Even before the Old Man of the Mountain fell from its cliff side perch, tourism was changing in New Hampshire.
“Nationwide, we’re seeing a decline in the historical type attractions, like Williamsburg and Old Sturbridge Village. It’s a natural trend,” said Dick Hamilton, a member of the board of directors of the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund.
Today’s tourists are pressed for time and money and always want to do something new, he added.
The advantage amusement and theme parks have under those conditions is that they can always add new rides or attractions, ala Disney.
“The Old Man on the Mountain,” a natural rock formation, attracted many tourists who felt an emotional attachment to the piece of jutting rock in Concord, New Hampshire. But parts of the formation have fallen and tourism officials are debating how to fix it.
In the meantime, tourism officials looking to encourage visitors to natural wonders are finding ways to improve them.
There’s a new mine at Lost River, for example, where youngsters can pan for gemstones, while state attractions are adding push-button recordings and other technological amenities.
Report by David Wilkening
