Rapid City, South Dakota
November 17, 2022
Rapid City. My guess was that it has a population of 30,000 people.
I was wrong -- by over 46,000 people.
What do you get when you have that large a population?
McDonalds, Hardee's, Arby's, Taco John, Subway, Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, all the 2 and 3 star chain hotels. And that's just in the corner of the metropolis that I am in.
There is a sameness to so many American cities of a certain size -- is it as small as 20,000 people? Lower?
And part of me finds that helpful. When I come to a new city, I know I can get my grapes at Walmart for $3.47 and a Oscar Meyer turkey pack for around $5.00. I can also get 6 hard boiled eggs for $2.50 and a pre made salad for $3.50. I know Jiffy Lube will have my truck information. I can get a turkey sub with lettuce, tomato, pickles, olives, onions with oil and vinegar for $10 at Subway, and it will taste just like the one I got 500 miles ago.
But the sameness bothers me. Do I want familiarity or risk trying something different -- if I can find it? That can be hard -- the national chains push out the local mom & pop places. Do I stay at a Dew Drop Inn and risk catching something or pay a few bucks more and be pretty sure the shower won't be gross and the mattress will be reasonably firm? (Oh, and get points toward a free stay!)
I want my comforts yet I want character.
It's easier to find character in very small towns where there aren't enough folks to support the national chains. But even there you are likely to find a Dollar General. (I won't bad mouth Dollar General -- I again like that I know what I'm getting there and the prices are kinda ridiculously low.)
Something I struggle with. Even at the level of store I'm talking about here, we are such an affluent society. We have so many choices and options. I believe in capitalism and that's what drives these stores being all over the place. Purchasing power and marketing power. I need something; what place pops in my head? Walmart.
Idle mind wanderings as I take a rest day in Rapid City. The wind really is whipping around outside. This is a new Courtyard -- senior price with tax of $77 per night. Even had maid service after only one night! I gotta admit it is nice to recline on a king-size bed and be warm.
Yorumlar