It's no surprise in this economy that many people have cut back their budgets. One of the first things to go is travel. But when you still want to get away, but can't afford a plane ticket to the Bahamas, where do you go?
KELOLAND News Intern Austin Hoffman says some South Dakotans are looking right in their own backyards.

In 2009, people spent less money vacationing in South Dakota. But one county in the southeastern part of the state defied the odds and saw one the best tourism years they've ever had.

"It was really good news for clay co. We saw an increase of 28% from the previous year," Steve Howe, executive director of the Vermillion Area Chamber of Commerce and Development said.  

Howe said events in Vermillion and Clay County brought more people to the area.

"The biggest event that took place this year would have been our sesquicentennial. We had a different event, a signature event every month," Howe said.

2009 was a great year for tourism in Vermillion, but when you look back at previous years, this isn't a new trend.

Were really excited about the 28 percent increase last year, I think the bigger story is that we've had three consecutive years of growth," Howe said.

Howe said events had a big part in the tourism jump, but he's says a struggling economy may have actually helped.

The price of traveling and fuel makes it prohibitive to make those long family trips across the country, so we did see a lot more people sticking close to home," Howe said. 

Mister Smiths Subs in Vermillion has noticed an uptick in business, too.

"I'm getting more tourism calls from buses and things like that...our business has been good, we've shown growth over the past five years, so I mean we've got a lot of good things going," Jim Waters, Mister Smiths manager said.  

Howe says the city should be pleased about the increased traffic, and he's excited for Vermillion's future.

"28 percent is going to be a tough act to follow," said Howe.

One of Clay County's main promotions is the Missouri National Recreational River, a national park many people don't realize is even there.