Staycation 2023

inside Discoveries await

Livinginoneofthemostbeautifulpartsofthe countrymeanswearerightintheheartofwhat causesotherfolkstotravel.Sooften,however, becauseweliveandworkhere,weforgettotake advantageofallthetreasurerighthereinourbackyard.

Staycationreferstotheconceptoftrulyenjoyingbeing atouristinyourownstate,andvacationingwhereyou live,tore-discover–orperhapsdiscoverforthefirst time–allthatthebeautifulGraniteStatehastooffer.

Inthepageshere,wewillattempttotouchonjusta fewofthemanyuniqueattractions,excursions,andscenicwondersavailableinourhomestate.Keepinmind,thesearejustafewofoureditors’ picks,andbynomeansanexhaustivelist.Weencourageyoutogetout thereandexplore,andfindsomenewfavoritesofyourown,aswell!

Jeanne Lester News editor, Concord Monitor

MONADNOCK Summer LYCEUM 2023

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

JULY 9 Tom Frey

The Empathy Machine: How One 90-Year-old Theatre Is Embracing Change

Sponsored by: RiverMead

To inform, to engage, to inspire

JUNE 25 Jack Davis

The Bald Eagle: Symbol and Species in American History

Sponsored by: Monadnock Community Hospital

JULY 2 James Sturm

Applied Cartooning: Civic Engagement, Public Health, and Funny Animals

Sponsored by: Putnam Foundation

AUGUST 6 Summer Lopez

The Freedom to Read: Why Banning Books Is a Threat to Democracy

Sponsored by: Reading Foundation

JULY 16 Matthew Boulton

Nature Writing, Nature Walking: Spirituality and the Living World in Mary Oliver, Wendell Berry, and Thich  Nhat Hanh

Sponsored by: RBC Wealth Management

JULY 30 JerriAnne Boggis

Out of the Shadows: Remembering New Hampshire’s Black Past

Sponsored by: Belletetes

AUGUST 13 Penelope (Penny) Muse Abernathy

Can Our Democracy Thrive Without Local Journalism?

Sponsored by: The Gilbert Verney Foundation

AUGUST 20 Hernan Romero

Gets Personal: The Importance of Music in People’s Lives

Sponsored by: Peterborough Folk Music

Find a home away from home

From sprawling hotels to intimate rentals, find what fits your style

By JEANNE LESTER Concord Monitor

WithallthatNewHampshirehastooffer,itis easytofindaccommodationsjustrightfor anyoccasionandforanybudget. Herearejustafewofthemanyspeciallodgingoptionsavailablefora memorablestay.

Mount Washington Resort

Asenseofgrandeurawaitsasyou drivepastsweepingmountain ranges,andalongthelongdriveway uptograndwhitecolumnsandthe red-toppedturretsandgables.The OmniMountWashingtonResortat 310MountWashingtonHotelRoad, inBrettonWoodsisagreatgetaway, whetheryouplantostayovernight, orsimplyenjoysomeoftheamenitiesoftheresortfortheday.The buildingitselfissteepedinhistory, andislistedasaNationalHistoric Landmark.Aroundmostnooks, crannies,andcornersoftheresort arebeautifullyrestoredandmaintainedglimpsesofhistory,complete withdownloadablefactsandtour guidestohelpasyouexploretheresort.Thepropertyfeaturesgenerousviewsofthemountains,and wideporcheswithcomfortable seatsdesignedtoencourageguests torelaxandenjoythesurroundings. Oneofthemanyadvantagesofthe resortisthateachguestcanfindas much–oraslittle–todoassuits them.Thereisagolfcourse,swimmingpools,hottubs,signaturespa, giftshops,firepits,andmanymore activitieslikehorsebackriding, mountainbiking,flyfishing,andexploringtotakeadvantageof,and whenthathelpsworkupanappetite,enjoythefinediningavailableatStickney’s,orintheMain DiningRoom–eachservingup masterfulflavorcombinationsand breathtakingviewsofthesurroundingmountains.

Formoreinformationandreservations,visitonlineatmountwashingtonresort.com,orcall603-278-

1000.

The Black Swan Inn

TheBlackSwanInnat354West MainStreetinTiltonisabed& breakfastinnsituatedalongthe banksoftheWinnipesaukeeRiver, alongRoute3.Thehouseitselfwas builtin1880bySelwynPeabody, whoownedthetextilemilljust downtheroad.Thehomechanged handsinownershipafewtimes sincethen,andwaspurchasedto serveasabed&breakfastin1986.

Currentowners,JohnandTrisha Basiliere,purchasedthehomein 2013,andhaveworkedtoprovide guestswiththingstheyhaveappreciatedabouttheirownvisitstoinns overtheyears.

Johnexplains“Westayedinalot ofbedandbreakfastaccommodations,sowewantedtomakesure thatwemaintainedveryhighstandards.Wewantedtomakesurethe roomsandthebedswerecomfortableandwewantedtoleavekindof aVictorianfeel,butnotfeellike you’reinamuseumpark.”

Thebuildingitselfboastshistory inarchitecture,andtheatmosphere oftheinnlendsitselftorelaxing withabookfromthelibrary,or simplyenjoyingaviewoftheriver. Thecozycharmcontinuesasyou

headtoyourguestroom,andenjoy adeliciousbreakfastandcoffeethe followingmorning.

NotonlyistheBlackSwanInna treasureforlocalstofind,butlarger audienceswillalsodiscovertheinn (perhapsunwittingly)while watchingthe2023moviereleased toAmazonPrime,“Witchofthe Woods,”whichwaspartiallyfilmed attheinn!

Historybuffsaswellasthose simplyseekingapeacefulrespite alongariverwillbewellcaredforat TheBlackSwanInn,withnearby shoppingattheTangerOutlet Center,anddiningatavarietyof localrestaurants.

