Vidalia

Tourism has long been important to  Concordia Parish�s economy, and the parish is positioning itself to draw even more visitors.

The Vidalia Riverfront has undergone a transformation in recent years, including the addition of a three-story, 103-room hotel and new places to eat. A planned convention center near Vidalia City Hall will be another drawing card.

Vidalia seems to be sitting pretty for the future with the two-year-old, publicly funded Riverfront sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, well located across the river from historic Natchez, Miss.

Former Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothlin now spearheads commerce and tourism efforts for the parish. He said the planned convention center in Vidalia and the Riverfront development should help generate new economic activity.

�I�ve seen it from working and living here. Everybody here�s on the same page,� McGlothlin said. �When you have that, you can do anything. The history is always going to draw people here, but we�re improving in other important things. We�re about business now.�

Comfort Suites owner Virgil Jackson said he expects a continued resurgence of tourism-related jobs. His hotel is routinely booked months in advance for events such as the Jim Bowie Festival and the balloon festival in Natchez.  �... it�s getting bigger every year,� Jackson said.

"We are drawing people from France, Germany and England,� Lynette Tanner said. �And I think people are fascinated by the cotton. It�s mysterious. It�s the only crop you can eat and wear.�

Excerpts from article by Eugene Sutherland: (318) 487-6380

Former Ferriday Mayor Glen McGlothin has been named marketing director for the Vidalia Riverfront.  McGlothin is employed by the Town of Vidalia and said he will be working to promote business for the riverfront and to enhance the business of those firms already operating along the river.

Taconey Plantation, Lovice Beard Lane, Vidalia, LA
Phone (601) 445-8416-Howell Gardener

Description:  Built in 1850, Taconey Plantation was the birthplace of John R. Lynch, the first African-American to become a U.S. Representative from the state of Mississippi. The plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Call (601) 445-8416 for information

Lodging

Budget Inn, 700 Carter Street, Vidalia, LA 71373, (318-336-4261)
Comfort Suites Riverfront, 100 Front Street, Vidalia, LA 71373, (318-336-1655)

Links for more information:

City of Vidalia Web Site:  http://www.cityofvidalia.com 

Miss Lou Maze Craze: http://www.missloumazecraze.com

http://www.nostalgiaville.com/travel/Louisiana/vidalia/vidalia%20la.htm