| | Hospitality not hostilityJuly 23, 2009 - Cathy MooreLake Placid draws visitors from all over the world for a host of different reasons. We are proud to show off our Olympic venues, scenic peaks and lakes, but much more than that is the friendliness and hospitality we show as people enter our quaint mountainous villages. I use to live in a tourist area in Naples, Florida, where residents made their living catering to visitors during the season. I also was surprised to hear them say "I can't wait until they leave," which was one of the milder comments. It was hard for me to understand why they would bite the hand that fed them. When it comes to our busy season, the majority of residents are smart enough to treat our visitors as if they were family. I believe the isolated rude comments and incidents are made by only a few. Sure, they might say they don't see the millions of dollars that events like Ironman bring in, because they are not looking. The obvious signs are High Peaks Cyclery and Placid Planet frantically working on bikes, Price Chopper's shelves cleared of healthy food and water, drug stores wiped out of aspirin and Band-Aids, hotels and campsites are full, and restaurants are packed even beyond the Lake Placid area. This is what gives us jobs to support our families, which is something we are all thankful for, especially in this rough economy. Let's embrace the visitors and deal with the inconvenience for the short time they are here because without them, we would be just be another hostile little town. I believe the best boost we can give to our economy and our soul is a sincere friendly smile and a "hello" to welcome people who come here. Article Comments(3)BronxLadyOct-26-09 12:51 PM Living in a place that has its fair share of tourists, (NYC), I completely understand tourist fatigue, but also know it's an important part of our local economy, so I try to be accommodating to visitors. Not every place is so welcoming, though. This Summer, when driving across the country, we stayed for a few days in West Yellowstone, right outside the national park. In the three days we were there, we heard pretty vocal complaints from "locals" about the "tourists". My daughters loved Yellowstone, so we are going back again next Summer for a week. So as not to burden the good people of West Yellowstone with our tourist presence, though, we'll be staying within the park itself and buying our groceries, gas and lodging from the park concessions rather than local businesses. I have to say that my tourist experience in Lake Placid has been pretty good overall and we plan to spend Christmas week there. ConnorsJul-28-09 9:01 PM So, tell me Cathy, how many people did you wait on over the weekend?... I assure you, we all understand that Lake Placid depends on visitors for income. Really. We do. WE GET IT! If you believe for one moment that your "editorial" provided a perspective that is not already apparent to every resident of the town, you are mistaken. Further, if you believe that this was inspirational in the least, you are once again mistaken. You can peddle your "smile everyone" blabber elsewhere. Please, Cathy, if you attempt to comment on any public matters in the future, make sure that you are providing a fresh perspective and not some tired prattle. p.s. I wasn't even hostile until I read this foolishness. infocarrier1Jul-25-09 8:47 AM Despite what locals say, the Tri Lakes people are not really friendly to outsiders. Never have been. Why do folks keep spreading the rumor that they are friendly ? Post a Comment | in: News, Blogs & Events Web |
