Archived Newsletter 8/14/2022

August Newsletter

Hey there!

Welcome to all my new subscribers and to those who've stuck with me for years: thank you so much!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

How's mine? Well, I would love to say it's been relaxing but I'd be lying.

Ok, okay, I'm not very good at "taking it easy" or just chilling.

It's not my style, especially during the warmer months when fairs, festivals and outdoor sporting events are happening!

I've been to multiple fairs & outdoor concerts this year and hope to do even more fun summer-weather stuff!

What's new and changing?

The world is crazy and shows no signs of seeking treatment.

So we all must adjust and cope as best we can.

My touring overhead has risen by insane amounts over just the past 6 months so I'm making changes.

Rather than increase my rates again, I will do my best to lower my costs by any reasonable means.

One large expense is advertising.

Eros (which is the most effective ad venue I use) is a beautiful site but their rates have at least doubled within just the past few years.

(each city/state has a different rate)

In the last few months alone, many ad prices have risen by 30-50%.

Ouch.

Another large expenditure is accommodations.

In the past, I've preferred to stay at 3-Star and better hotels but in most areas I visit, they're now over my budget.

To give you a general idea: I budget $300 towards hotels for each one-day visit. My usual Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatts & Courtyards are now closer to $400.

So instead of raising my rates again I will only tour areas, and stay at properties, which are within budget for both my ads & hotels.

While some areas are being cut from my schedule, in others you'll see me at 2.5-star properties like Best Western, Clarion, Wyndhams and whichever brands that are in safe, convenient locations and have good reviews on the usual travel sites.

My inner "hotel snob" is cringing but it is what it is.

NEW TOUR DESTINATIONS

Yes, I've finally decided on dates & destinations for the Carolinas!

Thank you very much to everyone who wrote to request particular cities. I've done my best to include them but unfortunately, it's not feasible for me to make it to every one.

(Greensboro and Wilmington gentlemen, I'm sorry!)

On this first tour of both North Carolina & South Carolina, I will visit:

Myrtle Beach

Charleston

Columbia

Charlotte

Raleigh-Durham

Where else am I going?

After receiving requests for years, I've finally decided to venture into the Dakotas, beginning with Sioux Falls.

More cities, in either South or North Dakota, may happen in 2023.

In other touring news: I unfortunately got sick and had to cancel my Kentucky-Tennessee tour. I truly was looking forward to visiting Chattanooga, TN for my first time so this was disappointing.

Because I am in Louisville for personal reasons next month, I am able to offer limited availability there then but I couldn't work out the logistics to do make-up dates in Lexington or my TN cities.

I will try again next year.

OHIO

I am sorry but unfortunately, due to inflated costs of airfare, ads and hotels, my tour this coming week will be my last for the foreseeable future.

Please ask me about my "Farewell For Now" special rates.