"It saved the town"

Many narrators argued that without the development of tourism, the town would not have survived the post-industrial economic depression.

After his retirement, Bryson and his wife worked with the Arts Association to grow the town's economy through art. He recognizes that some may feel nostalgic about old Blue Ridge, but asserted that the changes have ultimately brought economic development back to the county.

Chuck Foster and his wife Betty recognize that the tourism industry has brought an enormous amount of business back to Blue Ridge. Though they do not currently shop downtown, they believe the focus on tourism saved the town.

Though Bobby Whitley laments the corporate development in the area, he has found opportunity in the tourism industry.