No More Parking at Lowes Store

[peakbagger]

The claim by locals is there is only one store in town and the owner was not interested in getting a liquor license so they kept the town "dry". Alan Lowe the owner was the long term constable for the town until recently. My guess is the liability insurance is much higher for a store that sells alcohol?. No doubt if a new owner wanted a license the town would vote to support them. Note its perfectly legal to bring alcohol into town for local consumption.

 

[dave.m]

FWIW There was a debate within the RMC when the Stearn's Lodge trail crew facility was built to add some capability for overnight lodgers. There were individuals that probably would have funded the cost but it opened up a fundamental problem that RMC is a volunteer run organization. They do have a paid seasonal trail crew, two seasonal caretakers and a trail crew leader but they are all seasonal positions. To go any further there would be the need to hire a manager. The economics of the club would radically change and it would have to grow much larger and access new revenue sources just to break even. Sure a special person, like a retiree may step up and do it for free or at some minimal cost but once the commitment is made, then the club is on the hook for the long term. Those special people do not grow on trees so the club needs to be ready to fill the position with a qualified person that doesn't have the luxury of working for free or at reduced rate.

What you say makes perfect sense and is a very wise insight by the club.

That said, there really isn't any commercial resource for hikers along that section of Rt 2 from Gorham all the way to Twin Mountain.

When you look at the parking problems at Appalachia, you would think that some enterprising soul would ask, what would it take for all these people to putting money into my cash register?

The Lowes Store location would be perfect for that, but it would take a) some concerted focus on the needs of the hiker community, b) a good business plan to make it profitable year-round (e.g. perhaps Thur - Mon hours only), and c) it may be the case that the economics of villages is such that it's simply not possible.

 

[Mike P.]

If someone buys it, they buy the land underneath it also which is an issue with the old underground fuel tanks. We have a old Buick dealer right in Colchester's Downtown. It's a perfect location for a business and it's been empty since years began with a 2 and maybe a few with 19XX.

 

[JToll]

If the hiker community is anything like me then I do not see it giving stores such as Lowes enough business. I am strictly a day hiker. In 14 years of hiking I have only stopped at Lowes twice. I stop at Fosters in Twin Mountain maybe 4 or 5 times a year. Pre Covid I would stop at Panera in Concord for dinner. Now it is fast-food drive in. I think a store really needs community business to survive . Martys in Danville Vt on Route 2 is a good example of a thriving local store.

 

[skiguy]

What you say makes perfect sense and is a very wise insight by the club.

That said, there really isn't any commercial resource for hikers along that section of Rt 2 from Gorham all the way to Twin Mountain.

When you look at the parking problems at Appalachia, you would think that some enterprising soul would ask, what would it take for all these people to putting money into my cash register?

The Lowes Store location would be perfect for that, but it would take a) some concerted focus on the needs of the hiker community, b) a good business plan to make it profitable year-round (e.g. perhaps Thur - Mon hours only), and c) it may be the case that the economics of villages is such that it's simply not possible.

The beauty of the RMC and the surrounding area is it's rusticness and lack of commercialism. It's amazing the resourcefulness of The RMC especially when it comes to fiscal operations. Lowes store IMO would never fit their model. Consider this: Their overall operating budget is not much more than half of what The CEO of the AMC pulls in for a salary each year. Scroll to page 10 on this link for the numbers. https://www.randolphmountainclub.org/newsletters/December2020Newsletter.pdf

 

[Andrew]

If the hiker community is anything like me then I do not see it giving stores such as Lowes enough business. I am strictly a day hiker. In 14 years of hiking I have only stopped at Lowes twice. I stop at Fosters in Twin Mountain maybe 4 or 5 times a year. Pre Covid I would stop at Panera in Concord for dinner. Now it is fast-food drive in. I think a store really needs community business to survive . Martys in Danville Vt on Route 2 is a good example of a thriving local store.

