What do you guys think of Kalispell? It seems like a lot of the tourist business we get are people coming into Costco from their vacation rental in Bigfork or they're just passing through on their way to Whitefish. I like Kalispell. I understand that it is getting bigger and harder to navigate with drivers that are perhaps not used to sitting at a light or having to make speedy lane changes. I understand that the geography of Bigfork and Whitefish are more conducive to summer activities but I feel like Kalispell gets a bad wrap.
I have felt for a long time now that being a part of Colter I am on the edge of something big. We are growing, we have a certain atmosphere that is only attainable by a nearly perfect chemistry between regular customers and fresh blood and dedicated baristas. Obvs, we have tasty, tasty brew. And we're open to change. I think this is a big one. We've all heard the old adage that change is hard and takes adjustment and bla bla. There is, of course, something to be said for the equally old adage of not always wanting to mix things up and that consistency is key. I still insist that fresh air is vital and delicious. All of that being said, I guess my point is that I really like the idea of Kalispell having a vibrant downtown and community involvement. We have a huge farmer's market, locally owned shops on Main Street, lush parks and quiet, meandering neighborhoods. I would love to see more activities within our community and not only have Kalispell be a stopover between one of the lakes in the valley.
There is the upcoming Huckleberry 100 which is a 100 mile bike ride. Sounds like such a cool event. There is always stuff going on at the Conrad Mansion or the Hockaday. Kalispell's Taste of Kalispell is coming up this weekend. I hope that people take part in these activites! We will have a booth at Taste of Kalispell, so at least come see me and get a dinner's worth of samples from all the area businesses participating. There are so many ideas to get Kalispell acquainted with it's residents and visitors and vice versa. I've been brainstorming with Poppy, co-owner of Cobblestone Moon on 1st Avenue East, about how to bring a bit more life to Kalispell. We're thinking of screening films in the lawn of her sweet little shop. At least while the weather holds. Perhaps the backroom of Colter after that? We're thinking of getting a shop mob together. Much like flash mobs but groups of people who all go to one locally owned and operated shop and purchase something. Help the retailer boost sales for the day. Perhaps choosing one day a month to meet up and shop. Starting with a coffee and ending with ice cream or however it works out. We have such great businesses and such great business owners. I've gotten to know a lot of the proprietors in downtown and I can certainly vouch for the fact that these places are worth spending some time at.
What do you guys think? How is our community? Are you satisfied? Would you like a tighter knit, more active community?
In the spirit of things, here is a joke
How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb?
Just one but the lightbulb has to want to change.
Until we meet again.
