The phrase refers to a selected class of eating places inside the state, usually characterised by informal ambiance, basic American delicacies, and infrequently, a nostalgic ambiance. These institutions symbolize a phase of the hospitality trade centered on offering inexpensive, available meals, usually with a deal with native substances and conventional recipes. Examples embody roadside eating places serving burgers and fries, basic diners with in depth breakfast menus, and drive-in eating places providing carhop service.
Such eateries maintain cultural significance, representing a bit of Americana and infrequently serving as neighborhood hubs. They provide a definite eating expertise in comparison with formal eating places, offering a way of consolation and familiarity. Traditionally, some of these eating places proliferated alongside the enlargement of the American freeway system, catering to vacationers and locals alike. This historical past contributes to their enduring attraction and continued presence within the modern culinary panorama. Supporting these companies contributes to native economies and preserves an important a part of American culinary heritage.
Additional exploration of this matter may embody particular restaurant suggestions, historic deep dives into iconic New Hampshire institutions, or discussions about regional variations in delicacies and restaurant type inside the state. An examination of the financial impression of those companies on native communities would additionally present helpful perception.
1. Basic American Delicacies
Basic American delicacies varieties the core culinary id of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire. These institutions usually showcase regional interpretations of iconic American dishes, providing a nostalgic and comforting eating expertise deeply rooted in custom. Understanding the elements of this delicacies gives helpful perception into the attraction of those eating places.
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Consolation Meals Staples
Dishes like burgers, fries, sizzling canine, and grilled cheese sandwiches symbolize quintessential American consolation meals. Diners, drive-ins, and dives regularly function these staples, usually with distinctive regional twists. For instance, a New Hampshire diner may provide a lobster roll alongside conventional burgers, reflecting the state’s coastal affect. These acquainted flavors contribute considerably to the enduring reputation of those institutions.
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Blue-Plate Specials
The idea of blue-plate specials, providing inexpensive day by day or weekly rotating menus, is a trademark of basic American diners. These specials usually embody hearty, home-style dishes like meatloaf, fried rooster, or pot roast, embodying the practicality and worth central to diner tradition. This custom gives diners with each selection and predictability, additional solidifying their attraction.
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Breakfast All Day
The provision of breakfast all through the day is one other defining attribute. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, and bacon are staples discovered on diner menus whatever the hour. This flexibility caters to numerous schedules and cravings, contributing to the accessibility and comfort related to these institutions.
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Native Ingredient Integration
Whereas sustaining a basic American basis, many New Hampshire diners, drive-ins, and dives incorporate domestically sourced substances. This integration may manifest in using New Hampshire maple syrup in breakfast dishes or contemporary seafood from the coast. This follow not solely enhances the standard of the meals but additionally strengthens connections with native communities and producers.
These components of basic American delicacies, mixed with the distinctive ambiance of those institutions, contribute considerably to their continued relevance in New Hampshire’s eating panorama. They symbolize a culinary heritage appreciated for its consolation, affordability, and connection to native communities.
2. Nostalgic Environment
The nostalgic ambiance cultivated by diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire varieties a vital element of their enduring attraction. This fastidiously constructed ambiance transports patrons to a special period, evoking emotions of consolation, familiarity, and easier instances. Understanding the weather contributing to this nostalgic ambiance gives deeper perception into the cultural significance of those institutions.
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Retro Design Parts
Basic diner design components, similar to chrome accents, checkered flooring, vinyl cubicles, and classic signage, contribute considerably to the nostalgic ambiance. These visible cues evoke reminiscences of mid-Twentieth century Americana, creating a way of timelessness appreciated by patrons in search of a break from trendy aesthetics. Preserving these design components maintains a connection to the historic roots of those institutions.
