Transform Your Town into a Tourist Destination

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La Grange, Kentucky, is a heartwarming story of how a simple act of kindness can blossom into something much bigger.  The tale begins with two remarkable young sisters, Reagan and Rylyn Richins. Inspired by signs they saw elsewhere, these 13- and 10-year-old girls began spreading kindness throughout their community.  Reagan and Rylin, motivated by their younger siblings with Down Syndrome, began creating and distributing "Be Kind" signs.  Little did they know that their initiative would spark a movement. The signs resonated with people of all ages, uniting La Grange in a wave of positivity.  The "Be Kind" signs, initially a gesture of compassion, blossomed into a powerful tourism draw.

This local movement captured the attention of the Kentucky legislature, which officially declared La Grange the "Kindness Capital of Kentucky."  But the story doesn't end there. Reagan and Rylin's dedication even caught the eye of HGTV's "Home Town MakeOver" show, leading La Grange to win a coveted makeover that was featured on HGTV!

La Grange's makeover included renovations to their downtown area, highlighting a unique feature – a railroad that runs right down Main Street! HGTV also helped create a vibrant alleyway with social spaces and event areas, encouraging visitors to linger and explore the town.  Now they have a new event - the Alley Loop Festival, which celebrates the social spaces created by the Alley Loop, a unique pedestrian pathway project that connects various alleyways and walkways in the downtown area.  The pathway allows residents and visitors to explore while avoiding city streets, plus it also houses many tiny pop-up retail shops.

In addition to these new amenities, La Grange has been able to rebuild or strengthen many of their non-profit organizations.  “We have a strong network of churches, and that is the key to our success in recruiting volunteers,” said Teresa Boling, Executive Director of Oldham County History Center.  This, combined with a strong Main Street organization gives La Grange the ability to host many events throughout the year.

 Once known primarily for its railroad and its historic downtown, La Grange now boasts a thriving downtown and a welcoming atmosphere. This story is a perfect example of how a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, transforming a community and its economic potential.