Slow Down and Enjoy Your Visit!

When that trip is booked, to get away from the daily grind, we tend to get very excited at the idea of escaping!  Often it goes something like this:  I. Can. Not. Wait!!  Some of us look deeper into the events calendar and others decide to just let it all unfold once they arrive.  Either way, it is incredibly meaningful to plan a road trip to new scenery.

I have noticed that many people don't have an easy time "turning off" their adrenaline rush or high demand mode when they arrive in a place like the Catskills.  Ideally the point is to kick back and let go, however, this does not always happen.  Thing is, you are actually visiting someone else's home town.  It really is a sleepy, laid back vibe and it's the way rural folks do it.  It's also the reason you left the hustle of your urban surroundings, for a temporary slice of their heaven.  It's important to everyone, especially you, that it all unfolds as planned.

There are some easy guidelines to being a gracious guest when you visit.  While I am a bit surprised that people need reminding, I also understand this is just the way it is.  I have a feeling this happens in many places by the way, when busy people travel to calmer towns.

While the speed limits on country roads tend to be 55 mph, there are some areas where it slows down.   The locals are the first ones to push the limits, so follow their lead, they know better than most where the local police are staked out.  They also have an unwritten rule called "country distance".  It means keeping a 5 car distance between you and them.  The only people tailgating are the visitors and it sure is rude to the locals.

When you dine at a restaurant, they too are making food to order like you're used to.  The difference here is that they don't travel at your speed and they are not cooking for a crowd that needs to get to the theater.  They love that you selected their place and they want you to enjoy every bit of your time.  Sit back, have another drink and you will be pleasantly surprised at the culinary skill of these country chefs.

The message here is to relax and slow down.  The residents of these communities are happy you have come to visit, but they are even happier when you leave your edge at home... along with your car alarms!

Take advantage of the ease in moving about, the sound of nature and look up at the incredible light show in the sky.  The stars are like magic on most nights.  Don't miss it because you forgot to remove your super charged battery.