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Jukebox Music and Memorabilia
The presence of jukeboxes taking part in basic tunes or classic memorabilia displayed on the partitions additional enhances the nostalgic expertise. These auditory and visible components transport diners again to a selected period, reinforcing the sense of entering into the previous. The curated collection of music and memorabilia displays particular cultural moments, including depth to the general ambiance.
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Carhop Service
Drive-in eating places providing carhop service symbolize a very nostalgic side of this eating class. The expertise of ordering meals from the consolation of 1’s automobile and having it delivered by a carhop evokes a bygone period of roadside eating, including a singular allure and comfort hardly ever present in modern eating places.
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Neighborhood Gathering Areas
Many diners, drive-ins, and dives operate as neighborhood gathering areas, fostering a way of native connection and shared expertise. This communal side contributes to the nostalgic ambiance by reinforcing the thought of a less complicated time characterised by stronger neighborhood bonds. Common patrons usually develop a way of belonging, additional enriching the nostalgic attraction.
These components mix to create a strong sense of nostalgia inside these New Hampshire institutions. This fastidiously cultivated ambiance, coupled with basic American delicacies, solidifies their place as not simply eating places, but additionally cultural touchstones representing a cherished piece of Americana.
3. Informal Eating Expertise
The informal eating expertise is integral to the id of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire. This relaxed ambiance differentiates these institutions from extra formal eating choices, contributing considerably to their widespread attraction. A number of components contribute to this defining attribute.
Accessibility and Affordability: Diners, drive-ins, and dives prioritize accessibility and affordability. Menus usually function fairly priced consolation meals, making them a pretty possibility for people and households in search of a satisfying meal and not using a vital monetary funding. This accessibility extends to the ambiance, the place informal apparel is the norm, additional lowering boundaries to entry.
Velocity and Comfort: These institutions usually emphasize pace and comfort. Service is often immediate, and the menus function dishes that may be ready shortly, catering to these with busy schedules or in search of a fast, satisfying meal. Drive-in eating places, particularly, exemplify this deal with comfort, permitting patrons to order and dine with out leaving their autos.
Neighborhood Focus: The informal ambiance fosters a way of neighborhood. Diners, drive-ins, and dives usually function native gathering spots, the place regulars interact in informal dialog and revel in a shared sense of belonging. This communal side contributes to their function as social hubs inside their respective communities.
Unpretentious Ambiance: The unpretentious ambiance contributes considerably to the informal eating expertise. Patrons can loosen up and revel in their meal with out the constraints of formal eating etiquette. This relaxed atmosphere encourages social interplay and fosters a way of consolation and familiarity.
Sensible Significance: Understanding the significance of the informal eating expertise within the context of New Hampshire diners, drive-ins, and dives gives helpful perception into their sustained reputation. This understanding can inform enterprise choices associated to restaurant design, menu growth, and advertising methods. It additionally highlights the societal worth of those institutions as accessible, inexpensive, and community-oriented eating choices.
In conclusion, the informal eating expertise is just not merely a byproduct of those institutions; it’s a defining attribute that contributes considerably to their attraction and cultural relevance. By prioritizing accessibility, comfort, and a relaxed ambiance, diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire proceed to function vital neighborhood hubs and provide a singular eating expertise distinct from extra formal settings. This informal strategy fosters a way of belonging and strengthens their connection to native communities.
4. Roadside Areas
Roadside places are intrinsically linked to the id of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire. Their placement alongside highways and byways shapes their operate, accessibility, and historic context. Analyzing this relationship gives helpful insights into the enduring attraction and cultural significance of those institutions.
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Accessibility and Comfort for Vacationers
Positioned alongside main journey routes, these institutions present handy entry for vacationers in search of a fast and inexpensive meal. Traditionally, their proliferation coincided with the enlargement of the American freeway system, catering to the wants of a rising cell inhabitants. This accessibility stays a key issue of their continued reputation, providing respite and sustenance for these on the highway.
