Oxford, Mississippi is buzzing with excitement as the Ole Miss Rebels host Tulane in their first NCAA College Football Playoff appearance on December 20. Businesses are bracing for an unprecedented wave of holiday spending after a record-setting regular season.

Marietta, Ohio, is experiencing a vibrant summer of growth as more than 20 riverboat cruises arrive on its banks. These sailings have brought a fresh wave of visitors, helping to boost local businesses and draw attention to the city’s often-overlooked cultural sites.