Main Street

Here in small town America is where Main Street still comes into its own. On my new Main Street, I have visited the hardware store, 2 of 6 banks, the butcher shop, the pharmacy, the grocery, the Post Office, 2 of 3 gas stations, and walked by several houses. There is also a car repair place, 3 bars, a diner, a furniture store, a jeweler, a random crafty-type shop, a pretentious-looking artsy shop (that also sells wine), a preschool, the tax/CPA person, a realtor, a hairdresser, 2 fast food chains, the Chamber of Commerce (on one end), and the Village Hall (on the other end). There is one of many things and many types of stores on Main Street, but other than the fast food and pharmacy, no major chain stores. It will bear further investigation. Especially as there is also a quilt shop, that is located just off Main Street, but not exactly on it.


I am rather intrigued as to why we have 6 different banks in town, and only 3 bars. This version of that ratio seems a bit backwards when compared to my previous visits to other Small Towns. Not that it is a bad thing - it shows that the people of this Small Town are of a saving type, at least for short periods anyways. One of the bars is definitely the local bar, one is rather scary-looking, and one is nice and clean and delivers breakfast on the weekends. I've recently heard that the food at the nice & clean one is quite good - we'll have to try it soon to confirm the reports. Preferably not the breakfast though - as that may seem a bit odd to have it delivered straight to one's door, particularly in the morning.


It would be nice to have a good restaurant in town. There currently is not one to my knowledge. There is a restaurant that looks rather fancy, but it seems that the parking lot is used to carpool to local Little League games more than people actually sampling the fare. Not a positive indicator.



I am also rather amused that the Village Hall and the Chamber of Commerce are on opposite ends of Main Street. Maybe to ensure that people see the entire town? Maybe the people in charge at each building don't really like each other? The businesses in town are generally spread all along Main Street, so perhaps it is just what buildings were available when. Hmm, maybe something else to investigate!



We also have railroad tracks running right through the middle of Main Street. The train no longer stops here, but toots its horn and heads slowly on its way north. Depending on the day, many trains can go through, all tooting long blasts of the whistle, and delaying the 8 or so cars that have managed to pile up due to bad timing.



Now I must spend some time doctoring all of the mosquito bites I've acquired while wandering down Main Street. Good thing I have ammonia and cotton balls!