The Business of Tourism
The importance of destinations and their meaning to community development will play a role in the future of rural communities. Vinton County is the proximity of the Hocking Hills Region-- and is being played upon by county officials to build a blended economy. The research I have completed shows rural communities blending their economic development and tourism director into one position and creating new opportunities.
The Hocking Hills is developing a dual designation as one for the world and the Columbus Metro area. Hocking Hills does not have quite the appeal of the Smokies or the Blue Ridge Mountains but is moving in that direction. The direction local people hope will move is south. The renovation of the hotel McArtur will tap Vinton County into the Old Hotel’s Facebook Interest group. With the growth of tourism comes challenges and opportunities. I think expanding State Route 93 to a Super-Two-Lane Highway to US 33 at Logan would allow better access to the county’s campsites and the Ravenwood Castle--another Facebook interest destination. Recently, many Vinton County residents followed the Vikings Basketball team to Knightstown, Indiana to the Historic Gym. The town is small and uses the gym for a large tourism base. They have a mixed economy of some small plants along with the rich Indiana farmland and agricultural economy. Kightstown has the advantage of having an I-70 exit--but there are not many businesses there. While the Hocking Hills is a natural destination, the Hoosier gym got an assist from Hollywood as most of the scenes from the iconic Hoosiers Movie were filmed there. A board has been formed and high school kids can play a meaningful game that counts in a yesteryear setting. Total Media Broadcasters Corey Ruby, Michael Evans, and Daniel Stewart discussed in their pre-game show about feeling history all over the place. Ruby stated when to think of basketball Indiana and Kentucky come to mind. It was an experience for these athletes. It would be nice if Hollywood would make a big movie here, maybe one day.
The Hocking Hills is developing a dual designation as one for the world and the Columbus Metro area. Hocking Hills does not have quite the appeal of the Smokies or the Blue Ridge Mountains but is moving in that direction. The direction local people hope will move is south. The renovation of the hotel McArtur will tap Vinton County into the Old Hotel’s Facebook Interest group. With the growth of tourism comes challenges and opportunities. I think expanding State Route 93 to a Super-Two-Lane Highway to US 33 at Logan would allow better access to the county’s campsites and the Ravenwood Castle--another Facebook interest destination. Recently, many Vinton County residents followed the Vikings Basketball team to Knightstown, Indiana to the Historic Gym. The town is small and uses the gym for a large tourism base. They have a mixed economy of some small plants along with the rich Indiana farmland and agricultural economy. Kightstown has the advantage of having an I-70 exit--but there are not many businesses there. While the Hocking Hills is a natural destination, the Hoosier gym got an assist from Hollywood as most of the scenes from the iconic Hoosiers Movie were filmed there. A board has been formed and high school kids can play a meaningful game that counts in a yesteryear setting. Total Media Broadcasters Corey Ruby, Michael Evans, and Daniel Stewart discussed in their pre-game show about feeling history all over the place. Ruby stated when to think of basketball Indiana and Kentucky come to mind. It was an experience for these athletes. It would be nice if Hollywood would make a big movie here, maybe one day.
Recently, many Vinton County residents followed the Vikings Basketball team to Knightstown, Indiana to the Historic Gym. The town is small and uses the gym for a large tourism base. They have a mixed economy of some small plants along with the rich Indiana farmland and agricultural economy. Kightstown has the advantage of having an I-70 exit--but there are not many businesses there.
While the Hocking Hills is a natural destination, the Hoosier gym got an assist from Hollywood as most of the scenes from the iconic Hoosiers Movie were filmed there. A board has been formed and high school kids can play a meaningful game that counts in a yesteryear setting.
Total Media Broadcasters Corey Ruby, Michael Evans, and Daniel Stewart discussed in their pre-game show about feeling history all over the place. Ruby stated when to think of basketball Indiana and Kentucky come to mind. It was an experience for these athletes. It would be nice if Hollywood would make a big movie here, maybe one day.
Whatever the reason a rural community grows, there are avenues taken to create growth and needs as tourists begin to flow. In McArthur, the need is for parking. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is planning to build a 14-car parking lot to accommodate hotels guest.
While the Hocking Hills is a natural destination, the Hoosier gym got an assist from Hollywood as most of the scenes from the iconic Hoosiers Movie were filmed there. A board has been formed and high school kids can play a meaningful game that counts in a yesteryear setting.
Total Media Broadcasters Corey Ruby, Michael Evans, and Daniel Stewart discussed in their pre-game show about feeling history all over the place. Ruby stated when to think of basketball Indiana and Kentucky come to mind. It was an experience for these athletes. It would be nice if Hollywood would make a big movie here, maybe one day.
Whatever the reason a rural community grows, there are avenues taken to create growth and needs as tourists begin to flow. In McArthur, the need is for parking. The Convention and Visitors Bureau is planning to build a 14-car parking lot to accommodate hotels guest.
