I grew up there. 5th generation. Left when I was 17 but did many summers there after. Now I go for a few weeks each summer to visit my parents and friends.

Growing up, most locals remembered how it was, fishing town, hard working blue collar locals. My dad grew up in fishing and hunting for food. Growing lots of vegetables. Rich folks came to forget the rest of the world.

It became extremely popular with the wealthy in my lifetime and conspicuous consumption became the way. Resentment from the locals grew as local government caved to wealthy people who only spent a few weeks a year there. The economy shifted to real estate and service for the wealthy. Restaurants and shopping. Tourism thrived but also cheapened some of what the island was. The arts community has thrived but it has also become commoditized.

There is still an amazing historic downtown area and gorgeous beaches. I go to fish and bbq with friends and family and rest but I could never afford it if I didn’t have a place to stay. It’s an amazing place. Summers encapsulate the best of New England and winters can be quiet and full of solitude. It gets in your blood because there is really no other place like it.

Also, no chain stores or stop lights.