Recently, a Cape Charles Mirror reader submitted these comments, “I know the tourists bring money, and they help the local businesses, but sometimes I wonder if we need them…is this a good bargain for us? Sometimes I don’t blame them, they are on vacation, they are spending their money, so it makes sense they might be ‘all about them’, and be kind of selfish, and just walk by and never any eye contact, or a hello. That’s just the nature of it, but it’s hard when it happens…in your home town, and where you sometimes feel like a second class citizen in your own town. Some things just set you off…the other night at the Experimental Film show at the theatre, and yes it was packed, but we’re sitting next to these ‘people’ who were obviously from out of town, and they started complaining right from the beginning…it was too hot, the place was ‘old and musty’, the service at the bar was horrendous, etc.). I let it go for a while, but when …before the films, when they were announcing things that had happened over the last few weeks, such as how the young dancers and interns did so much to help make the films, and they cheered for each other, this woman just kept saying, ‘Oh these people…they’re so…oh, these people’. I finally had to turn to her and say, ‘You know, these people come here from all different places, come here to make films, and yes, they are young and fun and exuberant…if you don’t like it, there are a lot of people that would like your seat right now.’ She just sneered and turned away from me.”
While the film encounter is somewhat extreme, the general gist is not out of the ordinary. But from the visitor’s perspective, as the reader noted above, if you have worked hard, and you go to a place for vacation, spending money, you are there for your enjoyment and relaxation. That’s all–having to integrate into the community you are visiting is not a requirement. It is what it is. Watching folks enjoying and loving Cape Charles, kids riding around town on skateboards, or families on bikes and golf carts on their way to watch a movie at a beautiful, historic theater is great to see–these simple, fun, small town joys are things they probably never get to do back home, and you can see the enjoyment on their faces.
Still, for locals, there will always be a love-hate relationship with tourists. Yes, we know, their presence increases economic growth, generates employment, income and tax revenue and is the preferred path for regional development. On the flip side, is it selling out the local, historical culture? What is the environmental impact? The increased infrastructure needed to maintain this lifestyle has already pushed costs skyward, with the town budget pushing ever closer to the $8 million mark. Taxes and fees must increase to keep pace, all the while providing downward pressure on folks struggling with fixed incomes.
Despite the initial upside, is it really just a Faustian bargain?
Enter your comments below, we would love to get a pulse on just what folks are feeling about this.
I wish the CBBT was never built….it is the worst thing that has ever happened to The Shore.
Not all locals are friendly in town. My grown , successful adult children came to visit, so of course I sent them into town to check out the art galleries and small stores. They were treated rudely, snubbed and barely acknowledged , with the exception of the owners of gull hummock , and the shanty.My children,who are in the hospitality business ,were not impressed. Snubbed by the stuck up community enough that they feel this is not a place to buy or even visit.
I imagine the same frustration is endured in dozens of summer vacation destinations: Virginia Beach, Nags Head, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, just to name a few. While I think the primary goal of the town should be luring home buyers and year round residents, tourism is the way that is accomplished. It may take a while and there may be growing pains but I believe it will be worth it in the end. If “tourists” are rude to you, try speaking to them and making them feel welcome in our little town. Oh, and my family and I used to take that lovely ferry from little creek to kiptopeke on many a summer vacation. Never once did we turn left on stone road to visit Charles Charles. The
place was a ghost town. Wachapreague had more going on. I think it’s clear things are a bit better here now.
The tourists are nessesary to fuel.our community economy. Remember 20 years ago, when the entire town could have been bought in the low millions. Some of us desire no economy, no growth and no people. Visiting is pleasure even as a born here!
Stuart Bell stole my thunder – I was going to say the exact same thing. The real Faustian bargain was that damnable bridge, and Faust got the short end of the stick. People utter the name Lucius Kellam as if he were a great man who did something great for the Shore. All he did was sell our soul. I hope he got at least thirty pieces of silver for it.
HEAR!!!! HEAR!!!!!!!
I grew up in tourist city…..we could not wait for the tourists to leave to get our city back….but that city has the most beautiful schools and attractions and it all comes from tourist dollars…unfortunately this county needs the money.twofold…so bite your tongue and we will get our town back this winter!! and yes, we need a new high school…. so please tourists leave your money and plenty of it.
We will be leaving our tourist dollars, never fear!!!!
Where we are welcomed.
I remember South Nags head as idyllic; no more. It is impossible to park, 1.5 hrs easy wait time for any restaurant, ^^$$ mansions replacing family beach home. .. People went to South Nags Head for the down home peace and southern culture. It’s ruined by my standard. I see that happening slowly here. I don’t want CC to become like a 1000 towns along the coast that have become overdeveloped! We need to preserve what people treasure here; small town peace, small town politeness, simple pleasures. Let’s grow but in a sane ecological conservative way!