Adventure Golf closed !

[Schnauzerjoy]

The Adventure Golf tourist area, with minigolf etc, has been closed. Seems to be due to bankruptcy.
Although not clear, it probably also mean that Black Hog Saloon and Alfredo's restaurant is also closed.
The resort have had financial trouble for a long time and the owners have been trying to sell it, without any luck.

Always sad to see ventures fail, but personally I have never been there. It seemed so out of place for an Island like Aruba.

There are so many bars and restaurant opening in better locations than this, so guess the only loss is the minigolf for people who like that.

Carsten

[Andrea J.]

what a shame
yes the loss is for those that liked mini golf
and the loss is also for the owners and aruba........another landmark bites the dust.

andrea

Originally Posted by Schnauzerjoy

The Adventure Golf tourist area, with minigolf etc, has been closed. Seems to be due to bankruptcy.
Although not clear, it probably also mean that Black Hog Saloon and Alfredo's restaurant is also closed.
The resort have had financial trouble for a long time and the owners have been trying to sell it, without any luck.

Always sad to see ventures fail, but personally I have never been there. It seemed so out of place for an Island like Aruba.

There are so many bars and restaurant opening in better locations than this, so guess the only loss is the minigolf for people who like that.

Carsten

[fattypatty]

at the pace the island's been modernizing itself, i wouldn't be surprised to see a cheesecake factory opening up there.

[Andrea J.]

re: the cheese cake factory comment

many many aruban folks LOVE the american franchises
many american tourists love the american franchises
many european tourists love the american franchises
there are folks like my husband that LOVE tony romas and only visit there in aruba
what would aruba and her people do without the IGA (lings)?
and without coke, pepsi, breyers, macarthur, proctor and gamble, etc.?

many will disagree with my opinion, but i like to see the diversity and the selection

dear husband and i always make a visit to wendys for a twisted frosty after a night at the casino. (ice cream places closed after 10)
each and every time we go into wendys, mickey d's or dunkins there are a good amount of tourists AND aruba residents.

there is a dunkin way down in st nicholas that is always packed with aruba residents

we can comment all we want, but until we have lived in "their shoes" we really cannot pass judgment on the franchises/chain in aruba.
back to the cheesecake factory...................... oh yum.

and i hate to see places fall under due to the miserable economy

my opinion fwiw
andrea

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

re: the cheese cake factory comment
my opinion fwiw
andrea

Mine as well...
My first land vacation in Aruba I thought I landed in Florida mistakenly. I was shocked at the abundance of American fast food. Very quickly I was firmly told that the ARUBANS like American fast food.

Most "well to do" Arubans vacation off island in Miami, Houston or San Juan, especially to shop for goods and clothing they are unable to get on the island etc and evidently became quite familiar with all the US has to offer.

Just because they are these establishments are there does not mean that the tourists HAVE TO patronize them, just another option for everyone- tourists and Arubans alike. You really think Arubans are not going to patronize Starbucks?

My first thought upon seeing the Burger King opening next to Tango was that it was a great option for all the families staying along Palm Beach. The number of years we stayed at the Playa Linda, parents were always ordering out for pizza for their kids before the adults went out for a nice dinner. Now they too have another option.

[fattypatty]

while i completely agree with both of you on the diversity argument, it does get a little overwhelming to see the americanization of the island. besdies, the food served in the chains are the same foods that are served elsewhere on the island. there's no difference. imo it's more refereshing to have more locally produced fare to sample rather than the cookie cutter menu we can taste here anyway.

[Andrea J.]

ness.......yes indeed.
we make tons of progress with discussion
and listening
andrea

Originally Posted by fattypatty

while i completely agree with both of you on the diversity argument, it does get a little overwhelming to see the americanization of the island. besdies, the food served in the chains are the same foods that are served elsewhere on the island. there's no difference. imo it's more refereshing to have more locally produced fare to sample rather than the cookie cutter menu we can taste here anyway.

[Arubalisa]

Yes, but it all goes back to something said to me awhile back.
"Who do you tourists think you are dictating to us Arubans what kind of restaurants we should have and be able to patronize?"
In other words, it is NOT about "us" the "tourists" it is about what the typical Aruban wants.

the food served in the chains are the same foods that are served elsewhere on the island. there's no difference. imo it's more refereshing to have more locally produced fare to sample rather than the cookie cutter menu we can taste here anyway.

McDonald's and Burger King BOTH stay in business in the U.S. because certain people prefer one over the other. Aruba's people must feel the same way.

I just try to pass along what I know.

[fattypatty]

"Who do you tourists think you are dictating to us Arubans what kind of restaurants we should have and be able to patronize?"

nuff said. case closed. what will one say to that?

[Edronenburg]

I don't know if this comment is out of place, but, I keep thinking of that old saying, "Different strokes for different folks."

Ed