Staycation 2024

EXPLORE YOUR Passions

Live life on your terms at RiverMead, the Monadnock Region's premier Life Plan Community (CCRC), while we take care of the rest. Take advantage of our on-campus trails, gardens, and riverfront. Take a course or attend a lecture. Focus on your wellness in our fitness center and indoor pool.

At RiverMead, we want you to enjoy life to the fullest, secure in the knowledge that your future healthcare needs are planned for.

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Staycation

Copyright 2024 by the Newspapers of New England. All rights reserved.

CONCORD MONITOR

Monitor Publishing, PO Box 1177 Concord, N.H. 03302-1177

Advertising information: 369-3212. ads@cmonitor.com

Editorial comments: 369-3324, features@cmonitor.com

MONADNOCK LEDGER-TRANSCRIPT

PO Box 36, Peterborough NH 03458

Advertising information: 924-7172, ads@ledgertranscript.com

STAFF

Publishers: SteveLeone andHeatherMcKernan Director of Sales & Marketing: SeanMcKenna

Editorial staff: HannahSampadian,BillFonda, AllieGinwala,AshleySaari, AriannaMacNeillandRachelShephard

Sales director: StevePare

MONADNOCK Summer LYCEUM 2024

In Person and Streaming Live

Sunday Mornings at 11 a.m.

Join for music at 10:30

Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church

25 Main Street, Peterborough

Check our website for latest details: www.monadnocklyceum.org

JUNE 30 Rinker Buck

JULY 14 Leila Philip

How Beavers Made America and Now Fight Climate Change

Sponsored by Peterborough Renewable Energy Project (PREP)

What Makes a Writer?

Sponsored by RiverMead

JULY 7 Susan Strickler

JULY 28 Michael Kimmel

Angry White Men: Masculinity on the Extreme Right Sponsored by Belletetes Inc.

“The Vow from Hiroshima”: Advocacy for Nuclear Disarmament

Sponsored by the Putnam Foundation

AUGUST 11 Peter Zheutlin

How My Life Went to the Dogs

Sponsored by Monadnock Humane Society

AUGUST 18

Allison Aldrich Smith

How Can We Keep from Singing? Sponsored by Peterborough Folk Music

AUGUST 4 Laurie R. Shaffer

The Deaf Community: Re-paving the Road of Good Intentions

AUGUST 25 Sat Bir Singh Khalsa

Yoga for Today: The Science Behind How It Works

Sponsored by Monadnock Community Hospital

Spend time in nature with the Harris Center get outdoors

Events for adults, children and families

By JESSECA TIMMONS MonadnockLedger-Transcript

Lookingforwaystoget outinnaturethissummer?

Onepotentialdestination forsummernature-loversis theHarrisCenterforConservationEducationinHancock.

“TheHarrisCenterhasa fullcalendarofsummer eventsforadults,children, andfamilies,andmanyof themarefree,”saidSusie Spikol,directorofcommunityprogramsattheHarris Center.

Spikol,anativeof Brooklyn,isanaturalist withmorethanyearsofexperiencewiththeenvironmentandwildlifeofthe Monadnockregion.The HarrisCentergroundsincludetrailheadsleadingup SkatutakeeMountain, ThumbMountainandGap Mountain,withloopsincludingJack’sPond,ahistoricsitementionedinthe NewHampshireBlackHistoryTrail.

TheHarrisCenter groundsalsoincludeapollinatorgarden,wetlandsand meadowwalksandshorter naturetrailsappropriatefor youngchildren.Littlehikers especiallyenjoytheHarriskattTrail,whichincludes whimsicalanimalcarvings byartistJackMcWhorter alongthefirstsectionofthe trail.

everyweekend.Theseare usuallyvolunteer-ledandgo tosomeveryspecialprotectedplaces,”Spikolsaid.

ommendpeopleregister.”

“Wehavehikesacrossthe Monadnockregionalmost

“Someofourprograms,like BabiesinBackpacks,fillup veryquickly,sowedorec-

TrailmapstoHarris Centertrails,includingthe 36,000acreSuperSanctuary ofconservedlands throughouttheMonadnock ,areavailableattheHan-

cockheadquartersandon theHarrisCenterwebsite.

