The neon lights of ManchVegas, NH
Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 8:21PM I really don't like the term ManchVegas. I'll admit it's catchy, but I still don't like it, nor do I really get it. The only evidence I can see between Manchester, NH, and Las Vegas, NV, is a shared preference for neon lighting, especially at places like this:
Neon signs are certainly more eye-catching than their traditional back-lit counterparts. And here in Manchester, NH, they are used by a pretty diverse group of businesses, from diners:
to ice cream establishments:
Of course some businesses seem to lend themselves to neon signs more than others. For example, before moving to Manchester, NH, I'm not sure I would have thought I'd ever see a neon treble clef, as rocked by the Ted Herbert Music School:
Nor would I have imagined using neon to outline the signs of a Hungarian pastry shop:
What's your favorite neon sign in Manchester, NH? And do you know have a theory regarding the origins of "ManchVegas"?
Reader Comments (9)
The myth I heard about the name ManchVegas has something to do with the unregulated coin operated poker machines that, I guess, were all over the city in the 70s.
I like the Soulvaki's (?) sign on Bridge Street(?).
The Souvlaki sign is a good one, PG. Seems neon signs are quite popular with Manchester pizza and ice creams proprietors. Caesarios's has one too.
When my parents came to visit my father took a picture of the tatoo place- he loved it!!
I believe PG is correct about origin of "ManchVegas" name. That's the explanation I've heard and I think that's what Wikipedia says. (so it must be true)
Lots of neon to choose from! On a recent 15 minute drive, I spotted the following:
VFW, Bob & sons - both on Kelley St, west side.
SNHU in millyard, Cotton, Citizens Bank, Wings Your Way, Karate place on Bridge, beside Wings Your Way, Margaritas, Tedy J's, Spider Bite Tattooing, Ron's Toy Shop.
Of those, I think I like the sign for the Karate place best.
Good finds, Jason - thanks for sharing!
While I really like the Cotton sign, and especially how it looks from up on Elm, the Alley Cat Pizzeria has my favorite neon city in what I still prefer to call the Queen City.
Good calls, Michael - Cotton and Alley Cat do have two of the best-looking, most iconic neon signs in all of the Queen City.
This is all very new to me and this article really opened my eyes.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom. yxwzed yxwzed - Tory Burch Shoes.