It's the slow pace of life that journalists from Illinois and Toronto say they appreciate the most about Newton, Miss. The traffic isn't bad and the people are extra friendly.

Laura Wagenknecht with Illinois Bus Tours Magazine commented on the friendly people and a feeling of belonging in the community.

The journalists have been attending a convention in Biloxi, but decided to make a trip to Newton. They say many people from their area visit central Mississippi for Civil War landmarks, for instance. But they say they are learning that Newton has even more to offer.

"A place like this you gets you off the interstate and you find a real gem," said Pat Brennan of The Toronto Star newspaper. "Full of history, full of culture and characters."

During their day the journalists visited the Roxy Theater for a performance of 'Cinderella' and then toured the Secret Garden Art Studio, where owner Dottie Armstrong, was happy to welcome them.

"It's really exciting to us to have company and to have visitors and to think that someone would like our place enough to have someone to visit means a lot," Armstrong said.

Newton Chamber of Commerce director Angie Burks said she is glad to know that these writers will take their experiences with them back home.

"It's not all just about downtown work and economic development," said Burks. "It's also about the quality of life here in Newton."

The writers just spent a day in Newton, but Burks said she hopes more people visit because of their trip.

Newscenter 11 will broadcast live at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday from the Newton Depot. This weekend is the Loose Caboose Festival, a much anticipated event every year in Newton.