Whether you grew up in New Hampshire, moved here after years of longing or simply visit every chance you get there are likely a few things that have rubbed you the wrong way over time. For us, the first thing that comes to mind is the cold. But, like all things, we’ve become accustomed to wearing jackets and sweaters sooner than our friends in other states. Here are a few examples of things that have grown on us and we think you might agree!
- So. Much. Flannel.
Daniel Limpi / EyeEm / EyeEm via Getty Images There was a period of time when the abundance of plaid flannel made us wonder if we’d ever be fashionable. But over time it’s been made clear that we were fashionable all along! Today this cold-weather staple can be found all over the country and even on the runways. And, yeah, it’s also pretty great at keeping us warm and cozy.
- Shopping tourists
Daly and Newton / The Image Bank via Getty Images This has been a hard one to accept, but we’ve made great strides. Back-to-school and holiday shopping can be one of the most challenging experiences here in New Hampshire due to our lack of sales tax. It took us a long time to realize, though, that all these tourists flocking to us for less expensive shopping helps keep some of our favorite spots in business.
- And all those leaf peepers!
Nicolas Raymond / Flickr Just like it can be hard to manage the throngs of shoppers here in New Hampshire it’s always tough when the backroads fill up with cars sporting New York license plates. But, just like with shopping, we now realize just how important these people are to the economy. And, it doesn’t hurt our pride to know that people come here because the state is so beautiful.
- Tourists in general
Mark Bonica / Flickr During the summer roads and restaurants become a whole lot busier around here. It’s easy to complain about until you remember that you get to live here all the time!
- Hiking in any weather
wwworks / Flickr While perhaps not relevant to everyone, we grew up being dragged out on hiking trips when we weren’t always excited to do so. Today, though? We’re all about it! Exploring the great outdoors in our very own backyard is pretty special.
- Constantly hearing about the dangers of driving during moose season
axelrd / Flickr When we first started driving the idea of hitting a moose was something that felt like an inevitability based on how often we were warned of the danger. Sure, it’s still something to be mindful of but we’ll always be proud that we’ve got ’em!
- All the history lessons
jlbruno / Flickr When we were little it felt like each and every field trip involved a museum or a historical marker. Today, we think that’s pretty cool!
- Unique pronunciations
davidwilson1949 / Flickr While we may not have the accent or language that’s associated with neighboring Maine, in New Hampshire there’s certainly a special way of speaking. For instance, we always cringed when we heard “BAR-lin” instead of “Berlin” or “LEB-nen” instead of Lebabon. But today we occasionally go out of our way to make it clear we’re proud of the way we speak.
- Mud season and all the trouble it brings
kellan / Flickr Mud season means constantly dirty cars and a guarantee that you’ll get stuck at some point. While we haven’t begun liking mud season any more than we once did, we’re now mature enough to realize that this means summer is almost here! And for some of us who have begun working from home, a little mud can’t hurt us!
- Those long, dark winters
jcbwalsh / Flickr Winter in New Hampshire comes on fast and seems to stick around for a long time. We often find this hard, but then there are moments when we look around and realize that this place is pretty gorgeous in the winter. We’ll take it!
What are some of the things in New Hampshire that you’ve grown to love? Is there anything you’ll just never accept as a fact of life here? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Limpi / EyeEm / EyeEm via Getty Images
There was a period of time when the abundance of plaid flannel made us wonder if we’d ever be fashionable. But over time it’s been made clear that we were fashionable all along! Today this cold-weather staple can be found all over the country and even on the runways. And, yeah, it’s also pretty great at keeping us warm and cozy.
Daly and Newton / The Image Bank via Getty Images
This has been a hard one to accept, but we’ve made great strides. Back-to-school and holiday shopping can be one of the most challenging experiences here in New Hampshire due to our lack of sales tax. It took us a long time to realize, though, that all these tourists flocking to us for less expensive shopping helps keep some of our favorite spots in business.
Nicolas Raymond / Flickr
Just like it can be hard to manage the throngs of shoppers here in New Hampshire it’s always tough when the backroads fill up with cars sporting New York license plates. But, just like with shopping, we now realize just how important these people are to the economy. And, it doesn’t hurt our pride to know that people come here because the state is so beautiful.
Mark Bonica / Flickr
During the summer roads and restaurants become a whole lot busier around here. It’s easy to complain about until you remember that you get to live here all the time!
wwworks / Flickr
While perhaps not relevant to everyone, we grew up being dragged out on hiking trips when we weren’t always excited to do so. Today, though? We’re all about it! Exploring the great outdoors in our very own backyard is pretty special.
axelrd / Flickr
When we first started driving the idea of hitting a moose was something that felt like an inevitability based on how often we were warned of the danger. Sure, it’s still something to be mindful of but we’ll always be proud that we’ve got ’em!
jlbruno / Flickr
When we were little it felt like each and every field trip involved a museum or a historical marker. Today, we think that’s pretty cool!
davidwilson1949 / Flickr
While we may not have the accent or language that’s associated with neighboring Maine, in New Hampshire there’s certainly a special way of speaking. For instance, we always cringed when we heard “BAR-lin” instead of “Berlin” or “LEB-nen” instead of Lebabon. But today we occasionally go out of our way to make it clear we’re proud of the way we speak.
kellan / Flickr
Mud season means constantly dirty cars and a guarantee that you’ll get stuck at some point. While we haven’t begun liking mud season any more than we once did, we’re now mature enough to realize that this means summer is almost here! And for some of us who have begun working from home, a little mud can’t hurt us!
jcbwalsh / Flickr
Winter in New Hampshire comes on fast and seems to stick around for a long time. We often find this hard, but then there are moments when we look around and realize that this place is pretty gorgeous in the winter. We’ll take it!
One thing we’ll never get tired of is the abundance of adorable small towns found throughout the state. This tiny New Hampshire town near the Maine border is perfect for a weekend getaway!
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