Some places celebrate fall. Young’s Jersey Dairy turns it into a full-blown season. Tucked near Yellow Springs, Ohio, this longtime family farm has figured out the agri-tourism recipe: take a working farm, add pumpkins, a giant corn maze, wagon rides, homemade ice cream and enough cinnamon sugar to make your Fitbit nervous. Get Lost. Literally. Cowvin’s Corny Maze & Playland is open daily through November 1, 2026. The maze stretches across more than nine acres of cornfield with over a mile of paths, twists and dead ends. Admission also includes a wagon ride to and from the maze. (Young's Jersey Dairy) Translation: confidently announce that you know exactly where you're going, then spend the next 47 minutes following a seven-year-old through corn. 😂 Pick the Pumpkin That Speaks to You Young’s Pick Your Own Pumpkins runs daily from September 19 through October 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can head into the fields and hunt down the pumpkin destined for their porch, pie or highly ambitious Pinterest project. And because apparently regular wagon rides aren't enough during October... Things Get Spooky After Dark On Friday and Saturday nights from September 25 through October 31, Young’s hosts Haunted Wagon Rides & Scary Stories from 7:30 to 10 p.m. The experience is designed with families in mind, although Young’s gives fair warning: it will be scary. But We Need to Discuss the Food. This might be the part where the entire road trip goes delightfully off the rails. Young’s rolls out seasonal treats including: Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream, made with pumpkin pie filling Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes, fried fresh daily Apple Dumplings à la Mode Homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream And, because it is a dairy farm after all, fresh and fried cheese curds. Pumpkin donut holes + pumpkin ice cream might technically constitute a balanced fall meal. We're choosing not to investigate further. \The Bigger Small-Town WOW Story What makes Young’s especially interesting isn't simply the pumpkins. It's what they've built around the farm. Young’s history dates to 1869, and the family began selling Jersey milk directly to customers in 1958 from a tiny 10-by-10-foot sales room using an honor system. Today, the farm has evolved into a year-round destination built around food, agriculture, entertainment and experiences. That's agri-tourism done right. A farm doesn't necessarily need to become Disney World with tractors. But Young’s demonstrates something every rural community should pay attention to: Sometimes the attraction you're looking for is already sitting in your backyard. A pumpkin patch becomes an experience. A cornfield becomes an adventure. A dairy becomes a destination. And a seasonal tradition gives people a reason to drive into your community and spend money while they're there. Put This One on the Fall Road-Trip List Young’s Fall Farm Family Fun runs from September 19 through November 1, 2026, at 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Check current hours, events and pricing before heading out: Young's Jersey Dairy Fall Farm Family Fun Come for the pumpkins. Get lost in the corn. Stay for the donut holes. Leave wondering whether pumpkin ice cream for breakfast tomorrow is really such a terrible idea. Photos from Young's Jersey Dairy Facebook Page::

The economy is still growing. Consumers are still spending. Businesses are still investing. But AI, energy prices, inflation and interest rates are now playing a very big game of economic tug-of-war. AI May Be Doing More Than Writing Your Emails One of the biggest bright spots in Deloitte’s forecast is business investment, especially spending connected to artificial intelligence. Deloitte now expects fixed business investment to grow 6.1% in 2026, substantially higher than the 4% it previously forecast. The firm believes AI-related investment could continue supporting economic growth and eventually lead to stronger productivity gains across the economy. Translation: All those data centers, chips, software platforms, automation systems and AI projects aren't just tech headlines. They are becoming a meaningful piece of the American economy. And that could be especially important for communities positioning themselves for new investment, infrastructure and technology-related development. But Then There's Oil... Here's the economic party crasher. Deloitte says the direction of oil prices could determine just how strong the economy remains. Higher energy prices don't just hurt when you fill up your vehicle. They ripple through trucking, manufacturing, agriculture, food production, construction and eventually just about everything sitting on a store shelf. That inflation pressure is already showing up. The Federal Reserve reported in July that inflation remained above its 2% goal, partly because of supply shocks and higher energy costs. The latest government numbers reinforce that point: July's PCE inflation rate was 3.7% compared with a year earlier, while core inflation was 3.3%. Consumers Are Still Spending, But Their Wallets Aren't Bottomless Perhaps the biggest thing businesses should watch is the consumer. Deloitte expects consumer spending to slow as inflation and higher interest rates continue eating into purchasing power. And there's evidence of that squeeze. The U.S. personal saving rate was just 3% in July, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. People are still buying. They're just becoming much more selective about what deserves their money. That's an important distinction for small businesses. When consumers tighten up, being merely "nice to have" gets dangerous. Businesses that clearly communicate their value, convenience, experience or uniqueness have a much better chance of staying in the shopping cart. So...Are We Headed for a Recession? Not according to Deloitte's baseline forecast. Deloitte expects real GDP to grow about 2% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027. Recent government data shows the economy growing more slowly but still growing. U.S. GDP increased at a 1.5% annual rate during the second quarter of 2026, after growing 2.1% in the first quarter. The labor market is softer, too. July payroll employment declined by 23,000 while unemployment remained relatively low at 4.1%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) In other words: This doesn't look like an economy falling off a cliff. It looks more like one driving through construction. There are orange barrels everywhere, the speed limit keeps changing and Google Maps isn't entirely sure which lane we're supposed to be in. What Should Small Towns & Small Businesses Take Away? Don't obsess over predicting exactly what the economy will do next. Prepare for several possibilities. Watch your costs. Protect cash flow. Keep investing in productivity. Pay attention to AI. Make sure customers understand why you're worth their increasingly hard-earned dollar. And for communities and economic developers, watch where capital is flowing. If Deloitte is right, AI investment, infrastructure, energy availability and productivity-enhancing technologies could shape economic development opportunities for years to come. The economy may be complicated right now. But boring? Not anymore.

