Visitors' advice worth more than it costs
Mary Henkel Judson

Mary Henkel Judson is editor and copublisher of the South Jetty. Contact her at southjetty@centurytel.net.

Sometimes the best advice you can get doesn't come from an expert. Instead, a fresh pair of eyes can often help us see the forest through the trees.

We can get that perspective from our visitors, whether they are first-timers or regulars, as well as from second-home owners. They look at Port Aransas and all that it offers, or doesn't, without being encumbered by the "clutter" that comes with living somewhere long enough that you no longer see your surroundings.

From our standpoint, we appreciate readers who offer suggestions for stories. Often we have a "V-8" moment, and wonder why the heck we hadn't thought of the story suggested. Some story ideas are like the 300-pound elephant in the room that no one sees or acknowledges.

Some suggestions fall into the "when pigs fly" category.

Either way, keep 'em coming. We appreciate the input.

Visitors often come up with a "missing link" in our entertainment lineup. Listen to what they have to say. They may be on to something that might provide a new business opportunity.

Thanks to one reader, who is a new secondhome owner, we will add a feature to our Visitors' Guides explaining seaweed and jellyfish patterns.

Anyone with an entrepreneurial streak may want to pick up on an idea from another second home owner who sees a need for private, catered sunset/nature/cocktail cruises. The cruises might be pricey, but they would be less expensive for a part-time resident than owning, storing and maintaining a boat.

As residents and business owners, we need to listen to our visitors. They might be on to something that could be a win-win situation.

Better yet, their advice is free!