Are tourists welcome in New Hampshire?
I had the opportunity this summer to travel to some near by states. I was continually impressed by their Welcome Centers and rest stops. Many had their state flower or tree on display. Several had clean tables and chairs for picnickers. Some even had dog areas and a few had playgrounds for children. Travelers can take breaks and learn about the state and its many areas of interest. Then I returned to New Hampshire.
Instead of a beautiful welcoming center, my first sight upon entering New Hampshire was a liquor outlet. This was a jarring experience as I had visited Vermont’s center a few hours previously and enjoyed a lunch outside in a flower garden.
I later traveled up Route 4 where we have a broken down and abandoned center. The ride from Hillsboro to Keene once had a rest stop which is now boarded up. Good luck finding a place to go to the bathroom on this road.
One would think that since we have recently eliminated a major source of revenue, the interest and dividends tax, we might be concerned with our ability to make money through tourism. Trust me, it is not a good look!
I can only guess that our state leaders and congressional body did not feel spending money on these centers was a priority. I think it is a mistake. The contrast in which we present ourselves is shameful.
Despite the fact that New Hampshire has one of the highest median incomes in the country, people don’t want to spend money — even if it will benefit us in the long run. We need leaders who either have courage to look at alternate ways of revenue or at least will bring back the interest and dividends tax.