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You Know You're in New Hampshire When...

New Hampshire Student Work
by Dayana Aleksandrova Apr 27, 2015

The Adam Sandler obsession engulfs you.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT under any circumstances criticize Adam Sandler! Hometown boy is THE celebrity in New Hampshire. No one cares about the fact that he was born in New York, because Sandler so devotedly portrays the Granite State in his movies. After living in the 603 for a while, you readily quote lines from Mr. Deeds, Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison. You also know at least 3 people who have run into him at O’s Steakhouse in Laconia.

You go to a party and everyone is wearing flannel.

In New Hampshire, flannel reigns supreme. Red, blue, green, grey — we own enough different versions of this beloved item to keep us covered for every day of the week. Don’t have to think twice about your outfit, just grab a shirt from your flannel drawer because you can never go wrong.

You shoot at things for fun.

Everyone in the Granite State has a few firearms stacked in their closet, ready to break out and go shoot at bottles, cans, and anything else that seems potentially amusing.

You revel in shopping at tax-free malls.

“Dolce & Gabanna, Fendi and Madonna…” The lyrics of this Black Eyed Peas song must have been inspired by the Manchester Mall, where tax free is a reality! We love this policy, except for when the Massholes take advantage of it…

The Massholes on the road drive you absolutely ballistic.

“Learn to drive, Masshole!” You can always spot the aggressive, dare I say incompetent drivers from Massachusetts, speeding on I-93. Why can’t they just learn, or better yet, go home? New Hampshire residents have a long-standing road rivalry with their Mass neighbors.

You don’t have a single neighbor within a 10-mile radius.

How about a bonfire? Wagon Well blasting on the radio while shooting cans? No problem! Chances are, there isn’t a single neighbor around to complain. We love the space and freedom of living in the woods.

You think Mt. Washington is the top of the world.

Being outdoorsy is the norm in the 603. During the warm months of June, July, and August, we love gearing up and getting lost in nature. Luckily, we have the highest peak in the Northeastern United States to climb, where you can ascend 6,288ft to the top.

You hop on your snowmobile and go to Canada.

Some riders take their passion as far as making the powerful vehicle their primary means of transportation in December through March. Going to your mom’s house for pancakes? Planning a trip to Canada? The snowmobile’s got you covered.

You can’t get anywhere without a car.

Leave walking in the city. Since we love our space so much, it’s not surprising that everything is spread out. A car or a snowmobile is a must in the Granite State. You drive to get your morning cup of Joe, to pick up the kids from school or to lift some weights at the gym. Walking is not a thing here.

You come to the realization that we are the best people you will ever meet.

New Hampshirites are extremely friendly, warm people. If you’re not someone who greets strangers, helps old ladies carry their groceries and jumps a traveler’s car on the road, you better learn! This tiny state has a great appreciation for community and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie.

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