User:Mbrickn/Small Town Tactics
Sometimes it can be difficult to write about things relating to villages, towns, and small cities. I'm compiling a list of useful things to consider when writing articles about them. These won't get an article to guide or star immediately, but they can at least help elevate them from outlines. This is primarily aimed at Midwestern american towns, but it may be useful for other areas.
These are just random things I've come up with, If you have ideas on how to improve this list, feel free to make suggestions.
Understand[edit]
Play up any town history of interest, but don't tout. If there were battles fought here, mention them. If the town has a strange name, explain the origin.
It can be useful to list the local visitors beureu with a phone number. Any relevant information should still be included in the actual wikivoyage article. However it's useful to the traveler as an edge case backup in case of things like inclement weather forcing a festival to be rescheduled (Not all local events are likely to have their own websites).
Get In[edit]
By Bike[edit]
Many towns are investing in local bike paths. If there is a local bike path add it - It could help a traveler with their itinerary. Some travelers will be looking for exercise while they're on the road. If there are public bike repair stations, please note them.
By Plane[edit]
Travelers who are private pilots will appreciate knowing about general aviation facilities. Of course, the majority of travelers are not pilots, so note the airport is general aviation in the description.
Some mid size airports straddle the line between a proper major airport and a local one, offering some commercial flights, but still dealing with a lot of General aviation traffic. In these cases it is useful to list what airlines operate out of the city, and what destinations are available, as they tend to be limited.
See[edit]
Some destinations are known almost exclusively for do type attractions. In these cases finding a relevant See attraction may be difficult.
While most small towns won't have proper museums, many will have historic societies and county museums, or wayside memorials. If there is a severe lack of interesting things to see in an area, these may suffice.
In very small villages, one may have to resort to noting interesting architecture or sights. Many small towns have pristine examples of architecture from bygone days.
Even if the architecture is only marginally interesting for the average traveler, if a building is prominent enough (For example - a courthouse with a large tower or a church with a large steeple) it can be useful for navigation purposes (If you get lost it's easy to find your way back.). Once there are about 7 or so actually interesting see listings, consider deleting the architecture stopgaps or separating them into a section if they are truly exceptional.
If there is a creek with a waterfall or a scenic outlook, it may be worth listing that instead (Preferably the park associated with the feature if any exists).
Do[edit]
Small towns are rarely as boring as they first seem. Almost without exception a county seat or large rural city will be home to a county fair in the late summer or early fall. If a city is known for a specific produce or product, such as pumpkins or apples, they may well have a festival dedicated to that too.
Rural villages are often surrounded by nature, or at least near it. Listing a nearby State Park can be a good way to add to an article.
If a rural city was once prosperous, but has since declined, it's likely that cultural landmarks such as theaters and opera houses remain.
If a village is on the bank of a major river or lake with public access, it may be worth listing that. Ideally list the actual park associated with it.
Buy[edit]
If a city is connected by a bike path, it is a good idea to list a local bike shop. Cyclist travelers may find a need for repair services, and it can also be a good resource for advice about local trails.
Many rural communities will have seasonal farmers markets or stores selling local crafts.
Eat[edit]
Most cities have some kind of restaurant. Small towns and villages can get trickier - you may have luck if there is a rural produce stand nearby. If a town is known for it's local produce, mention that. If there is no local produce, nor a restaurant, then it may be best to list a gas station or other store not intended to be a restaurant where food is available. Even if it's a chain, it's permissible to list on Wikivoyage if it's literally the only place in the area to get food - Readers are better served by mediocre food then no food.
If an article is for a village near (Usually within 5-10 miles) a larger city, some restaurants in the larger city may offer to deliver to that village. Note if a good tip is expected for out of the way deliveries like this.
Drink[edit]
If there is nothing in drink and a pub in eat, consider moving the pub to drink (Assuming it's a true pub).
Rural areas often have a local winery, and perhaps a microbrewery or distillery. They may be out of the city proper, but can be good candidates for listings - especially if local restaurants carry their product.
Some towns may be dry, and not allow consumption of Alcohol. If they are, note it, along with any likely penalties. Conversely, some towns may have a DORA area where open drinking is permitted. Note the process for doing so correctly.
Connect[edit]
In some rural areas cellular connection speeds can be slow, or even spotty. In case such an event occurs, it can be useful to list a public library for the traveler, as they almost always offer free WiFi to visitors. Additionally public library's offer travelers a place to use the toilet, drink water, and rest (But hopefully not sleep!) without payment. Such public amenities are not always readily available in small towns (They have the plumbing and internet, but sharing it with strangers for free isn't a given).