UpcomingeventsinJune includea“macrophotography”classwithlocalnaturephotographerFrank

Courtesy of The Harris Center

The June Babies in Backpacks and Toddlers in Tow walk is at 10 a.m. June 14 at Fremont Field in Peterborough.

get outdoors

Gorga.TheclasswillexamineNewHampshire’s colorfuldragonfliesand damselflies,whosereturnmarkthebeginning ofsummer.Gorga’swork willbeonexhibitatthe HarrisCenterinJune, withanopeningreceptiononJune5.

Mushroomenthusiastscanattendthe MushroomMeanders withtheMorel QuandaryClubonJune 13andAug.29.TheJune BabiesinBackpacksand ToddlersinTowwalkis at10a.m.June14atFremontFieldinPeterborough,andtheAccessible Birdinggroupwillmeet onJune15attheDistant HillNatureTrailinAlstead.Seethewebsite forJulyandAugust meetingdates.

OnThursday,June20, from8to9p.m.,and againonAug.22,the

center’sEnvironmental StudiesInstitutewill offeraspecialevening programonmoonlight forestbathing.Forest bathing,acontemplative practiceoriginatingin Japan,is“aninvitationto slowdownanduseyour sensestoexplorethe wildworldwithintention.”SpikolandyogainstructorMarilynWyzga willleadamoonlitnaturewalkandopportunityto“rechargeyour spirit.”

Julyeventsinclude severalopportunitiesto getoutonthewater, suchasapaddleonRobb Reservoir,guidedbyhistorianAlanRumrill,to celebratethe250thanniversaryofthe foundingofStoddard.

OnJune16,Harris CenternaturalistBrett AmyThelenandJaden BrutsmanoftheLoon PreservationCommittee

tersonwillleadafamilyturtle searchatMacDowellDamin Peterborough.OnJuly13, from9a.m.tonoon,Harris Centernaturalistswillleada “minibio-blitz”andteach peoplehowtouseiNaturalist, anappwhichenablescitizen scientiststorecordnature datafromtheiryardsandsurroundinghabitat.

Spikolhasherownpersonal favoritepickofthissummer’s upcomingactivities–theJune 19ButterflySurveywithMark EllingwoodofNewHampshireFishandGameinthe HarrisCenter’sgardensand meadows.

“Thisisachancetolearn NewHampshirebutterflies, andtotrainfortheSuperSanctuaryButterflyCountonJuly 20,”Spikolsaid.“Itpromises tobemagical.”

willleadacanoeoutingon LakeSkatutakee.

“TheLoonPreservation committeeandournaturalists willbetalkingabouthowthey surveyforloons,loonbiology andhowloonsaredoingin ourregion,”Spikolsaid.“This isagreatoutingforanyone wholovesloons.”

OnJuly10,Spikoland wildlifeillustratorMattPat-

Howourconsignmentswork: Wearenotpercentagebased-wechargea flatfeeaboveyouraskingamount.Welook uptheNADAbookvalue,addinanyextras, wetellyouwhatthemarketwillbear,youtell usyourpayoff(ifapplicable)andthenyou determineyouraskingprice.Ourfeeis aboveyouraskingprice-youdon’tsharea percentageofthesalelikesomedealerships do. Thebenefit?WEDOITALL foryou. Weadvertiseontheinternet,wehavelists ofpeoplelookingforsomethingorcallingus looking.Ifitisconsignedwithus,wecould havesolditforyouwhileyouwereatwork orsleeping.Wecallyouaboutoffersand oncethesaleiscompletewedoallpaperwork(bothbuyerandsellerside),payoffs (ifapplicable)andthenwefinalizethesale withyouwithasignatureandpaymentof anybalanceowed. Aseasyasthat.

Registrationinrequired, andSpikolsaidpeopleshould registersoon.Forinformation andtoregistertoHarris Centerprograms,gotoharriscenter.org.

Courtesy of The Harris Center

The Harris Center’s AccessibleBirding groupwillmeetonJune 15 at the Distant Hill Nature Trail in Alstead.