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Visibility and Signage
Roadside places necessitate outstanding signage to draw passing motorists. Massive, eye-catching indicators usually that includes daring colours and iconic imagery have turn out to be synonymous with diners, drive-ins, and dives. This visible language contributes to their nostalgic attraction and reinforces their id as simply recognizable landmarks inside the panorama.
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Connection to Native Communities
Whereas serving vacationers, roadside places additionally join these institutions to native communities. They usually turn out to be acquainted landmarks and gathering spots for residents, fostering a way of native id and neighborhood connection. This twin function as each a traveler’s cease and a neighborhood hub contributes to their enduring presence within the social material of New Hampshire.
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Architectural Variations for Roadside Service
The architectural design of those institutions usually displays their roadside operate. Drive-in eating places, with their devoted parking areas and carhop service, are a major instance of architectural adaptation to accommodate roadside eating. Equally, diners usually function giant home windows and outstanding entrances designed to draw passing visitors.
The connection between roadside places and diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire is prime to their id. This strategic placement influences not solely their accessibility and visibility but additionally their connection to each vacationers and native communities. Understanding this interaction gives helpful context for appreciating their enduring presence inside the state’s culinary and cultural panorama.
5. Inexpensive Meals
Affordability stands as a cornerstone of the diner, drive-in, and dive expertise in New Hampshire. These institutions prioritize worth, providing budget-friendly meals with out compromising on high quality or amount. This dedication to affordability performs a vital function of their accessibility and broad attraction, shaping their historic growth and continued relevance within the modern eating panorama.
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Worth-Pushed Menus
Menus emphasize worth, that includes basic consolation meals dishes ready with cost-effective substances. This focus permits these institutions to supply beneficiant parts at affordable costs, catering to budget-conscious diners in search of a satisfying meal with out breaking the financial institution. This worth proposition has traditionally attracted a various clientele, contributing to their enduring reputation.
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Day by day and Weekly Specials
Many diners, drive-ins, and dives provide day by day or weekly specials, additional enhancing their affordability. These rotating specials usually function standard dishes at discounted costs, offering further worth and attracting common prospects. This follow additionally permits for menu flexibility and the incorporation of seasonal substances.
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Household-Pleasant Pricing
The affordability of those institutions makes them significantly enticing to households. Providing budget-friendly choices for all ages makes eating out a extra accessible and frequent expertise for households, reinforcing the function of those institutions as neighborhood gathering areas.
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Financial Accessibility and Social Fairness
The emphasis on affordability contributes to higher financial accessibility inside the eating panorama. By offering inexpensive meal choices, diners, drive-ins, and dives guarantee a wider vary of people can benefit from the expertise of eating out, selling higher social fairness and accessibility inside their communities.
The dedication to inexpensive meals is prime to the enduring attraction of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire. This value-driven strategy, coupled with a deal with basic consolation meals and an informal ambiance, ensures their continued relevance as accessible and inclusive eating locations for a broad vary of patrons. This affordability distinguishes them inside the bigger restaurant trade and contributes considerably to their cultural and social significance inside native communities.
6. Native Substances
The mixing of native substances represents a major development inside New Hampshire’s diner, drive-in, and dive scene. This emphasis on native sourcing connects these institutions extra deeply with the encompassing neighborhood and agricultural panorama, impacting each the culinary expertise and the native financial system. Inspecting this connection reveals a number of key advantages and issues.
Sourcing substances domestically creates a direct hyperlink between these eating places and close by farms, fisheries, and producers. This relationship fosters a way of neighborhood interdependence and helps native agricultural economies. For instance, a diner that includes New Hampshire-grown apples in its pies or domestically caught seafood in its chowder straight advantages the state’s agricultural sector. This follow not solely gives more energizing, higher-quality substances but additionally reduces transportation prices and environmental impression. Moreover, using native substances permits cooks to showcase regional specialties and create distinctive dishes reflective of New Hampshire’s distinct culinary heritage. Contemplate a diner that includes maple syrup harvested from a close-by sugar shack in its pancakes or incorporating domestically produced cheeses into its signature sandwiches. These practices improve the authenticity of the eating expertise and create a way of place.
