Tourism in Harlan County has become one of the major drivers of our economy and on International Women’s Day, we wanted to take a second and recognize some of the incredible leadership, business owners, civic leaders, restauranteurs, and more that are currently shaping the tourism landscape in Harlan County. We recognize that there are HUNDREDS of strong female leaders who are helping mold this industry in Harlan County so the following list only contains some of the names contributing their hard work to make Harlan an inviting and memorable destination and we hope to recognize even more of them in years to come!
So let’s take pause and admire the incredible female leadership that helps shape resiliency of our mountains, who display their creativity, and contribute to the undying spirit of hospitality in our part of Appalachia. These women, pioneers of their craft, have woven their visions into the fabric of our community, transforming Harlan County into a beacon for travelers and locals alike. Their stories are not just tales of success; they are blueprints of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our beloved county. So, join as we celebrate some the women who lead, inspire, and make Harlan County a place where stories begin, and memories are etched into the heart.
Drenda Crider – Drenda Crider is the manager of Quality Inn and also owns and operates the Little Inn of Harlan. She embodies the essence of hospitality offering more than just a place to stay. When you stay in Harlan, many times the accommodations that she contributes her time and handwork to are the first chapters in many of the visitor’s adventure. She has many decades in the industry and embodies the spirit of hospitality when you stay at any of her accommodations.
Amanda Middleton – Amanda manages the Harlan Center with grace and has a knack for ensuring all events that take place at the Harlan Center are perfect in every way. Amanda is also one of the first faces that visitors meet when they come to Harlan. She always greets visitor’s with a smile and welcomes them to Harlan County. Amanda is not only the Harlan Center Manager but she has almost 18-years as the Assistant Director of Harlan Tourism. She brings spirit, drive, hospitality, and warmth to every event she is apart of from the Fourth Fest, Jeep Fest, the Downtown Harlan Vintage Fall Festival, and so many more. Amanda’s dedication ensures that the heart of Harlan beats strong, inviting, and always ready for a celebration.
Sherry Cornett – through her stewardship of Kingdom Come State Park, Sherry has turned nature’s canvas into a playground of exploration and wonder. Her introduction of events and activities ensures that the park is not just a place to visit but a journey to experience, where the natural beauty of Harlan County unfolds in all its splendor. She is whole-heartedly dedicated to ensuring that Kingdom Come State Park is a destination for all and a destination that visitors crave to return!
Sky Marietta – Sky Marietta own’s Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets and manages the Harlan County Beer Company. Sky ensures that both of these welcoming establishments are the heartbeats of downtown, offering spaces where laughter is shared, stories are woven, and the community gathers. Sky’s vision brings a vibrancy to Harlan, where the richness of our community life is celebrated with every cup and every meal.
Laura Adkisson – Laura is the Downtown Development Director for the city of Harlan. It is with her insight and creativity that the downtown landscape is making strides to become an welcoming place of commerce, fun, and is as beautiful as the mountains that surround Harlan. With her hands firmly on the pulse of what makes a place not just visited but remembered, Laura’s initiatives, including her roles in events like Poke Sallet Festival, Fourth Fest, Dog Days of Kentucky, and many more, ensure that Harlan isn’t just seen but felt. Laura also serves on the state’s regional tourism group, Daniel Boone Country, and is an active member in the Kentucky Travel Industry Association.
Rose Lankford – When you visit Harlan County, you may see a familiar site with Rax Restaurant. But did you know that Harlan County’s Rax Restaurant is the last one in the state of Kentucky? Rose Lankford is the manager at Rax and provides excellent customer service while training the next generation to be outstanding front line workers. To say it in not so many words, Rose serves up more than just meals; she dishes out experiences. Rose also serves as a board member of Harlan Tourism.
Darla Jackson – Darla is a serial entrepreneur whose ventures include Raven Rock Coffee Cafe and Curiosities. Visitors to her cafe can not only experience a great meal or cup of coffee but they can also explore her gift shop full or oddities and curiosities which include some myth and lore of Harlan County. Darla is also a tour guide for Haunted Harlan County where she weaves the mysterious and the magical into the fabric of our community. Her businesses invite curiosity, encouraging visitors and locals alike to explore the stories and shadows that make Harlan County unique.
