When USA Today released its 2025 list of the “10 Best Places to Visit in the Fall,” Allegany County, Maryland, once again earned national attention, joining the ranks of other well-known destinations like Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Saratoga County, New York. This marks the third consecutive year the county has earned a spot in the top 10, climbing to #5 on the list.
For Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism for Allegany County, the recognition affirms what locals and returning visitors already know: “Visiting here, falling in love with our culture and our scenery…it leaves a lasting impact, and it keeps people coming back.”
While the accolade celebrates Allegany County’s unmistakable appeal during peak foliage season, it also reflects a broader trend: tourism is playing an increasingly vital role in the county’s long-term economic development strategy.
That strategy is rooted in real, on-the-ground experiences that resonate with visitors. One of those experiences led directly to this year’s recognition. “We hosted a travel writer in 2023—someone we didn’t know at the time would later become a panelist for USA Today’s 10Best list,” Workman explained. “She stayed for five nights, experienced our trails, restaurants, arts scene, and clearly, it made an impression.”
“This isn’t something we could ever buy through advertising,” said Workman. “It’s the result of authentic storytelling and community-wide support. People voted daily to help us make that top 10 list, and that tells you how much our residents believe in this place, too.”
That belief (and the visitor experiences it inspires) translates into real economic impact. According to Allegany County’s recently completed tourism strategic plan, 48% of local businesses reported they could not operate beyond 30 days without tourism-related income. And visitors aren’t just passing through; they’re spending. On average, each travel party spends more than $550 per night, infusing direct dollars into lodging, dining, shopping, and experiences.
This revenue directly supports local downtowns, public services, and quality of life. Visitor spending helps fund core services like education, transportation, and public safety, and also strengthens the case for new investment. The data generated through tourism helps inform feasibility studies, unlock financing, and attract prospective developers and entrepreneurs.
Turning that economic momentum into sustained growth requires strategic coordination. Workman’s team works in close partnership with Allegany County’s Department of Economic and Community Development, collaborating on initiatives that tie together business attraction, workforce development, housing, and quality of life.
She puts it simply: “Tourism is the ambassador to economic development. We are the life after the nine-to-five, the quality-of-life piece. Trails, restaurants, music venues…all of that matters when you're trying to recruit or retain talent.”
Workman also points to the “halo effect,” a term used to describe the long-term impact tourism can have on population growth when destinations turn first-time visitors into long-term residents. “There’s a strong correlation between people visiting a place and later choosing to retire there, send their kids to college there, or open a business,” she said. “That’s how relocation decisions begin.”
That thinking is visible in real-time projects like the Campobello housing development in Cumberland. The new neighborhood will feature a direct connection to the internationally recognized Great Allegany Passage Trail, a move designed to attract both active residents and visitors. “The County is building housing that connects to our outdoor assets, because that’s what people are looking for,” Workman said.
And while infrastructure continues to align with the county’s outdoor appeal, its cultural assets are gaining new momentum as well. As Allegany County engages in its signature fall season—one of the most picturesque times of the year—the national recognition comes at an opportune moment. This year, the County Tourism team is also launching a new initiative: Music Peaks: The Soundtrack of Mountain Maryland, a campaign highlighting Allegany County as a destination for live music and cultural experiences.
Through a dedicated website, curated playlists, and a comprehensive live music calendar, Music Peaks will connect audiences to the Appalachian-influenced music culture that has quietly flourished across the region’s stages, breweries, and festivals. “There’s music here every weekend, and it’s become part of our cultural identity,” Workman said. “Music Peaks helps tell that story—and offers yet another reason to visit Allegany County.”
This deepening cultural identity, alongside the region’s natural beauty and strategic investments, underscores why Allegany County continues to earn national recognition. As the leaves turn and tourism surges, Allegany County’s national spotlight is both seasonal and strategic.
Tourism here isn’t a backdrop to economic development; instead, it’s a crucial driver.
Learn more about how Allegany County is using tourism to power economic growth by reading our blog.
