Fall Colors Mean Big Bucks For Western North Carolina

As the leaves change in western North Carolina, green is the big color for most businesses.

October is one of the strongest economic months for area businesses as tourists flock to the region to view the reds, oranges and yellows of fall.

Western Carolina University economist Steve Morse told the Asheville Citizen-Times that October is like Black Friday in the mountains of western North Carolina.

A recent economic impact study from Tourism Economics found that Buncombe County attracted nearly 11 million visitors last year. Those visitors spent nearly $2 billion.

Marla Tambellini is with the Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau. She says the fall foliage season is estimated to be responsible for about 12 percent of hotel occupancy for the year. She adds that demand is currently running ahead of last year's pace.