As cities continue to grow at unprecedented rates, more and more people are looking for peaceful, weekend retreats in mountain or rural communities. More often than not, these retreats are found in and around resorts or places of natural beauty. As a result, what once were 'small towns' are fast becoming 'mini cities,' complete with expensive housing, fast food, traffic snarls, and environmental damage, all with little or no thought for the importance of local history, local people and local culture. Despite the obvious and fast-paced growth of bedroom communities, academics, tourists and residents seem to be ignoring the devastating impact such a siege is having upon the integrity of many mountain places. "The Weekender Effect" is a passionate plea for considered development in these communities and for the necessary preservation of local values, cultures and landscapes.