Formoreinformationandreservations,visitonlineatblackswaninn.net,orcall603-286-4524.

Lake Opechee Inn and Spa

TheLakeOpecheeInnandSpalocatedat62DorisRayCt.,inLaconia istuckedawayinanunassuming cornerofLakeport,overlookingthe scenicOpecheeLake.Althoughit seemstobeinthemidstofa bustlingintersection,flankedby somegreatrestaurantslike Fratello’s,andOSteaksandSeafood (theirownsignaturerestaurant)as youturnthecornerintothe

drivewayoftheinn,asenseofquiet charmdescends.Accommodations herefeaturetailoredrooms,individuallydecoratedwiththeirown specialflair.Eachroomfeaturesa fireplaceandfinequalitylinens,and someoftheroomsevenincludea two-personwhirlpoolspatub,privatebalcony,andviewsofthelake. Farfrombeingfussy,however, comfortableluxuryiskeyhere.

Thoseseekingadeeperlevelof relaxationcantakeadvantageofthe spaservicesonsite,orformoreactivepursuits,thereareplentyof nearbyactivitiestokeepyoubusy. ShoppingattheTangerOutletsorin thenearbyboutiquesofMeredith,a visittoHermitWoodsWinery, hiking,andbikingarealljustashort driveaway.

Formoreinformationandreservations,visitonlineat opecheeinn.com,orcall603-5240111.

Pawtuckaway State Park

Ifgatheringaroundacampfire andsleepingunderthestarsismore yourstyle,PawtuckawayState Park,locatedat128MountainRd.in Nottingham,isagreatoption. PawtuckawayStateParkconveniently sitslessthan40minutesfromthe

JEANNE LESTER/ Concord Monitor

The Omni Mount Washington Resort is a National Historic Landmark and is filled with grandeur.

coastalbeachestotheeast,butwith thehiking,mountainbiking, boating,swimming,andfishing, rightthereatthecampgroundyou mayfeelreluctanttoleavethenaturalbeautyalreadyaroundyou.

AlthoughPawtuckawayis onthelargersidewhenitcomesto localcampgrounds,manyofthe sitesaresurprisinglysecluded. The sitesarenicelynestledamongthe trees,andsomeofthesitesprovide viewsofthelake. Ofcourse,no campsitewouldbecomplete withoutanopenfireplace,and picnictable,andPawtuckawaydoes notdisappoint,aseachsiteincludes thoseessentials,aswellasflatcamp areasforatent,aswellasaparking space. Thosewhoenjoytent camping,aswellasthosemore comfortablewithanRVarewelcomeatthecampground,although therearenohook-ups fortheRVor pop-upcampers. Modernconveniences,(camp-style,)areavailable, however,completewithrunning water,flushtoiletfacilities,coin-operatedshowers,andacampstore.

Thecampgroundboasts195 campsites,andrequiresreservations.Forreservationsandmoreinformation,visitonlineatnewhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com.

A toast to a good time

By JONATHAN VAN FLEET Monitor staff

Everygoodstaycationbeginswith anappropriateamountofprovisions.

Forthoselookingtoaddalittle buzztotheiractivities,theConcord areaishometoagrowingnumberof establishmentsthatproducealcohol.

Here’sarundownofsomeofour favoriteplacesthatofferopportunitiestotasteproductsandtakethem homeforfurtherenjoyment.

Onewordofcaution,pleasedrink responsiblyandinmoderation.Too muchofagoodthingcanberegrettable.

Cider and mead

Ifyoulikescenicviewswithyour libations,twomust-visitdestinationsaretheContoocookCider CompanylocatedatGouldHillFarm overlookingMountKearsargeand MoonlightMeaderyandHidden MoonBrewing,operatingatanew locationcalledOvertheMoon FarmsteadinPittsfieldwith panoramicmountainviews.

ContoocookCiderCompanyoffersitshardcidersontapalong smallfoodplates,includingbrick ovenpizzaatitstastingroomatthe farm.Ifyouhaven’thadhardcider before,youareinforatreat.Theorchardhasbeenaddingheirloomapplesthatproducecrispjuiceperfect forfermenting,includingGolden Russet,YellowNewtownPippins, AshmeadKernel,andHudson GoldenGem.Alcoholcontent rangesfrom6.4%to8%andmost canbepurchasedincans,orinrefillablegrowlers.

Itoffersclassicsingle-varietal hardciders,likeJohnnyBeGood, madefromJonathanapples,and otherswithanaddedtwist,included theCherryBomb,anapple-cranberryblend(thinkcran-applewitha littlecarbonationandalcohol)and theFiresideMaple,whichisamusthaveforanyonewhorelishesthe tasteofmaplesyrup.

OvertheMoonFarmstead,which builtatastingroominanoldbarnon theproperty,hasitallintermsof bothfoodanddrink.Thefullrestaurant,whichisopenThursday throughSunday,offersmealslike

pistachio-crustedsalmon,anda Szechuanveganbowl.Thetaproom, whichservesbeerandhardcider, offerslighterfare,includingstoneovenpizza.

Themead,whichusesorganic honeythatyeastconvertstoalcohol, isinfusedwithdifferentfruitsand spicestocreateuniqueflavorexperiences.Someofthemareagedon oakforaddeddepthandmouthfeel. Meadisnon-carbonated,likewine, andistypicallysoldincorkedbottles.

MoonlightisknownforitssemisweetmeadcalledDesire,whichis 14%alcoholandmadewithblack currant,blackcherryandblueberry. ThesweeterSmoldermeadismade withraspberriesandchipotlepeppers,forasmokyandspicyfinish. AnotherfavoriteisKurt’sApplePie, anapplemeadwithVietnamesecinnamonandMadagascarbourbon vanilla.

