Brown County businesses say this fall was their busiest tourist season in years.
Thousands of people flock to the area to see the changing leaves.
The lines to get into Nashville, Ind. were a welcome sight to business owners. Fall is peak tourism season and Artists Colony Inn owner Bibianna Stutsman says she saw more visitors this year than anytime over the past decade.
"It was pretty exciting actually for us to see that," Stutsman said. "It kind of gives us hope that the economy is turning around and that people are more comfortable coming out and spending money."
Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Jane Ellis credits new businesses and events with bringing more people to town.
"The Brown County Playhouse has their shows up and running," she said. "A lot of times, they weren't available in the fall. So, they've moved to a year-round schedule. We've got some new businesses like Big Woods Brewing Company that are very popular."
Ellis says a new leaf sculpture has also become a hit with visitors.
"That has gained so much notoriety and people coming just to see that," she said. "There's constantly someone out front taking pictures."
Ellis says the fall season accounts for about 30 percent of local businesses' revenues for the entire year.