Popular Culture Review 30.2
FINDINGS
Given that literary places , like all places , are many things to many people , reviewers expectedly reported a broad array of preconceived notions , personal situations , travel companion considerations , and positive and negative site attributes that contributed to their experiences at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site . Despite the range of feedback , seven general themes emerged . The themes are not mutually exclusive , and some aspects of several themes overlapped the aspects of others . Above all , two themes emerged far more frequently than the others : the natural aspects of the property and experiences related to the site ’ s goats .
Natural / Pastoral Environment
The site ’ s extensive trail system was central to the experiences of an array of visitors . Tourists marveled at the natural beauty including trees , small animals , birds , and other plants encountered along the trails , and the views of neighboring mountain ridges , and deep , thickly treed valleys below . Comments like “ listening to the birds sing and smelling the fresh mountain air was invigorating ” illustrate what countless other reviews also noted . Those that alluded to being local residents reported regular use of the trails for recreational endeavors such as exercise , dog walking , and as an area where they could entertain both children and guests . One visitor noted “ I have been many times for a pleasant walk and with guests with children ,” while another pointed out that “ dogs on leashes are welcome in the park , and there were lots of folks out taking advantage of that .”
Both groups indicated an appreciation for the “ quiet ” or “ peaceful ” experience the property ’ s trails provided them . In the same sense , many respondents acknowledged that “ being out in nature ” along the trails allowed them to “ unplug ” or
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