Nonetheless, counting on native substances presents sure challenges. Seasonal availability can restrict menu choices, requiring cooks to adapt their dishes primarily based on what’s in season. Moreover, native sourcing can typically be dearer than counting on larger-scale distributors. Regardless of these challenges, the advantages usually outweigh the drawbacks. The elevated high quality, diminished environmental impression, and assist for native economies contribute to a extra sustainable and community-focused eating expertise. Furthermore, using native substances permits these institutions to distinguish themselves inside a aggressive market, attracting diners in search of genuine and regionally-specific delicacies. This connection strengthens the connection between these iconic eating places and the communities they serve.
7. Neighborhood Hubs
Diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire usually operate as important neighborhood hubs, extending past their function as easy eateries. They function gathering locations, fostering social connections and contributing to the general material of native communities. Understanding this multifaceted function gives helpful perception into their cultural significance.
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Social Gathering Areas
These institutions provide an informal and welcoming atmosphere for social interplay. Residents collect for morning espresso, lunch with associates, or after-work meals, fostering a way of neighborhood and shared expertise. Common patrons usually develop shut relationships, reworking these institutions into extensions of their social circles. This operate strengthens neighborhood bonds and contributes to a way of belonging.
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Native Info Change
Diners, drive-ins, and dives usually function casual facilities for native data alternate. Neighborhood information, occasions, and native gossip are regularly mentioned and disseminated inside these institutions, reinforcing their function as important communication channels inside the neighborhood. This casual alternate of data contributes to a way of shared information and strengthens native connections.
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Assist for Native Occasions and Initiatives
Many institutions actively take part in neighborhood occasions and initiatives, additional solidifying their function as neighborhood hubs. They could host fundraisers, sponsor native sports activities groups, or present assembly areas for neighborhood organizations. This lively involvement demonstrates a dedication to the neighborhood’s well-being and strengthens the connection between these institutions and the residents they serve.
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Intergenerational Connections
These eating places usually appeal to a various clientele, spanning a number of generations. This intergenerational mixing creates alternatives for interplay and shared experiences between completely different age teams, contributing to a way of neighborhood continuity and shared historical past. Youthful generations can join with older residents, fostering a way of neighborhood heritage and understanding.
The function of diners, drive-ins, and dives as neighborhood hubs extends past the availability of meals. They operate as important social areas, data facilities, and supporters of native initiatives, contributing considerably to the general well being and well-being of New Hampshire communities. Their accessible and welcoming nature fosters social cohesion and strengthens the bonds that join residents, solidifying their place as integral elements of the state’s cultural panorama.
8. Regional Variations
Regional variations play a major function in shaping the id of diners, drive-ins, and dives inside New Hampshire. Geographic location influences menu choices, reflecting native culinary traditions and out there substances. Coastal areas may emphasize seafood, that includes contemporary catches of the day. Inland areas could showcase heartier fare, highlighting domestically sourced produce and meats. These variations create a various culinary panorama, enriching the diner, drive-in, and dive expertise inside the state. For instance, a coastal institution may provide a lobster roll or clam chowder, whereas an inland diner may focus on apple pie made with native apples or a hearty beef stew. These regional specialties contribute to the distinctive character of every institution, reflecting the varied culinary heritage of New Hampshire.
The sensible significance of understanding these regional variations is multifaceted. Restaurant homeowners can tailor their menus to replicate native preferences and out there substances, maximizing attraction to their goal demographic. Vacationers profit from experiencing the distinctive culinary choices of various areas, gaining a deeper understanding of native tradition and traditions. This regional focus additionally helps native agriculture and fishing industries, selling financial development inside particular communities. As an example, a restaurant specializing in domestically sourced seafood strengthens the connection between the institution and the native fishing trade, creating financial advantages for each. Moreover, recognizing these regional variations permits for a extra nuanced appreciation of the diner, drive-in, and dive expertise, highlighting the interaction between meals, tradition, and geography.
