Travel Small Towns

In this episode of the Travel Small Towns podcast, host Kristy Burns speaks with Nathan and Lori Line about the rising trend of fall travel, particularly to small towns and in reference to a recent press release from Florida State University entitled:

FSU EXPERTS: HOSPITALITY PROFESSORBREAKS DOWN THE RISE OF TRENDY FALL TRAVEL, in which Nathan, a Cecil B. Day Distinguished Professor at the
Dedman College of Hospitality, was quoted.

We discuss factors driving thistrend, including changing post-COVID work schedules.  The conversation highlights the importance ofauthenticity in small-town travel, the unique stories these towns offer, and how social media is helping to promote them.

Nathan and Lori share their personal experiences travelingto small towns and emphasize the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of these destinations compared to larger cities.

In this conversation, Kristy Burns engages with Nathan and Lori to explore the charm and appeal of small towns.They discuss the authenticity of small towns versus tourist-heavy areas, the emotional connections travelers form with these destinations, and the rise of trends like slow travel.

The episode also examines how social media and AIaffect travel marketing and authenticity, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for small towns in the tourism industry.

Takeaways

-Fall travel is increasingly popular due to changing workschedules.

-Small towns offer unique stories and authentic experiences.

-Social media plays a crucial role in promoting small towns.

-Travelers are seeking less mainstream, more authenticexperiences.

-The cost of visiting small towns is often lower than bigcities.

-Authenticity in travel means prioritizing localexperiences.

-Small towns can thrive through effective marketing andcommunity engagement.

-The rise of remote work has opened up new travelopportunities.

-Traveling to small towns can provide a sense of place andcommunity.

-Local insights from social media can enhance travelexperiences. Small towns offer authentic experiences that resonate withvisitors.

-Destination marketing should focus on community and localculture.

-Events are important, but daily engagement with locals iscrucial.

-Travelers are increasingly seeking emotional connections intheir experiences.

-The rise of slow travel reflects a desire for deeperengagement.

-Social media can distort perceptions of small towns.

-AI-generated content can misrepresent destinations andfrustrate locals.

-Small town travel is becoming more popular, especially inthe fall.

-Airbnb has opened up access to small towns for travelers.

-Understanding the small town traveler is key to effectivemarketing.

Contact:

For more information on the Rise of Fall Travel, you can contact Nathan Line at:

Florida State UniversityDedman College of Hospitality

To Follow Lor Line:

Website:

https://lorilinephotography.com/contact

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lorilinephotography

How Galena, Illinois Became a Small-Town Destination

Travel Small Towns opens Season 6 with a conversation about what makes a destination feel authentic, memorable, and worth returning to. Kristy Burns speaks with Terry Mattson, President and CEO of Galena Country Tourism, about how Galena, Illinois balances growth, preservation, and visitor appeal without losing its small-town character.

Key topics

·  In this episode, Terry Mattson shares how four decades in destination marketing shaped his approach to tourism, branding, and community development.

· We discuss why Galena’s identity is rooted in lead mining, river commerce, and 19th-century architecture, with the town tracing its name back to 1826.

· Kristy and Terry talk about what makes Galena hard to replicate: the historic downtown, the hills, the river, and the broader Driftless Area of Jo Daviess County.

·  Terry explains why recent national attention has grown as Galena has become more strategic and more consistent in telling a fuller story beyond Main Street.

·  We discuss the importance of local people, local businesses, and being a trusted planning resource for visitors.

· Terry shares that many travelers come for the expected highlights, then leave with the unexpected moments, such as conversations with residents, scenic backroads, and hidden viewpoints.

· We talk about the idea that the best tourism destinations are also good places to live, with authenticity and historic preservation serving both residents and visitors.

· Terry explains why small towns are increasingly seen as “the new luxury” because they offer space, slower pacing, and a stronger sense of place.

· We discuss traveler types, including couples, girls’ weekends, empty nesters, young families, midweek visitors, motorcyclists, car clubs, and international travelers.

· Terry highlights the range of experiences available year-round, from downtown shopping and museums to skiing, zip lines, Halloween events, Oktoberfest, and holiday traditions like Luminaria and Living Windows.

