Not a Movie Set
Though these towns have inspired many!
A Timeless ChristmasWe love to imagine small-town life—the tranquility, the tight-knit community, and charm big cities can lack. From talking with those who live in small towns, we know this can be real. We’ve also all seen those Hallmark movies—picturesque town squares where everyone knows everyone, and there's always a festive parade. But as with anything else, the reality is more nuanced than a 90-minute script. Today, we delve into setting realistic expectations for your first visit to a new, small town – perhaps one off the beaten path.
Not Just Another Hallmark Movie
The movie montage often portrays an idyllic view of small-town life—a life where the pace is always gentle, the people are invariably friendly, and the scenery, forever quaint. Yet, real life isn’t a Hallmark movie - despite many of these movies being filmed in real small towns. Real life in small towns can be quiet, maybe too quiet for some. The local economy may not be quite as bustling as the day before Christmas all the time, and not every shop is staged to perfection. Not every small town has a grand parade or an all-night diner.
Why do Hallmark movies paint such a rosy picture? Simply put, they're tales, not testimonies. They offer an escape, a glimpse into an idealized world. It's crucial to differentiate fiction from reality, as it forms the cornerstone of our expectations.
The Approach Drive
The maiden voyage into a small town can often stir a collection of emotions—there's curiosity intertwined with a hint of trepidation. As you make the drive, particularly before you hit the downtown, you might notice the absence of meticulously lined street trees, the lack of prettily hung flower pots. Industrial buildings stand alongside convenience stores; vacant lots break the continuity, all contributing to a tableau that might seem less than picturesque.
Don’t stop there! These roads into town are often where the work has been done over the ages. Keep your heart open until you get to the center of town. This is the heartbeat and bellwether for the life of the town. Would you want to be judged by the condition of your workshop? (I know for some of you, that is a hard yes…you are not the majority!)
Picture your current hometown - how would an outsider view it on the first approach? You know, the four-lane street off the interstate? Not so remarkable, is it? The town I live in has grown past the population for a MoxieTown at just under 100,000 people, but it was a small town of 40,000 when I first moved here. (Stick with me a bit and you will hear more about its charming history.)
Yet, this is the view when you first come off the highway. A practical and productive corridor – but so not charming. Imagine if people coming to our town thought this was all there was. For one thing, they would miss some of the best-fried chicken in Georgia, the shady stroll to Cherried Mary’s Ice Cream shop, or even know that we have a long park along the banks of the Chattahoochee.
You get the drift – don’t be hasty in your judgements. There are treasures tucked in the most unlikely places!
In the quest for small town living, setting realistic expectations is key. Look beyond the outward appearances and the Hallmark-induced illusions. Embrace the realities, explore the potential, and you might just find that small town living is the perfect fit – even just for a picture-perfect holiday weekend.