Connection and celebration in Concord

By BERIT BROWN IntownConcord

Concord,NewHampshireis buzzingwithexcitementasit gearsupforanothergreat summerseasonfilledwithvibrant communityevents.IntownConcord’sFirstFridayinitiativeisa monthlycommunitygatheringto meetfriendsandmakenewones!

Thisyear’sserieskickedoffwith atrioofthemedevents:“Health, Wellness,Beauty,”“GoGreenConcord,”and“Petals&Pedals.”Downtownbusinessessteppedupwith specialactivitiesandpromotions thatplayedwitheachtheme.Residentsenjoyedorganicwinetastings,yogaclasses,andacommunity bikeride.IntownConcordand othernon-profitorganizationsorganizedspecialadd-onslikefree bouquets,foodtrucks,livemusic, fooddrives,andmore!

ThegoalofFirstFridaysistoencouragepeopletoexploredown-

townConcordintheeveningbyextendingbusinesshoursuntil8p.m.

We’llmakeasplashinJune(June 7)withthethemeBeachParty. Grababitefromthetwodelicious foodtrucksnearCityPlaza(The GravyTrainFoodTruckand TeenieWienies)andlistentolive musicfromfolk-popartistKimayo inBicentennialSquare.JoinDJ Nazzy’sbeachydancepartyatCity Plazaorplayafriendlygameof volleyballontheStateHouselawn. Staytunedforspecialpromosfrom thedowntownbusinessesasthe dateapproaches.

We’lltakeashorthiatusfrom FirstFridayinJulytocelebratethe 50thAnnualMarketDaysFestival (June20to22).Thisyearissetto bethegrooviestyetwitha1970sthemedcostumeparade,asilent disco,threestagesoflivemusic,and plentyofawesomefamily-friendly activities.AttheMainStage,we’re excitedtorockoutwiththeUlti-

mateQueenCelebration,atribute toQueen.Therewillbeover150 vendors,circusperformancesand workshopsbyFlyingGravity Circus,andaspecial50thAnniversaryMarketHazeIPA,courtesyof ConcordCraftBrewing.

Markyourcalendarfortherestof thesummer’sfantasticFirstFridays.August’s“DogDaysof Summer”(Aug.2)willbringall thingsdog-relatedtoConcord. September’s“BacktoSchool”(Sept. 6)marksthestartoftheschoolyear showcasingtheKid’sEntrepreneur MarketintheEagleSquareAtrium. AsHalloweenapproaches,we’lldo “SpookySeason”(Oct.4),followed bythereturnofTheConcordArt WalkinNovember(Nov.1)showcasingthecity’screativetalent.

BeyondtheFirstFridaysseries, Concordboastsarichtapestryof eventsthroughouttheyear,includingCars&Coffeeeverysecond SundayofthemonthandtheCon-

cordFarmersMarketeverySaturday.Wecan’twaittocelebrateall thegreateventsin2024.Starting withCapitalCityPride(July15and 16&21and22),theMulticultural Festival(Sept.22),thefirstNH BookFestival(Oct4and5),andthe reimaginingoftheCapitalArtsFest, nownamedConcordSound&Color (Oct.18and19).

AsConcordcontinuestoevolve asahubofcommunityengagement andculturalvibrancy,initiatives likeFirstFridaysserveascatalysts forconnectionandcelebration. Whetherit’sexploringlocalbusinesses,enjoyingliveentertainment, orsimplybaskinginthecity’s charm,theseeventsunderscorethe powerofcommunityinshapingthe fabricofConcord’sidentity.So markyourcalendarsandjoininthe festivities,becauseinConcord, there’salwaysareasontocometogetherandcelebratethespiritof community.

A foodie’s Lakes Region summer sampler

NHLakesRegionTourismAssociation

TheLakesRegionofNewHampshiretransformsintoanEdenof sproutingseasonalproduceafter thelastthawofwinter.Browse farmersmarkets,scanmenusand samplefruitsforanexplorationof theLakesRegionfitforafoodie.

