Kingsport Spirit

There’s a saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how this applies to communities.

I always enjoy traveling, but I always look forward to coming home.

I enjoy a good trip to the beach, or visiting a large urban center, or attending a stadium event. Those are things I can’t get at home, but that does not mean I want to move to a larger city–or the coast.

When I worked for city government, I was always approached with suggestions or complaints–at church, at the ballfield, at my kids’ school events, in the grocery store–you get the picture. “Private” wasn’t in the vocabulary of a public servant.

I’ve always thought we live in a very special place. To me, it was just the right size–not too big, not too small, but just right. I never really wanted to move–even after high school when all my friends couldn’t wait to get out.

And in my professional career spanning 35 years, every place I traveled, every conference I attended, and every beach trip I made only served to reaffirm that I made the right decision (for me anyway).

One time we were in Chattanooga in the 1990s to experience the amazing transformation that had taken place. We met a couple at the hotel who inquired as to why we were there. When we told them, they said, “Why in the world would anyone want to come to Chattanooga?”. My response was, “It’s been named one of the most enlightened cities in America.” They said, “Really? You’ve got to be kidding me.” As I said earlier, familiarity breeds contempt. But here I am 30 years later recollecting that story. I’d love to meet that couple again today and see if they changed their mind.

When we began having high school reunions on a 10-year interval–now at 4 decades–my classmates would gush about how Kingsport had changed in a positive way. The things that were ‘missing’ (like a particular franchise restaurant or a large shopping mall) seemed way less important than they did in the late 1970s. They placed more value on the school system, community pride, and safe and affordable neighborhoods with friendly neighbors–and Pal’s.

Sure, having a Cheesecake Factory or a Dillard’s or a Costco was once a status symbol, but does that really define your community? I think not. To me, the tradeoff of traffic and population required to land these national franchises just isn’t worth it. With the invention of Amazon, you can have just about anything delivered to your door. It didn’t take long for other stores to follow. The pandemic solidified the numerous options for curbside pickup and delivery from most restaurants and retailers. Rather than wander aimlessly through Lowe’s or Target, you can use an app to shop online, pickup in the parking lot, or inside–your choice. Walmart+ reestablished the mega retailer’s future. The out-of-favor retailer became relevant again. Those who were able to pivot flourished, while others floundered. Large parking lots (or a parking garage) just aren’t needed for mega malls and shopping centers anymore–but reserved parking spots for online pickup are critical.

The script has flipped, and small cities are rising to the top in popularity. There’s a growing disdain for traffic, crowds, and stress. And there’s a growing popularity of all things local. Being large enough to have a few key national retailers, coupled with an array of local establishments seems to be the sweet spot.

Places like Kingsport are vindicated.

Recently, our own Riverfront Seafood was recognized as one of Trip Advisor’s Top 25 Hidden Gems. highlighting relatively unknown eateries that consistently earn praise from the platform’s users. Once upon a time early in my career, many of our citizens desperately wanted a Red Lobster. A former mayor grew so weary of hearing it that he wrote a letter offering a million dollars to the chain as an incentive (knowing they wouldn’t take it but wanting to put the issue to bed permanently). They didn’t. Instead, they went to an interstate exit in a neighboring town. The old Garth Brooks song, “Thank God For Unanswered Prayers” is playing in my mind. I don’t imagine Red Lobster will be winning any Trip Advisor awards as a unique dining destination that defines your town.

I suppose in a time before digital recommendations like Google, Yelp, or Trip Advisor, the presence of a franchise meant you were already familiar with the menu. You didn’t have to go searching, wondering whether they were open or if you’d like the offerings.

Now it’s just the opposite. Younger generations (and enlightened boomers) yearn for local experiences and unique venues. They use technology to make their selection. They make photos or videos and share them on social media. Being ‘in the know’ or influencing others is a key part of the experience. “Familiar” is less important. It’s more important to know where the ingredients are sourced, who made your food, and whether those strawberries are from the opposite side of the country or from a local farm.

I’ve always been an optimist. It has served me well. If I dwelled on the negatives, I would’ve driven myself crazy years ago. And truth be told, I can’t control much of anything–except my attitude and outlook. I keep a copy of The Serenity Prayer close by–God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

I encourage you to travel. See other cities. Immerse yourself in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

And–if you find someplace you like better–by all means move there! Life is too short to be unhappy.

But every place I’ve been, every experience I’ve had, and every culture I’ve tasted only reaffirms that Kingsport is just right for me.