Plenty has been said about the historical/cultural aspects of Fort Monroe, but what about recreation and sustainability? Do not forget, we are competing with hundreds of attractions located between Wash. D.C. and the Outer Banks. I know that it would be asking for a lot, but do we want return "customers"? What about "off season" customers? We cannot afford a "one trick pony" as it seems that we are now moving towards. We must offer diverse entertainment if we want repeat business.
Lets face it, the Fort may provide a days activity. What do we offer for a second day, and what do we offer for the nine months which are considered "off season"? Although many Mindmixer respondents sound as if they would spend the greater part of their lives at the Fort if they could, I do believe that they are exagerating somewhat. Personally, after a couple of visits my contemporaries and I would seek other vistas.
Granted, the U.S. economy may not be ripe for this but in about 5 years when it may be, we must sell about 50 acres of the Wherry sector to private developers to build Virginias first resort/casino. What would we gain in doing this? Recreation and sustainability with unlimited return business. Tourists and repeat visitors for twelve months of the year. Jobs for hundreds of citizens, income and property taxes as well as historical and cultural benefits available for everyone.
Can we think out of the box in maximizing this once in a lifetime gift from the Federal government? I suggest that we hedge on this one!