When I volunteered on a committee at the Salem Chamber of Commerce 10 years ago I had a great marketing idea (that they never used)...
The 3 Best Reasons To Visit Salem NH
Exit 1 SHOPPING (The Mall at Rochingham Park)
Exit 2 ATTRACTIONS (Canobie Lake)
Exit3 FOOD (Common Man)
Exit 2 ATTRACTIONS (Canobie Lake)
Exit3 FOOD (Common Man)
I still like the idea.... My favorite Exit is #1 - The Mall Exit.... From Manchester NH (where I live) The Mall at Rockingham Park (or as we fondly refer to it the "Salem" Mall) is about 25 miles or about 1/2 hours drive south on I-93. The drive is usually pretty fast except during rush hours, holidays, and Sunday evenings when people are driving south from NH back to Massachusetts and points south.
I also receive Twitter alerts on my phone with any problems and/or construction delays so I can plan accordingly (because, of course, I don't text & drive). There has been quite a bit of construction as they continue the Rebuilding of I-93 Salem to Manchester. If you are driving North to NH from Massachusetts, the traffic will be the opposite, busy on Fridays due to lots of people driving North to NH's beautiful Lakes & Mountains.
I was happy to see a few new stores in the mall since my last visit including Sephora a gigantic makeup store. I love the way they package up what you buy... like it is a little present just for you! I also use CardStar (for iPhone or smart phone users this is a cool app that keeps all your "rewards cards" scanned in so you don't have to carry the actual cards with you... just your phone.)
Speaking about iPhones, there is an Apple Store at the mall. Although closer to my house, I am sad that there isn't one at The Mall of New Hampshire. Everyday since the iPad and the iPhone 4 came out they have LINES at their door to get in. Incredible! I haven't gotten either yet... YET.
Being in the tourism industry, I always look out for our guests and think about them in my everyday life. Shopping is no different. Here are some tips for you:- Kids... there is a hurricane machine
- Parents... there is a wall of brochures giving you ideas of other things to do
- The mall is 2 levels and if you walk each level twice you will have walked 1 mile.
- The food court has pretty good choices and has a horse carousel for the little ones
- There is garage parking so when it is raining or snowy you are under cover
- Anchor stores include Macy's, Sears, & JC Penny (here is the Floor Plan)
