The Upper Cumberland Tourism Association working to showcase six Upper Cumberland counties through the Smalltown Tennessee Christmas initiative.
The association spotlighted Cookeville, Granville, Livingston, McMinnville, Smithville and Sparta this year to bring tourists into the Upper Cumberland. Executive Director Billie Davis said tourists dollars are an asset to small businesses. Davis said a list like this allows people to see what this part of the state has to offer.
“Like sometimes it’s just easier to get online and shop,” Davis said. “But, those small businesses, like I said, that have put their heart and soul into running this business, if we don’t support them, if we don’t shop small in those businesses, they may not be here next year.”
Davis said we should give more credit to our local business owners and the natural beauty of what we have locally. Davis said the participating businesses have stepped up, as the association put the list together faster than previous years.
Davis said the more rural areas put on wonderful Christmas events. Davis said the Association uses the initiative to show tourists what they might not expect from the area. Davis said Christmas is the perfect time to showcase the Upper Cumberland.
“The goal and the hope is that they’re going to fall in love with it like we do and they’re going to come back,” Davis said. “And that’s the hope.”
Davis said tourists vitalize the economy of Upper Cumberland towns and cities through spending money locally. Davis said people can register for their 12 Days of Christmas giveaway event. Local businesses owners donate items to the Association website. The gifts include lodging stays, handmade arts and crafts and a kayak. Davis said she hopes when people see what businesses can offer from the area, they will want to visit.
“You’ve got to have the visitors coming in to help boost that economy,” Davis said. “To help keep that business that you love open year-round.”