I agree with the example of Marty's in Danville. My wife and I have often discussed how some of our immediate surrounding areas would benefit from a combined retail and local flavor featured facility might be, as it seems sorely lacking in this area. Allen Brothers down in Westminster VT did an exceptional job with this by combining a convenience store, farm stand, exceptional quality deli/bakery, local crafts and local food/drink, well-stocked beer store, and plant nursery in one...oh yeah gas also. There is also an interesting wetland complex behind the place that for me creates a feeling of comfort. We actually have relied on them for spring vegetable plant starts, and our fall pumpkin's in the past (from Bethlehem) - keeping in mind we have dear friends nearby that we visit.

So yeah for locals as well as travelers, a big welcoming parking lot, local flavor aesthetic drawing you in. A number of combined services/attractions in one place can be a destination in of itself. Kind of like the new rest areas in Hooksett on 93. Are they still new?

 

[peakbagger]

IMO, a paved spot with electrical hookups and porta potties and space for several food trucks would be ideal for hiker traffic.

 

[skiguy]

IMO, a paved spot with electrical hookups and porta potties and space for several food trucks would be ideal for hiker traffic.

As much as a good corn dog or slice of pie would taste this seems rather unaesthetic from a Randolphian point of view.

 

[peakbagger]

A few locals over the years pointed out the subtleties of Randolph, anything west of Cutter properties on Durand Road (roughly west of the Sargent Path) are regarded as the outskirts of town with the cluster of homes in West Randolph regarded as barely part of Randolph (the former town dump was located on that end of town. Lowe's is actually in the outskirts but maintains its cred due to Lowes Path. To be truly part of Randolph society, someones "camp" should be within the cluster of paths that radiated out from the Ravine House Site and east along Durand road up to Randolph Hill road and preferably in a succession of family owners back to the founding days of the hiking in the town. There is definitely a tongue an cheek aspect to this class distinction but to some residents, its far more important. Thus continued commercial activity at Lowe's would probably be accepted if not welcomed.

 

[DayTrip]

IMO, a paved spot with electrical hookups and porta potties and space for several food trucks would be ideal for hiker traffic.

Why aren't there more/any food trucks at trail heads?? My wife and I talk about this whenever we are up there. Seems like an absolute no-brainer on FRI/SAT/SUN and holiday weekends. Are there permit/legal issues for food trucks in NH?

 

[skiguy]

Why aren't there more/any food trucks at trail heads?? My wife and I talk about this whenever we are up there. Seems like an absolute no-brainer on FRI/SAT/SUN and holiday weekends. Are there permit/legal issues for food trucks in NH?

My guess it would depend on the Trailhead. Within the National Forest I would expect some sort of Permit to operate as a Concession might be needed. Other trailheads not within the forest would most likely be left up to local ordinances. In the Conways Food Trucks although not at trailheads we’re doing quite well the Summer of 2019. Although they were subjected to permitting. Each individual food truck was only allowed to stay in one location for two weeks. The model was working pretty good and was fueling some local entrepreneurialism even at the High School level. I would think that Ski Areas could benefit from some food trucks but also would be subject to permitting. Personally I find the whole culture to be quite fun.

 

[Mike P.]

You'd need a trailhead with enough room for walking space and for a truck. Considering we're parking on the parkway and all over Mt. Clinton Road and Lincoln Woods is packed early on weekends and weekdays in the summer. Ski areas, and the Cog may be the only areas with enough room. Now if they had them at Marcy Field and the Van Hovenberg Sled Center with an active shuttle, you might drive some shuttle fans. This may be better when you feel better being maskless in a bus eating and with other people.

 

[peakbagger]

Most NH towns have transient business regulations mostly to prevent nuisance businesses from popping up. The town requires a permit within certain conditions to operate. Its costly to have a fixed business and the local business owners that potentially compete with the food trucks generally object. Some towns in the north country like Conway have passed food truck specific regulations. There was a food truck working the Gorham area but they were mostly working the farmers market and the ATV trade and have recently moved into a closed business. The Road Hawg BBQ started out as food truck that worked the fair circuit and then settled in Gorham. I have been surprised that the ATV complex along RT 110 has not generated more food truck traffic.

I don't see the national forest embracing food trucks. In theory its possible under a special use permit, but that is major effort that can take years. My guess is the ski areas with a existing permit and infrastructure could add food trucks year round and the state could easily trucks to the Tramway complex, but given there is a state concession in the Tram building,why bring in competition?. My guess is Lafayette place would be another story as I think the state is very limited to what they can do there. The joke is the ski areas have far more impact on the forest than a parking lot full of food trucks yet they pay a minimal amount of money for the right to impact large blocks of public land.

