Simpler things deserve closer look

Springtime is upon us and directs our imaginations and minds toward vacations. But considering the current economic conditions of folks who have lost jobs and those lucky enough to still have them but unsure for how long, thoughts of vacations aren’t on the radar.

This is the time to really use your imaginations and plan outings like the ones people used to enjoy two generations ago. Back in the 1960s, local residents planned and participated in family and church picnics, lawn parties and just plain old house parties.

Old-fashioned gatherings began changing when workers and their families started having more disposable incomes. They no longer wanted to keep up with the Joneses; instead they wanted to be the Joneses. Everybody wanted to one-up his or her neighbors and friends.

Americans, as did citizens of other developed countries, outgrew the simpler things in life. Affluence gave many people access to comforts they hadn’t previously enjoyed, such as air conditioners. And health departments helped bring about the demise of church and family picnics and lawn parties.

Local and national health departments declared certain lawn party foods unsafe. Possible food contamination changed lawn parties when those who prepared the food and those who ate it became aware of food-borne pathogens such as salmonella and bacteria such as E. coli.

And as for those house parties of years past, several things destroyed that kind of entertainment. Carpet replaced wooden floors, and no one wants a dirty carpet. Neighbors, especially the ones not invited, aren’t as friendly or understanding and won’t hesitate to call the law because of loud music, laughter or conversation. 

Today, with less money to spend on cross-country vacation trips, cruises to destinations in the exotic Caribbean or South America or historic Europe, many families will stay closer to home even if it’s just in their backyards.

Shenandoah Valley residents are lucky. There’s so much to do locally that we’ve missed or taken for granted what’s right under our noses. Let’s take advantage of this challenging time.

Within 50 miles of where you’re reading The News Virginian, we have access to parks, resorts, lakes, museums, regular and upscale theaters, minor league baseball and amateur auto racing.

If you want even more choices and have a little more money to spend you need only to drive or take a train an additional 150 to 200 miles. To the north there’s big-league baseball in Baltimore or Washington, D.C.

To the east and southwest there’s professional auto racing in Richmond or Martinsville. If you like music there’s a jazz festival in Hampton and various kinds of musical concerts in Richmond and Northern Virginia. And if you like to gamble, there are opportunities to the west or south, in West Virginia or North Carolina.

And finally, if all of the above is too costly, call family members or friends and plan a picnic in a local park or off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Oh, yes, call the same group and have a house party. Don’t forget to invite all of your neighbors.

Nelson Graves, of Augusta County, is a columnist for The News Virginian. E-mail him at .