UC Tourism’s Ruth Dyal Spent 13 Years Promoting The Region

Ruth Dyal has spent 13 years highlighting the sights and sound of the Upper Cumberland.

Dyal steps down from Executive Director of the Upper Cumberland Tourism Association. Dyal said she and her husband were stationed in Clarksville in the mid-80’s when she got her first glance of the region.

“On the way up here you see signs for Dale Hollow Lake and Cordell Hollow Lake and all that,” Dyal said. It was beautiful. Just really and truly always loved that area.”

Dyal and her husband moved to Europe shortly after where they decided to retire. Dyal said when deciding on where to go next, she knew she wanted to return to the Upper Cumberland. On arrival, she found out about the Executive Director position and applied.

“Upper Cumberland wasn’t really a household word yet at the time, because most people that come to Tennessee they know how to get to Pigeon Forge and the Smokies not even knowing we existed,” Dyal said. “It was important to me that people find out about this area.”

Dyal said when she got the role as director, she started campaigning the natural areas and culture over the radio. Dyal said she first started as a foreigner, but now, the area has became her home.

“People always say how can a foreigner sell this place when I first started,” Dyal said. “I would go to trade shows, and they would say you are not from here. I have uncles. I have relatives down there and they don’t sound like you. I said yes… Because I choose that area to live.”

Dyal said the future is bright for the region as she leaves her duties to Patti Purdy. Dyal said now, it is her turn to be a tourist. Dyal said she plans to go back to Europe to enjoy her time off, but she plans to return to her Upper Cumberland home.