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. -
We're only a few weeks away from the beginning of Fall and for many Vermont communities that also brings in good business.
There is a lot of optimism from business owners in the Northeast Kingdom about what the fall season can do for the bottom line this year and frankly it all comes down to one thing. The foliage.
Whether it's Ed Poginy at Eastern Main Market Deli.
"I think we're going to have a pretty good up tick," Poginy said.
Or Sheila Weston at Red Tag Consignment.
"We're hoping for a very large crowd," Weston said.
Businesses in St. Johnsbury just can't wait for the leaves to change colors.
"St. Johnsbury has a lot of momentum now," Scott Beck said.
Scott Beck is owner of the Boxcar and Caboose book and candy store and is also the Executive Director of the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of commerce. He says that with the multi-colored leaves come tourists.
"Tourists really are what allow us to make a little bit and get some capital to improve the store," Beck said.
But it's the combined strength of all the businesses in the area that keep visitors coming back.
"They come because of what they've heard but once you get them here you gotta walk the walk," Beck said.
After severe storms kept many tourists from coming to the Northeast Kingdom last year
"That really just killed the foliage tourists traffic," Beck said.
"People just thought that Vermont was decimated and in many places it was."
All of business owners are hoping for the leaves to hold up…
"A lot of interesting new people coming into the area," Weston said.
And bring back the business…
"I think we're going to have even a little better year this year.
That puts them over the top.