In conclusion, regional variations contribute considerably to the richness and variety of the diner, drive-in, and dive expertise in New Hampshire. These variations replicate the distinctive traits of various geographic areas, influencing menu choices and making a extra genuine and localized eating expertise. Recognizing these distinctions enhances appreciation for the cultural and culinary panorama of the state, supporting native economies and offering a extra participating expertise for each residents and guests alike. These variations spotlight the dynamic interaction between meals, place, and neighborhood, reinforcing the vital function these institutions play inside the bigger cultural narrative of New Hampshire.
9. Historic Significance
The historic significance of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire is deeply intertwined with the rise of car tradition and the evolution of American eating habits within the mid-Twentieth century. These institutions emerged as handy and inexpensive roadside eating choices catering to a newly cell inhabitants. Their proliferation coincided with the enlargement of the American freeway system, reflecting a shift in the direction of car-centric journey and leisure. This historic context informs their architectural types, menu choices, and enduring cultural relevance inside the state. For instance, the basic design components of diners, similar to chrome accents and vinyl cubicles, evoke the aesthetic of the Nineteen Fifties and Sixties, a interval of great development for these institutions. Equally, the emphasis on basic American consolation meals displays the culinary preferences of that period.
Understanding this historic connection gives helpful insights into the enduring attraction of those institutions. The nostalgia related to diners, drive-ins, and dives stems from their connection to a selected interval in American historical past, representing a less complicated time of roadside adventures and household holidays. Preserving these institutions contributes to sustaining a tangible hyperlink to the previous, providing a glimpse into the cultural panorama of mid-Twentieth century America. Moreover, this understanding can inform modern enterprise practices, permitting homeowners to leverage the historic significance of their institutions by advertising and design selections. A diner that maintains its authentic signage and decor can appeal to prospects in search of an genuine retro eating expertise. Equally, highlighting the historic roots of particular menu gadgets can improve their attraction.
In conclusion, the historic significance of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire represents a vital ingredient of their id. Their emergence alongside the rise of car tradition and the evolution of American eating habits formed their design, menus, and cultural relevance. Recognizing this historic context gives helpful insights into their enduring attraction, informs modern enterprise practices, and contributes to preserving a tangible piece of American cultural heritage. This understanding enriches the eating expertise, connecting patrons to a selected historic second and reinforcing the vital function these institutions play within the ongoing narrative of American culinary and social historical past.
Often Requested Questions on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in New Hampshire
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the distinctive eating expertise supplied by diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire, offering readability and sensible data for potential patrons.
Query 1: What distinguishes a diner, drive-in, or dive from different restaurant sorts?
These institutions are characterised by their informal ambiance, emphasis on basic American consolation meals, usually inexpensive costs, and regularly, a nostalgic ambiance evocative of mid-Twentieth century Americana. They prioritize accessibility and comfort, usually that includes roadside places and fast service.
Query 2: Are these institutions distinctive to New Hampshire?
Whereas variations exist all through the USA, New Hampshire’s diners, drive-ins, and dives provide a singular regional taste, usually incorporating native substances and reflecting the state’s particular culinary heritage. Their presence inside the state’s cultural panorama is critical.
Query 3: What kinds of delicacies can one anticipate finding at these institutions?
Basic American consolation meals dominates the menus, together with staples like burgers, fries, milkshakes, and breakfast gadgets. Regional specialties, similar to seafood dishes on the coast, additionally regularly seem, reflecting the varied culinary traditions inside the state.
Query 4: What’s the typical value vary for a meal?
Affordability is a key attribute. Most institutions provide meals at affordable costs, making them accessible to a variety of budgets. Day by day or weekly specials additional improve affordability.
