Written by Colewade on 20 Oct, 2003
In addition to the gorgeous scenery, I found Haines' locals to be interesting, bright, quirky, and genuinely welcoming to visitors. A recent New York Times article by Cheryl Aimee Barron was devoted to Haines, was appropriately titled "Live, It's Northern Exposure". The fans of this…Read More
In addition to the gorgeous scenery, I found Haines' locals to be interesting, bright, quirky, and genuinely welcoming to visitors. A recent New York Times article by Cheryl Aimee Barron was devoted to Haines, was appropriately titled "Live, It's Northern Exposure". The fans of this former television show will understand and agree. What other town of 1800 people would sell out two concerts performed by the official Moscow Chamber Orchestra? (This happened while we were in Haines.) While pumping our gas at her station just north of town, a kind lady who was very much like Ruth Ann (the storekeeper character from the television series) insisted that we go inside and get free coffee and popcorn. She did the pumping. I'm sure the locals would reply to this with a "Marilyn"-like comment simply saying, "You went to the full service station", and indeed I did. We listened to a Skagway based DJ, much like "Chris", announce that a lady had lost her purse in front of the Golden North Hotel and would greatly appreciate its return. With a little effort on your part, the residents of Haines are some of the warmest people I have met in my travels. It is a brand of genuine warmth that has become increasingly rare in my travels. They could teach many better known tourist towns a thing or to about a positive attitude and a good service. Close