Big Sur Businesses say “We’re Open”
The recent winter storms have cause a lot challenges for Big Sur businesses and residents. A lot of work still needs to be done to get the area back to pre-storm condition but businesses on the North side have a message they want to get out to the Central Coast.
“We’re wide open, everybody on this side of the bridge is ready to go, the days are starting to get sunny” said Kara Stout with Big Sur River Inn. “Which is what you come to Big Sur to do, is sit in the sun relax listen to the river, have a Bloody Mary.”
For the time being, Highway One through Big Sur is not a direct route to Southern California.
Still, the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau says Big Sur is a destination in and of itself.
“You can still see the wonderful coastal view the iconic experience is still available for everyone to come and experience” said Alliah Sheta with Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Many tourists say the bridge closure didn’t keep them from taking a trip out to the area.
“We have a chance, it’s Spring break and we thought ‘Why not?’ said tourist Jennifer Rubalcaba “We’d find stuff to do not matter what.”
It’s not only tourists that have made efforts to come out, Kara Stout with the Big Sur River inn says locals have also come out to show support and enjoy a day trip to take in the beauty Big Sur has to offer.
“It’s been a great outpouring of love and it’s been a kind reintroduction to the general public” said Stout.
Though most businesses are open towards Big Sur’s North side. There are still some storm damaged areas like State Parks, closed off for safety.
“We encourage travelers to make sure that they pull out in designated areas that they’re kind to the environment and they respect the place where we have residents who live everyday and workers who make their life in Big Sur” Sheta said.
The folks at Big Sur River Inn say the number of those coming out for day trips is growing steady, they aren’t seeing a big revival of overnight visitors.
“The inns and the campsites are all kind of suffering together without guests staying over” said Stout. “So we’re seeing them and we’re thinking that as the weather turns nicer that we’ll see them more and more or at least we hope so.”