Query 5: Are reservations usually required?
Because of their informal nature and deal with fast service, reservations are hardly ever required. The emphasis is on accessibility and comfort, permitting patrons to dine on a versatile schedule.
Query 6: What’s the historic significance of those institutions?
These eating places maintain cultural significance, representing a bygone period of roadside eating and Americana. Their historical past is intertwined with the rise of car tradition and the evolution of American eating habits within the mid-Twentieth century, contributing to their nostalgic attraction.
Understanding these key features of diners, drive-ins, and dives in New Hampshire gives a basis for appreciating the distinctive eating expertise they provide. Their mixture of basic delicacies, informal ambiance, and historic significance makes them a compelling vacation spot for each residents and guests.
Exploring particular restaurant suggestions and regional specialties inside New Hampshire will additional enrich the eating expertise. This data empowers potential patrons to make knowledgeable selections and uncover the varied culinary panorama supplied by these iconic institutions.
Suggestions for Exploring New Hampshire’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
Maximizing the diner, drive-in, and dive expertise in New Hampshire requires strategic planning and an understanding of the distinctive features of those institutions. The next suggestions provide steerage for navigating this distinct culinary panorama.
Tip 1: Embrace the Native Taste: Search out institutions that includes regional specialties and domestically sourced substances. This strategy gives a extra genuine and nuanced understanding of New Hampshire’s numerous culinary choices.
Tip 2: Discover Past Main Highways: Venturing off the overwhelmed path usually results in hidden gems. Native roads and smaller cities can provide distinctive diner experiences not discovered alongside main interstates.
Tip 3: Examine for Day by day Specials: Many institutions provide day by day or weekly specials, offering alternatives for each worth and culinary discovery. These specials usually showcase regional specialties or seasonal substances.
Tip 4: Have interaction with the Neighborhood: Diners, drive-ins, and dives usually function neighborhood hubs. Participating in dialog with native patrons and employees can improve the eating expertise and supply helpful insights into the native tradition.
Tip 5: Admire the Nostalgic Ambiance: Take a second to understand the retro decor, classic signage, and basic ambiance that contribute to the distinctive allure of those institutions. This nostalgic ambiance is a key ingredient of the diner expertise.
Tip 6: Contemplate the Time of Day: Totally different institutions cater to completely different instances of day. Some excel at breakfast, whereas others are recognized for his or her late-night choices. Timing one’s go to strategically can maximize the eating expertise.
Tip 7: Plan for Money Funds: Some smaller institutions could not settle for bank cards. Planning for money funds ensures a seamless transaction and avoids potential inconvenience.
By following the following pointers, people can absolutely respect the distinct culinary and cultural expertise supplied by New Hampshire’s diners, drive-ins, and dives. These institutions present greater than only a meal; they provide a glimpse into a singular side of American eating historical past and a connection to the area people.
Exploring these institutions contributes to supporting native companies and preserving an important piece of Americana. Additional analysis into particular places and their distinctive choices will improve the eating expertise and supply a deeper understanding of New Hampshire’s wealthy culinary panorama.
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
This exploration of New Hampshire’s diners, drive-ins, and dives reveals their significance as way over mere eating places. They symbolize a singular intersection of culinary custom, historic legacy, and neighborhood connection. From basic consolation meals and nostalgic ambiance to their function as social hubs and financial contributors, these institutions embody an important side of the state’s id. Key features examined embody their deal with inexpensive meals, utilization of native substances, regional variations in delicacies, and their historic evolution alongside America’s car tradition.
Preserving these institutions safeguards a tangible piece of Americana. Continued patronage helps native economies, fosters neighborhood engagement, and ensures future generations can expertise this distinct eating custom. Additional exploration of particular person institutions and their distinctive choices guarantees a deeper appreciation for the wealthy culinary and cultural tapestry woven by New Hampshire’s diners, drive-ins, and dives.
