4 minute read
Unique Best Places- Best Places To Let Off Some Steam
UNCONVENTIONAL & UNEXPECTED
What’s not to love about New Hampshire? From the rolling hillsides to the glorious mountaintops to the dense forests and powerful ocean, we Granite Staters know that New Hampshire truly has it all. This year for “Best Places,” we’re going off the beaten path and focusing on the unique places and activities that our state has to offer.
New Hampshire is anything but conventional, which is why we’re highlighting the unexpected twists of our state. From bogs to birds, to rage rooms, comedy clubs, cocktails and mocktails and more, we’re challenging you to get outside and explore New Hampshire, with all the delightfully surprising twists and turns it has to offer.
BY EMILY REILY, ELISA GONZALES VERDI & EMILY HEIDT
BEST PLACES TO LET OFF SOME STEAM
Rage rooms, or rage cages, may sound extreme, but are not as thunder dome as you might think. Rage rooms and ax-throwing venues offer a safe space to vent anger, frustration, sadness, joy — whatever emotion you’re hoping to process, there’s a place in New Hampshire that fits your needs. Each one is unique, created by people who were searching for their own escape channels themselves. Throw an ax, shatter a dish or splatter some paint — and you don’t have to clean up the mess later. The options to create and/or destroy are at your fingertips.
Rage Cage, Nashua
The Rage Cage in Nashua is a safe place to lay your emotions out on the table. There are three rage rooms, a paint splatter “experience” and a mobile paint party room. According to owner Tedd Cherry, smashing things releases endorphins, which in turn lessens pain. Cherry says it’s a euphoric feeling similar to how you feel after exercise – a great way to combat depression and anxiety. Sounds like the perfect remedy for the 21st century. ragecagenh.com
The Rugged Axe / The Break Room, Manchester
Family-owned and founded by Charles Keith and Melinda Asprey, The Rugged Axe and The Break Room offer unique smash-andsplatter experiences. They’re both popular places to release your rage and stay safe in the process.
With Keith at the helm, learn from ax-throwing coaches at The Rugged Axe in Manchester. Possibly the largest of its kind in the state, this cutting-edge establishment has party rooms with projection targets, 18 lanes, games, and more than 30 beer, wine and nonalcoholic canned drink options.
Recreate your own version of “Office Space” at The Break Room in Manchester, which is owned by Melinda. Several spaces invite you to release your frustrations by smashing electronic things, like that old computer with the perpetual beach ball of death. Choose from 10-, 20-, and 30minute “break” sessions in office-styled rooms. thebreakroomnh.com
Vent Activity Rooms, Portsmouth
Vent Activity Rooms was created in 2021 to help people safely express grief, joy, stress, hurt and self-discovery, says founder and owner, Danielle Wieler. Wieler founded Vent out of a personal need, having felt isolated and shamed by society for their personal expression, and thought others might need that outlet too. Work through a longstanding issue, maybe shed some tears, and then break it all down and start fresh! Vent offers two activities: Smash and Splatter. Smash is a self-confidence-building and stress-relieving activity that helps channel rage by breaking glass and ceramic items. Screaming is encouraged. Splatter fosters self-exploration by throwing paint against walls, canvases and floors. There’s also a birthday party option where kids can splatter paint without fear that the house will be ruined. ventwithus.com
