SEE NOTE LOWER:

As national chains make their way to Maine, Scarborough’s exit 42 has become a choice location. And no wonder. The Haigis Parkway has been ripe for development. This is not only good for Scarborough, but it’s also good for Maine. The businesses that are locating there are primarily centered on tourism and tourists. And that’s perfect – tourism is Maine’s No. 1 industry.

So why do people come to Maine? No doubt, for the pristine beauty and a different way of life. For me, going on vacation is all about experiencing something different and refreshing. It is on vacation that we re-charge our batteries, and perhaps look at life from a new perspective. We may even yearn to someday return, for good, to live this way of life.

Of course, we are also creatures of habit, preferring the comforts of home and the things that are familiar to us. But what if even those things have a different look in Maine? Perhaps offering the best of both worlds is like having your cake and eating it, too. In Maine, the cake tastes better, though. So step back, take in the natural beauty of our scenic state and savor each bite of that piece of cake: It will engulf your savory senses with scenic overload and have you beckoning to return for more.

A new job has me traveling out of state a lot these days. Much of my travel brings me to destinations that I may only visit once. I have noticed that traveling to unfamiliar destinations has changed a lot in recent years. Previously, I would pull out my map, handwrite my directions, call a hotel chain to see where they had locations near my destination and then rely on the signs along the way to lead me there.

Today, I don’t rely on signs to lead. I need only one that confirms that I have, indeed, arrived at my destination. Thanks to the Internet, MapQuest and my new GPS device, those big signs can fall by the countryside. People are less tuned into them. Thankfully, Maine doesn’t allow billboard signs along the highway. And the changing times would suggest that they never will need those, even as Maine grows as a travel destination.

For the most part, as a consumer, I steer clear of most national chain businesses. I value and treasure the uniqueness of small business, and the individual character and flavor they bring to a certain place.

But the reality is, economic development in Maine requires national chain businesses, and that’s due in part because we want the reliable comforts of what’s familiar to us. When these large businesses choose to locate in Scarborough, they create opportunities for small business to move in, too, providing a sustainable mix of business and experience that gives our place its unique character.

Consumers will reach a saturation point when each national chain store looks exactly the same. That spells boring to me. Maine is anything but boring. Maine is an invitation to come and discover the rich beauty of our state and its people. Life is different here. You must seek out your adventure. So, what’s wrong with seeking out your reliable favorites, too? There are plenty of new devices and resources in place to find your way. Part of the thrill of getting there is the adventure along the way. Beauty enhances the senses, and sign overload distracts.

As Scarborough planners and town officials negotiate with national chains, like Cracker Barrel, that are interested in opening a new restaurant on the Haigis Parkway with a large sign directing traffic there, the town should stick to its guns – keep our roadways clear of those ugly and unnecessary signs. Less is more. Let them eat cake – Maine cake, with fresh and natural ingredients.