On the other hand the Lowe's complex is on private land and outside the WMNF boundary. Its a disturbed site with safe highway access in an area with high traffic in general and a steady stream of hikers. My guess is anyone hiking along RT2 would be willing to stop at a cluster of food trucks rather than driving to Twin Mtn to stop at the store on their way home.

 

[Andrew]

IMO, a paved spot with electrical hookups and porta potties and space for several food trucks would be ideal for hiker traffic.

Yeah, it would probably be a shame if a big tourist to do happened on the flats. There is always the danger of some such attempt to open the door to some cheesy tourist attraction. We have a couple food trucks working Bethlehem the past couple years, and I'm not sure what the deal is as one would park right in front of and now to the side of WREN and the Cold Mt. Cafe, and I think they were cooperating. Then they were in front the post office and Maya Papaya which I found irritating since they were obstructing access to the postal box I used almost daily after hours on my commute home. That seemed to only last a short time as I think the town said something.

One of the things that slowed down their business at Lowes, is that Alan and his son in law Kevin stopped doing heavy rescue towing a few years back. They sold off their heaviest rig, and they kept a lighter one last I knew. Kevin is the road agent in town last I knew, so it was just too much dealing with calls at random hours along with the responsibilities of the roads.

 

[skiguy]

An update as of 5/14/21 from the RMC's Facebook Page:Attention Hikers!
With the snow gone, the Lowe family is graciously allowing folks to park at their store again. There are no fees, but please show your gratitude by keeping the lot neat and packing out all your trash.
Please note that the store, it’s services and it’s bathrooms are not available at this time. Plan ahead!
Have a safe weekend everyone!

 

[DayTrip]

Been no updates on this since mid-May. Was curious what the latest situation is:
1) Is parking still allowed there?
2) Same spot - far right as you face the store?
3) Is the property being plowed (not sure there has been enough snow yet to evaluate this) for possible Winter access to Lowe's Path?

Haven't been out that way in awhile and was curious if Lowe's Path is still an option for Winter. Alternatively, is Bowman being plowed for possible Bowman>Rail Trail>Lowes Path access (again knowing it may be too early in season to evaluate) and is it seeing any Winter use given the limited trail choices from there? Was considering doing the "old school" routes to some of the 4k's this year (such as the Edmands Col route to Jefferson) and this was a previously key parking area to access before plowing of Base Rd.

Any info on the current status would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

[peakbagger]

I have not seen anything official on Lowes. Unlike last year Gray Knob and Crag Camp are open for the winter (Gray Knob has a new upgraded solar system). That means the demand will be there for parking at Lowes but unless some outside organization plows it. I suspect it will not be plowed as the store is closed. There really has not been enough snow to plow yet.

Bowman is not normally plowed. Once it gets plowed in by a major storm it stays that way except on rare occasions there have been large snowmachine events that have opened it up to run a rest area (do not plan on it) Some hikers are parking at a plowed plow turn around a short distance west of Bowman. Unless there is no chance of snow operations I would avoid that option as the plow drivers open up that spot for their use not hikers. Most folks just park along the banking and hope.

 

[DayTrip]

I have not seen anything official on Lowes. Unlike last year Gray Knob and Crag Camp are open for the winter (Gray Knob has a new upgraded solar system). That means the demand will be there for parking at Lowes but unless some outside organization plows it. I suspect it will not be plowed as the store is closed. There really has not been enough snow to plow yet.

Bowman is not normally plowed. Once it gets plowed in by a major storm it stays that way except on rare occasions there have been large snowmachine events that have opened it up to run a rest area (do not plan on it) Some hikers are parking at a plowed plow turn around a short distance west of Bowman. Unless there is no chance of snow operations I would avoid that option as the plow drivers open up that spot for their use not hikers. Most folks just park along the banking and hope.

Yah that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the update.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Yah that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the update.

Bring a shovel!

Tim

 

[ChrisB]

Be nice if the RMC plowed the Lowe’s lot and charged a small fee.