Taking the storm in stride

Westbrook, Conn. (WTNH) - Businesses along the shoreline have taken Hurricane Earl in stride.

They prepared for the worst but are actually expecting the best on what they hope will be an otherwise lovely and profitable Labor Day weekend.

Many tourists have been paying close attention to Earl's potential impact along the shoreline. At Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook, they've also been paying close attention to the weather.

As the Stone family unloaded its luggage, they were happy to hear Earl won't be joining them this weekend.

"I was worried, yes," Marzia Stone said. "I kept saying 'If this thing is blowing in we are going home.'"

The family drove from Ontario, Canada, for a wedding.

The resort, like others along the Shoreline, prepared for all guests - including Earl.

"We did bring up the beach chairs and take down the cabana tops," said the resort's vice president, Tina Dattillo.

The staff also fielded calls asking about cancellation policies.

"Everyone watched the news on where the storm is going and I think everyone felt confident the danger had passed," said the resort's general manager, Chris Barstein.

Labor Day also is a big weekend for restaurants like Lenny and Joe's in Madison and owner Jim Schreck also wondered what Earl might do to business.

"It looks like we may lose a little [Friday], but the rest of the weekend looks great," Schreck said.

A little rain and overcast skies weren't going to ruin the Stone's weekend.

"We are Canadians we are used to wicked weather," Shawn Stone said.

And even if Earl had showed up, the storm wasn't going to stop Debora Lo-bell and her partner Beverly Dash from getting married after 52 years.

"And we heard that if it rains on your wedding day it's good luck, so we are going to have a lot of good luck," Beverly Dash said.

So, despite any concerns about Earl, the Water's Edge is completely booked and the resort is looking forward to a beautiful holiday weekend.