Meet Kyle Bennett

Get to Know

Kyle Bennett

Woodstock’s Tourism Manager

What is your main responsibility?

As tourism manager, I am involved in marketing efforts, promoting Woodstock as a destination to visit. I also manage several popular events, such as the WDSTK Scarecrow Invasion, Woodstock Farm Fresh Market, Discover WDSTK Scavenger Hunt and Family Fun Night. The other major part of my job is managing the Woodstock Visitors Center.

Describe a typical day on the job.

Really, there is no typical day with this position, which I love about this job. Some times of the year, I am super busy managing an event. For example, during September and October, most of my time was dedicated to managing and promoting the WDSTK Scarecrow Invasion. Other times, most of my day will be focused on marketing efforts.

What is your background?

I have been with the city of Woodstock for 16 years. I graduated from Berry College with a bachelor’s degree in government. During college, I had a museum internship, which gave me experience working at a tourism destination. I wanted to work locally in Cherokee County, since I grew up here, so the chance to work for the city of Woodstock was the perfect opportunity for me.

Since the 1840s, my family has lived in Cherokee County in Salacoa Valley, which is the rural part of Cherokee County, north of Waleska. I grew up hearing stories from my relatives about the history our family had in the area, what the area was like in the past, and how it had changed. I had a unique childhood in that I grew up on a cattle farm.

What was it like to be named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 Under 40 group?

It was such a surprise and honor! I was nominated for this because, earlier this year, I was named as one of Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals. I was thrilled to receive the honor from the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, but I did not think there was a chance I would be selected for the Georgia Trend list. It truly is a recognition of the hard work that myself and so many others have put into making downtown Woodstock one of the best downtown areas in the state of Georgia.

What is the most unusual request you’ve gotten?

Well, working at a visitors center, you constantly get unique and weird requests. The most unusual request I’ve gotten was a call from a mom whose son was dating a girl from Woodstock. Her son was going to be visiting Woodstock for the first time and wanted to propose to his girlfriend here. So, his mom called and asked for my advice on romantic spots in Woodstock where her son could propose. Giving proposal advice was not something I ever expected to do at work.

What 2023 project are you excited about?

We are in the process of launching a new marketing campaign for the area titled, Woodstock: Base Camp to North Georgia. We are really excited about this marketing effort’s potential and the outreach events this campaign will include.

What goals do you have?

My goals include continuing to work to make downtown Woodstock the best downtown area in the state, and building Woodstock’s recognition as a great place to visit!

On the personal side, I am currently single. But, in the future, I hope to get married and start a family in Cherokee County.

How do you spend free time?

I love to read, and I also am a big fan of sci-fi, especially “Star Wars.” Because of my love of books and “Star Wars,” I started a YouTube channel where I review books and talk about the latest franchise content. I post weekly videos at www.youtube.com/yhctower. I have been honored to be featured on some “Star Wars” panels at Dragon Con in Atlanta the past couple of years, which was probably the coolest and nerdiest achievement of my life.

I am a big sports fan. I love the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta United, the Falcons and the Hawks. I love history, the outdoors, going on hikes, and I am always up to visit a history museum.