Harlan County Celebrates Love of Place with Valentine's Tourism Campaign

Local tourism office highlights community pride, adventure, and authenticity in Harlan County

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Harlan County, Kentucky is celebrating Valentine's Day with a tourism campaign that focuses on the community's love for its local heritage, culture, scenic beauty, and hometown pride. The Harlan Tourism office has organized a variety of events and promotions, including a "Mystery Date" package, an "I Love Harlan" art exhibit, and a romantic comedy movie night, to draw both visitors and locals to experience the area's Appalachian spirit and sense of connection.

Why it matters

The campaign taps into a growing desire among people to feel a deeper sense of community and belonging, especially in the face of busy lives and uncertain times. By celebrating what the community loves about Harlan County, the tourism office aims to build local pride, strengthen bonds, and remind people that they are part of something special.

The details

The Harlan Tourism office has organized several events and promotions for Valentine's season, including a "Mystery Date" package that sends people on themed local experiences, an "I Love Harlan" art exhibit featuring community-created pieces showcasing what they love about the area, and a romantic comedy movie night. The goal is to highlight Harlan County's scenic beauty, local flavor, and Appalachian culture in a way that sparks connection and appreciation.

  • The "I Love Harlan" art exhibit is currently on display at The Harlan Center.
  • The winners of the "I Love Harlan" art contest will be announced on March 2.
  • The romantic comedy movie night is scheduled for February 20 at The Harlan Center.

The players

Brandon Pennington

The Harlan Tourism Director, who organized the Valentine's-themed promotions to celebrate the community's love of place.

Harlan Tourism

The local tourism office that launched the "Harlan Has Heart" campaign to highlight the area's scenic beauty, local culture, and community spirit.

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What they’re saying

“Harlan County has heart in both its landscape and its people. You can stand on a mountain overlook and see for miles, explore underground history, walk through small towns where people still wave at strangers and experience a culture that is deeply rooted, creative and resilient. It is a place where adventure and authenticity live side by side. People do not just come here to check a box. They come here and feel something.”

— Brandon Pennington, Harlan Tourism Director (Harlan Enterprise)

“Valentine's is not just about couples. It is about connection. It is a chance to show appreciation for friends, family, neighbors and community. That is why our 'I Love Harlan' art exhibit that is currently on display at The Harlan Center leans into love of place as much as romantic love. When a community celebrates what and who it loves, it builds pride, strengthens bonds and reminds people that they belong. That is the kind of love story we want Harlan County to tell.”

— Brandon Pennington, Harlan Tourism Director (Harlan Enterprise)

What’s next

The winners of the "I Love Harlan" art contest will be announced on March 2.

The takeaway

Harlan County's tourism campaign taps into a growing desire for community connection and belonging, using the lens of Valentine's Day to celebrate the area's natural beauty, local culture, and Appalachian spirit. By highlighting what the community loves about Harlan, the campaign aims to build local pride and remind both visitors and residents that they are part of something special.