[HairOfTheDog]

Speaking for myself, I prefer the predictability of eating somewhere that I'm familiar with the product.

That has it's appeal to the "Accidental Tourist" who really doesn't like to travel.

As for your last paragraph... I don't even comprehend the point. That's not at all what I see.

[BenLurkin]

You're right -- I don't travel much for the sake of travel. I hope you do not think poorly of me for that.

As for the racism -- is is quite real. Liberals are some of the biggest racists around. They would never say they want to keep their suburb "all white". But I believe they are jumping on this "urban sprawl" argument as a way of keeping the minorities in the cities. (And as I said I don't mean you)

Also, the well-to-do are on this as well. They see scenic America as theirs to enjoy and could care less about you and me. They don't want to get to the top of the ski run and see a Wal-Mart sign in the distance.

So it is not only racism -- it is selfishness as well.