Tourism can provide an incredible economic boost, sure, but it can also put pressure on locals. This isn’t new news, we see how the rural places many Americans treat as playgrounds, and the workers who keep them running, suffer for it.
This is not meant to be a hit piece on tourists. In general, tourists not only bring much-needed funds into the area, they pack our stores and eateries, but they also infuse the town with life. Given the age and type of people that now inhabit Cape Charles, the tourists transform this mausoleum into a vibrant summer village. This is almost the only time of year we actually see young families and college-age folks out on the beach, enjoying the sun and the safe, family-friendly Cape Charles beach. This writer has personally met many very nice people, many with very young children, that truly love our beach and town. It is heart-warming to see whole families, from grandparents all the way down to the newest baby congregate under tents and splash around in the warm, shallow water.
That part is great. But, you cannot ignore the costs to the local community.
It is weird. For many locals, summer was something we looked forward to. Many now can’t wait for September and the gentle easing of crowds. Many have told us that they completely avoid Cape Charles during the tourist season, that they come into town and never recognize anyone they know. Locals have to ask, despite all the benefits of tourism, is the juice still worth the squeeze?
15 or 20 years ago, Cape Charles was not like this. Tourism did not exist, but a town filled with young families did. We all knew each other, and we would drop our kids off at Cape Charles Baptist for Friday Night Live, and use the opportunity for a fun date night at Kelly’s or the much-missed Cabana Bar at Aqua. Most of the kids went to the same schools, and all played together in the park. They entered new stages of life together, from pre-school to high school. But, time moves on, these kids are now college graduates, and now in the workforce.
In 2021 Cape Charles is a much different place. Houses are now fully renovated, super expensive, and designed as rental and Airbnb properties. There’s nothing left that the workforce can really afford. You can count the remaining families in town on one hand–most have been replaced by retirees.
Of course, with the additional light at Food Lion, the traffic outside of town on 13 can be horrendous on Saturdays. We have seen traffic backed up all the way to the Cheriton/Cherrystone traffic light. The days of grabbing the surfboard and heading the Virginia Beach Oceanfront are gone also. The wait times on the CBBT in summer peak can be 30 minutes to an hour–with a car breakdown or accident, well, just forget about it.
We are, of course, are being nostalgic…change is the default, not the exception; transformation is the reality of our world, from physical growth to economic progress. Novelty, in our case tourism, is an antidote to boredom and stagnation.
Looking at the state of our world, from Covid to the tragedy in Afghanistan, and inflation, nostalgia for the old Cape Charles is probably understandable. Nostalgic memories tend to focus on our relationships, which can comfort us during stressful times. The key is to not over-romanticize the past and become cynical and not move forward with our lives.
Falling back on our happy memories of old Cape Charles, nostalgia can be a way to harness the past and at the same time create hope for the future.
Or not.
About the Author
I am 60 yrs old and I came home from the NAMH “old hospital “ to Cape Charles. I love the town then and now and all the years between. I enjoyed the peace of my youth. I do wish I had bought a house or two in Cape Charles many years ago when they were very affordable but I was newly married in 1984 and my husband and I had jobs that we felt couldn’t afford the town water sewer and trash bill not to mention taxes for the town and county so we bought a house in the county still having a Cape Charles address! It has been a wonderful journey but, I do so much enjoy going to town and shopping and riding around having ice cream and reminiscing about the old Cape Charles High School, the houses I grew up in and all of the houses my friends lived in! The downtown area with a movie theater and all the stores that we could shop or go to the movies, ride our bikes, go to the beach! The good old days were great Cape Charles is a great place and treasure Now and Then! Relax, Remember and Enjoy the Journey!
Great article Wayne. It brought up many great memories of the past 20 years we spent in Cape Charles. Not only has Cape Charles changed but so has Virginia and the US in general. There was a pioneer energy in the old days, a sense of neighborhood and community. In the years we lived there we rarely locked our doors. It was safe and quiet. Everyone was renovating their fixer-uppers. Times were good. Born heres and Cum-ears got along and enjoyed each other’s company. But it was inevitable that things would change. Real estate values skyrocketed and many have moved on in search of another piece of heaven. We sold and glad we did. I wouldn’t want to see my good memories of Cape Charles supplanted by what Cape Charles has become. Maybe there is hope for the future when the inevitable real estate bust occurs and the speculators flee.
Scotiagirl quotes you and is mystified: “What Cape Charles has become?” What is wrong with you? Cape Charles is blooming. It is a beautiful place, still populated by people who love it and who recognize its potential to remain a jewel of the Eastern Shore. It is probably good that you left. Cape Charles does not need people with your negative attitude. Scotiagirl hopes you have found peace elsewhere.
Note: STFU.
You are a long ways from home….
Mr Pruitt, Scotiagirl IS home…
Note: An unhealthy reminder.
How could anyone have an area of this country, where they and their families are from, that they call ‘home’ or ‘hometown’ or ‘homeplace’ for generations if everyone that moves there, that already had a home, calls it their new ‘Home’ ??? It just doesn’t sound right.
Now we can look back to the cross-stitched pictures of the past with sayings like: Home is where the heart is… or Home is where you hang your hat….but I thought everyone knew they were just feel good mantras spoken by folks who knew better.
I understand all of this sentiment. But when I walk into town now, I feel all these feelings. It is a place where time seems to stand still and friendly faces are everywhere. I am a part-time resident though (and rent my house…shhh…dont tell wayne… wink wink), but absolutely adore this town. It is our retirement plan. When we started coming to Cape Charles it was super sleepy, few young families (vacationing or living here), most shops closed when you were ready to visit them and just a few food options. We still fell in love. But what we see now is a vibrant, energetic town full of charm and character that will ultimately attract more people to live here full time (and already has). There is more opportunity here for locals to open businesses that can be sustained. You are right, real estate is unaffordable, but we are also finding that is the case where we live full time. It is not an anomaly to Cape Charles proper. I think that the town has grown to a perfect place where summers are busy, but the fall and shoulder season aren’t dead.
Hi,
I am actually considering moving to Cape Charles and opening a business. Any and everyone please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
BT
Please don’t.
You should live here BEFORE you open a business. What annoys me is people who visit and are already planning ways to profit off of the community before ever being a part of the community. Also, from a practical business standpoint, you should spend time in this market before jumping in blind.
Well maybe it does just “feel like” HOME…but it is wonderful if only an illusion. Scotiagirl hasn’t been to a more welcoming and delightful place since she left the Isle of Sark.
But you do understand that you have a Home, long before you could spell Cape Charles, where you were born and raised?
It has not stopped being your Home, you just decided to leave it.