Wineries

Withawidevarietyoffruit-based wines,CoffinCellars–operating outofACivil-War-erashoemaker shopinWebster–produces15varietiesthatareavailablewhenthe winesaysso.Somewinestaketwo tofiveyearsbeforetheyareperfectedandreleased,meaningsome areavailablenowandsomearesoon tobereleased.

TheirofferingsincludingablueberrywineagedonFrenchoak,plus redandblushelderberrywinesand theirtop-sellingcranberrypomegranatewinethatcanbepurchasedatstateliquorstores.They alsohavesomemoreadventurous products,likelimewineanda jalapenowine,whichisnotforthe faintatheart.

Thefounder,PeterCoffinAustin wasnamedafterafamousearly 1800swhalingcaptain,PeterCoffin.

Winetastingsareonlyavailableby reservation.Gototheirwebsiteto bookanappointment.

SHARAVineyardsontheConcord/Hopkintonborderproduces grape-basedwinesfromvinesonan eight-acreparcel,whichisliterally intheowners’backyard.Theyhost tours,tastingsandmusicinthe summermonths.

Thewineryofferssmallsnacksfor purchaseandencouragesvisitorsto

COURTESY OF COFFIN CELLARS WINERY

Coffin Cellars produces 15 varieties, including a blueberry wine aged on French oak, plusred andblush elderberry winesand theirtop-selling cranberrypomegranate wine that can be purchased at state liquor stores.

MONITOR FILE

Samples of beer an wine at Concord Craft Brewing.

bringtheirownmorsels.Oneounce tastingsare$3each,andwinebythe glassrangesfrom$8to$18,dependingonthevarietal.

Calltoinadvancetobookatourat 603-836-9077

UptheroadabitistheGilmanton WineryandVineyard,thatoffers tastingsFridaythroughSunday,as wellasaSundaybrunch.

Breweries

Concordishometoagrowing numberofbreweries,withseveral moreinsurroundingtowns.

TheoldestisConcordCraft Brewing,whichopeneddowntown in2017.Ithassinceexpandedits taproomandrenovatedthekitchen andfeatures16beersontap.LocatedinanindustrialparkonHall Street,LithermansLimitedBrewery rotatesseveralalesandlagersontap, includingseveraldoubleIPAslike SoulDoubt,sourslikeLilPeachOf MyHeart,andadoubleimperial chocolatestrawberrystoutcalled HotSexOnAPlatter,tonameafew. FeatheredFriendonSouthMain Streetopenedin2022andhasa uniquepartnershipwith SmokeshowBarbequeinsidethe samebuilding.

Alittlefartherafield,travelers

A sampling of ciders from Contoocook Cider Company.

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.

lookingforuniquetaproomscan visitHennikerBrewingCompanyat 129CentervaleRoad,Kettlehead BrewingCompanyat407WMain StreetinTilton,VulgarBrewing CompanyindowntownFranklin, andapairofbreweriesinNorthwood,includingOut.HausAlesat 4421stNHTurnpikeandNorthwoodsBrewingCompanyat1334 1stNHTurnpike.

Hard spirits

SteadfastSpirits,makingAmericanbourbon,aswellasitssignature “Trouble’sMoonshine,”islocatedin thesameindustrialparkonHall StreetasLithermans,whichoffersa one-twopunchforanyonelooking toloadup.Thetastingroomisopen ThursdaythoughSundayandthe restoftheweekbyappointment only.

Outsidethecity,ColdGarden SpiritsinCanterburyoffersoneof themostexclusivedistilleries around.It’slimitedcreationsare onlyavailableon-siteandonline. Locatedlessthanaquarter-mile northofCanterburyShakerVillage, GregMeehishand-makingthese smallbatchesinthebarnofhis childhoodhome.Soundslikea winner.

COURTESY

Dining options suit various tastes

Fiddleheads in Hancock reopens with new owner

By BILL FONDA Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Lookingforsomethingtoeat, perhapsasummertime treat?Optionsabound,from pizzaandsandwichesto modernItalianandSoutheastAsian fare.

Andwhatsays“summer”more thanicecream?Carol’sIceCream at1170Route119inRindgeoffers 40flavorsofsoft-serve,25flavors ofhard-serve,fresh-bakedcookies, bananasplits,stackedandloaded sundaesandsoft-servefrappes. Hoursarenoonto9p.m.,seven daysaweek.

However,Carol’sisn’tjustabout icecream,asCarol’sWoodFired PizzaoffersartisanpizzaFridays from4to8p.m.andSaturdaysand Sundaysfromnoonto7p.m.

Fiddleheads in Hancock is under new ownership.

Carenthusiastscancheckout cruisenightsatCarol’sWednesday nightsfrom5to8p.m.Bringa

classicorspecialtyvehiclefora nightofwood-firedpizzaandice cream.

Fiddleheadsat28MainSt. inHancockissettoreopenMemorialDayweekendundernewowner

EleanorBriggsandmanager SamanthaRule,whohasworkedin foodservicefor25years.

Rulehascreatedanewmenu,and peopleshouldexpecttoseesandwiches,salads,entreesandespresso drinks.CoffeewillcomefromTerra NovaCoffee,whichisbrewedin Keene,andRuleislookingtouselocallyproducedfoods.

Ruleexpectstherestauranttobe opensevendaysaweek,serving breakfastandlunch.

ExecutivechefHarrisWelden ownsbothBantamGrillandPearl Restaurant&OysterBarat1JaffreyRoadinPeterborough.

