Some New Views on the Economy

I just returned from a nice week in Williamsburg, VA with my family. It is still a wonderful place to reconnect with history but the economy has really had an impact down there.

Our first evening, we attended a Capitol Concert (great experience for anyone with any love of classical music). The performer came out of character at the end to chat with the only partially filled room. He made it clear that the staff of Colonial Williamsburg realizes people are carefully spending their money these days and wanted us to know that each and every one of them appreciates the fact we are keeping them employed. He offered to talk individually with guests about economical places to shop, dine, visit, etc. This honest look at the economy was repeated by other staffers during our stay.

Restaurant owners have resorted to putting small signs in there parking lots declaring "Customers Welcome!" Most seemed overstaffed as if they are hoping that a horde of diners will appear from nowhere. Very few had help wanted signs, usually very normal down there in the summer tourist season.

I made a point of reading the classified sections of newspapers from Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Williamsburg and found them even more sparse than expected. Practically no technical or engineering positions appeared, a few retail, and a handful of low paying healthcare opportunities pretty much were it.

Tour buses seem to have disappeared almost completely. We observed this not only in the Williamsburg region but as we drove along Route 95 and the various belts as well. It was especially apparent at rest areas where I realized that bus parking was about 80% vacant.

Our family planned this trip using all sorts of websites to find low priced packages, collected restaurant coupons and comprised on the level of eateries just a bit. We managed to come in a little under budget while still having a good time. As someone who had not allowed himself a full week away from work in over 2 years, I testify that such a break is needed, can be done economically, and is needed to get our economy back on track!