GRANDVIEW Touting Tourism

New convention and visitors’ bureau anticipates Grandview growth

By Amanda Ross

Two years ago, Michelle Wilson, executive director of the Grandview Chamber of Commerce, made a proposal to City Council about a community-centric initiative called Destination Grandview.

With the building of Hyatt Place, she knew there would be a bed tax opportunity that could be used to promote Grandview as a community and tourism destination. Wilson has been developing the idea ever since, and next month the initiative is coming to fruition.

Destination Grandview is the new convention and visitors’ bureau for the Grandview area that will work to attract group travelers, as well as meeting planners and leisure travelers, to the area.

“Grandview has a quaint downtown area along Grandview Avenue with original restaurants, boutique shopping and entertainment options” Wilson says. “I think it’s going to be great to watch a 54-passenger bus pull up along the avenue and see a large group of people populate the shops and restaurants.”

Wilson points out that being so close to Downtown, the Arena District and The Ohio State University is a major asset in marketing efforts and hopes the close proximity will promote Grandview into a natural stop on tours.

The Grandview Yard has already become a destination with its first hotel, Hyatt Place, and the Buckeye Hall of Fame Grille. With continued development through Destination Grandview, there will be many more dining and shopping options coming soon to the Yard.

Destination Grandview’s website will be available starting in May with promotions for upcoming summer events including Digfest, the Tour de Grandview bike race and Lazy Daze arts and crafts festival. Sample itineraries will also be available with suggested ways to spend a day or two in Grandview.

“Whether someone is looking for a fun girls’ weekend, a day-long shopping adventure or a historical home tour, it all can be found in Grandview,” Wilson says.

For more information, visit destinationgrandview.org.

Amanda Ross is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@pubgroupltd.com.