Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Morgantown Still Economically Vibrant

Last year at this time, I wrote a post about Morgantown, West Virginia. At that time, I noted that, though many talked of recession, this city certainly didn't exhibit any such signs.

I'm back here in Morgantown again, and the picture looks quite similar.

For example, on a Monday evening, a bit later than the Thursday evening last year, the same Olive Garden restaurant was still busy. Not full, though. It was about half full and we were seated immediately this time.

But there is a new Red Lobster across the parking lot, and people were waiting outside to get into that restaurant when we left after 8pm.

The Wal-Mart was still busy this year. Shopping carts were still being filled, and shelves were fully-stocked.

Traffic in Pennsylvania and Maryland was a bit lighter than last year, which fits the recent survey suggesting a 2% decline in driving over the holiday.

Never the less, the mix of activity I've seen in areas typically viewed as economically challenged, still seems vibrant.

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