My general observation on the pedestrianization of any given town is based on the existing population and their willingness to adapt. I know that some of it is socioeconomic and suspect the rest to be cultural. Too many people are hung up on going to a chain store/restaurant/coffee shop/whatever that advertises heavily, if you don't have those it is going to be an uphill battle for the most part. I am working in a decent sized metro area and stay in a hotel in one of the smaller outlying "bedroom" communities. On more than one occasion we decided to go out to eat, all of the big name chains were packed and had wait times, drove right by those to the local owned restaurant downtown, it was much calmer, no wait and the food was excellent. I make a it a point to frequent local owned businesses as much as possible.
Aaron
