By Donna Rhodes Drhodes@salmonpress REGION - A group of local business owners have teamed up with Dr. Mark Okrant and Ben Amsden of Plymouth State University to promote a bit of nostalgic New Hampshire found along scenic Route 3 and other rural roadways. From diners and motor courts to general stores, antique shops and other cherished businesses from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, they are hoping to direct visitors “off the beaten path” for the relaxation and hospitality that the Granite State became known for in the tourist industry. “Retro Tourism is a niche market and we’d like to introduce that concept to others,” said Julie Piehn of Gilcrest Cottages and Motel in Campton. “There are a lot of people out there who want to ‘unplug,’ relax, and get away from it all for a vacation.” Besides a dedicated group of local business owners, the Pemi Valley Chamber of Commerce adopted the concept as an initiative and also lent its support to the project. “When this is successful, any other chamber with retro businesses in the area can then pattern themselves off what we’ve done,” said Piehn. Lending expertise and guidance to Retro Tourism is Okrant, a professor of Tourism Management who also serves as the director of the Institute for New Hampshire Studies Graduate Program at PSU. For forty years he has looked at ways to preserve these older businesses in the state and even penned a book, “No Vacancy,” on the topic. In continuing with his interest in these sentimental commodities, Okrant partnered with Ben Amsden, who is a sociologist and Interim Director for the Center for Rural Partnerships at PSU. Together they reached out a few years ago to find people who wanted to preserve their businesses. “We found a delightful group of people who are looking to be involved with this. Our ultimate goal for a Retro Tour is to create enough long term interest in these properties so they not only survive but thrive,” said Okrant. “In doing so, we’re creating an experience for visitors.” Rural New Hampshire is dotted with many nostalgic, tourist-related destinations. Through some teamwork and an advertising campaign the businesses will help visitors discover some of those hidden treasures that still exist today. Cottage and cabin colonies, for example, can offer a much more personal stay for their guests than some of the larger hotel and motel chains. “Most of us go above and beyond for our guests,” she said. “We offer hiking maps, tell them about nice rides in the country, quiet swimming holes, and other things they can do to experience rural New Hampshire and vacations the way they used to be.” Ice cream parlors and diners not only offer great food at a great price but are often decorated with classic photos, art and advertisements that are themselves a journey back in time. Antiques, arcades, mini-golf, old museums and so much more are all important to the committee as they look to create their Retro Tour. The committee is currently comprised of a variety of businesses that include The Kellerhaus in Weirs Beach, Cottage Place in Holderness, Clark’s Trading Post in North Woodstock and Proctor Lake House Cottages on Lake Winnipesaukee. “People don’t have to be a member of the Pemi Valley Chamber to participate as long as they belong to a chamber in their area,” said Piehn. On March 19 those who think their business might fit into this unique market are invited to come to the PSU Ice Arena from 10 a.m. until 12 noon for a meeting on the topic. At that time there will be an introduction to the concept of Retro Tours, discussions on marketing ideas and a presentation from the Pemi Valley Chamber of Commerce. Representatives with more information will also be available to answer any questions. “We’re looking for new members and everyone and anyone is invited to attend,” said Piehn. Those interested in learning more about Retro Tour New Hampshire are asked to RSVP with Marylynn Cote at either 535-3271 or [email protected].
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:59:47 +0000
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