Columbus Day recovery in Shelburne

SHELBURNE, Mass. (WWLP) - In Shelburne Falls, some businesses were forced to close when flooding rains from Tropical Storm Irene arrived.

Last year tourists stayed away, but this year they came back.

Tropical Storm Irene caused major damage to Shelburne Falls.

Some stores and restaurants closed, visitors stayed home and business was down.

Despite the problems Tropical Storm Irene caused, many businesses managed to reopen in time for last year's Columbus Day weekend, however the problem was that tourists thought they were still closed.

For local businesses, this false impression kept visitors away.

“Last year we got hit with the flood and it really set things back. One, it caused a lot of damage in town which slowed down a lot, but then it created the impression that the town was closed," said Chris King, Owner of Mocha Maya’s in Shelburne.

This year it's different.

"A lot better, more people, more traffic, so people are coming up here which is good and hopefully it stays that way," said Bill Bielanski of Westfield.

And those people are ready to spend money

"Spending money to keep local businesses open is very important. You've got to come and spend the money to keep them here," said Laura Bielanski of Westfield.

While business is better, it doesn't wipe out last years losses.

"I think we've still got a ways to go to recover. Summer wasn't that great, but we are getting there like I said. We take it day by and we do the best we can do and so far so good," said Don McLaughlin, Owner of Village Restaurant in Shelburne.

One coffee shop owner told 22News that it's the best Columbus Day weekend he's had at his shop in 7 years.