PH: Recession Misses Sandpoint

A recession? You could have fooled those in downtown Sandpoint during this past month. With activities such as artist tours, an arts and crafts fair, a fun run and of course the Festival at Sandpoint, the streets were backed up, the parking lots were full and the majority of those driving through the downtown corridor had out-of-state license plates. It was a welcome sight for what many feared would be a slow tourist season in this resort community. Gloria Waterhouse, owner of the Inn at Sand Creek, said it’s been an exceptional year for her business. She credits that in part to the fact that couples, especially nonresidents, are choosing Sandpoint as a beautiful setting for their destination weddings/ Patty Hutchens , SR Handle Extra. More here .

Question: How do you view tourists and other visitors to our North Idaho communities in the summer — necessary evil to bolster the economy? A nuisance? A welcome addition that underscores that we live in a beautiful area?