Saturday 09/05/20 a group of us (8 black women) visited this delightful town to do some hiking and shopping. I was thrilled to see so many displays of unity in private homes and storefronts. Everything from "Black Lives Matter" signs to "Love Wins" displaying the traditional LGBTQ flag. While strolling through town we ran into Archie (the owner, a black man) as he sat outside of his store with his friend (a white woman). During our brief chat Archie described himself as an "Uppity Nigger" (yes with a hard "er")! Our discomfort was palpable. He than casually asked "Are you ladies uncomfortable with me using the word nigger" while his friend looked on with excitement? He continued (with a smirk on his face) to explain how "Cold Springs is Trump land" and how he loved it here. It was incredibly disheartening to have this interaction especially from the only black business owner that we encountered. This experience won't deter me from visiting this beautiful town but I will absolutely avoid this business. read more