FOLEY, Ala. - If the travelers coming down Alabama 59 know more about the attractions and offerings of Foley, they will have more reason to stop.

With the opening of the new Visitor Center, those visitors will be provided information on lodging, restaurants and events and get a quick history of The Forward City.

"We all known Foley is a great place to visit and work and play, and thisis a rgeat way to let other people know about that," LaDonna Hinesley, city marketing director, said.

The new center held a grand opening event Thursday at its Alabama 59 and County Road 24 location. City leaders, residents and volunteers attended the event to help kick off the new Foley attraction.

"What we're trying to do is supplement what the South Baldwin Chamber has already done trying to catch people coming down south," Mayor John Koniar said, noting the goal of building another center is to "further promote and develop the downtown area" and raise awareness of visitors and tourists coming through the city.

The visitor attraction is in the lobby of the Snook Telephone Building. There were signs placed on the highway and at the building to let visitors know of the additional attraction.

The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday during peak tourist season and the same hours on Monday through Friday the rest of the year. Hinesley defined the tourist season as Spring Break to Labor Day.

There also is a visitor center located at 109 W. Laurel Ave., and it will remain open to serve downtown visitors.