Memorial Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer travel season. The rising gas prices and the troubled economy hit many vacation places across the nation hard, leaving people to stay home and have fun in the sun.
"As business stands, I think a lot of people are staying in the area and are vacationing at home. We're having a very healthy year," says Lighthouse Marina manager Stan Jones.
He says things are sailing smoothly this year, even better than last. Jones thinks the sluggish economy is the reason why people are staying put this holiday.
He says, "People are not going away for vacation and they are utilizing the special places like lake murray."
Jones says the Memorial Day downpour means money pouring in.
"It brings people off the lake. They come to our restaurant and go underneath the cover to enjoy our beverages and our food," says Jones.
Chapin's chamber of commerce chairman Doug Clary says residents are helping to stimulate the local economy.
"Every dollar spent locally it's handled 7 more times before it leaves the community so its important to do business locally," says Clary.
"Instead of driving away and spending that money in gas they are going to do it locally. Its great," says Jones.
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