RABBIT HASH, Ky. -- The Rabbit Hash-Rising Sun ferry has done more than just connect two communities. It's also been a boon to businesses.
It was hard to find a parking spot near the general store in Rabbit Hash on Monday, and residents said that's uncommon but due in part to the early success of the ferry.
"It's hard to tell," Rabbit Hash General Store volunteer Jay Brandt said. "Is it the novelty? People trying (the store) out for the first time? We hope it's sustained."
Rabbit Hash residents said they have noticed an increase in new faces around town.
"It's been nice to see the first-time visitors," Brandt said. "People have been really enjoying discovering the magic of Rabbit Hash."
Since the ferry started running in late September, Verona Vineyards winery went from being open three days a week to seven.
"Usually in Rabbit Hash on a Tuesday afternoon, you'd have to honk your horn to get the dogs out of the street. They'd be out taking a nap in the sunshine," Verona Vineyards manager Thomas Lubbe said. "Since the ferry has been open, there's a bump in the number of people through the week."
Whether the business created by the ferry is good or bad for the community depends on who you ask. Some of the locals aren't happy with the increased traffic that the boost in tourism has brought.
The Rising Sun ferry runs seven days a week.
