These Are the 6 Worst Tourist Traps in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences

Oh yes, tourist traps around the country. To know them is to either love them or be aggravated that you wasted your money.

We know that America is rich in culture with incredible, breathtaking attractions in museums, national parks, hidden gems, and amazing city sites attracting millions.

However, according to Travel A lot and Far and Wide, every state including New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts has tourist traps that we should all avoid because they're just plain mundane head-scratchers.

Let's see if you agree. Some of you may, however here's a warning: these may feel emotionally personal to some who grew up visiting these sites, or for others, they're just something we're proud of because they're fun, unique, and misunderstood.  So please don't shoot the messenger (that's me).  And yes, it's okay to be protective of places you love in your home state.

Who knows? Maybe this article will draw attention and hype to go check out these so-called tourist traps.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Travel A Lot says it can't believe New Hampshire is so tied to the Old Man of the Mountain as a claim to fame for a tourist destination. First of all, Travel A Lot says it doesn't quite exist anymore since it collapsed in 2003.  And with the naturally-occurring stony visage atop Cannon Mountain within Franconia Notch slowly disappearing, maybe it's time to attach state pride to something else.

Far and Wide isn't a fan of the Mercury Redstone Rocket Replica as a must-see tourist attraction in Concord.  It says if you just drive an hour north to Warren, you can literally see the actual Mercury Redstone Rocket, which is the first vessel to carry Americans into space. It's just baffling as to why anyone would be interested in seeing the fake one.

MAINE

The Land's End Gift Shop on Bailey Island is just another overpriced gift shop according to Travel A Lot because everything is lobster-themed.  From chachkies to clothing, they're everywhere in this hard-to-get-to tourist trap. Yes, obviously Maine is world-famous for its lobster, but Far and Wide asks why anyone would spend money on such items when you can get them anywhere.  Eat the lobster instead and buy unique.  If you're vacationing in Maine, then spend your time and money more wisely.

Meanwhile, Far and Wide takes us to Freeport, where it says the Desert of Maine is embarrassing.  I've personally never heard of this, but according to Far and Wide, it’s not a real desert, but rather 40 acres of glacial silt from 100 years ago because of poor farming practices of the Tuttle family. The camel proudly standing in the desert is made of fiberglass. If you're craving a desert vacay, then going to one of the greenest states is probably not for you.

MASSACHUSETTS

The Salem Witch Museum, according to Travel A Lot, is one of the worst because it's small and boring. It only has a few recreations of hangings with dummies and other underwhelming exhibits without using any authentic clothing and furniture, but rather replicas. Travel A Lot says to spend your time and explore Salem's other numerous museums, because this one is a letdown and not worth the money.

According to Far and Wide, Watertown is home to The Plumbing Museum, dedicated to the history of plumbing and sanitation.  So if toilets are your thing, then this one may be for you, but Far and Wide isn't sure why anyone would want to spend any time or money on this.

I've personally never been to any of these places, but if you have, do you agree?  Isn't it all in the eye of the beholder and what you're in the mood to do or experience?