We have plenty of craft stores, art classes, sports groups, and now pet shops. What would make the Upper Valley even better as a resident and shopper?
It all started with a simple post on Upper Valley VT/NH forum asking for what businesses we would like to see in the area. What would we be willing to pay for? Hundreds of comments flooded in. It received so much attention that the admin created a follow up survey based on all the recommendations. It was an entertaining read.
The results were a mix of entertainment, practical ideas, improving what we have, and chains. As I read some of them I knew right away they would be a popular suggestion like a bowling alley, and others I thought, ‘hm, I wouldn’t have thought of that. What a great idea!’
Place for Family Entertainment
This was a popular recommendation. People wanted a location that provided lots of activities in one spot. The old Shaws was a perfect suggestion, but that was attempted and didn’t work out. It created some stir, though because bowling, batting cages, and more already existed in the Upper Valley and didn’t make it. However, people had plenty to say about why those establishments didn’t work: mostly regarding location and that it should house many different activities to increase engagement. Consistent hours and making sure to be available to kids and teens on vacations would help turnout as well.
I was sad to hear Grantham indoor is no longer. So I liked the suggestion of a place for kids to play lacrosse, futsal, indoor soccer, dodgeball, volleyball etc. Maybe this can go in the amazing multiuse family facility that we need?
Groceries Without the Hassle
Grocery delivery was a hot topic. People were excited at the possibility of a curb side pick up or delivery at Hannford. One person said they’d even give an appendage for this – wow! This would be ideal for the elderly, home bound, or people with young kiddos. I remember in England we would have groceries delivered sometimes because we didn’t have a car to get around and taking all our grocery bags on the bus wasn’t always so appealing. It was pretty convenient! Apparently Hannaford in Bedford and Concord have it.
Archery for Teens
There’s always room for more activities for teens and tweens. The Grafton County Fish and Game past Home Depot currently offers adult archery for $5 on Thursdays. You need to have your own equipment. The forum inspired the people who are involved in the archery program to see if a league could be set up for teens and tweens. There was a lot of interest in this from parents who said their child would love it or had already expressed interest in archery. This is social media at its best!
Indoor Walking Track and Indoor Dog Park
These were creative suggestions that would really help people in the winter months. I have no idea where you would put them or what it would look like, but I thought both these ideas would provide an important service during the winter months. I know I really enjoyed the indoor track at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center.
I don’t own a dog but I’m curious how it could be successful. Lots of dogs in an enclosed space, clean up etc. Are there successful models out there?
Fun and unique recommendations
A blow dry bar. Really. I had never heard of this. Apparently it’s a place you can snack and get your hair blow dried and styled to look great. Ladies can get a beautiful bun, a fishtail braid, curls, an up-do, or just blow dried and styled to look like a million bucks. Sounds great. I’d pay to look fab and gets some tips on how to do it myself too.
Full service car wash or vaccumming service. I particularly found this post entertaining: Love for someone to vacuum my car while I’m at work: “If someone could figure out a portable vacuum van and payment model, I bet there would be sustained business via Hypertherm, TomTom, DHMC, Dartmouth, ect. I would be the first in line for this service. I even have a slogan ‘we suck so you don’t have to’ :-)” The slogan got a lot of emojis if you can imagine.
A lot of people would probably love this convenient service: a convenience store that you drive through, picks up what you want and delivers it to you in your car: milk, shampoo, chocolate bar etc. Apparently these exist in Ohio.
Lastly, a wing restaurant that delivered or an indoor waterpark like the Pump House at Jay Peak.
Who knows what we’ll see in the future for an even better Upper Valley. Maybe one of these ideas will spark some attention. Which ones most appeal to you?
Photo By Senior Master Sgt. David Lipp (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1879683) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. No changes made. Photo promotes US National Guard youth mentoring program.