An afternoon snack to remember

Whilethe40-by-80-footpole barnmarketislinedinwood-paneledbucketsoverflowingwithfresh produce thinkwhiteandyellow corn,tomatoes,onionsandmoreall harvestedfromthesurrounding 180acres MoultonFarm’sstar exportisactuallytheirfamous CiderBelliesdoughnuts.Infact,the applecider–flavoreddoughnuts arehandmadeexclusivelyandin frontofyoubyJessicaStephens (wifeofFarmManagerRob Stephens).Youhaveyourchoiceof

plainorhand-dippedincinnamon sugar,plusseveraldifferentdrizzle toppings:maplewithbacon,chocolate,lemonandstrawberry. Info:ciderbelliesdoughnuts.com

Dining in boat-inspired digs

Wood-beamedceilingshold classicgreencanoeshighoverhead inthemaindiningroomofCanoe,

nestledonanorthernbankofLake Winnipesaukee.“Makeitfresh. Keepitsimple.Makeitgreat,”isthe mottoatthisboathouse-inspired restaurant,andyoucantasteitin theaward-winningmenu’sfresh seafood,hand-cutsteaksandcrisp produce.Fromsweetandsourcalamaritosaladsbrimmingwithlocal greensandcheeses,therewon’tbe anemptystomachintheroomafter dinnerserviceisthrough.Info:canoecenterharbor.com

Sauce sampling at Lemon Grass

No,we’renotsendingyouto LemonGrassforlunch(although,if themenuofdelectableThaicuisine catchesyoureye,noone’sstopping youfromtakingaseatatthehightoptablesinthebarforabowlof TomYumsoup).Rather,therestaurantisnowthesiteofalineofauthenticAsiansaucesforsale.Createdbytheheadchefandco-owner

dock dining

UraiwanDanaisawasdi,affectionatelyknownasjust“Ooh,”the saucebrand titledExploreFood &Travel includespadThaisauce, greencurry,sakemisodressing,infusedlemongrassvinaigrette dressingandanherbnorirub,just tonameafew.Info:lemongrassnh.com

Dinner on the dock

Amongthequintessentialold NewEnglandshopsthatlineMain StreetindowntownWolfeborois anunimposingfacadewithadeep redsignandgoldletteringthat reads“Garwoods.”Butitistheview fromaroundtheback,onthe restaurant’stable-linedpatio,that visitorsreallycometosee.Sipyour microbrewfromtheirrotatingtap dominatedbylocalbeers,witha front-rowseattoLakeWinnipesaukeeandtheadjacentfueling dockwheremotorboatsswingbyto filltheirgastankandreturntothe openlake.AneclecticmixofAsian, MiddleEasternandWesternEuropeaninfluencethemenuitemsand keeprepeatguestsguessing. Info:garwoodsrestaurant.com

A unique nightcap

ApermanentresidentofThe WolfeboroInn,Wolfe’sTavern providesanauthenticpubexperiencetoguestswhilemixingup modern,inventivecocktailswith qualityingredients.Oneoftheir originaldrinks,TequilaMeSoftly, ismadewithCasamigos,ancho chili,lime,honeyandbitters.Some oftheirmoreadventurouscocktail ingredientsincludecardamombitters,chicoryrootandroasted pumpkin that’sright:agourdina cocktail.Info:wolfestavern.com

A healthy dose of farm-fresh food

TheRemickCountryDoctorMuseum&Farmdrawsvisitorspre-

dominantlyforapeekbackintime atthemedicalandagriculturalhistoryofruralAmerica.Butvisitors whoarefoodiesatheartwillbe moreinterestedinthemuseum store,whereavarietyofherbal products usedforeverything frommedicinetotea tofarmraisedbeef,chicken,lamb,pork, eggsandmaplesyrupfillthe shelves.Checktheirfarmstore websitetoseewhat’scurrentlyin stock.Info:remickmuseum.org

Not your average tasting room

Seasonal,barrel-agedand sparkling theSapHouseand Meaderyisfermentingallkindsof variationsofthisold-worldhoney drinkthatismakingahugetwentyfirst-centurycomeback.Floor-toceilingshelvesofwax-sealedmead bottleslinethetastingroomwalls, whereyoucansampleyourway throughthedifferentvarietals madeexclusivelyfromlocalingredients.Youcanalsospendanafternoonattheon-propertypub workingyourwaythroughtheir menuofsmallbitesandmead flights.Info:saphousemeadery.com

