The character of a destination. How can a community define itself, maintain its integrity, traits, history and essence, yet meet the expectations of the tourism engine that drives its commerce and livelihood?Ogunquit, Maine is the latest destination to fight for independence, waging a campaign against what many of its citizens are describing as a formula chain-restaurant scourge. This battle is not new, with towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif., Bristol, R.I., and even the neighboring town of York, Me., enacting strong preservation measures. Northern New England states, with their cachets, particularly tend to challenge the chain mentality. The debates are visceral, alliances are fragile, and emotional discourse abounds as these New England communities address progress and retail commercialism. It starts out with that demon Dunkin Doughnuts or McDonalds and then accelerates with villainous Starbucks and Chili's. Lock the doors, bar the windows, hide the children, secure the women -- the Huns are coming!
Link: Grappling with Progress.
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