Unique Metal Art Studio
to renovate the building and it is now available as a guest house.
The couple then bought and renovated a tourist cabin north of town that they refer to as Cabin 360. Again, Bruce did most of the work himself.
“ I really enjoy hands-on construction work,” Bruce said.“ I sat at a desk in an office for more than 40 years. During the day, I want to be outside working.”
In 2013, Bruce joined the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and has served as the chairman since 2014. He previously served on the board in the early 1990s and said a lot has changed since his first term.
“ The role of visitors’ centers has completely changed,” he said.“ People want information on their phones or tablets. They don’ t want brochures and they really don’ t even want to visit a center. Our role now is to get people the information they want and need through apps and online.”
Since re-joining the board, Bruce said he has noticed an upswing in visitors.
“ We have found that the number one influence on attendance is weather, and we have had outstanding weather the last few years,” he said.“ Local business owners have also been making upgrades to their properties which has really made a difference. When you have a declining business it reflects on the entire town.”
Bruce said business owners often ask what they can do to encourage customers to return. A study completed in the 1980s showed that the main reason people visit Nashville is because of its geographical location between Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati.
“ That answer didn’ t satisfy very many people,” Bruce said.“ There is definitely more to the story.”
As a business owner, Bruce often asks his repeat guests what keeps them coming back.
“ I asked a missionary from China, who had been here four times, why he comes back,” Bruce said.“ He said,‘ I come here for the rest.’”
In fact, rest is often cited as the number one reason Bruce’ s guests come back.
“ They come here to get away from their lives,” he said.“ They come for inspiration and for quiet.”
And those are some of the same reasons that Bruce has stayed in Nashville more than 30 years longer than he expected. •
COX CREEK MILL
Unique Metal Art Studio
4705 Annie Smith Rd. Nashville
home of The Iron Gate
by Brad Cox
Brad Cox and his wife Stephanie invite you to discover their studio and mill located along the banks of Salt Creek just 10 minutes from Nashville.
Hours vary. Call ahead. theirongatebybradcox @ yahoo. com
May / June 2017 • Our Brown County 21