Some family from out of town came in for Thanksgiving, and, after they returned to Tennessee, I felt happiness — for the special moments we shared and for all the wonderful local attractions we enjoyed together while they were here.

Yes, the Tri-State region has suffered and lost.

We’ve seen the ravages of poverty, factory closings, job losses, the opioid/drug epidemic and despair. Our region often gets a bad rap as a stagnant backwater that is forgotten and behind the times.

However, we had many amazing things to show our family members this year. We had so much to see and do, and lots to be proud of. I started making a list, and was surprised at how long it was:

• The beautiful blue-lit Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge connecting Ironton and Russell.

• The fun Turkey Trot road race on Thanksgiving morning in Russell that has been going on for more than 40 years.

• The wonderful new Ironton Catholic Community Parish Life Center that now sits across the street from the St. Joseph church and high school.

• The new Armory Smokehouse restaurant in Ironton, with walls covered by memorabilia and photos from local veterans, from WWI on.

• The plush, newly renovated Delta Marriott Hotel in downtown Ashland.

• The vibrant, sparkling Ashland Town Center Mall and the downtown retailers and restaurants with enticing shopping and dining options, and bargains to be had.

• The Paramount Arts Center Festival of Trees and Trains, with live music performed by local bands, choirs and musicians.

• The amazing Christmas Cave experience in Minford, Ohio, which we accessed via the new Portsmouth Bypass, State Highway 823.

• Winter Wonderland of Lights display at Central Park in Ashland. The new LED bulbs make it brighter and more colorful than ever, showcasing favorite older displays, along with new presentations that fill the entire parameter of the park.

• The new bronze sculptures (Vulcan, Venus and Genesis) that have been installed at the Ashland Riverfront Park.

• The new market in downtown Huntington, Pullman Square attractions and all the great shops, restaurants and venues nearby.

As we enter the Christmas season, I feel a sense of pride at the many marvelous things we have here; appreciation for leaders, business people, groups and individuals who work hard to keep up wonderful traditions while also bringing new enterprises to the community – and gratitude for the good people who patronize, support and inhabit our wonderful Tri-State home.

Julie Terry grew up in the Ironton area, lives in Ashland, Kentucky and works at Mountwest Community College in Huntington.