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Apple Basket owner and county welcome center describe tourism support and community outreach
Summary
During a field visit by county commissioners, proprietors and welcome center staff described local retail, historic building reuse and the county welcome center's role supplying brochures, maps and group-tour information to visitors and residents.
Charlene Sergatus, owner of the Apple Basket on Route 235, and staff at the St. Mary's County Welcome Center told visiting county commissioners that small retail sites and the welcome center together help convert visitors to local customers and support heritage tourism.
Sergatus described the Apple Basket as a mixed retail and antique shop housed in a historic building built in 1881; she said she bought the building about 15 years earlier and that roughly 30–40% of current inventory is antiques. "We carry a little bit of everything," Sergatus said, describing seasonal transitions and the store's role as a stop for visitors on U.S. 235.
At the welcome center, staff said they provide maps, destination guides, group-tour materials and mailings for people moving into or visiting the county. Center staff said they also support genealogy and history research requests and coordinate material with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners to direct visitors toward historic sites and beaches in the county.
Commissioners and center staff noted the welcome center functions both for out-of-state visitors and longtime local residents who may not be aware of county attractions. The visitorship model described by center staff prioritizes the welcome center as a first-stop information hub for group tours and individual travelers.
The Apple Basket owner and welcome-center staff also discussed how retail and tourism partners can work together to encourage visitors to "eat, shop and do" in the county—the phrase used by a presenter—to extend visitor stays and local spending. The commissioners presented the welcome-center staff with a commemorative plaque during the visit.
No formal county actions were taken during the site visit; commissioners used the visit to hear from local business and tourism partners and observe facilities.
