08/09/2020
Sunday Morning Read - Artcation
Want to know how to successfully draw thousands of people to your town? Stop in at the Visitor Center in Winthrop, WA and talk tourism. Winthrop was founded in the late 1800 by a gent from Boston. The town is located by the expansive Methow river and takes every opportunity to welcome recreators and travelers who flock to the area year round.
Shortly after the town was founded, author Owen Wister wrote his first Western novel, The Virginian, inspired in part by his honeymoon stay within the town.
Town committees truly understand the concept of destination getaway. Board walk shops are rustic in theme with meticulous, well enforced ordinances. In short, if you want to run a business or even live within the town, one must follow town rules. You'll find no blight issues within the town. No trash, no junked cars or appliances that have lived for years in someone's yard. Locals who want to live there actually want and understand the economy of tourists. Tourism is the number one priority and one must travel up the road for other services.
The shops are spectacular, filled with authentic, handmade, original craft and art. Only a few shops had items that could be found in another shop or online. We found handmade clothing, glass blown art, hand embroidered linens, handpainted footwear, gorgeous handcrafted hunting knives, lamps made out of local woods and stone. Many items had hefty price tags but that didn't seem to detour customers who appreciate originality and the unique. The Purple Sage was by far my favorite stop. Local artworks, colorful paintings reflecting modern day happenings and a quirky last supper full of owl figures. I hated to leave.
This town, however, did not escape the impact of COVID-19. Like the rest of the country they too missed out on sales revenue due to lockdown. There were a few shops that never reopened and a few empty retail buildings that are almost always full. Smaller food and beverage outfits along with hotel and lodges are scrambling and competing for workers. Many are past tired, taking on duties usually performed by staff. Overall, most have recouped early losses from staff cost reduction, but many we talked with are burnt out. One asked if she could come along with us on artcation!
If you're planning your next getaway I highly recommend putting Winthrop on your list!