For the past few years, the internet has been playing a giant game of “Was this made by AI?” A photo looks almost real. A song sounds suspiciously polished. A blog post feels a little too perfectly structured. Now, the companies building AI are starting to answer the question for us. Anthropic, Suno and Substack have all recently announced new ways to identify, mark or detect AI-generated content, and it could signal a pretty big change in how we use AI online.

You don't have permissions to access this page. Back to site Switch Account

Small Town Wow provides practical marketing tools, templates, latest small business news, and resources that help small towns and rural businesses grow, shine, and stand out. This is the website for rural & small town revitalization. Follow the Yellow Bloom Road The Kansas Sunflower Trail You Need to Road Trip Learn More What We Do We Celebrate & Offer Resources to Small Towns and Small Businesses. Especially, All Those Hustling to Make Their Businesses & Towns Standout! We Also Promote Small Business Products SHOP NOW! Small Town Wow AI Hub Powered by AI-WOW - Simple AI help for Small Towns and Small Businesses. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Small Business News Small Town Wow Blog Quick Resources For the Busy Business Owner! 1 2 3 4 5 Funding Ideas... 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 Business Tactics ... Practical, no‑fluff tactics every small‑town business owner can use today. 1 2 3 4 5 Training Opportunities No travel, no overwhelm — just the tools your small‑town business needs, all in one place. Small Town Foodie Ideas... Small Town Wow Why... 1 2 3 4 5 BOld Leadership 1 2 3 4 5 Small Town WOW Why... Hi! I'm Erika Here's my "Why"! Small Towns and Small Businesses have seen significant challenges over the last several decades, including job losses, an eroding downtown, and population decline. While most would throw in the towel, I don’t see this story ending in defeat or surrender; I see the story ending in a resurgence. My hope is that we will see a transformation by embracing what has been in front of us, all along -.our Rural Roots! Small Town Wow aims to embrace our rural heritage and market what make us who we are. And who we are is... “Small Town-Rural...America.” My mission with Small Town Wow is to do the following: * Help Small Town & Small Business Owners to lev erage their small-town roots and launch impactful/meaning full marketing initiatives. Small Town Wow will tell your story & showcase your creative businesses and out of this world place making ideas! *Highlight everything small towns have to offer! * Provide resources to small businesses & communities, especially how to leverage AI! * Easy access to Online Trainings & Guides Let's prove all the small-town doubters wrong by showcasing Small Town America, and how it can be quaint yet a thriving bustling economy. Just For Small Towns... 1 2 3 4 5 Free Small Business Resources Resources To Turn Your Business Into A Destination Today Submit Your Info Today! Is your small town doing something out of this world? Are you a small business owner knocking it out of the park? We want to spotlight YOU! Our mission is to highlight the great things happening in Small Town USA! We spotlight unique small towns, attractions, & small businesses! Submit Here Snazzy Templates Want to add more pizzazz to your marketing game? We've created easy to use pre-made snazzy social media graphics, which are totally customizable. Pre-Made Templates that will make your Small Business or Small Town Stand-Out! View Here Register Your Business Need direction in how to start your business? The link below provides detailed guides from each state in the U.S. on how to turn your business dream into a reality. Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities. Get all the info below! Register Your Business Small Town Wow Blog Hi! I'm Erika Willitzer, creator of Small Town WOW. I know you’re running your business in full beast‑mode every day, so I’m here to help you stay ahead with the latest trends and tools to keep leading like the boss you are. Our Blog can boost your biz! Business Tactics Training & Leadership Tips Grants & Funding Leadership Tips More Details Grow Your Vision Shop Now Looking for "Done For You" Small Business Templates or Business Resources to Elevate Your Vision, then Shop Now! We offer many "Free Downloads" and Low Cost Offerings. You can also Become a Member and Save! Quick View Free Maximizing Your Monthly Earnings Guide Price $0.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Hot Pink & Black Social Media Templates Price $14.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Sparkle - Local Social Media Template Price $14.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Download 2000+ Faceless Videos to Elevate Your Social Media Game Price $19.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Small Town Wow - Productivity Planner Price $0.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View The Complete Branding Planner Price $19.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Goal Tracker & Vision Board Bundle Price $15.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Cupcake Themed Social Media Templates Price $5.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Peony Themed Social Media Templates Price $5.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Winning Attitude Instagram - Facebook Social Templates Price $15.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Inspirational Quotes Price $15.99 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Free Workplace Culture Worksheet Price $0.00 Excluding Sales Tax 1 2 Discover unique small business products—shop now! Creative Furniture Home & Outdoor Decor Food & Drink Pretty Office Accessories Small Business T's Trendy Jewelry Become a Member = Access to Dynamo Resources Are you looking to take your small town business to new heights? We've got just the solution for you - exclusive members only content designed to give your business the competitive edge. Join Now Small Town Social Media Graphics & More Check out our stunning collection of compelling designs. With our easy-to-use templates and customizable options, you'll be able to create professional-looking visuals in no time. Wow Graphics Here Shop Small Business Products Shopping at small businesses is more than just a transaction—it's a powerful way to uplift dreams, fuel creativity, and strengthen communities. Every purchase at a local shop, is a simple act with meaningful rewards. Show Now Sign Up for our E-Newsletter Our curated content is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to grow your business. Join our community of like-minded individuals and stay ahead of the game. Sign Up Now Transformational Ideas Do You Own a Small Town Foodie Shop? Send us your cooking/baking video and we'll promote your video in our E-News, Social Platforms, Website, & MORE! Reach Out TODAY! Small Town. Small Biz. Big Story? Let Us Feature You! Email Small Town WOW FREE Small Town Marketing Resources You are busy with running your business or small town. It's hard finding time to write or develop skills to market your organization so you can stand out! Here a list of resources you can use for free. Oh, and one more thing: These resources won't take you days to go through, they are designed to be quick reads...quick knowledge grabs...so you can get on to running your business...the most important thing in your world! Learn More Ideas For Your Small Town/ Small Business Transforming you Small Town or Business doesn't have to cost thousands of dollars. Planting flowers in a creative way, working with young artist to develop a wall mural, and even dressing up a store front can have create a change that can and will have a ripple effect for your community! These ideas might seem small, but they can have BIG and lasting impact! Learn More

AI-WOW by SmallTownWOW helps small businesses, downtowns, chambers, and small-town leaders use AI for marketing, content, customer service, productivity, grants, events, and local growth. AI - Wow Hub AI-WOW by SmallTownWOW helps small businesses, downtowns, chambers, and small-town leaders use AI in simple, practical, and local ways. Explore easy prompts, tools, guides, and training to help you save time, market smarter, promote your business, support your community, and grow without losing the local personality that makes your town special. AI-WOW Guides You don’t have to be big to lead with AI. Small towns and small businesses can be AI WOW-worthy, too. Download the guide below, sign up for our eNews to get weekly tips, tools, and easy AI guides — then explore the AI articles below. Most are free and don’t require a membership! Top 10 AI Prompts Grab this free AI-WOW guide with 10 easy prompts small businesses and small towns can use this week to create content, promote events, support local businesses, and save time. Simple AI help for small towns — no tech overwhelm required. Download ai for small towns & small businesses Simple AI tools, prompts, guides, and training for small businesses, downtowns, chambers, and small-town leaders from SmallTownWOW. Read More Below 1 2 3 4 Weekly WOWs, straight to your inbox! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive news and updates. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!