Living in New England: Signs

There are many aspects of life here that are so unique from other parts of the country, and I want to share those things with my family, and perhaps with you- if you have never been here. I do a collection of posts called : "Living in New England" that highlight quintessential New England sights, events, situations, and experiences.

I know of many people who have lived here in New England their entire lives and perhaps don't realize that some of the events and sights that I will describe don't happen elsewhere in the country. Or, maybe you are originally from New England, but have moved away... I hope these posts will bring back some fond memories for you. 
In any event, I wish to share New England with you through the eyes of this Southerner!



We have lived in various cities in the South and the Pacific Northwest and have traveled (via road trips) many times across the country, yet it wasn't until we moved to New England that we have come across the following signs:

What's the most unusual thing about this sign is its age.  In most places this sign would have been replaced decades ago when it first began to rust!  

The following signs are commonly seen in small towns.  I think they are a nice way to remind drivers to slow down and take precaution.  There is also a "deaf person" sign, but I couldn't find one to photograph for this post.  A person applies with their town to get a sign posted on the road close to their house.

A what?!  

A jughandle!  Per Wikipedia a jughandle is a type of ramp or slip road that changes the way traffic turns left at an at-grade intersection.  Got that?! But, once you see one you see why the name is so perfect for the type of turn!   More info here.

Many shops are "seasonal" only open in the late spring or summer when the tourist arrive.  Coming from the land of 24/7/365 this is an unusual sight!

Patriotism is very strong here in New England, as you might expect, and veterans are honored.  Love this!

After growing up in Texas where air conditioning is a given everywhere these signs advertising a.c. always make me smile!

  

Dunkin' Donuts!  

I realize these aren't just in New England anymore, but they are such a staple here I couldn't leave them out.  You can hardly throw a rock here without hitting one!  Think Starbucks, but with donuts!

I remember our first winter here thinking "what's a frost heave?!"  After driving over your first one you immediately get why there are signs posted for them- they can be quite jarring to both you and your car's alignment.  For those of you who have never seen this sign, a frost heave is a large rise, or bump in the pavement that makes driving certain roads a nightmare!  They result from ice forming beneath the surface of soil during freezing conditions.  They appear in the winter then recede in the spring.  More info here.

This sign is at our favorite (and only as they are difficult to come by in New England :) BBQ restaurant Goodie Cole's in Brentwood, New Hampshire.  The owners are from Texas (Dallas) and we are very happy to drive the distance (they are not close to us) to get our BBQ fix on!

To read other "Living in New England" posts visit here!)