Over the past few weeks, like many of you, I've found myself watching the FIFA World Cup. While the matches themselves have been exciting and frustrating (IYKYK!!), what has struck me just as much has been something happening off the field.
I've loved watching the fans.
Seeing people from every corner of the globe traveling to the United States to cheer on their national teams has been a wonderful reminder of the power of travel. Flags draped over shoulders, songs sung in different languages, strangers becoming friends over a shared love of the game—it has been joyful, colorful, and incredibly uplifting. I found myself cheering for Norway because of the enthusiasm of their fans!
Working in hospitality, it's impossible not to notice these things.
Over the past six or seven years, we've seen fewer international travelers visiting our corner of North Carolina. The pandemic certainly changed the way people traveled, and even as domestic travel rebounded, international tourism has been slower to return.
That's why it has been so encouraging to see visitors once again making America part of their journey. Many have come for the tournament, but just as many have turned it into something more—a road trip, a visit to a national park, a few days in a small town they may never have otherwise discovered.
Those are often the trips people remember most.
One of the things I've always loved about hospitality is hearing guests tell us where they've been and where they're headed next. One evening they'll be sharing stories of New York or Miami, and a few days later they'll be asking us where to find the best barbecue, the prettiest gardens, or a quiet place to spend an afternoon before continuing their journey. Those conversations are one of my favorite parts of the job.
Travel has an incredible way of opening our eyes. It reminds us that while our languages, traditions, and customs may be different, we all appreciate a warm welcome, a memorable meal, a beautiful place to explore, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.
Some of our most loyal guests first discovered Fearrington almost by accident. They were traveling through North Carolina, looking for somewhere to spend the night, or making a detour on a longer trip. What began as a single visit became a tradition. Today, we welcome many of those guests back year after year, and they've become part of the extended Fearrington family.
Watching the excitement surrounding the World Cup has reminded me why I fell in love with this industry so many years ago.
