Growing Destinations

About Growing Destinations

Your go-to source for insightful discussions on destination development. The Growing Destinations podcast delves into the strategies, challenges, and successes that drive community growth. Each episode features in-depth conversations with local and national experts, uncovering universal themes and innovative practices that can be applied to any city or region.

Publisher

Experience Rochester

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Feb 2022

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

103 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   From Shoe Repair Shop to Classy Dive Bar: The Story of The Shoe

   Today we're talking about what happens when you take an old building with a lot of history, a little bit of vision, and a willingness to take a chance. Jack Lester and Eric Kramlinger are two of the owners of The Shoe Beverage Bar in Rochester, Minnesota. They took a former shoe repair shop that had been part of the community for decades, and transformed it into what they describe as a classy dive bar: a place for drinks, conversation, live music, and bringing people together. Jack and Eric s...

2. 

   18 Aug 2026

   The World’s Tallest Nutcracker in Luverne, Minnesota

   When you think about iconic attractions, a giant nutcracker probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But in Luverne, Minnesota, nutcrackers have become much more than a holiday decoration: they've become part of the community's identity and a growing tourism story that's attracting visitors and national attention. This episode offers a look at how one unique idea evolved into a destination brand and what other communities can learn from Luverne's experience. Joining the conversation...

3. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Building Places People Want to Visit and Live

   When we talk about destinations, we often focus on attracting visitors, but the strongest destinations are also great places to live: communities where people want to build careers, raise families, start businesses and connect with others. Join Alison Zelms, City Administrator for Rochester, MN, Mike Mornson, City Manager for Hopkins, MN and Sharon Hanson, City Administrator for Marshall, MN as they discuss building places people want to visit and live. This episode was recorded i...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

1,138

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 53 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

55

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

60

Contact Growing Destinations

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.