Dream Big in Small Town NC

“Sweeping waterfronts, unique Airbnbs, and world-class breweries -- it's all part of a campaign called Dream Big in Small Town NC, which encourages people to travel and see the history and charm of North Carolina's small towns.”- WRAL, June 2022

North Carolina Always has been contracted by Visit NC and the Economic Development Partnership of NC to manage the NC Rural Tourism Recovery Project, also known as, Dream Big in Small Town NC. North Carolina Always specifically assists rural tourism partners in NC with identifying assets in their communities to maximize the marketing opportunities presented by the program. Dream Big in Small Town NC is designed to promote designated rural areas to visitors who are potentially interested in relocating to the 16 counties, which are deemed to be at risk for population loss. The pilot program focuses on showcasing the people, places, and businesses that make these rural regions a collection of unique destinations.

The 16 rural counties are grouped into three regions: the Scenic Mountains (Graham, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey), the Northeast Lakes & Rivers (Edgecombe, Halifax, Vance, and Warren), and the Inner Banks (Chowan, Gates, Hertford, Martin, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington). Throughout the year, campaigns are designed to showcase local landmarks, off-the-beaten-path sights and adventures, unique lodging, local businesses, and more of what makes rural North Carolina a great place to visit or select as a place to live and work.

To learn more about this project please email Chanel A. Nestor at chanel@ncalways.com or visit visitnc.com/dreambig