After my recent vacation trip to Adel, Georgia (population 5,000, give or take an ant), I was re-introduced to my love of small towns. I was raised a city girl here in the booming metropolis of Louisville, Kentucky. It's not New York, but, after our recent realignment of boundaries, we are the 16th largest city in the US. The amenities of a city are very nice - lots of options for food, fun, and frolic - but the hustle bustle can get a bit wearing at times. When we got closer to Louisville on our road trip home, I swore I could feel the 'bub' swelling of the impending 'hub bub' of the city.
I have other friends that live in a small town in Alabama (Phenix City) and the same appeal is there that I found in Adel. The slower pace, the friendly people, and the relaxing feel of the environment. While in Adel, we were 5 minutes from most everything - except major shopping and food establishments, which was still only 20 minutes away in Valdosta. In Phenix City, the same thing occurred. We weren't far from Columbus, Georgia, and this very long strip mall that had every store you would need (along with a Super Wal-Mart) and restaurants plopped along the parking lot.
Although it can be a little daunting in a town where everyone knows your business, there was something comforting when I walked into the local Adel Rite Aid and the checker carried on a conversation with me about the previous night's storm. I can barely get a "hello" out of the checkers in Louisville. Being single, living in a small town would probably be a lot more difficult than living in a city. But, I think if I was married, I'd be perfectly content in a small town. (So, all you farmers out there looking for a wife....).
Our family never lived in a small town, but I think my Mom would have loved it. She would talk to strangers even in the big town of Louisville and not think anything about it...even when she found out more than she wanted to know. I'm sure the "Mayberrys" of the world would get old, just like the big cities, but a change of pace wouldn't be a bad thing....like the lyrics of the Rascal Flatts song...
"I miss Mayberry
Sitting on the porch drinking ice-cold cherry Coke
Where everything is black and white
Picking on a six string
Where people pass by and you call them by their first name
Watching the clouds roll by"
9 comments:
Rose,
I'm so glad that you made it to Adel--I'd like to go there myself sometime soon. But now that you've rediscovered your affinity for small towns, how about making your way to Waverly, Virginia?
Amy Whitfield
Lancaster may fit the bill as a Mayberry. We had carpet installers here one winter morning while I was getting ready for work. I started out the door to warm up the car and one of them stuck out his hand and said, "I'll do that for you, ma'am." Now in Louisville (1) they'd never offer and (2) you'd never give them your keys!
Miss you already, Rosie.
Alisa
If you feel like visiting another small town you are always welcome in Dexter, MO. Rose, God can bring you a man in a small town too. You never know where Mr. Right could be. I can't say from experience but I know several people who can. Maybe mine will come along soon.: )
What about a village?
Amy,
Ok, I need to get Waverly on the list! Can you block out about 8 hours to just talk nonstop? :)
Lisie,
Based on your blog's description of your surroundings, I'd say Lancaster fits the small town demographic.
Jen,
I may take you up on that road trip. It's really not a bad trip at all. Of course, I'm coming from Louisville, not Dexter. :)
Doll,
I've never been to a foreign village...but, I'd bet they are much like a small town.
Isn't Phenix City where Gary and Niki moved to? I know Paige lives there, but I thought I heard from someone that Gary and Niki moved there too. I haven't seen them since 2002, I think it was.
Gary and Niki live in Columbus, GA, right next to Phenix City...think of it like Clarksville and Louisville for us. So, you were close!
I thought they lived somewhere near there. When I was in Columbus in '99 on a mission trip with 9-O and Wynnbrook, we went to Phenix City one day to do something, so I know kind of where it is.
Do you ever talk to Gary and Niki? Like I said, I haven't seen them since '02, and I'm sure if they saw me they wouldn't recognize me.
I haven't talked to Gary and Niki in a while, although they were here in July but I missed them. :(
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