MAKING WORLD CLASS MUSIC ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

June 22, SAT, 6PM | “Bon Appetit” Supper Club - $125 (7 course dinner)

23, SUN, 3PM | Piano Trio ~ Rindge - FREE

25, TUE, 5:30PM | Member & Musician Potluck ~ Rindge - MEMBERS

26, WED, 7PM | Library Concert ~ Amherst - FREE

27, THU | 5PM, Supper Club ~ Jaffrey - $100 (4 course dinner)

7PM, Salon Concert ~ Jaffrey - $35/$30

30, SUN, 3PM | String Quartet & Baritone ~ Westmoreland - FREE

July 7, SUN, 3PM | Flute & Organ ~ Peterborough - FREE

11, THU, 7PM | Solo Violin Recital ~ Dublin - FREE

13, SAT, 12PM | Progressive Garden Party (rain date: Sun, July 14, 11am) ~ Throughout the Region - $100/$85

14, SUN, 4PM | Harp Trio ~ Francestown - FREE

17, WED | Family Concerts

12PM, Keene Public Library ~ Keene - FREE

2PM, Peterborough Library ~ Peterborough - FREE 4PM, Nelson Town Hall ~ Nelson - FREE

17, WED, 5:30PM | Member & Musician Potluck ~ Rindge - MEMBERS

21, SUN, 6PM | Soprano, Cello, Piano ~ Hancock - FREE

25, THU, 12PM | String Quartet ~ Peterborough - FREE

26, FRI, 6PM | Gil Rose Supper Club ~ Jaffrey - $100 (dinner & music)

28, SUN, 3PM | String Quartet ~ Harrisville - FREE

Aug 1, THU, 6PM | Members Event ~ Jaffrey - MEMBERS

4, SUN, 3PM | Vivaldi and Piazzolla Eight Seasons

Peterborough Town House ~ Peterborough - $25/$20

7, WED, 7PM | Cello & Guitar ~ Nelson - FREE

18, SUN, 6pm | Monadnock Music Summer Gala ~ Keene - $125/$100

AllvenueslocatedinNH

FIND US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE EVENTS & THE LATEST UPDATES

For full concert details, to order tickets, and for Supper Club information

Park Arts develops future thespians on the stage

By ASHLEY SAARI MonadnockLedger-Transcript

TheParkArtsprogram, runbyTheParkTheatrein Jaffrey,helpstoputyouths fromthirdtoeighthgrade onthestage,buildingtheir confidenceandachievinga goalthatthetheaterhashad sinceitwasstillinitsconceptualstages.

ParkTheatreExecutive DirectorSteveJacksonsaid thatwhenthecommunity wasfundraisingtorestore–andthen,eventually,rebuild–thetown’shistoric theater,therewasalwaysa goaltobenotonlyastage forfilmandtheater,butto continuetofosterthelove ofthearts.That’swhatthe ParkArtsprogramdoes,he said.

“Thisideawasalwaysthe educationalpillarofwhat TheParkTheatrewasgoing tobeabout,”Jacksonsaid.

“Thesefirstyearshavebeen focusedonchildren,but eventually,wewouldlikeit toencompassthingsforall ages–programsinpublic speaking,filmandtheater makeup,storytelling,podcasting,allsortsofthings forallages.”

Theprogramisunderway for2024,withthefirst workshopandperformance,

“AliceinWonderland,”concludingonApril26,but plansarealreadyunderway forthenextsetofworkshops,alsofocusedonchil-

Courtesy photo

Park Arts presents “Knights of the Round Table” during the 2023 season.

dren’stales.Thesummerworkshop,featuringaperformance of“Aladdin,”willbefromJuly8 throughJuly12,withapublic performanceonJuly14at2 p.m.Actingworkshopswill takeplaceinthemornings, withtechnicalandbackstage sessionsintheafternoons.AuditionsforthesummerworkshopwillbeheldonJune19,20 and22.

Thefallworkshop,“The LegendofSleepyHollow,”will holdauditionsonSept.24,25 and28.Thefallsessionruns fromOct.15throughNov.7 from3:30p.m.to5:30p.m., withapublicperformanceon Nov.10at2p.m.

