Hard Times for Tourist Spots These Days

The horrific shape of the economy has had an adverse impact on the nation's tourism industry, both privately-owned and public. First, there was the Gas Gouge. I know it pretty-well grounded me a lot more than I wanted to be.

Now, it is the whole economy in general, with folks losing jobs, getting laid off, and many others worried about their jobs.

Today's USA Today had an article about state tourist spots across the country becoming the latest victims. Many are closing, have closed, or are in danger of closing.

My state of Illinois has been particularly hard hit. Seven parks and twelve historic sites are now closed as Governor Blagojevich has trimmed half of the state's historic preservation budget in an attempt to balance the overall one. These include the Lincoln cabin where Abraham's father and stepmother lived as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas Home in Springfield.

OTHER STATES:

NEW YORK-- 75 parks and historic sites have had service reductions
NEW JERSEY-- was to close 9 parks, but instead, closed 19 administrative offices which means no bathroom at those sites.
GEORGIA-- closing 6 state parks and 7 historic sites
FLORIDA-- 19 state parks at risk of closing.

Dadgum GRB's. --RoadDog