My Town Travels

09/02/2026

Friends, check out my New Episode of the Travel Small Towns Podcast!🎙🎉

Season 5 Episode 20 - Nate Spangle, Founder, Get Indiana, and Host of Get IN

Listen Now👇
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gLhmD6AxcwOwnah1XYPdH?si=KRvsVmu1S6S6G22WUVvspA&utm_source=copy-link

OR SUBSCRIBE On your Favorite Listening Platform Here👇

https://travelsmalltownspodcast.com/

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

08/30/2026

When you're invited to the lake for the weekend and you get a few quiet moments to yourself❤️

08/19/2026

New Episode of the Travel Small Towns Podcast!🎙🎉

Season 5 Episode 19 –Visit Oconee County, South Carolina - Waterfalls, Mountain Lakes, and Small-Town Festivals!

Listen Now👇
https://open.spotify.com/show/6fPSa7p2f32VnQwAY67Ekp

OR SUBSCRIBE On your Favorite Listening Platform Here👇

https://travelsmalltownspodcast.com/

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 that was 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 small towns to visit

- 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

Visit Oconee SC - Oconee County, South Carolina

08/18/2026

Do not miss tomorrow's Podcast Episode with Cricket Barnett, President/CEO of Visit Oconee County, SC! This is a small-town destination National Geographic named
"One of the world’s last great places—
a destination of a lifetime".

About Visit Oconee SC - Oconee County, South Carolina:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVPOyz4tlUE

Subscribe now on your favorite listening platform:
https://travelsmalltownspodcast.com/

Located in the, Upstate of South Carolina and the foothills of the ...

08/06/2026

Check Out My New Episode of the Travel Small Towns Podcast!🎙🎉

Season 5 Episode 18 –What is Small Town Travel?

Listen Now👇

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RFsR7B8rpk7zrqU8gw16V

OR SUBSCRIBE On your Favorite Listening Platform Here👇

https://travelsmalltownspodcast.com/

There has been so much interest in the concept 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

07/30/2026

Finally starting to go through the content for our recent trip to North Central West Virginia!

Whenever we travel as a family, the first thing we look for is a good farmer's market, and this area near Cheat Lake & Morgantown had several great options.
The first place we went was Mal's Fresh Produce. I'm not sure I've ever seen two sixteen-year old boys have this much fun buying produce & specialty products!😂

07/23/2026

New Episode of the Travel Small Towns Podcast!🎙🎉

Season 5 Episode 17 –Visit Ouray, Colorado

Alpine Community in the "Outdoor Recreation Capitol of Colorado"

Listen Now👇
https://open.spotify.com/show/6fPSa7p2f32VnQwAY67Ekp

OR SUBSCRIBE On your Favorite Listening Platform Here👇
https://travelsmalltownspodcast.com/

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!

I 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 my 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/
VisitOuray

07/09/2026

New Episode of the Travel Small Towns Podcast!🎙🎉

Season 5 Episode 16 – America 250- Small Town Fun!

Listen Now👇
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0C02N52DVKh4UWCy80u52O?si=F243A71CRKexuVgqbycLTw

OR SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite Listening Platform Here👇

https://travelsmalltownspodcast.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! New Episode of the Travel Small Towns Podcast!🎙🎉

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

07/08/2026

Oh my goodness, Little Finn!
So, for the 4th this year we decided to go check out Small Town Thornville, Ohio's Freedom Festival, and Finn insisted on joining the Hotdog Eating Contest with the adults 😂. (Isn't that just soooo small town fun!)
Thank you so much to Perry County Judge, Luann Cooperrider, for making quick friends with Finn and helping him out! ❤️❤️

In the end, The fireman won🙌, but Finn did not come in last!😀😂

07/03/2026

This flier makes this small town girl smile! I'm Loving the water tower!
We will definitely be checking out with little Finn 😍🎉🇺🇸