Jacksonsaidtheprogram, bothforthepasttwoyearsand thecurrentseason,hasfocused onatheaterworkshopforelementary-andmiddleschoolagechildren,notonlythoseinterestedinbeingonthestage, butlearningallaspectsofthe craft,includingcreatingofcostumes,sets,soundsand lighting.

“Theylearnalittleofevery-

thing,culminatinginaproductionthat’snotjustforparents andgrandparents,butreallyisa qualityproductionforthecommunity,”Jacksonsaid.

Oneofthegoalsoftheprogramistointroducechildrento theconceptoftheaterfroma youngage,andhelpingthemto buildtheirpublicspeaking skillsandconfidence.

“Anyonecantellyouhow helpfultheatercanbeforthe growthofyoungfolks.Just beinginaprogramlikethisfor aweekcanbelife-changingfor achild,intermsoffinding somethingtheycansayistheir own,”hesaid.“Ithelpsgive confidence,withfocus;there aresomanybenefitstotheir growth.”

Thecostofworkshopsis $100perweek.Scholarships areavailable.Forinformation abouttheprogramorscholarships,contactTheParkTheatre at603-532-9300.

AshleySaaricanbereachedat 603-924-7172,Ext.244,or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’sonX@AshleySaariMLT.

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT HERE

Franklin Pierce University Conference Services provides excellent conference, meeting site, and recreational experiences. The Rindge Campus offers unique meeting spaces, outstanding athletic facilities, an excellent food and beverage team, and a dedicated staff to offer your group personal care.

Nestled on 1,200 acres next to Pearly Pond with beautiful views of Mount Monadnock, Franklin Pierce University provides an excellent setting for your business conference, sports camp, group event, wedding, or other special event.

For more information, please contact Kyle Rao, Director of Catering, Conferences and Events, at (603) 899-4195 or conferenceservices@franklinpierce.edu.

Courtesy photo

Park Arts presents “Knights of the Round Table” during the 2023 season.

New Hampshire’s White Mountains

Monitorstaff

Astheweatherturns warmertheWhiteMountainsbeckonwithactivities andattractionsforafunfilledsummer.

Roughlyfourmillion peoplefromwithinandoutsideoftheregionheadedto theareaduringsummer 2023,andsomenewactivitiesarecertaintomakevisitingthepicturesqueareaon manyfolks’sto-dolistfor thewarmerseason.

ProbablythebiggestadditionistheBrettonWoods SkywayGondolaatthe OmniMountWashington Resort.

The12-minuteridetransportsvisitorstothesummit, allowingthemtotakein 360-degreeviewsfromthe safetyofafullyenclosed gondola–thosefearfulof

heightsneednotworry.

Atthesummit,therearea coupleofdiningoptions–theSwitchbackGrille, whichhasmanymealoptions,aswellassnacksat PeaksCafe.

StoryLandiscelebrating

its70thbirthdaythisyear, andwiththatcomesthe openingofMooLagoon,a farm-themedwaterpark.

Thebelovedfantasy themeparkopeneditsgates onMay25andvisitorscan nowenjoyflyingthrough

thetunnelsofthenewwater slides–theCobCruiser, SilkSliderandHusk Runner.Awaterplayground includesasoakingtractor.

ThenewlagoonalsoincludesBarnYardPizza,a newbathhouse,andaplace tobuyswimwearandrenta locker.

Forthoselookingtostay dry,theparkincludesmany belovedrides,includingthe Roar-O-SaurusCoaster,the HuffPuffandWhistleRailroad,andAntiqueCars.Visitorscanalsogotothe LivingShoresAquarium.

Othernotableattractions include:

■ Santa’sVillageinJeffersonhasaddedtheMidnightFlyerrollercoaster,replacingRudy’sRapid Transit,whichclosed duringfalllastyear

■ HoboRailroadinLincolnwasrecentlypurchased byPatriotRail,andnowhas anewname:theGranite StateScenicRailway.Itofferspicturesqueridesalong PemigewassetRiver

■ TheMountWashington CogRailway,whichhas reachedits155thanniversary

■ Clark’sBears,whichincludesmuchmorethanjust bearshows.Thelongtime attractionhastheAnaconda Escape,whichisawaterraft ride,blasterboats,a climbingtower,trainrides, andmore.

