Atlanta welcomes first Route 66 Harvest Hosts visitors

 

[August 09, 2019] 

Casey and Waltraud Leser from Frisco, Texas, recently discovered Atlanta, Illinois through their participation in the Harvest Host program. They became Atlanta’s first Harvest Host tourists – a new program designed to increase tourism in the community.

The Harvest Host program - www. harvesthosts.com  is a membership network that invites self-contained RVers to stay overnight for free at selected sites, attractions, and businesses across the United States. Atlanta became an official Harvest Host site when the Atlanta City Council, recognizing the benefits of tourism to our community, passed a motion at its June 18 meeting, designating three spots in town where Harvest Host members are welcome to spend the night. These include the grounds of the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, the parking lot adjacent to the Atlanta Public Library, and behind the Palms Grill Café in the city parking lot located there.

The Leser’s chose to reserve their Harvest Host spot at the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum in Atlanta because of their passion for history. Casey gave his wife, Waltaud, a Harvest Host membership as a Christmas present last year, so this was one of their first trips staying at Harvest Host sites. When they overnighted in Atlanta, they were on their way to a family reunion in Morris, Illinois.

For a small annual fee, Harvest Hosts members can visit and stay at any of its 700+ locations completely free. In return, they are asked to support the local businesses/attractions they visit.

The goal is to connect RVers with the hidden gems of Real America, where they find unique experiences and make lasting memories with family and friends.

The Staff at Atlanta City Hall take reservations from Harvest Hosts members planning a visit to the community. When checking in for their stay, visitors receive information about the sites, attractions, and businesses they will find in Atlanta. Harvest Host members are encouraged to shop in a local gift shop, make a donation to a museum, eat at a café or buy some gas, etc. Before departing Atlanta, the Leser’s left a donation at Atlanta City Hall for the J. H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum.

The Harvest Host program is open to other communities across Logan County. For information regarding how to sign up, contact Bill Thomas, Logan County Economic Development Partnership at [e-mail] or 217-648-5077.

[Bill Thomas]