Vacation Locally to Buy American!

With much of the country facing economic woes, most of us are keeping our purse strings as tightly closed as possible! However, if you are still one of the lucky ones able to vacation, why not spend it locally and support your area workers by buying American? This is a great way to keep employment numbers high and your region's profits going strong.

Many of us think of a vacation as a sight-seeing venture far from home, but how many of us have even really spent time at our local attractions? Last year, some out of town friends came to visit. We stayed at a local hotel with many amenities and I guided my friends through the local museums, antique and thrift stores. We shopped and had a wonderful time right in my town!

Factory outlets present one of the best opportunities to buy American and save money at the same time. Whether you are shopping for larger items like furniture or looking for bargains on next fall's school clothes, the outlets are your answer. Many areas across the United States offer tours of both their factories and their outlet stores.

Even if you're on a tight budget, your local area thrift stores can always use your business. Donate your used items that are still consumable, and pick up some of your own. Many of the thrift stories employ persons with disabilities, and a thriving thrift store trade is a great inclusive community effort.

You can call your local chamber of commerce or visit online. Many have information available about touring local manufacturers or businesses. You can do simple online searches for outlets and manufacturers in your home state.

Local artisans need our support as well. Do you attend craft shows or have an Arts and Crafts Guild shop in your town? Gifts from your local artists will be special to the recipients and put food on the table of the artists as well. Some artists also participate in studio tours, and you may be able to visit several in a weekend. Check for artistic societies and guilds in your town. Most towns host traditional community events that feature craft fairs. You can plan your local vacation schedule around such town celebrations.

This summer think about a vacation in your town. Stay at a local bed and breakfast, tour and shop among friends, and help your community thrive. You might be surprised at what treasures you'll find!