Over the past few months, the weekly visits from riverboats has become a welcome influx to the Vicksburg economy, specifically to those restaurants and businesses along Washington Street and Downtown Vicksburg as a whole.

Visitors from Indiana, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota and every other state in the Union and countries throughout the world, have stepped off these ornate riverboats and breathed life, and dollars, into the local economy.

But while these boats and visitors are increasingly valuable to our local economy, as is tourism as a whole, it also proves that there is so much more that we could be doing, so much potential that is being left untapped.

Admittedly, Vicksburg’s riverfront has a lot to be desired. It pales in comparison to other riverfront communities, especially Natchez, when it comes to appearance, amenities and overall usefulness. In short, Vicksburg’s waterfront lacks curb appeal.

As visitors arrive, they are greeted by a less than spectacular flood wall, below average docking facilities, an abandoned hotel in the Portifino Hotel, a weathered sign painted on the flood wall and a power substation. None of these items will make it on the next round of Welcome to Vicksburg postcards.

Again, there is potential and untapped revenues just waiting.

Recently, we reported about the Downtown Vicksburg tax district that goes to help spur economic growth in downtown. It has been very successful it its history and we applaud its recent renewal.

The development, growth and revitalization happening downtown is historic in nature and one that will pay off for years to come.

But, Vicksburg’s waterfront is a glaring shortcoming to that downtown development.

The City of Vicksburg should begin immediately looking at ways to improve access to the waterfront, incentivize development and find ways to make our waterfront far more appealing to residents and visitors alike.

Vicksburg is positioned to be a far bigger attraction than our sister cities to the south and to the north. Our downtown businesses, restaurants and attractions match up toe-to-toe with the best around. But we fall short with our welcome mat.

Vicksburg is far too great a place to visit to be nothing more than a boat launch and a weathered welcome sign.