Watauga Through The Seasons

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Seasons of Change: How the Four Seasons Impact Communities, Businesses, and Everyday Life

Sophie Parker

As the world spins through its yearly cycle, the changing seasons do more than just alter the weather, they influence our communities, businesses, and even affect how we learn and live. From the anticipation of spring to the quiet of winter, each season brings a new and unique rhythm to everyday life. Whether it's the warmth of summer or the coolness of fall, the seasons leave an imprint on everyone, and we come to realize these shifts not only mark time, but also drive change in the most unexpected ways.

“In the spring, summer and early fall I spend a lot more time outside even with just regular day activities, I'll do my homework outside and I sleep a lot more in the winter,” said Zoe Critcher, sophomore. “I'm a lot more tired in the winter because it gets dark so early, so it always feels like night time. I think also in the summer, I tend to have more energy because I'm not doing as much as I am during the school year.”

Energy and mood fluctuations are common effects of the changing seasons, as the day's length plays a factor into routine schedules. However, weather is certainly the most impactful component of the seasons, with its power to shut down schools, stores, and community activities.

“I think it can be difficult sometimes when winter hits because sometimes we get disconnected  when we have a lot of closures,” said Sarah Kanipe, English teacher at Watauga High School. “But I try with our remote learning to keep us on track and shift things around to something that can be done at home.”

Although the seasons can bring much needed change and variety to the year, it can be difficult due to the transition between temperatures and the possible subsequent mental health side-effects. 

“Winter road conditions can be challenging, both for employees and customers. Parking is also a nightmare in the summer and fall, again for both employees and customers, and the holidays are rough for staffing,” said Hadley Watson, owner of “At Home in Blowing Rock,” located in downtown Blowing Rock.

There are some expected consequences of the weather, especially regarding school, but also unpredictable trends that businesses see throughout the year. Customer and employee behavior plays a major role in how businesses function throughout the changing seasons.

“For our store, we did not have much local traffic in the height of summer, but as soon as school was back in session and the tourists had gone home, we saw a dramatic increase in local business,” said Watson. “The holidays were also busy with locals, but soon after that we saw a sharp decrease again. Now that the weather is turning, we are starting to see more familiar faces. I expect by late spring we will have seen most second homeowner customers.” 

Even though there are ways weather can bring challenges, people have a remarkable ability to adapt and find ways to make the best of each situation. Creating their own happiness by adjusting their mindset and surroundings, and forming a harmonious environment that enhances overall well-being.

“We will have multiple people working at one time [in the summer], plus the door is open and we have a lot of customer interaction, so it's very lively and bustling,” said Watson. “In the short days of winter, we will only have one person on each day so that combined with less foot traffic, can make for a quiet shift. We have a group chat and we share when a large sale is made so we can celebrate each other's successes, and we treat ourselves to candy and cookies.”

The seasons of the high country have a way of causing people to embrace the ever-changing outdoor conditions. For many, the first warm day of the year is a reminder of nature’s beauty. It's a time to slow down and savor the present to appreciate the simple joy that weather can bring.

“It's my favorite thing in the world when we have our first 50 degree sunny day. I love that because I feel like it means spring is coming, outside time is coming,” Kanipe. “I love seeing the river tubes on the buses and the vans start kind of going down the road, meaning that people are tubing, tourism is booming. I really enjoy seeing that for our community.”