Ofcourse,there’salsoa varietyofhikingandnature trails,includingPolarCaves Park,SabbadayFalls,Lost RiverGorgeandBoulder Caves,andFranconiaNotch StatePark.

Six benefits of a staycation

StayNH

It’stimetoplanyournext vacation,andyou’re dreamingofpalmtrees andpinacoladasorbucket listadventuresthatrequire longplaneridesandexpensivehotelrooms.What startedasaplantorelaxand enjoysomemuch-needed timeofffromworkandregularlifecanquicklybecome astressfulendeavor.The costsoftravelingtoafar awayandenchantingdestinationcanaddupquickly. Ifyou’replanningaoncein-a-lifetimeadventureto makelastingmemories,it’s probablyworththehassle andcostofamoreextravagantvacation.Butifyou’re justlookingtogetawayand unwind,there’sanotheroptionthatmanyunderestimate–thestaycation. Whileitmaynotfeelasexcitingorappealingasatrip overseasortoatropicalis-

land,therearemanybenefitstochoosingavacation closetohomevs.somewherethatrequiresaplane ride.

Hereareafewreasonsto chooseastaycationovera flyingvacationforyournext getaway:

Cost-effective:Oneofthe biggestadvantagesofastaycationishowmuchmore cost-effectiveitcanbethan travelingbyplane.Youcan saveasubstantialamountof moneybyeliminatingthe needforairfare.Plus,additionalexpensestypicallyassociatedwithflying,suchas airlinetickets,baggagefees, andairporttransfers,can quicklyaddupandgetout ofcontrol.Incontrast,a staycationallowsindividualstoallocatetheirbudget towardexperiencesandactivitiesinsteadoftransportationcosts.

Hassle-free:Saygoodbye tonavigatingcrowdedair-

ports,longflights,and dealingwiththelogisticsof multipleformsoftransportation.Withastaycation,there’snoneedtoendurethechaosanduncertaintyofflightschedules. Instead,youcanenjoya leisurelyjourneytoanearby destination,minusthehasslesthatcomewithplanes, trains,andautomobiles.

Skipthejetlag:Oneofthe mostannoyingaspectsof flyingvacationsistheinevitablejetlagfromtravelingbackandforththrough multipletimezones.When youchooseastaycation, jetlagbecomesanon-issue. Instead,youcanfullyimmerseyourselfinrelaxation fromthemomentyouarrive atyourdestination,andyou canleaveknowingyou’llbe well-restedwhenyouget backhome.

Explorelocalattractions: Whileitmaynotseemlike themostinterestingoption,

vacationingclosetohome doesn’thavetomeanitwill beboring.TheNewHampshireLakesRegionandits surroundingareasoffera wealthoffunattractionsfor thewholefamily,including indoorandoutdoorfunthat rangesfromscenicstate parkstohistorictowns,seasonaladventures,andmore. There’sachancetofinally exploresomehiddengems inyourbackyard!

Minimalplanningrequired:Ifyoufindvacation planningstressful,astaycationisagreatalternativebecauselittletravelpreparationisrequired.You’llstill needtobookyourrentalin advance,butasmuchasyou wouldiftravelingfaraway.

Staycationsoffertheflexibilitytomakespontaneous decisionsandembracea morerelaxedapproachto travel.Thinklesstimespent bookingflightsandvehicle rentalsandmoretimespent

enjoyingyoursurroundings andimmersingyourselfin thepresentmoment.

Flexibletimeframes: Whileflyingvacationsoften requireweek-long(or longer)commitments,staycationsoffertheflexibility totailorthedurationtoyour preferences.Whethera weekendretreatoramidweekescape,staycations allowyoutorechargeand rejuvenatewithoutcommittingtoanextendedabsence fromhome.Youcantakea ministaycationnowandanotheroneinafewweeksor months–andspendabout thesame(ormaybeeven less)thanyouwouldona longervacationtosomewherefaraway.

Stay-NHisVacationhome rentalagencyinMoultonborough,NewHampshire. Findoutmoreatthewebsite:https://stay-nh.com.