In our town, as in many others, the "center" of town isn't really the "center" For instance, going downtown here means you actually have to LEAVE town. The Center of our town has the elementary school, the library, the town offices and a garden center. A little further down the road is a small store where you can purchase anything from a hunting license to cold cuts. The store, in the back, also functions as the post office for this section of town. Like the other parts of town, we enjoy the freedom of being able to walk the streets whenever we like. If there are children are around, the adults (whether or not they're related to the kids) keep an eye on them. There are some spoken and unspoken rules around here if you're from town (rather than from somewhere else as defined by spending more than 10 nights away from town except if on a european tour.) NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER say something derogatory about someone else unless you're positively POSITIVE that the person with whom you're speaking isn't related to the person you're talking about. While it's not kosher to piss off the local constabulary, it may not be wise for THEM to get the locals' knickers in a twist, either. Because the locals just might, in a fit of pique, remove all four tires from the cruiser, place said cruiser on cement blocks, and, putting the tires up on the lawn of the school, place a "For Sale Cheap" sign on them. It is illegal (on the books) to dump pick. However, if you know Freddie, and speak to him about things like priceless antiques (such as that enamel diaper pail), he may be able to steer you in the right direction. NEVER, NEVER, EVER, NEVER refer to roads by their correct names. It confuses the locals. And who cares if visitors get lost? For instance, it's perfectly acceptable to say "turn on rt. 109a by the frog", and walk away as if that should be sufficient. "Aunt Myra's Corner" should NOT be used as a landmark, as there is actually a sign there that says "Aunt Myra's Corner". However, it's a great place to see moose! Take a left at the Spider Web is possible, but they'd be better off in a 4WD. Be careful NOT to tell them that Spider Web is a business establishment, not a work or nature. Routing (with the help of friends) complete strangers completely around the lake so they end up precisely where they began is a long-weekend ONLY activity. Once they arrive back to you, you inform them simply that they made a left instead of a right. Do all of this within full view of the "police station" so they don't miss any of the fun. � � � �