BantamGrillisanupscalecasual restaurantservingclassicAmerican andmodernItaliandishes,and Pearl’sseasonalmenulookstoprovidedishesthataccentuatetheflavorsoffresh,localmeats,seafood, fruitsandvegetableswithaSoutheastAsianflair.

Bantamoffersindoordiningand takeout,andcurbsidepickupis available.Hoursare5to9p.m. TuesdaythroughThursdayand Sunday,aswellas5to10p.m. FridayandSaturday.Pearloffers outdoorandlimitedindoordining, aswellastakeout.Hoursare5to9 p.m.MondaythroughThursdayand 5to10p.m.FridayandSaturday.

Bantam Grill owner Harris Welden sets up a table.

Perfect for a pair

By ASHLEY SAARI Monadnock Ledger-Transcript

Thereisnoneedtotravelfar tofindanuniqueexperienceforacoupleseeking waystospendtimetogetherinNewHampshirethis summer.

Whiletheregionhasplentyof opportunitiesforoutdoorrecreation,therearealsodestinationsto exploreanddiscover,whetheritbe aweeklydatenightoramoresingularexperience.Herearesomeof theplacestocheckout.

Take in a double feature at the drive-in

Thedrive-inisaclassicdatenight destination,andbecomingarare breedinthestate,butforthose whowouldliketotakeinafeature fromthecomfortoftheircarseats, therearestillthreeoptionsremaining:theMilfordDrive-InTheater,theNorthfieldDrive-InTheatreinHinsdaleandtheWeirs

Drive-InTheaterinLaconia.

Thedrive-inismorethanjusta triptothemovies.Takeablanket andsetupinsomelawnchairsor thebackofyourtruckorhatchback tohaveanexperience.

TheMilfordDrive-Iniscurrently openweekendsonly,withacostof $32percarforuptosixpeople–whichisagoodvalueforadouble feature.TheNorthfieldDrive-In andWeirsDrive-Inhaveyetto openfortheseason.

A night at the theater

Thisyear,whynotjointhehistoricPeterboroughPlayers,asthey celebratetheir90thseason?

ThePeterboroughPlayershave spentdecadesbringingprofessional actorsandproductionstothetown ofPeterborough,inthequaint barn-turnedtheateronasprawling propertyofaformerfamilyfarm. Despiteitstucked-awaynature,the theaterhasbeenstagingprofessionalproductions,includingnationalpremieresofshows,sinceits inception.

Duringitsanniversaryyear,the Playerswillbekickingoffthe seasonJune22throughJuly2,with “Souvenir”byStephenTemperley, thebased-on-a-true-storytaleof

Peterborough

socialiteFlorenceFosterJenkins’ attemptstobreakintothemusic worldasanoperasinger,despite dubioustalentsinthediscipline.

Playersprovidesa professionalpolishtotheproduc-

COURTESY PHOTO

The Peterborough Players presented “Cabaret” last season.

tionsonitssmallstagethatmakeit agreatexperiencefortheregulars andagreatfirstexperienceforany theater-goer.

Explore the home of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens

OncethehomeofsculptorAugustusSaint-Gaudens,theSaintGaudensNationalHistoricSitein Cornishhasbecomeaparkand gardenthatisopentothepublic andhosttobeautifulsites, sculptingandartworkshopsand regularsummerconcerts.

Saint-Gaudenswasaninfluential sculptorwhocompletedmany monumentstonotableAmerican figures,includingGen.WilliamT. ShermanandRobertGouldShaw andthe54thMassachusettsInfantryRegiment.Butyoudon’t havetoknowSaint-Gaudens’work toenjoythepark,whichincludes accesstohishistorichomeand grounds,whereyoucanenjoya picnicinthegardensfora$10entrancefee.

Forthosewithanartisticbent, theparkofferssculptureworkshopsfromanartist-in-residence, suitableforavarietyofskilllevels, thatcanbetakenbystudents14

makeuseofthestudio’shistoric piano,onceownedbypainterMaxfieldParrish.Allconcertsarefree withthe$10parkentryfee.

Enjoy an old-fashioned railroad tour

yearsorolder.Thesessionsinclude topicssuchasflowersculptures, portrait-sketchingandsculpting birdwings.Workshopsareabout fourhoursandcostabout$50.

Ifyouprefertoenjoylisteningto

music,theparkhasoffereda summerconcertseriessince1946 –carryingonatraditionstartedby Saint-Gaudenshimself,whooften heldconcertsathisstudiofor friends.Today,theconcertsoften

Wanttosummitthehighestpeak intheNortheast,withoutthe climb?TheMountWashingtonCog Railwaywilltakevisitorsintothe heartoftheWhiteMountains,and isaninterestingalternativetothe morecost-effectiveautoroad. Ticketpricesvary,butacostof about$75to$100netsyoua45minutetripuptothemountain summit,withanhourtoenjoythe mountain’sstunningviews,which canstretchover100milesona clearday,anda45-minutereturnto thebase.Therailwayhasbeenrunningformorethan150years, makingitthefirstmountainclimbingcograilwayintheworld. Notforthoseafraidofheights, thetrainclimbsatananaverage gradeof25percent,thoughthe steepestsectionsapproach38percent.Steamengineshavegivenway toafleetofbiodiesellocomotives, buttherailwayalsomaintainstwo coal-firedsteamenginesinthe summermonths.

VALLEY NEWS FILE

National Park Service Director Fran Mainella, far right, looks at a plaster cast of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ “Diana” during hertourof theSaint-Gaudens historical site in Cornish in 2004.

