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 RiversFollow Nate Spangle & Get Indiana:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557872195082Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natespangleYouTube: 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/VisitOconeeSCInstagram: 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 TravelAdditional 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 OurayCheck Out Ouray, Colorado! https://www.visitouray.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitOurayCOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/VisitOurayCOEvents 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 AccommodationsAbout 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.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/castlesandcarpoolsInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/castlesandcarpools

Check out our newest episode with Morris, Minnesota’s Tourism Coordinator, Brandy Miller, and Host, Kristy Burns. You are going to LOVE the deep dive into small town tourism in this episode- what it is, how it benefits, and how it’s trending!Listen in as Brandy and Kristy discuss:      -A Welcome to Morris, Minnesota -Discovering Morris's Natural Wonders   -Sustainability and Agriculture in Morris         -ExploringOutdoor Activities and Accommodations          -The Vibrant Downtown Experience-Unique Events in Morris   -The Importance of Family-Friendly Activities      -The Unique Charm of Small Towns      -The Benefits of Slowing Down       -The Value of Taking Time Off-Reflecting on Life's True Priorities     -Evaluating Life Through Health Scares  -The Role of Relationships in Travel        -Understanding Money and Value-Home Exchange, VRBOs, and Travel Opportunities-Creating Win-Win Scenarios in Small Towns    -The Importance of Community Engagement     - Sales as Service and Accountability        -Connecting with Small Town Life       -The Heart of Small Town ConnectivityFollow Morris, Minnesota Tourism: Website: https://www.morrismntourism.com/@facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitmorrismn@Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morrismntourism/

Listen in to hear Kristy's thoughts on the Small Town opportunities to be gained from National Travel & Tourism Week! Kristy dives into the trends and covers: -Introduction to National Travel & Tourism Week-The Economic Impact of Domestic Travel-Trends in Small Town Travel- The Rise of Second Cities and Small Towns-Traveling Amid Economic Pressures- The Shift Towards Regional Travel-Understanding Small Town Travel- The Importance of Community in Travel-Conclusion and Future Outlook for Small Town Travel and how you can be a part of it this year!

Okay, here it is, the episode that gives you an insider viewof writing small town material. Listen to Daniela’s Journey to create her debut Novel, I Can Save Her, the real-life inspiration behind the story and what it takes to truly become a writer. Listen in as Daniela and Kristy discuss:- How our childhood memories stay with us and inspire uslater in life. - How capturing stories behind the lens for years turnedinto a passion for writing. -How small-town travel truly played a major role in Daniela’sdebut novel. -How a journey Daniela decided to take on a women’s retreatin Colorado, confirmed her path to writing. -How making travel part of your lifestyle can change thedirection of your life. -How to figure out what type of writer you are. -Why for Daniela, becoming a “thriller writer” also needs toinclude humor.-Overview of Daniela’s Debut Novel, I Can Save Her.- The Real-Life Town that inspired Daniela’s novel.-Is Kristy Burns a part of this book?? Guess you’ll have tolisten and read the book to find out about this hilarious little mishap! -A small-town shout out from Daniela. -Upcoming projects from Daniela Murray.  About Daniela Murray:Hi, I'm Daniela (Photographer turned Storyteller)After 17+ years behind the lens, capturing emotion andmoments in a single frame, I felt called to tell stories in a new way. What I once captured through light and lenses, I now tell with words—letting the stories unfold slowly, and without apology. While I have only written one book so far, I have self-publishedthrough Amazon and learning new things everyday. I discovered I enjoy writing what I love to read. Fast-paced, easy to fall into, with unexpected humor and moments of whiplash and thrill along the way. Looking ahead in 2026, I have several projects in theworks: A YA novel more suited for a teen audience (as requested by my son), the sequel to my debut novel, and my first Rom-Com.When I am not writing or behind the camera, you'll find mebeing a mom to two kiddos. They keep me on my toes and have been my biggest cheerleaders through this entire journey. In my downtime, I'll be reading romance (the smuttier kind) or a good psychological thriller likely by Freida Mcfadden.Follow Daniela Murray:Website: https://www.danielamurray.com/Facebook: @https://www.facebook.com/DeedeedavilaInstagram: @https://www.instagram.com/danielam.author/TikTok: @https://www.tiktok.com/@daniela.m.author