Sunday, Ironton had a chance to see just how nice it would be if tourists decided to make a stop in the city part of their travel plans.

Tuesday, August 31, 1999

Sunday, Ironton had a chance to see just how nice it would be if tourists decided to make a stop in the city part of their travel plans.

There were probably no more than about 100 people from the Delta Queen who boarded buses for a tour of the historic houses that line Ironton’s streets, but what an impact a visit like that could have made on the town if there had been more for them to see – and buy.

Anyone who thinks Ironton wouldn’t benefit from making a few improvements to attract tourists’ money hasn’t been paying attention and probably wasn’t on the Ironton boat dock Sunday.

Americans have more money to spend these days. Vacations – long and short – are the norm for many families of all ages and nostalgia is big, too.

Ironton would be a perfect spot for senior citizens who wanted to get away from the city, and who would love a chance to get back in touch with their roots. Quaint, rural and different is what they would be looking for in a tourist spot.

With a little effort, Ironton could soon be welcoming a few more tourists to its downtown area and riverfront.

The Delta Queen visit is proof – "if you build it, they will come." So, we had better start building.