Today's Article

“Sometimes there will be one or two up on a live tree.”

Instead, they're in the woods looking for the delicacy known as the 3Morell mushroom. The Morell Mushroom hunting club's host Chris Matherly says it's the right time and place to 4pluck the 5spongy yellow fungi.

“We started in Georgia and you know it's 6midway through the season. We're in Illinois and I'll be going to Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan. Then I go out to 7Pacific Northwest.”

Matherly says it's the group's first time in Nebo, and it won't be their last.

“But these are at least three weeks 8exposed out of ground, and they're perfect shape and perfect size and absolutely delicious.”

He says they've 9collected twelve pounds of mushrooms, enough for 10a feast.

“...did appetizers, soups, pasta. Morale alfredo.”

Lodge owner Gary Harpole says 11utilizing the region's 12natural resources has helped build a 13booming tourism business.

“One of my beginning Philosophies was like Colorado uses the mountains and snow for skiing, and Florida uses the beaches in the sun, so people attract…. We need to use our natural resources. We just don't think about it sometimes.”

Harpole says he doesn't see an end to 14the growth in the 15tourism industry, which is why he recently opened up an all new Quail Ridge cabin.

“One of the reasons we 16acquired this cabin was we're out of space on weekends.”

Harpole says the growth in outdoor tourism has helped not only his bottom line but 17boosted the Pike County economy, as well.