One thing that I have noticed since I have moved is the amazing change of weather in Highlands compared to where I came from.
The best way to describe the South Alabama heat is like jumping into a lukewarm pool, only to keep on sweating once you get out.
Last week in Highlands, the highest temperature was 76 degrees. The highest temperature last week in Andalusia, Alabama, where I’m from, was 93 degrees.
Now I understand why I see so many Florida license plates as I drive down Main Street. People are trying to get away from the temperature “heat” but also from the “heat” of the reality we live in.
Each person I have talked to since I have gotten here has talked about the influx of people that come to Highlands in summer and fall.
“Everybody in the big cities are runnin’ to Highlands,” they all say.
When I was told that the population goes from 2,000 residents to almost 20,000 in the peak season, my jaw dropped. I have never heard of a place where that happens. With that being said, it must mean that not only the residents, but the board of commissioners, mayor and town administration are doing something right.
The mountains, weather and calm sense of being all go into factor as to why Highlands is the place to be during the summer. I come from a small town and yet, I feel as if Highlands is bigger. There are great places to eat, festivals on every weekend and live music in the park. There are pubs with (not so) ugly dogs and breweries that my hometown just doesn’t have. One main thing that I see wrong with my hometown after being in Highlands is that people want to be on Main Street here. In Andalusia, we have a beautiful town square where businesses could thrive, but all of the businesses are closed or not used. Nobody wants to go get insurance on a Saturday afternoon. They want to get ice cream, walk around and shop.
I applaud the Town of Highlands for acknowledging what people want and bringing it for its residents and visitors.
I am excited to be here at the “Height of Happiness” and I hope to meet all of you soon.