Rain can stay with inside play

By JEANNE LESTER Concord Monitor

Summerfunshouldn’tbeput onholdjustbecausethe weatherisn’tcooperating. Whetherit’sarainydayor youarejustlookingforsome shelterfromthehotsun,therearea numberofenjoyableindoorattractionstopleaseeveryone.Hereare justsomeoftheuniqueindoorexperiencesavailableinNewHampshire.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Foranout-of-this-worldexcursion,planavisittotheMcAuliffeShepardDiscoveryCenterat2InstituteDrive,inConcord.Thisplan-

jectors.

TheMcAuliffe-ShepardDiscoveryCenterisopentovisitors fromWednesdaythroughSunday, from10:30a.m.to4p.m.General admissionis:adults,$12,children (ages3-12),$9,seniors(ages62+), $11,students(ages13-college),$11 childrenages2andunder,free, Members,freePlanetariumshows areanadd-onoptiontogeneraladmissiontickets,andare$6per personforallages3andup

Formoreinformation,visitonline atstarhop.comorcall603-2717827.

SEE Science Center

etariumhasmanypermanentexhibits,aswellasperiodicspecial themeswithnewartifactsandfeaturestohighlight.Learnabout thingslikespacecraft,thescienceof weather,andlunarcolonies,ortry yourhandatlandingaspaceshuttle

inthesimulator.Ofcourse,novisit wouldbecompletewithoutexperiencingashowinthespeciallydesignedtheaterwhichgivesanunparalleledviewtothecelestial scenesunfoldingbeforeyou,courtesyofthestate-of-the-art10kpro-

Forloadsoffunwithalittle learningsneakingin,visittheSEE ScienceCenterat200Bedford StreetinManchester’shistoricMillyarddistrict.Withthefreedomto touchandinteractwhileexploring theexhibitsattheSEEScience Center,adultsandchildrenalike enjoyhands-onlearning.Experiencethenoveltyoffreezingyour shadow,marvelasyouthrowair

Edward Ainsworth, 10, of Sheldon, Vt., runs back to his grandmother and sister before settling into his planetarium seat to watch Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in 2016.

acrosstheroom,andfeelforcesand theeffecttheyhaveoncertainobjects.Withexhibitsonsound,electricity,forces,light,momentum, andmore,thislearningwillengage allofyoursenses.SEEScience CenteralsofeaturestheBiologYou! exhibit,withopportunitiestolearn andexperiencethingsintherealm ofhumanbiologyandbiotechnology.AvidloversofLEGO® buildingblocks,aswellasmorecasualobservers,willbecaptivatedby theexpansiveLEGO®MillyardProject,amodeldepictinga1900sversionofManchester’sownmillyard, usingmorethan3millionLEGO® pieces.

TheSEEScienceCenterisopen sevendaysaweekfromMemorial DaythroughLaborDay.Admission is$12perpersonages3andup,and SEEMembersareadmittedforfree. Reservationsarerecommended, andformoreinformation,visitonlineasee-sciencecenter.org

New Hampshire Telephone Museum

Onemuseumwhichisasurprising“can’tmiss”istheNew HampshireTelephoneMuseumat OneDepotStreetinWarner.

Weallusephonesinourdailylife, butseldomthinkabouttheways

thisimportanttoolhaschanged overtheyears.Forsome,seeing someoftheearlier–andearliest–versionsofthetelephonemaybe nostalgic,andevokestoriesoftelephoneadventuresandmemories overtheyears.Forothers,itcan serveasafirsttimehands-oneducationinthewaysthistechnology hasevolved.

Thedisplaysatthemuseumare farfromdustyrelics,butarein

manycasesthosewhichcanbe touchedandexamined,complete withstoriesandinformationprovidedinformallybythestaff–or, formallyifyoupayasmalladditionalchargeforadocent-ledtour.

Themuseumisopentovisitors TuesdaysthroughSaturdays,from 10a.m.to4p.m.Admissiontothe museumis:Seniors65+$6($9with tour)Adults18-64$7($10with tour)andStudentsGradesK-12$5

($8withtour).

Formoreinformation,visitonline atnhtelephonemuseum.orgorcall 603-456-2234

Climaxe Throwing

Whenyou’rereadytoflexthose musclesandtryyourskillatsomethingnew,plantovisitClimaxeAx Throwing,anaxthrowingvenuein Belmont.ClimaxeAxprovidesarelaxing,family-friendlyatmosphere, andencouragesparticipantsaged 10anduptotrytheirhandat throwinganaxetowardabulls-eye, andwithothercompetitivegames andprojects.

Axethrowingisafunactivityfor avarietyofskilllevels,andisarelativelyeasysporttolearn.Evenif you’venevertriedthrowinginthe past,bytheendofasession,you willhavebeguntogetyourbasic “throw”down.

Axethrowingcanbeasurprisinglygoodworkout,andisagreat waytosocialize,whileguaranteeing farfromtheboringphotoopportunities.

ClimaxeThrowingislocatedat12 OldStateRd,UnitAinBelmont.For moreinformation,ortobookyour experience,visitonlineatclimaxethrowing.comorcall603-5278403.

The N.H. Telephone Museum is calling you for a visit.

Fun for the whole family

Make memories with activities geared to kids

By SARAH PEARSON Newspapers of New England

Whenitcomestovacation planning,forfamilieswith childrenfindingactivities thateveryonecanenjoyisahigh priority.Herearesomesuggestions ofNewHampshireplacestoconsiderforyourstaycation.

Formanypeople,youngandold, animalsarealwaysawinner.New Hampshirehasanumberoffarms thatwillallowyoutohaveanupcloseexperiencewiththeirresidents.TheFriendlyFarminDublin isaperennialfavorite.Youcan

wanderthroughthefive-acrepropertyandgivesomelovetothegoats, pigs,lambsandturkeys.Patthem, hugthemandfeedthem,you’ll leavefeelinglikeyou’vemadenew friends.Dailyadmissionis$11for adultsand$9forchildrenages1to 12.Jointhejuniorfarmerprogram andyou’llgetaT-shirt,bagoffeed eachvisit,andfreeadmissionfor therestoftheseasonand10%offin thegiftshop,costis$37.95plus shipping.TheseasonbeginsMay27 andthefarmisopendaily10a.m.to 5p.m.throughLaborDay,weather permitting.Formoreinformation, visitfriendlyfarm.com.

