The Heart of the Community: Main Streets, Historic Downtowns & Villages

Part 2 of 3 in our “Main Streets, Villages, Historic Downtowns & Plazas” series celebrating Independent Retailer Month!

This episode of Big Blend Radio features a lively panel discussion exploring the vital role of Main Streets and historic downtowns in shaping community identity, boosting local economies, and enhancing cultural tourism. From the preservation of architecture and museums to the rise of food trails, local bookstores, and festivals, our guests highlight how small-town authenticity and community engagement drive revitalization and lasting impact.

🎧 Panel Guests:

- Jeffrey Spear – Food Writer & Award-Winning Cookbook Author: https://spearwrites.com/ 

- Clifford Garstang – Award-Winning Author & Editor: https://cliffordgarstang.com/ 

- Matt Cost – Award-Winning Author: https://www.mattcost.net/ 

- Diane Dobry – Travel Writer: https://gettinghungary.com/ & https://discoverydaze.com/ 

🕰️ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

02:47 – Community & Tourism

05:32 – Authenticity in Downtowns & Villages

08:11 – Personal Experiences in Downtowns

10:51 – Historical Significance of Villages

13:31 – Balancing Modern Needs with Historical Integrity

16:05 – The Role of Bookstores in Community

18:55 – Culinary Experiences in Downtowns

21:30 – Conclusion and Future of Main Streets

26:46 – Exploring Bardstown: The Bourbon Capital

28:44 – Culinary Delights of Staunton

30:25 – Brunswick, Maine: A Seafood Paradise

32:06 – Sag Harbor: A Taste of the Hamptons

35:20 – The Great Bagel Debate

36:52 – Winter Park: Art and History

38:20 – Museums in Downtowns

43:16 – Libraries: The Heart of the Community

47:53 – Hammond: Cajun and Creole Influences

51:17 – Revitalization Success Stories

54:08 – Culinary Adventures in Historic Downtowns

56:29 – Future Destinations & Final Thoughts

🔗 Explore the Places Mentioned:

- Main Street America: https://mainstreet.org/ 

- Brunswick, Maine: https://mainstreetmaine.org/brunswick-me/ 

- Hammond, Louisiana: https://www.downtownhammondla.com/visitors 

- Sag Harbor, New York: https://discoverydaze.com/2021/11/15/sag-harbor-li-a-walk-through-history/ 

- Staunton, Virginia: https://visitstaunton.com/ 

- Park Avenue District, Florida: https://parkavenuedistrict.com/ 

- Bardstown, Kentucky: https://www.visitbardstown.com/ 

📌 This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's “Vacation Station” and “Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. Explore more Big Blend shows: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork