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Car Clubs "Rally" at the Marston House
July 2016
By Sarai Johnson

Classic car parade at the Marston House. Photo courtesy Sarai Johnson

Heritage tourism is a driving force in the San Diego economy. Locals and visitors seek out San Diego's rich cultural, historic, and natural resources, making preservation and conservation important components to sustain our thriving city. Tourism is San Diego County's third largest industry and heritage tourism is an important part of this well-oiled machine. According to the San Diego Tourism Authority's 2015 report, tourism countywide employs over 181,000 locals, delivers over $9.9 billion annually and brings more than 34 million guests to our door.

The most visited places are the beaches, San Diego Zoo, museums and historic sites, such as Old Town and Balboa Park. As the National Trust for Historic Preservation reminds us, "studies have consistently shown that heritage travelers stay longer and spend more money than other kinds of travelers." This is evident at the Marston House Museum & Gardens, where we are privileged to meet fellow preservationists and enthusiasts from all over the world. Guests support our dedication to regional preservation efforts and we enjoy hearing about their experiences.

Every day we get to share the important preservation and conservation work that the Marston family had the foresight to achieve. San Diego has benefitted from the Marstons' far-reaching legacy: free beaches, Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Presidio Park, the Serra Museum, and other favorite sites that spark the economy.

This year, we are getting a charge out of recruiting antique and vintage car clubs to take group tours of the Marston House. Of course, promoting a historic site to fellow heritage and architecture tourists is an easy sell, and hosting these fantastic, colorful cars is also an attraction for other like-minded guests-plus anyone who admires fine design, from Stickley to Studebaker. So far, the Early Ford V8 Club, San Diego Model A Ford Club, Triumph Sports Car Club of San Diego and the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club have visited.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! Next up: The Rolls Royce Owners' Club on July 24 at 10am.

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