Alsoconsider:BeechHillFarmin Hopkinton,CharmingfareFarmin CandiaandMilesSmithFarmin Loudon.

Tobeattheheatinthesummer manylooktoswimmingasawayto

Children and families flock to the Friendly Farm in Dublin to feed, pet and visit with baby goats, sheep and chickens.

cooloff.Butifyou’reresponsible formultiplesmallchildren,heading toapooloropenbodyofwater mightbemorestressfulthanrelaxing.Headtoasplashpadfora funwaytoenjoythespraywithout gettingsubmerged.TheCityof Concordplanstoopenabrandnew splashpadatWhiteParkfor summer2023.Thebelovedyellow mushroomsprayerhasbeenupgradedandwilljoinotherfeatures suchasfloorgeysersandoverhead sprayers.

Alsoconsider:DupontSplashPad andSheehan-BasquilParkin Manchester,DonBallParkin Derry,NoblePinesParkinSomersworth,TheStorrsPondRecreation Area,Hanover,andtheAdamsPool &SplashPad,Peterborough.

Worriedaboutthesummerslide whilethekidsareonbreakfrom school?NewHampshirehasa bunchofkid-friendlymuseums withinteractiveexhibits.Your familywillhavesomuchfunvisiting,theywon’tevenrealizethey arelearning.TheChildren’sMuseumofNewHampshireinDover iscelebratingits40thanniversarythisyear.InadditiontoexhibitsontheGulfofMaine,dinosaurs, andAbenakiart,thereare weeklyactivitiesincludedwithad-

missionsuchasToddlerTinker

Time,WackyArtWednesdayand WorldTravelerThursdays.Admissionforaplaysessionis$12.50for ages1to65.Infantsunder12 monthsarefree.Seniors65and olderare$10.50.Playsessionsare TuesdaysandSundays,9a.m.to noonandWednesdays,Thursdays, FridaysandSaturdaysfrom9a.m.to noonor1to4p.m.Formoreinformation,visitchildrens-museum.org

Alsoconsider:CheshireChil-

dren’sMuseuminKeene,The McAuliffe-ShepardDiscovery CenterinConcord,andSeacoast ScienceCenterinRye.

Nothingsaysvacationlikeadventuresthatgetyourheart pounding.WhiteMountainAttractionsisaconsortiumofamusement parksandothervenuestoexperiencethestunninggeographyof NewHampshire.Speeddowna rollercoasteratStoryLandor Santa’sVillage,splashdownata waterslideatWhale’sTale,squeeze

throughtheglacialrockformations ofthePolarCavesorziplinedowna mountainatWildcat.Youcanbe chasedbyWolfmanatClark’s TradingPostandscalethenortheast’stallestpeakbycar,train,foot ormore.Nearly20sitesarepartof thegroupofattractions.Formore information,visitvisitwhitemountains.com.

Alsoconsider:CanobieLakePark inSalem,Chuckster’sinChichester andHooksett,andFunspotinLaconia. Identify

Enjoy the land

By ALLIE GINWALA Concord Monitor

Youdon’thavetotravelfarto findnewadventuresthis season.NewHampshirehas plentyoffunactivitiestohelpyou mixupyourregularandheadtoa newtown.Don’tfeellikeabeach day,butwanttogetoutside?Why notgivezipliningagoorhiketothe topofafiretowertotakeinthe state’sscenicforestviews?Hereare somesuggestionstogetoutand aboutonanewadventureduring yoursummerstaycation.

Top of the tower

DidyouknowthatNewHampshireisthesecondmostforested stateinthecountrywith4.8million acresofforestland?Ifyouwantto viewthestate’sgloriousoutdoors fromanewvantagepoint,tryvisitingthefirelookouttowers.The N.H.DivisionofForests&Lands maintainsastatewidesystemof15 firelookouttowersaspartofan earlydetectionsystemtoprotect fromthecatastrophiceffectsof wildfires.

LocationsrangefromGilfordand LoudontoStoddardandMoultonboro.Someareaccessiblebycar whileothersrequiregoodhiking experience,somakesuretodoyour researchbeforeyouheadout.Ifyou decidetotakeontheNHFire TowerQuest,makesuretodocumentthedateyouvisitedeachlocation.Ifyougotoatleastfivesites youcanfillouttheformandmailit intoreceiveacomplimentarytower questpatch,certificate,andaletter inrecognitionofyouraccomplishment.Tolearnmoreandcheckout theTowerQuestBrochure,visit nh.gov/nhdfl.

Zip through the trees

Ifsoaringthroughtheskyison yourbucketlistforthesummer,

Monadnock Music is blossoming this summer... explore the familiar and daring!

