I live in Grand Marais. While these types of awards help drive the tourism business, they make it hard to live here. With the overtourism we have now, I avoid downtown during the busy season. Town becomes a location for tourists not those who live here.
"America's Best Small Lake Town Is ... An unexpected arts enclave, tiny Grand Marais, Minnesota, bursts with galleries, local shops and restaurants, and lake-filled getaways galore."
https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-grand-marais-minnesota-7642197
I've always wondered if switching to year-round school schedules across the country would help do some much needed demand management for tourist-heavy locations.
That said, I feel bad for anyone trying to live/work in a tourist trap. Having just been in Banff this summer, it was eye opening to see my impact (and we avoided the town as much as possible - just some quick groceries and laundry). No way could anyone actually live there.
