Location : Cleveland, OH
A link was sent to me today that took me to Independent America, a film about a couple travelling the secondary roads of the USA looking for "Mom and Pop" lodging, food, clothes, etc. The purpose of this film is to find non-Wal-Mart, Border's, Starbuck's, experiences in the old US of A. Actually, I think that some basis for the film is the increasing backlash against these big-box retailers/chains, and to show you that there are some excellent alternatives to them. Interestingly, one of their stops was here in Cleveland.
This got me to thinking. The new "big thing," at least in Cleveland, is the creation of shopping malls that reflect an old town center. This has always struck me as funny. We have these places, not surprisingly, downtown Cleveland (can you say "ghost town?"). And yet, here we are - recreating these places out in the suburbs. Places where people can shop, eat, and live, all within a couple of traditional city blocks. In the suburbs. While our real downtown areas slide away. Crazy.
And not far from these "Towne Centers," are the real downtown areas. Cheap parking, store fronts that sell different stuff than the cookie cutter stores you find in the New Towne Centers. With employees that go out of their way to make sure that you are finding what you want, knowledgeable about their products, glad to see you. With no attitude.
Their blog has some excellent food and lodging tips, for those that don't want the chain experience. Even in New York City.
Check it out.
Link: Independent America
Technorati tag: Independent America
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