June 15, THU, 12PM | Depot Park ~ Peterborough, NH - FREE

18, SUN, 4PM | Jaffrey Meetinghouse ~ Jaffrey, NH - FREE

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

21, WED, 7PM | 6:30pm doors, Salon Concert ~ Keene, NH - $35/$30 5:30pm, Supper Club ~ OPEN TO SUPPER CLUB MEMBERS

25, SUN, 4PM | Franklin Pierce University ~ Rindge, NH - FREE

29, THU, 7PM | Emmanuel Church ~ Dublin, NH - FREE

July 6, THU | Family Concerts

12PM | Keene Public Library, Keene, NH - FREE

2PM | Peterborough Public Library, Peterborough, NH - FREE

4PM | Olivia Rodham Memorial Library, Nelson NH - FREE

9, SUN, 4PM | Ahavas Achim Synagogue ~ Keene, NH - FREE

16, SUN, 4PM | Lawn Concert ~ Wilton, NH - $30/$25/UNDER 18 FREE

20, THU, 7PM | Milford Town Hall ~ Milford, NH - FREE

22, SAT | Progressive Garden Party ~ Throughout the Region - $80/$75

26, WED, 6:30PM | Supper Club - OPEN TO SUPPER CLUB MEMBERS

27, THU, 7PM | Park Hill Meeting House ~ Westmoreland, NH - FREE

30, SUN, 4PM | Harrisville Community Church ~ Harrisville, NH - FREE

August 9, WED, 7PM | Nelson Congregational Church ~ Nelson, NH - FREE

13, SUN, 4PM | Francestown Meeting House ~ Francestown, NH - FREE

25, FRI, 6PM | Gala Under the Stars ~ Wilton, NH - $150/$125

September 8, FRI | Viennese Waltz ~ Knollwood, Dublin, NH - $100/$200

FOR MORE EVENTS & THE LATEST UPDATES

VISIT

monadnockmusic.org

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

you’vegotplentyofplacestocheck outinNewHampshire.AlpineAdventuresinLincolnofferstwoziplinetours:TheTreetopTourand TheSpringSkyRiderTour.Treetop isagoodoptionforfamiliesandbeginners.You’llziponfiveseparate ziplinesrangingfrom250to1,000 feetlong.SpringSkyisrecommendedforthosewhohaveziplinedbefore,withitslonger, higherandfasterlines.Online reservationsarerequired.Visit alpinezipline.comformore.

GunstockAdventureParkinGilfordoffersaziplinetourwithaseriesoffivezips.Startoutwithtwo zipsthatgetyoutrainedandready foradventureasyoumakeyourway totheRecoilZipthatreaches speedsupto70m.p.h.Alltours mustbereservedinadvance.Visit gunstock.comorcall603-737-4388. MorningsideFlightParkin Charlestownhasevenmorehighflyingadventures.Inadditionto twoziplinetours(MountainTop andSuperman)youcanalsotry yourhandathanggliding, paraglidingandpowered paragliding.Visitflymorningside.kittyhawk.comforfullinformationoneachactivityorcall603542-4416toreserveoverthe

• Recliners and rocker recliners? We have them.

• Medical lift chairs? A good selection in stock.

• Bedding? 60 pieces in our warehouse.

• Appliances? Many in stock with weekly arrivals.

phone.

Alsocheckout:BrettonWoods CanopyTour,CandiaSpringsAdventurePark,andLoonMountain Cruising through the summer

YoumayhaveexperiencedNew Hampshire’sskitrailsinthewinter, buthaveyoutriedcoastingfrom summittobase?Cranmore’salpine MountainCoasterinNorthConway isaroller-coastertypeofride,popularinEurope,featuring2,390feet oftwistsandturnsthroughthe woodsalongwinterskislopes.The ridercontrolsthespeed,soyoucan takealeisurelyridedownthetrack orreachspeedsupto25.m.p.h.UnlimitedMountianCoasterridesare includedwiththepurchaseofa MountainAdventureParkticket. Seecranmore.comformoredetails.

GunstockAdventureParkinGilfordhasaMountainCoasterthat seatstwopassengersforatripona trackthat’snearly4,100feetlong. Ridersaretakenuphillbeforehittingthedownhilltrackthatprovidesplentyofswoopingturns, bankedcorners,rollingdropsand 360-degreeturns.Thecartshave theirownbrakingsystemsoriders canslowtheirspeedifdesired.A singlerideforages6&upis$20.

forages5andunder,andareplay is$5perround(samedayonly).If morethanminigolfisonyour mind,checkoutanynumberofthe otherattractionsoffered gokarts,battingcages,bumperboats, timbertrek,andnewthisyear, KlimeWallzwiththreeroutesto explore.Costis$8totryallthree climbingroutes.Youcanalso enjoyoneof36icecreamflavors ofBlake’sicecream(don’tmiss theircustomflavors,“Upchuck” and“ChucksterChunk.”)Visit chuckstersnh.comformoreinformation.

Mel’sFunwayParkinLitchfield isanotherspottogiveminigolf andotheractivitiesago.Trytheir two18-holecourses,$11foradults and$9forkidsages4to12.Kids underage4arefree.Mel’salsooffersagemdive,ahands-onexperiencethatletsyoupanforrealgemstones,pluslasertag($8eachfora 10-minutegame)andthelaser maze(Onegamefor$2,three gamesfor$5).Forfulldetailsvisit melsfunwaypark.com.

UnlimitedMountainCoaster& scenicliftridesare$35.Seegunstock.comformoreinformation.

Putt perfection

Nothingsayssummerlike spendingadayontheminilinks. AtChuckster’sFamilyFunParkin Chichester,theyboastthelongest miniaturegolfholeontheplanet Hole13at201feet.Thecostfora roundofminiaturegolfis$9.50,$5

Alsocheckout:Pirate’sCoveAdventureGolfinWinnisquam,ForeUGolfCenterinWestLebanon, Captain’sCoveAdventureGolfin Hampton,andTwinkleTownMini GolfinSwanzey

Chuckster’s laysclaim to havingthe longest minigolf holein the world,with a couple of qualifiers. First, there are multiple Chuckster’s locations, and each is the same 201 feet in length.

The cool place to be

Take a dip in a city pool or make a splash in a natural body of water

By JAMIE L. COSTA Concord Monitor

Whetheryou’reseekingacomfortableplacetocooloff,anatural laketoswiminoralocalpoolto bringfriendsandfamily,Concord andthesurroundingareasarefullof hiddengemsandnaturalwater bodies.

