May 22, 2008

Economy, gas prices not keeping Michigan travelers homeBy Edward HoogterpMLive.com

Elberta — Waves from rising gas prices and a falling economy are washing up against the summer tourist businesses in the towns along Lake Michigan.

But Greg and Linda Jaris figure their 10-year-old Trick Dog Gallery — a combination gift shop, art gallery and coffee bar — will manage to keep on growing.

Trick Dog, in the wooded sand dunes overlooking Betsie Bay and the city of Frankfort, is among hundreds of shops, hotels and other attractions that rely on summer tourism.

Michigan tourism experts predicted last month summer travel would drop slightly as the state suffered from job losses and gasoline prices above $3 a gallon. Since then, gas has shot up to $4 a gallon, creating even more concern about the health of the tourism industry.

But, for now at least, the pent-up demand for summer seems to outweigh any economic worries.

Read complete article.