Travel observers say these days just about everywhere considers themselves a desirable toutody destination. Joliet, Ill., for example, has a famous prison and was where "The Blues Brothers" was filmed.
Then, there’s Wayne, Nebraska. Population 5600. But it has a history-making first: a new hotel.
There was a recent ribbon-cutting for the brand new Cobble Stone Inn and Suites in Wayne. "The hotel is priding itself on the services it offers guests, including an indoor pool, a 24-hour convenience mart and even a wine bar," reports Kcautv.com.
It joins the more bare-bones Wayne Super 8 Wayne located off of Hwy 35 at Tomar Dr. That hotel has high speed internet access, expanded cable television with several stations and free breakfasts.
"Wayne is not a destination location, it’s a pass through. And one of the things is, there are certain accommodations that some travelers are looking for that they are not able to find if they stay in other communities. We’re able to capture that now and turn those dollars in our small community," said Ken Kwapnioski, a Cobble Stone hotel manager.
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman was at the ribbon cutting. He says this new hotel will have a major economic impact on the community. "And the community itself has been a huge part in making this dream a reality. Forty-eight of the 50 people who invested in this project are from Wayne," according to the local TV station.
"The community hopes this new hotel will bring in more athletic groups and tournaments for local schools and Wayne State College," said the TV station
Will it succeed? It’s perhaps the new American dream: capture tourism dollars.
The city has a lot of support and the hotel’s new wine bar is expected to be a real attraction. But the nearest real tourist attraction is the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center. It has local history exhibits and theatre programs. But it’s also 40 miles away.
By David Wilkening