April Collins – April owns Sassy Trash in the heart of downtown Harlan. Sassy Trash is not just a store; it’s a treasure trove of stories, crafts, and the soul of Appalachia. Her creations, imbued with the spirit of Harlan County, invite visitors to take a piece of our story home with them. Sassy Trash also has the crafts and offerings of over 32 artisans, crafters, local makers, and more housed in their walls. As a steward of our heritage and a board member of Harlan Tourism, April ensures that the narrative of Harlan is one of beauty, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
Valerie Hinkle – Valerie owns Hill and Holler in Cumberland, Kentucky. Hill and Holler is a bastion of Appalachian culture, where phrases and fables adorn the tee shirts and gifts in her fun boutique! The spirit of our community and Harlan County is encapsulated in every item. Valerie is also one of the founders of PossumFest which has taken not only Harlan County but the world by storm! Valerie’s creativity and entrepreneurship are pillars of Harlan County’s vibrant cultural scene.
Melissa Green – Melissa is the owner of the Portal in downtown Harlan. Under Melissa’s leadership, the Portal has become a culinary staple for locals and visitors alike. The Portal also brings a taste of fame to Harlan, featured on the hit show “Justified.” Yet, it’s the everyday gatherings, the shared meals, and the laughter that truly define this space, making it a cornerstone of our community’s vibrant life and contributes to the tourism landscape.
Julie Pitts – Julie Pitts owns and operates Willing Hearts in Cumberland, KY. Through Willing Hearts, Julie offers not just ceramics but experiences that bind us, reminding us of the joy found in creation and the beauty of shared endeavors. Her shop is a testament to the community spirit that thrives in Harlan, where every creation is a piece of our collective story. Julie is also one of the founders of PossumFest.
Suzie Williams – Suzie bridges Cumberland’s tourism and commerce, as the Assistant Director of Cumberland Tourism and the Director for the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce. Suzie’s efforts ensure that the story of Harlan County is told in full color. Through her work with nearly every tourism event in Cumberland, Suzie weaves the narrative of our community, celebrating our heritage, our landscapes, and our unwavering spirit. Suzie has been in the industry for several decades and is one of the first faces that visitor’s see when they visit the Tri-City area!
Joyce Cheng – Joyce Cheng owns and operates Panda Garden in Harlan. Over the last decade, Joyce’s larger than life personality and incredibly giving heart has made her a bit of a local celebrity that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. During the Black Jewel Mine Labor Dispute, Joyce fed laid off coal miners, raised thousands of dollars by dressing up as a coal miner and collecting donations as she ran, and made other monetary donations to ensure that Harlan Contains were secure. Joyce’s kind spirit, giving nature, and incredible food has helped her become a person who is helping shape memories of our visitors.
Annie Fox – Annie Fox has served as the chairperson for the City of Harlan Tourist and Convention Commission board for many years. It is with her careful consideration, foresight, and leadership that the organization has doubled its income, produced many events and festivals, begun work on the Historic Harlan Museum, and much more. She has given many hours to carefully curating the visitor experience in Harlan County.
Samantha Nolan – Samantha Nolan has recently opened up a new equine experience in Harlan County in last couple years. From offering lessons, boarding horses, creating community events, or setting up at existing events to let visitor’s and locals alike discover the love of horses in Harlan County. Samantha owns and operates English Creek Stables on US 119 and has jumped head first into the Harlan County tourism arena. We can’t wait to see where her business takes her in several years and how ingrained she is sure to be in the tourism industry.
The Team at Umbrella Alley – A team of strong female leadership carefully created an experience in downtown Harlan with Umbrella Alley! Phyllis Napier of Forever Homes, Susie Roddy of Sports Cafe, and Tina Harris of Harris Insurance all came together to create this downtown experience that floods instagram and facebook with every change of season. Visitor’s and locals alike go and take selfies at this spot every holiday and season as the team changes the umbrellas out to match the time of year!
Belinda & Lydia Cassim – This dynamic mother and daughter duo owns Henson Florist & BelindaBelles in Harlan County. This duo does it all. From decorating events that visitor’s attend at destination weddings to operating a high end gift shop with MANY Harlan County themed gifts and collectibles, you are guaranteed to feel the spirit of Harlan County with Belinda or Lydia around. Their boutique is a perfect place for a souvenir or for a holiday or seasonal gift. This duo also carefully curates their boutique in unbelievable holiday and/or seasonal decoration that you have to see to believe!
We know that we could never produce an exhaustive list of the female leadership that is contributing to the tourism landscape in Harlan County. This is just a handful of local leaders, shop owners, experience curators, restaurant owners, and more. If you know a woman working in the tourism industry in Harlan County, take time to celebrate them today on International Women’s Day!
To find out more about the shops, restaurants, and experiences in Harlan County visit our website at: www.harlancountrytrails.com.
