Christmas is right around the corner and local neighborhoods are preparing for the big season. But one Valley town is being highlighted by Midwest Living Magazine for their beautiful holiday scenery.

"Along comes the holidays and you start to see the leaves are gone and the bridges take on a different look," boasts Park County Inc. executive director Cathy Harkrider.

Parke County is known as the covered bridge capitol of the world. It's that status that attracted Midwest Living to the county for a spread on covered bridges at Christmas.

When asked about the profile, Harkrider smiles and says, "Oh we were so pleased to see the feature that came out about Parke County and our Covered Bridge Christmas."

Each fall, the quiet streets of Parke County come alive as thousands converge on the area for the Covered Bridge Festival. Community leaders hope that same level of enthusiasm will spill over to the winter seasons.

"The people still like to come to Parke County and see the covered bridges and so when they come and visit with us,” says Harkrider. She continues, “ They can see these rural communities and how the people still gather together."

In the slumping economy, more families are turning to local destinations that are inexpensive yet entertaining.

"It gives them a step back in time, a simpler side of life that Parke County has to offer to a lot of people; a lot of visitors come just for that," explains Harkrider.

The article in Midwest Living is sure to drive more people to the area this winter. That would give struggling business owners a much needed boost.

Harkrider explains, "It's a great economic boost for them. Our inn keepers profit from it, the gas stations, and the places that they eat."

Covered bridges aren't the only holiday feature in Parke County. Community leaders are gearing up for a full slate of holiday events.