Our main goal as a tourism bureau is to make sure that folks both near and far are aware of the many hidden gems that our 21-county region has to offer. We do our absolute best to help market and promote different eateries, attractions, events, and more. We love to help our communities attract new visitors! So, when a community reaches out and wants to be more involved with tourism – we get absolutely giddy with excitement. That leads us to some big news. This year we welcome the City of Paris as our newest community partner!

The City of Paris is the county seat of Edgar County and the hometown of country music star Brett Eldredge. There are currently a little over eight thousand residents in Paris, which also happens to be celebrating its bicentennial in 2023. City leaders and business owners say they hope to achieve several goals in terms of marketing and promotion while working with Discover Downstate Illinois, including increasing awareness in the community, tourism promotion, collaboration and networking, and economic growth.

“By attracting more visitors, the town can boost its local businesses, including restaurants, coffee and soda shops, hotels, bed and breakfasts, shops, spas, and other services,” explains small business owner Samantha Gonzalez. “Increased tourism expenditure can have a positive impact on the local economy by generating revenue and creating job opportunities for residents and potential residents. 

The interest to start working with Discover Downstate Illinois started in the fall of 2022, according to another small business owner, Corby Johnson. “There were a few businesses that noticed their Facebook posts and started to pay attention for the past year or so to what Discover Downstate Illinois does for small businesses. We wanted to be involved because we care about the growth of Paris and its small business community,” Johnson says.

There are many charming qualities about Paris that visitors will love. If you’re a fan of history, there are several well-preserved architectural gems and landmarks. Visitors can explore the Edgar County Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its unique architecture. There are also two different agritourism attractions in Paris – Southfork Homestead Pumpkin Patch and L&A Family Farms. Depending on the season, they also host different events and festivals, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. “Whether it's the annual Honeybee Festival, Fourth of July celebrations, or holiday parades, visitors can partake in the festivities and experience the vibrant community spirit,” Gonzalez says.

For folks who love the outdoors, Paris boasts eleven different parks including Twin Lakes Park and Blackhawk Park. Twin Lakes features swimming, camping, and fishing opportunities as well as a miniature golf course, while Blackhawk Park is a more primitive 10-acre setting with trails and natural walkways. If shopping and dining are more your speed, there are charming boutiques and a range of different food options from ice cream and pizza to burgers or a café. 

“Overall, a visit to Paris promises a blend of history, small-town charm, outdoor recreation, community spirit, and local experiences, making it an appealing destination for tourists seeking an authentic and enriching travel experience,” Gonzalez adds.

So, if you have not made a trip to Paris before – hopefully you can experience the small-town charm they have to offer sometime very soon!

**This article comes from the 2023 Fall/Holiday Tourism Times. To learn more about how to read the publication, click here.