Why should a group visit your hometown?
Beth Quaderer
Community State Bank | Harvest Club
Union Grove, Wisconsin
This explanation requires stating that we had a terrible tornado come through here in November 2010. The tornado took its toll on the Racine County Fairgrounds/Old Settler’s Park, an attraction we love. Well, an artist came in and took advantage of the half-sawed-down trees in the park and made carvings in those trees that include an eagle, an ear of corn, a milk bottle, animals — you name it. It’s a fascinating place to see.
Peggy Thompson
Bank of Sullivan | Roadrunners
Sullivan, Missouri
On your way to nearby Meramec Caverns, once Jesse James’ hideout, stop in Sullivan for a famous hamburger at the iconic Du-Kum Inn. People who move away from here and then return often stop at the inn for a burger before they do anything else. Just a tip: While they are known for their burgers, my favorites include their onion rings, homemade pies and their chicken Caesar salad with poppy seed dressing.
Shelly Tate
Chillicothe State Bank Distinguished Citizens Club
Chillicothe, Missouri
Known as “The Home of Sliced Bread” — my father-in-law came home from World War II and operated one of the original slicing machines in a bakery — our community, located in the rolling hills of northern Missouri, has a renovated downtown with a classic courthouse square, a park with fabulous farm-related sculptures and 14 murals that reflect our railroad heritage, and more. On the first Fridays of the month in the summer, you can enjoy music and local food in the park and certainly purchase a sliced-bread T-shirt or mug.
Sam Burrell
Jasper Banking Co. | Preferred Travel
Ellijay, Georgia
As the Apple Capital of Georgia, please come to this beautiful community between August and November and visit one of 10 orchards, where there are petting farms, lots of vegetables and, of course, the best apples. Because of our location at the start of the Appalachian Mountains, there are scenic trails to walk and bike. Perhaps the best time to visit is during our annual Apple Festival in October. Over 300 vendors, with handcrafted items, an antique car show and a parade, are just a few highlights.
Cindy Mosley Whitwell
Pine Bluff National Bank | PBNB Crown Club
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Ten murals in our downtown that depict old Pine Bluff are reasons to visit our charming town. Located in Pine Bluff’s Regional Park, our Delta Rivers Nature Center, featuring a wildlife observatory, an aquarium, a wildflower meadow and all things wild in nature in Arkansas, is a favorite attraction with visitors and locals. Although our alligator recently escaped from the center, no need to worry: He’s back.
Abbie Patrick
Peoples Bank | Peoples Platinum
Puckett, Mississippi
We are a town with a four-way stop and a sign that reads “400 friendly people and a few old sore heads live here.” But we are known throughout Mississippi for good food at Billy Burgers and also our beautiful park, Twelve Oaks Trail and Arboretum. There are wonderful walking trails in this gem.