There may be an opportunity to build another one--as 108 S. Market Street is on the county’s demolition list. The removal of that structure will create a large strip of land near several businesses. A new parking lot would help with Turkey Festival, Forest Rally, and other coming events.
As the new era dawns in the county, residents will trade off how tranquil the county was for a new kind of economy mixed with strong local employers, new tourism-type businesses, and opportunities for cottage “home” crafters who could benefit from flea markets and another selling event.
The small town of Nashville, Indiana has an entailment center destination titled the Brown Music Center and a large state forest. There is a long string of yard sales lining Indiana 46 heading into town.
I think the future looks bright in the county. I would love to see the old high school gym repurposed into an event center for concerts. I would also like to see the fairgrounds used to have motorsports and concert events. The possibilities are endless. The county’s CVB ambitious projects to renovate the hotel and Brick Yards. Good marketing can make the county a destination. Business is about creativity and garnering repeat business.
As the new era dawns in the county, residents will trade off how tranquil the county was for a new kind of economy mixed with strong local employers, new tourism-type businesses, and opportunities for cottage “home” crafters who could benefit from flea markets and another selling event.
The small town of Nashville, Indiana has an entailment center destination titled the Brown Music Center and a large state forest. There is a long string of yard sales lining Indiana 46 heading into town.
I think the future looks bright in the county. I would love to see the old high school gym repurposed into an event center for concerts. I would also like to see the fairgrounds used to have motorsports and concert events. The possibilities are endless. The county’s CVB ambitious projects to renovate the hotel and Brick Yards. Good marketing can make the county a destination. Business is about creativity and garnering repeat business.
On the Road:
Cottage Media Publisher
- Heritage Tourism Done Well in Floyd
Cottage Media Publisher
Business and community spirit displayed in Floyd County, Virginia is a unique display of a growing heritage-tourism business model. Cottage Media took a road trip to the Rural-Virginia Community and found a small--but vibrant--acoustic music scene and thriving business community.
The county does not have any four-lane highways-- but is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is about 25 miles from Blacksburg--and about 40 from Mt. Airy, NC. There are many unique shops and restaurants located there along with the historic Hotel Floyd. At the center of much of the music scene is the Floyd Country Store.The store has gained a national reputation for a Friday Night Jamboree.
The county does not have any four-lane highways-- but is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is about 25 miles from Blacksburg--and about 40 from Mt. Airy, NC. There are many unique shops and restaurants located there along with the historic Hotel Floyd. At the center of much of the music scene is the Floyd Country Store.The store has gained a national reputation for a Friday Night Jamboree.
The store dates back to an 1800's era type look--but modern in communication avenues. There are also tables located in the stage area. There are also several quality dining options to fit almost any taste. The Blue Ridge Diner offers traditional Appalachian foods; Mickey G's Bistro offers pizza and a large mix of foods. Other popular places are the: Chateau Morrisette Restaurant (winebar); El Charro Grill Mexican Restaurant, The Dogtown, and a host of others. The area is small--food offerings are surprisingly large. There is a Food Lion and Hardees.
The music scene now includes “Honk Tonk” Thursday's. Headliner Nashville star Redd Volkaert. He was in Merle Haggard's Strangers Band for six years and has played with Rhonda Vincent and others. He told Cottage Media 11 how he met the iconic Haggard-- one of country music's biggest stars. “As far as Merle goes, I had been a big fan of his forever like everybody else, of course, said Volkaert. “I had met some of the band players through the years,” while I was working in Nashville I got to jam with quite a few of them, having them sit in with my band and Printers Alley. When the time came, Merle had asked the band who they should get as a replacement guitarist, and five out of eight of them said me. Merle himself called me on the phone and asked if I was interested in the job, no audition or anything, just come show up and play. So, to me, that was like winning the lottery.” Recently, he moved to the Galax area but did not realize he was about to embark on a new chapter. “Dylan Locke, the owner of the Floyd Country store, sent me an email about two months after I had moved here to Galax,” said Volkaert.
Redd Volkaert, (on guitar) was a member of Merle Haggard's Strangers Band. He is joined by Dylan Locke ( bass; Nick Falk ( drums).
“He asked if I would be interested in playing at his store. I said probably not because I do not play old-time music or Bluegrass. I am just a regular old country guy.” He said that's what I want because I would like to put a honky-tonk night together at the store.” When I arrived, the crowd was good, and people were dancing. Later on, I drove into the countryside and stopped at a Wildwood Farms General Store. I met owners Bob and Judy Bowman. The unique business blends history, music, and tasty food as well as they have a stage and have shown (SHOWS). Floyd is a fine example of good crafting mixed with high quality. Floyd is a fine place to visit.
Exploring the Nature Wonderland in the Mississippi Hills
The Northern Mississippi area has some beautiful scenery such as this pond in Desoto County. The Magnolia State has much to offer including music, seaports and historical locations. (Submitted by Gene Redwine,)