Vacations

[funtime2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close funtime2]

We have just returned from our vacation in HH. While talking with people at different places, it is evident that lots of people are staying home. On our day trip to Charleston we took a carriage ride. The driver said that their business is down about 50% from last year. At the outlet malls in HH there were very few cars in the parking lot - during the week at night. When talking to the clerk at a shoe store she said that last year they had done over $3000 the week of tax free shopping and this year it was not even $2000. I was also talking with an owner (we were exchangers) at Egrets Point and she said that usually they could not park by their unit, but this year there was no problem finding a space. From general observations when we were out during the week - vacationers are staying home! Places where we have waited in line to eat - walk right in and have a seat. Good for us, but not for the business owner.....

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

When we were in Palm Desert a couple of weeks ago we went to the weekend market at the college. One of the vendors said this was the worst year for sales they have ever had and they were going to close up August & September and try again in the fall. We went to the Grand Canyon in July. No problem finding parking anywhere and no waiting to eat lunch in the lodge. Seemed like a lot less people than in the past and most were Europeans. I think the gas prices are the biggest factor although with the forclosures and unemployment up so much, many people are hurting big time and vacation is the last thing on their lists. Our campgrounds up here in the Sierras are empty. Lots of folks aren't even going camping.