Tourism
Cases shown below are listed with the most recently updated at the top.
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Cape Charles, VA
With a local economy crippled by plant closures and environmental problems, Cape Charles bridges these challenges with the nation's first eco-industrial park.
Scotland Neck, NC
Strong mayoral leadership leads this small town to implement new strategies for addressing old challenges. Scotland Neck helps its small businesses to attract tourists and attracts new industries that can employ the local workforce.
Hillsborough, NC
With an identity proudly rooted in its small town history, and a location ideal for commercial development, Hillsborough strikes a savvy balance between preservation of its past and growth for its future.
Abingdon, VA
The Barter Theatre, a staple tourist attraction in Abingdon, VA, was forced to indefinitely close its doors when the pandemic hit. The Barter then created “Barter at the Moonlite,” repurposing a former drive-in movie theater in the community for performances. The venue serves as an innovative way to continue attracting tourists to the area.
Big Stone Gap, VA
This town’s choice to embrace ecotourism and to support local entrepreneurs is transforming the local economy and providing residents with a sense of accomplishment and independence from the control of industry outsiders.
Black Mountain, NC
This small town bridges a thriving local arts scene with economic development to restore its cultural identity and enlarge the tax base.
Branson, MO
Branson, with a local economy reliant on theater-based tourism, doesn’t rest on its laurels. Local leaders pursue a large mixed-use project to diversify Branson’s economy and to increase year-round employment.
Chimney Rock, NC
A downtown makeover and the construction of a river walk, joining Chimney Rock’s business district to the Rocky Broad River, spurs the creation of new businesses.
Colquitt, GA
Colquitt uses the arts as a tool for community empowerment and economic diversification. The success of a community-based performing arts project has resulted in extensive downtown revitalization and economic development.
Columbia, NC
The ecotourism strategy in Columbia is characterized by an innovative approach to governance and dogged protection of natural resources.
Etowah, TN
Etowah’s persistence and high standards yielded one of the most scenic rail trips in the nation, an attraction that is spurring downtown retail, restaurant and hospitality development and innovative approaches to industrial recruitment.
Bakersville and Hayesville, NC
Two small rural communities in the mountains of North Carolina build civic infrastructure and partnerships, and boost tourism by elevating heritage and cultural assets and revitalizing downtown.