Re: Worrying about the "average tourist"

Scott,
I agree with what you and Geode are saying. Let me give you the view of a fairly well travelled "average Joe tourist" living in Birmingham, AL.
(I must admit I'm a railfan).

I rode the C&TS from Antonito to Chama last Sept. I did most of my planning on the internet. My starting point was a Google search for the C&TS. (Bought tickets on-line). Clicked the links to area info, lodging, etc. I found the Narrow Gauge Inn in Antonito by doing that. By the way, in that process I found there wasn't much else unless I wanted to go to Alamosa. I went the Antonito Route because I was comming from TX on my way to Colorado Springs. Only had a day to do the train ride.

Anyway, I called the NG Inn and the lady was very polite & friendly over the phone. Even though I did not think the inn would be much, the impression (friendly & helpful) the lady gave me eased my aprehension.
The inn was clean & comfortable and the staff friendly. Folks in Antonito were also friendly. Can't say I found any eating eastablishment there that I would go out of my way to revisit. The best food we had in Antonito was fired chicken we bought at the deli in the grocery store.

Didn't have time to see anything in Chama. Had to hustle on to the bus back to Atonito! Hope to spend a few hours there when I pass thru this Oct

When marketing, particularly on the Web, you only get a few seconds to grab someone's attention. I think the marketing should emphasize the "offthe beaten path" experience. Along with that, those hotels, restuarants, etc that have linked Web sites need to put their best foot forward. Its a joint effort. I don't care how many brochures you publish, today's world is internet driven.

Finally, while I can't judge Chama, it wouldn't hurt Antonito to spruce things up a little bit. The nicest looking, best landscaped business around there was the C&TS facilities.

Sorry for the rambling

Bill