Topics By Chapter:

- Season 6 opens with Galena as a small-town destination
- Terry’s four decades in destination marketing
- Why Galena’s history begins with lead and river commerce
- What makes Galena nearly impossible to recreate
- Why Galena is getting more national attention
- Telling the fuller story beyond Main Street
- The moments of discovery visitors remember most
- Why a great destination must also be a great place to live
- Off-the-radar spots like Casper Bluff and gravel roads
- Why authenticity and slower pacing matter right now
- Who visits Galena and how they plan their trips
- Why repeat visitation matters more than one-time hype
- How visitors can plan with the visitor center, website, and app
- Why Galena is seeing growth despite changing search behavior
- What a Galena weekend looks like in practice
- Year-round activities from skiing to zip lines
- Holiday events that make Galena feel like a Hallmark setting
- Final travel details and why Terry loves small-town tourism

Notable quotes by Terry Mattson:

“In order to be a truly successful destination, you also have to be a nice place to live.”

“People love Galena Country as much for what it doesn’t have as what it does have.”

“I personally find something very satisfying and very real about small town tourism.”

Follow Galena Country:

Website: https://www.visitgalena.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitGalena

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/visitgalena/

Small towns are finally getting the attention they deserve. If you love finding the places everyone else is just now discovering, subscribe now.

Season Six of Travel Small Towns is all about Small-Town Gems that aren't hidden!

• The towns making noise on Facebook and Instagram
• The local stories behind why they stand out
• The travel creators and guests with the best small-town finds

I’m so excited to share the destinations that are steadily becoming must-visits across the U.S.

🎧What’s one small town you think deserves way more love? Comment on Spotify or social, and Tune in to Season 6 of the Travel Small Towns Podcast.

@travelsmalltowns

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travelsmalltowns/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelsmalltowns?psln=MXYxaDFvNGt2bWUwZA==

In this episode of Travel Small Towns, host Kristy Burns sits down with Nate Spangle, founder of Get Indiana and host of Get In, to talk about the power of storytelling, small-town pride, and why Indiana has far more to offer than many people realize. Nate shares how his love for conversations and community led him to build a media brand focused on uplifting, positive content across the state of Indiana. From tiny towns with fewer than 1,000 residents to major regional hubs, he explains how Indiana’s communities each have their own identity, history, and hidden gems worth exploring. 

The conversation dives into:

-The Birth of Get Indiana

-Road to a Thousand Towns

-Exploring Indiana's Unique Regions

-Impact on Small Towns and Businesses

-The Power of Storytelling in Business

-Promoting Indiana's Hidden Gems

-Exploring Small Town Favorites

-Innovative Small Towns: Wabash and Beyond

-Get Indiana: Uplifting Local Content

- Epic Adventures: Exploring Indiana's Rivers

Follow Nate Spangle & Get Indiana:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557872195082

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/natespangle

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@natespangle

Travel Small Towns spotlights Oconee County, South Carolina, with Cricket Barnett, president and CEO of Visit Oconee. This episode covers why the county stands out as a mountain destination in a state most people associate with beaches, plus the festivals, outdoor adventures, and small towns that make it a strong year-round destination. Cricket shares what makes Oconee County unique, from 50-plus waterfalls to Lake Jocassee, the Chattooga River,and three distinct municipalities with different travel vibes. 

If you’re planning a fall trip, love paddle sports, or want a small-town getaway with festivals and scenic beauty, this one’s packed with ideas. Plus, don’t miss fun facts about the iconic movie filmed here, with scenes you won’t forget!  

In this episode, you will hear: 

- What makes Oconee County unique

- 50-plus waterfalls, rivers, lakes, and small-town appeal

- Mountains, Blue Ridge views, and hiking in South Carolina

- How many waterfalls are marked and explored

- Appalachian geology and the county’s rock features

- National Geographic recognition and Lake Jocassee

- Camping, cabins, tours, kayaks, and paddleboards

- The county’s three main municipalities

- Jazz on the Alley in Seneca

- Christmas lights and holiday events downtown

- Fall festival season and heritage events

- Heritage fair, tractors, animals, and living history

- Walhalla Oktoberfest and German heritage

- South Carolina Apple Festival in Westminster

- Westminster’s Bigfoot Festival

- When the leaves change and why fall is the best season

- Chattooga River paddling and rafting levels

- The movie you’ve seen but may not have known it was filmed in Oconee County

- How the rafting industry started on the Chattooga 

Like and follow Oconee County, SC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitOconeeSC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitoconeesc?igsh=MWI2eXZ1eTM3cmYxZw==

There has been so much interest in the concept definitions of small-town travel that we decided to explore it for our listeners here on the podcast! 
Host Kristy Burns explores the concept of small-town travel and tourism, discussing how small towns are defined, their unique appeal, and how social media is transforming their visibility. This episode offers insights for travelers and small town promoters alike.
In This Episode You Will Hear:
- Introduction to Small Town Travel and Tourism
- How the US Classifies Small Towns by Population
- Perceptions and Qualitative Characteristics of Small Towns
- The Fewer, Better Experience Trend in Small Towns-Difference Between Small Towns and Cities
- Small Towns in the Tourism Space
- Social Media's Role in Promoting Small Towns
- Travel Small Towns Platform and Community
- Recap and Final Thoughts on Small Town Travel

