We want to allow visitors to see Harlan County through the eyes of a local. It is one thing to see Harlan through pictures and posts, but it is another thing to live in and experience Harlan on a day-to-day basis. By interviewing locals in our Local Love project, we hope to share a bit of why Harlan is so special.
This week, we interviewed Mrs. Leslie Goss. Goss is a third-grade teacher at Harlan Elementary School and a Harlan native. She is married to a fellow Harlan County native, Colby Goss, and has two children, Audrey and Aaron Goss, who both attend Harlan High School.
Tell us your history and connection to Harlan County.
“I was born and raised in Harlan. So were my parents and grandparents. I’ve lived here most of my life. Even during my time away, I missed home every day and I’m so thankful to live and raise my children here. I have taught at Harlan Elementary for 19 years.”
What’s your favorite attraction in Harlan County or where would you take a visitor if you were showing off Harlan?
“We have so much beauty in Harlan that it’s difficult to think of one place that I’d take visitors. A few of the places I love are Martin’s Fork Lake, Kingdom Come State Park, Portal 31, and Camp Blanton. You can’t go wrong with any of these attractions.”
Why do you love Harlan?
“I love Harlan because it’s my home. I was born and raised here and my husband and I decided to come back here after we graduated college. I love that my friends and family are here. I feel safe in Harlan and that’s important when you have a family of your own. I love that I have neighbors that keep an eye out for us. I love that people here treat my children as their own. Harlan people look out for each other. You don’t find that in many places.”
What local businesses or restaurants would you recommend to visitors?
“This is a tough question. There are so many wonderful businesses to choose from. I love shopping locally so I’ll just name the ones I visit the most. Sassy Trash is one of my favorite places. So many things in there take me back to my childhood. It’s my favorite place to buy gifts for people. Some other places I love are Southern Ruckus, Mountain Merch, PB&J, and My Sister’s Closet. My favorite restaurants would be Moonbow (their Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap is amazing), Dairy Hut, and Rax. Those two are great places to take guests!”
How do you think Harlan County has changed over the years?
“Harlan has changed over the years. Many people have moved. Some have also come back home after college. It makes me hopeful when I see so many locally-owned businesses thriving here. It makes me happy to see people have so much pride in our county. I’m optimistic for the future!”
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had in Harlan County?
“The most memorable experience I remember is going to the bank where my mamaw, Doris Lowe, worked. She’d always give me a sucker. I also remember walking to Mack’s in Baxter with my papaw. We would eat at the restaurant there. Going to the Christmas parade with my family was always fun. During my childhood, I loved going to the pool at Loyall. Those are my fondest memories.”