Astemperaturescontinuetosoar acrossthenation,denselypopulatedcitiesawayfromtheseacoast, likeConcord,aremorepronetofeel theeffectsofthesummerheat withoutabreezetobreakupthehumidityandthicknessinthearea.

Butmanyoftherecommended swimmingareasinthecountydon’t havelifeguardsonduty,besidesat theConcordcityswimmingpools, anddrowningsintheMerrimack Riverhaveincreasedoverthelast severalyearsascitygoersplunge intoacurrentinvisibletothesurface.

Whenswimminginariver,alake oranybodyofwaterthatiseither unfamiliaroranundercurrentcould bepresent,trytoswimwith friends.Ifnotastrongswimmer, havealifejacketwithyou–itwill saveyourlife.

Pools

ThoughthecityofConcordoperatessixoutdoorpoolsandasplash pad,thenumberoflifeguardsthe recreationdepartmentcanhirewill determinethenumberofpoolsthat willbeopened.

Thepoolsarefreeforusefor ConcordandPenacookresidents withproofofidentificationwhile non-residentscanbuyaseasonlongpoolpassfor$125ora48-hour passfor$20.Bothpassescanbe purchasedattherecreationoffice orthecitywidecommunitycenter.

Amiyah Adair, 6, (center) and her best friend, Therenna Conteh swim in the wading pool along with Therenna’s brother, Konson at Rolfe Park . Monitor

Merrimack River & Sewall’s Falls

Amovingbodyofwater,likethe MerrimackRiver,isoneofthemost dangerousplacestoswim,especiallyforchildrenorinadequate swimmers.

Still,thereareseveralsmallareas ofcalmwateratoff-the-beaten-path beachesthroughoutthe214-acre recreationareawhichhastrails along5-milesoftheMerrimack River,themostpopularofwhichis atrailleadingfromtheboatlaunch areatowardtheMerrimackshorelinewhereswimmerscanfindcornersofcalmwaterstotakeadip in.

However,therearenosanctioned swimmingareasalongtheriverand therearenolifeguardsonduty monitoringthewaterway. State

Parks

Thougheasytoaccess,parks acrossthestaterequireanentrance feeofaround$3peradultand$1 forchildrenbetweentheagesofsix and11whileadmittanceisfreefor childrenundertheageoffiveand seniorsovertheageof65.Thefees maydifferperpark.

CloughStatePark,whichislo-

If you’replanning toswiminamoving bodyofwaterliketheMerrimack River,utilizethebuddysystem andweara personal flotation device.

catedabout20minutesfromConcord,sitsonapublicreservation areaontheeastsideofEverettLake aboutfivemileseastofthetownof Weare.Thelakeisformedbyadam onthePiscataquogRiverandis openweekendsbeginningMemorialDayweekendanddailyfrom lateJunethroughLaborDay.

About30minuteseastofClough StateParksitsBearBrookStatePark inAllenstownwhereresidentscan enjoyhikingover10,000acresof conservationland.Throughoutthe property,thereareseverallakesand pondswhereresidentscanswim, specificallyCatamountandBear Hillponds.BearHillPondcanbe accessedtothesouthofthepropertybyBearHillPondRoadwhile CatamountPond,whichoffers boatingandkayaking,isaccessed throughthenorthentranceofthe statepark.

TothewestofConcordbyabout 15minutesisElmBrookParkwhich ispartoftheHopkinton-Everett LakesReservoirandmaintainedby theU.S.ArmyCorps.Onceinside thereservoir,whichcosts$5pervehiclethatenters,visitorscanswim inHopkintonLakeandwillhaveaccesstopicnicareaswithgrillsanda

playground,recreationalboating andkayakingandsportingfieldsfor soccer,basketballandbaseball.

TuckedawaybehindtheOpechee PeninsulainLaconiaalongthe shoresofLakeWinnepesaukeeare twoswimmingareas–Opechee CoveandOpecheePoint–40minutesnorthofthecity.Becausethe waterinthecovedoesn’tmoveas oftenasotherbeaches,itcanoften testhighine.coliwhilethepoint testsbetterthanthecove.Lookfor signsbeforeenteringeitherwater

bodies.Thereisnofeeforparking.

Beaches

LocatedclosesttoConcordare GriffinandLagacebeachesin FranklinwhichbothsitonWebster Lake.Thebeacheshaveasandy shorelineandagreenlawnspacefor picnicking,accordingtothecity’s website.Parkingpermitsarerequiredbyresidentsandallnon-residentscanpurchasepermitsfor$5 fromthebeachattendantsattheentranceorthroughtheParksand

Opechee Cove and Opechee Point are options for testing the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.

RecreationDepartment.Tothe northofConcordbyabout45minutesisWeirsBeachinthenorthern cornerofLaconiaonLakeWinnipesaukeeinEndicottLakePark. Therearenolifeguardsondutyand patronsmustpayattheparking kiosksbeforeusingthebeach.

Andifyouprefersaltwaterabove all,theoceanisonlyaboutanhour totheeastfromConcord,in Portsmouth,RyeandHamptonor acrossthebridgetoMaineinOgunquitandYork.

Sarah Pearson / NNE

Enjoy spectacular views from above tree-line on the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Make a quick ascent for panoramic vistas, summit dining or walking trails on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway Wildcat Mountain or Loon Mountain Resort Gondolas

Soar down a mountainside or climb through trees at Alpine Adventures, Cranmore Mountain Resort, and Loon Mountain which all offer exciting and breathtaking scenery from their Zipline Tours, Aerial Rope Courses and Aerial Skyrides.