I’m a precious commodity. No sooner was I being wooed by a county in Nevada looking for a cheesemaker to set up shop, then I received another enticing proposition by post.
The Village Center at Crystal Springs Resort in New Jersey is looking for “food craftsmen” to fill space on a soon-to-be-built “Main Street”.
They’ve an idea to provide a connection to the land for local residents (3,000 homes), and create a focal point to draw in tourists from other resorts and attractions.
The literature begins with: Imagine yourself here.
Well yes, yes, I can. I’ve got a pretty good imagination if I do say so, myself. (Insert Scooby-Doo flashback music here).
“I’m walking down a cobbled street – like Church Street (Burlington) - with no car traffic to concern me. I’m on my way to work; it’s an hour before daybreak. I open the door to my shop and start making cheese.”
Wait a minute. That’s what I do here! Except that we have gravel, not cobbles, to trip up a gal in the wee hours.
So what’s the appeal to relocate my husband Dan, myself, two cats, and all our worldly goods to New Jersey?
It’s the Main Street concept. The little kid in me wants to live next door to the ice cream store – or the chocolate shop, I haven’t make up my mind. Both are something we don’t currently have on either side of the farm.
Being within walking distance of a brew pub appeals to the adult in me. There’s a Starbucks within reach, they say, and the potential for a Hooters.
If you’re a new reader, you’re probably wondering about the appeal of Hooters restaurant for me. The service is the friendliest I’ve experienced (outside of our local diner), the people-watching provides priceless literary fodder, and there are a lot of menu items that someone with a gluten-allergy can consume without having to ask for special treatment from the back of house. I hate calling attention to my affliction.
The resort isn’t merely pursuing a cheese operation, they are attempting to seduce a baker, a chocolatier, and establish a charcuterie (among other businesses) – though, I can’t fathom why ‘pickle store’ is on their wish list - but they are looking for individuals with that skillset as well.
The Village wants the side-streets occupied by crafters and artisans, so if you are talented and wanderlusting, go to http://www.crystalgolfresort.com/AboutTheResort/TheVillageCenter.aspx to obtain more information.
What they ultimately seek to compile is a collection of exhibitors in a pseudo-working landscape (contained in neat, tidy boxes). It’s kinda like Disney World with a hint of Shelburne Farms. Yes, there will be cows, and retail sales of products on site, nothing unusual or cutting-edge about it.
To recap, they are dangling in front of me: cash, coffee, booze, candy, and dry-cured sausages. I’m listening…
Add a farmer’s market, spa, multiple restaurants, Oktoberfest, and a Wine and Food festival.
Hmmm…
Crystal Springs offers much that can be taken into consideration.
If only I hadn't noticed this. Is that "boutique" or "boutigue"?
