Tourism pumps a lot of cash into Dougherty County's economy. In 2004, visitors spent $140 million in the county. The Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau is working hard to keep that money coming.

More than 80 tourism professionals from across the state are in Albany to learn how to better market their cities to the world outside of Georgia. Of course, Albany leaders are listening closely so that they can hear the sounds of more people coming to get a glimpse of the city and county.

It's what some would call a small city, but Albany touts big attractions. For example, there's the Riverquarium and there's also the Parks at Chehaw.

Have you ever wanted to impress your sweetie by writing a song for her? How about a musical tribute to your son, or are you the kind of boss who favours lyrical messages for employees?

Virginia tourism officials have added an interactive "sing back" feature to their website for the Crooked Road, a 400-kilometre trail through country music landmarks in southwest Virginia, that lets users create these and numerous other personalized bluegrass songs.

The state-of-the art site - at www.virginia.org/crookedroad - enables visitors to personalize a song to the tune of "Sweet Virginia" that can be sent either by e-mail or to the telephone or cellphone of the recipient.  Source: Newsbeyond.com

I've lived in the midwest most my life coming from Illinois and husband from Indiana. Sorry, I can't imagine planning a trip there when you've seen the rest of the country and world. Are there any specific parts of Indiana you like?