What Are You Driving At?

Picture this; you’ve driven four hours to vacation in an area that is brimming with things to do and see. You’ve heard so much about it, but you really don’t know where to start. Where to stay. Where to play. Where to eat. 

Good thing there’s a group of dedicated people whose sole purpose is to help people like you make the most of your time here. So, you look up their address on your phone. GPS brings you there as she always does, but you drive right by. Turn around and drive by again. And again. The place you're looking for isn’t here. Instead, there’s a real estate office. 

Darn GPS.

Then from the back seat, one of the kids shouts out, “there it is,” pointing to a sign just below the realtor's sign. GPS was right, after all. The welcome center is actually located inside the real estate office. 

Well, that’s the way it was for Visit Rome, the organization with maybe the funnest jobs in the whole world - promoting all things Rome, Wisconsin. Visit Rome shared office space with Rome Realty for four years - and it served them well. The space was actually perfect. Welcoming in its own right. And just the right size for the task at hand. 

But the Town of Rome is growing. Everyday there is something new to see or do. There are new golf courses joining the lineup of existing world-class courses. The four lakes in the area continue to draw visitors, which in turn creates new businesses and attractions. New restaurants, bars, and retail shops are seemingly popping up around every corner.

And if Rome is growing, then so must Visit Rome. Is it the chicken or the egg thing? Is Rome growing as a result of Visit Rome’s efforts? Or is Visit Rome just trying to keep up? Well, it’s a little of both. Because Visit Rome has outgrown the space at Rome Realty, it’s admittedly time for this chicken to fly the coop. .

Since July, visitors will now ask Siri to bring them to 1146 County Highway D, an address that was vacated by a bank and has sat idle for years. Better yet, it’s on the corner of the most highly traveled intersection in town. 

“Rome Realty has been an amazing landlord. We’ve enjoyed huge success while there, but we’ve outgrown the space, and that’s a good thing. Moving into the old bank building gives us the perfect location for visitors and residents alike. It’s ideal!”

Lisa Kubis
Executive Director, Visit Rome

The new building affords Visit Rome opportunities to grow and expand. There is plenty of storage for their tools of the trade. And importantly, more room to simply spread out. 

Interestingly, Visit Rome intends to leave some elements of the bank intact. Eventually, the vault and safe deposit boxes will serve as time capsules where kids get to hide away their treasures. The drive-thru windows will be the perfect stop to pick up a treat for the dog and some trail mix for you before you hit one of the many hiking trails in the area.

All in all, growth has been good, and Visit Rome is looking forward to serving you at their new location.  And if you’re around on August 31st, be sure to look for their open house. If for no other reason, there will be complimentary hot dogs and ice cream for everyone. 

Written by: Lydell Capritta