Additional Key Points:

-Definition of small towns in the US
-Qualitative characteristics of small towns
-Impact of social media on small town tourism
-The concept of slow travel and fewer destinations
-Role of agritourism and rural tourism
-Travel small towns platform and community building

Discover the hidden gems of Ouray, Colorado—where history, nature, and community meet! Have you ever wondered what makes this small town extraordinary? Listen as Host Kristy Burns & Visit Ouray Colorado's Marketing and Communications Director, Kailey Rhoten, tell you amazing stories about this mountain town! 

Host Kristy Burns recently visited Ouray on an unforgettable trip—and found it’s more than just the stunning scenery. From dinosaur tracks to ghost towns and Indigenous history, this town is a time capsule waiting to be explored.
What really stole her heart? The community’s passion for preserving their roots—like honoring those who built the town, celebrating its 150th birthday with epic events, and recently hosting Make-A-Wish for a girl’s dream trip. It’s proof that small-town spirit truly runs deep in Ouray. If you're craving authentic experiences, diverse outdoor adventures, and a chance to feel truly welcomed, Ouray should be your next stop. 

In This Podcast, you will hear: 

-The Personal Story of what Brought Kristy to Ouray, Colorado

-Introduction to Ouray and Its Unique Name

- The Rich History of Ouray

-Exploring Outdoor Recreation and Attractions

-Cultural and Historical Significance

-Celebrating 150 Years of Ouray

-Jeeping Culture and Scenic Drives

-Exploring the Backcountry Adventures

-Jeeping and Off-Roading in Ouray

-Weekend Itinerary for Ouray Visitors

-Cultural Experiences and Community Stories

-Making Wishes Come True in Ouray

Check Out Ouray, Colorado!

https://www.visitouray.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/VisitOurayCO

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/VisitOurayCO

Events Calendar:

https://events.ourayridgwayevents.com/

Small towns know how to celebrate big moments. From time capsule openings to parades, fireworks, and community traditions, this America 250 season has been a beautiful reminder of how much pride, history, and heart live in our hometowns.  Wherever you spent the Fourth of July, I’d love to hear what your town did to celebrate!

Listen as Host Kristy Burns Discusses:

- Celebrating America 250: A National Reflection

- Local Events and Community Pride

- Time Capsule Traditions in Small Towns

- Unique Fourth of July Celebrations

- Community Engagement and Local Festivals

- Exploring Small Town Events

- Encouraging Travel to Small Towns

Traveling often comes with its own set of challenges,especially when it comes to managing expectations around accommodations. In this episode, I'll share insights from my recent trip to North Central West Virginia, where I encountered a series of hiccups that reminded me of theimportance of preparation and adaptability in travel. Here’s what I learned and how you can better manage expectations to enhance your travel experience.

Listen in as Kristy talks about her recent experience with:

-Managing Expectations in Travel

-The Importance of Planning Accommodations

-Sticky Kitchens and Wonderful Showerheads!

-Experiencing Unexpected Challenges

-Finding Joy Amidst Disappointment

-Prioritizing What Matters in Travel

Check out our newest episode with the Founder of Castles & Carpools, Candi Hurst, and Host, Kristy Schlosser Burns (My Town Travels). You are going to love this discussion about Giving Back through Travel, Travel Advisors, Experiencing Unique Accommodations, and so Much More! 

Listen in as Candi and Kristy discuss:

-The Journey of Castles and Carpools

-Traveling with Family: Balancing Responsibilities

-The Value of Travel Advising

-Giving Back Through Travel

-Luxury Travel and Unique Experiences

-The Importance of Realistic Travel Expectations

-Personalized Travel Planning and Recommendations

-Exploring European Small Towns

-Experiencing Castles and Unique Accommodations

About Candi Hurst:

Candi (@castlesandcarpools) is a Certified Travel Advisor who creates custom vacation planning for families who want more than just a trip. She designs journeys that educate, inspire, and bring you closer together. The business began out of curiosity about how travel could be used to give back. As a travel writer, she learned to turn vacations into meaningful, immersive experiences focused on education and community impact. She now helps families embark on luxury vacations throughout North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Follow Candi:

Website: Castlesandcarpools.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castlesandcarpools

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/castlesandcarpools