I rarely speak derogatorily about my state, but what is the deal with not having signs so people can find area attractions?
Besides directional signs to attractions, the powers that be let the bushes and greenery grow over speed limit signs and stop signs so they are completely hidden. The better to give you tickets, I guess.
Yet when I drive south to Oregon, their signs are designed with very large fonts and easily visible – not hiding behind bushes.
My latest sign fiasco was last week when I needed to find a wildlife refuge in Ridgefield, Washington. People told me it was huge. Still I couldn’t find it. One sign embellished the highway and told me where to exit. After the exit, I had four choices of roads, but that was the end of the signs. I tried driving a couple miles down each of my choices and tried the web site directions and the GPS on my phone. Still didn’t find the refuge.
I think the people who host garage or yard sales should be in charge of our signs. They have signs everywhere and certainly know how to direct people to their yards so they can spend money.
How is the signage in your state? Any suggestions on how to get Washington to come to the sign party?
Flower photos for your viewing pleasure because I couldn’t find those gosh darn signs.
We had the worst time with signs in Puerto Rico. There is a huge, famous rainforest there and we could not find it for anything. GPS was no help. Finally we had to ask a policeman how to get there. I think that most people assume now that people will use GPS but sometimes GPS simply doesn’t get you there.
I’ve noticed that some states are better than others. In some places — like touristy areas of Mass.– you can actually learn about what exists as you drive or walk. You’ll see a sign that says, “Bird sanctuary” and think, “Huh. That’s cool. Didn’t even know there was one of those around here.” Then where I live, there are many treasures that even the locals don’t know exist and would never be able to find if someone else didn’t take them to it. There are no signs at all. But all of that said, signs cost money–tax money. I suppose it could be argued that signs bring in tourists who buy things and strengthen the sales tax coffers. But that is only true in some places.
I am thinking some enterprising, touristy state should put writers in charge of big signs that attract and entertain. Imagine the creative possibilities.
Great idea, Ruth. I’ve always wanted to write signs for our homeless to make them more creative than “homeless vet, needs help.”
The sign for our road keeps disappearing under new growth from a low tree. This is a problem since I run a B&B. Guests usually tell me when they have a hard time finding our road, because I do not always realize. Maybe some of your state officials are the same way? Must be tough on tourists though.
I couldn’t agree more. I have the worst sense of direction and go into a near-panic when signs are either too small, or even missing. It seems so obvious, especially to attract people to a special place.
Ohio could use some work. I was told that roads were named for where they lead–problem is, when two roads (or three) lead to the same place? Yeah, they have the same name. It gets so confusing!
Good thoughts and yeah, why bother having signs at all if they’re not going to keep them maintained and in full view? Michigan seems to be pretty good with signage. Mostly.
Ugh. I hate it when things aren’t marked clearly. We recently took a wrong highway and ended up 2 hours out of our way in rural Arkansas because the highway wasn’t marked clearly at a turn off.
I live in a state with wide open spaces so the signage is very visible. Visiting areas where the signs are invisible makes it hard for a tourist. They might not come back. My guess is that there isn’t money in the budget to keep the signs visible or put up new ones.
Nice signage can also make a place more attractive. The town next to mine, Pleasantville, NY, has the most beautiful signs~