Do We Desperately Need Drive-Thrus?

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These folks may be happier in the Destin atmosphere. The character of 30-A without high rises, fast food and t-shirt chains is extremely important to most homeowners as well as returning vacationers imo.
We vacation and purchased in SoWal precisely because the above mentioned do not exist here. We want charm and uniqueness which still exists but is threatened.

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I think you nailed it. People like 30A just as much for what it doesn't have just as much as what it does.;-)

More food for thought.

Proximity to Fast Food a Factor in Student Obesity

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/26/health/nutrition/26obese.html?hpw

Reminds me that I've read articles quoting studies that show how sprawl leads to obesity also. Having to drive everywhere instead of walking/biking = less exercise, more sedentariness etc.

I noticed in a recent trip to an old European city that I was one of the three heftiest people I saw there; In America, I'm not considered fat but there, I was wishing I was in way better shape. Everyone, including the elderly, walked or rode bikes everywhere, and it looked like bikes outnumbered cars by an order of magnitude at least. There was plenty of terrific, made-from-scratch food available on practically every street corner -- amazing pastries, cheeses, confections, not to mention phenomenal beer! I don't remember seeing any fast food chains, though there were a few chains that served ethnic specialties from every continent.

One of the most amazing things I noticed was how many women of all ages rode bikes in skirts and high heels with far greater apparent ease and skill than I ever imagined possible.

There was also a thriving business at the Saturday farmers' market where local produce and fresh-made foods were sold.

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These folks may be happier in the Destin atmosphere. The character of 30-A without high rises, fast food and t-shirt chains is extremely important to most homeowners as well as returning vacationers imo.
We vacation and purchased in SoWal precisely because the above mentioned do not exist here. We want charm and uniqueness which still exists but is threatened.
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I think you nailed it. People like 30A just as much for what it doesn't have just as much as what it does.;-)

Thanks for the reply. I understand completely that some people are happy that there has never been a fast food franchise with drive-thru on 30A and will be happy if there never is. I don't understand why.

Is it the smell? The aesthetics? I've seen many fast food restaurant buildings, McDonalds particularly, that are designed to conform with the surrounding architecture. Is there something particularly objectionable?

Can anyone describe their objection without subjective terms like charm, character, or feel? I'm just trying to understand.

I do know some objections to more high rises - density, compatiblity, blocking the sun, etc. and T-shirt stores - neon lighting particularly.

Thanks for the reply. I understand completely that some people are happy that there has never been a fast food franchise with drive-thru on 30A and will be happy if there never is. I don't understand why.

Is it the smell? The aesthetics? I've seen many fast food restaurant buildings, McDonalds particularly, that are designed to conform with the surrounding architecture. Is there something particularly objectionable?

Can anyone describe their objection without subjective terms like charm, character, or feel? I'm just trying to understand.

I do know some objections to more high rises - density, compatiblity, blocking the sun, etc. and T-shirt stores - neon lighting particularly.

Refer back to Susan's post #114:
"............. But the other 99.9% of the time, I relish the absence of national chains -- and the resulting beautiful variety of local mom and pop businesses -- as a huge part of what makes South Walton so special; so appealing to tourists of significantly higher demographic profile than those who visit our neighboring counties; and such a big reason why I live here rather than any geography-of-nowhere town, USA.

National chains suck money out of local economies at dizzying rates, siphoning our cash into the pockets of folks who have no accountability to us or to their employees,nd no interest in our community other than how much profit they can extract. Local mom and pops keep the money in the community where it undergoes a multiplier effect of great benefit to the local economy. (I majored in English, and withdrew in disgrace from Economics 101; otherwise I'd explain this in more detail.) ..........................."

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Save your local stores, spend locally

Came across this site that is trying to bring awareness to the importance of saving local businesses. According to them, for every $100 spent in a locally owned business, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, etc. A national chain, only $43 stays locally. Online, nothing.
As a local business owner, I can't help but think about this.
The site is www.the350project.orghttp://www.the350project.org