Every October millions of people travel through New England to see the Fall Foliage.  It creates, among other things, traffic jams and cash flow.  In May the Cherry Blossom Festival draws millions more to Washington DC.  Seasonal tourism is a super cash generator for regions blessed with special but short term beauty.

The golden Hills of California are one such phenomenon.   I suspect that if San Luis Obispo County were to begin to promote the Golden Hills Season it could create for itself the same type of opportunity as New England and Washington DC.

The Golden Hills are at there best in July and early August.  Before the peak season the hills are green and the contrast isn’t there.  After August they start to turn brown.  But when the golden hills are framing the oak trees in the valleys the beauty is equal to the autumn colors in New England.

How could San Luis Obispo County create this opportunity?

• Have a Golden Hills Festival
• Create a tour route and promote it online
• Get bus tour operators to schedule weekend tours from LA
• Have a photography contest

You see brown hills and I see a golden opportunity.