Photo: In 2004, in a tradition stretching to the beginning of the New Hampshire Primary, then candidate John Kerry campaigns at MaryAnn's Diner in Derry, NH. | via: ThinkStock
If you've ever flown into or out of Manchester, New Hampshire, you may have seen a poster that welcomes the media and candidates visiting the state in anticipation of the next presidential election cycle. In New Hampshire, however, the next presidential cycle begins the day after the previous one ends.
To win the New Hampshire Primary, a candidate can't just jet-in a few weeks before the primary. They must start years in advance and kiss every baby in the Granite State.
Oh, and candidates must "eat local" at lots-and-lots of diners. (Bill Clinton was legendary in this department, often taking time to go back to the kitchen and visit with the cooks.)
Last October, ABC Reporter Brad Mielke developed an "the ultimate New Hampshire Diner Tour" of five restaurants, across the state, that a candidate could visit in one day. Here are his picks (and a bonus one from us):
Lindy's in Keene | Est. 1961
(Google Maps)
Lindy's owners insist that candidates don't stand a chance of winning the presidency if they don't pay a visit. (LindysDiner.com)
MaryAnn's in Derry | Est. 1989
(Google Maps)
It's probably not a good sign that when Mielke developed his list, the candidates who had already visited MaryAnn's were Rand Paul, Lindsey Graham and Chris Christie, two of whom have suspended their campaigns and another who's at the bottom of the polls.
Red Arrow Diner in Manchester | Est. 1922
(Google Maps)
New Hampshire's most ubiquitous campaign stop might seem a little cramped, but the Red Arrow has been welcoming White House hopefuls for decades. As a 24-hour joint, it's the only diner on this list keeping longer hours than the candidates.
Puritan Backroom in Manchester | Est. 1938
(Google Maps)
The Pappas family has been in the restaurant business since 1917, after moving from Greece to open a small ice cream stand. Co-owner Chris Pappas serves on the state's executive council, and even though he's endorsed Hillary Clinton, any hungry candidate is welcome to campaign there.
Tilt'n Diner in Tilton | Est. 1992
Gail Frederick via Flickr
Presidential contenders don't visit Tilt'n Diner for the scenery; they visit because it's a convenient stop on the way to vacation-friendly Lake Winnipesaukee.
SmallBusiness.com Bonus Pick: The Airport Diner in Manchester
(From Rex Hammock, SmallBusiness.com) As a frequent visitor to Manchester, I've had a couple of flights cancel and had to find a hotel and place to eat near the airport. As the Airport Diner is adjacent to a Holiday Inn Express, my expectations weren't high. However, I'm happy to report that even a quick in-and-out visit to Manchester can include a great diner experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment