NEW HAMPSHIRE

Attractions

ART GARDEN

SAINT-GAUDENS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Art and nature find a magnificent harmony at sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens’s former country estate, Aspet. More than 100 of his works are gathered here—including a version of the Shaw Memorial , his tribute to the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment—and many are scattered throughout the gardens. Tour the house and studio, drink in the views of Mount Ascutney, and wander the painterly landscape. Aspiring artists can take classes from a sculptor in residence, and all park visitors are invited to the concerts held on Sundays afternoons during the summer months. 139 Saint-Gaudens Road, Cornish. 603-675-2175; nps.gov/saga

ARTISAN JEWELRY

THE KALLED GALLERY

Walls glow with incandescent paintings and blown-glass vases rise up from pedestals like flames at the namesake gallery of Wolfeboro native Jennifer Kalled. Approximately 200 artisans and a range of media are represented here, but the jewelry is the real showstopper—including Kalled’s own bold creations, which incorporate otherworldly stones such as lace agate and boulder opals. 33 N. Main St., Wolfeboro. 603569-3994; kalledjewelrystudio.com

BOOKSTORE

GIBSON’S BOOKSTORE

An independent establishment since 1898, Gibson’s does everything right—from its thoughtful staff picks to its roster of 100-plus author events each year—in a space that practically demands that you claim a nook with a stuffed chair, while its displays pull you in like a friend with an armload of books. In 2013, Gibson’s relocated to a bigger space, becoming northern New England’s largest indie bookstore; its 10,000 square feet encompass the local toy store that it bought and folded into its layout, as well as a True Brew Café outlet. 45 S. Main St., Concord. 603-224-0562; gibsonsbookstore.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

It’s not the quietest museum (“No screaming,” one dad reminds his 4-year-old in the popular creative-play space called the Thinkering Lab), but it’s surely a successful one. Situated in one of the state’s fastest-growing cities, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire keeps kids entertained for hours with two floors of interactive exhibits. Who wouldn’t want to steer a submarine? Create music by touching a giant interactive sound sculpture? Laughter and curiosity are given free rein among experiments in progress and future inventors at work. 6 Washington St., Dover. 603-742-2002; childrens-museum.org

FARM VISIT

MUSTER FIELD FARM MUSEUM

Graced by broad fields dotted with weathered farm buildings, flower patches, and the pristine 1787 Matthew Harvey Homestead, this nonprofit treasure inspires visitors with artistic inclinations; meanwhile, cooks can’t help but be transported by the seasonal bounty of this working farm. The Harvey homestead is also part historic preservation, surrounded by 250 acres of woods and fields (not to mention one of the longest woodpiles we’ve ever seen—for sale). Adults will marvel at the outbuildings, from blacksmith shop to ice house to corncribs, and even an 1898 octagonal ticket booth from the Bradford Newbury Fair. Children can enjoy rope swings, treats from the farm stand, and fun seasonal events like Farm Days. Harvey Road, North Sutton. 603927-4276; musterfieldfarm.com

Historical Experience

THE FORT AT NO. 4

Travel back in time at the Fort at No. 4, surely the least descriptive name for a fort constructed of outsize Lincoln logs and bearing the weight of almost three centuries of history. Once the northernmost fort in the Connecticut River Valley, it was built in 1744 to protect an English settlement. Three years later it was attacked by a large force of French and Indians, and its 31-man garrison fought for three days before beating them back. As today’s visitors turn off a suburban stretch of road, the reconstructed village at the bottom of the hill immerses them in pre–Revolutionary War life, from crops to crafts, in the blink of an eye. 267 Springfield Road (Rte. 11), Charlestown. 603-826-5700; fortat4.org

Lake Cruise Mount Washington Cruises

If you don’t own a boat, now you can pretend you have three: $175 buys an unlimited daytime season pass on the 230-foot Mount Washington , the 68-foot Doris E., and the Sophie C. mail boat, all cruising Lake Winnipesaukee, the state’s largest lake. With the option of hopping on or off at five different ports, you’re free to choose your on-the-water escape. Home port at 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, Laconia. 603366-5531; cruisenh.com

Movie Theater Red River Theatres

Celebrating its first decade this year, this awardwinning Concord nonprofit is as likely to show silent classics as it is to screen fringe offerings for audiences hungry for first-run art films. But what really makes Red River Theatres special is community support: A seven-year real-life “hey-kids-let’s-put-on-a-show” volunteer effort brought forth this three-screen state-of-the-art cinema, which also hosts workshops, Q&As with actors and directors, sing-along movies, and offbeat programs like the BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) series. Plus, there’s top-notch refreshment at the Indie Café, which serves wine, beer, sandwiches, and local chocolates alongside popcorn and soda. 11 S. Main St., Concord. 603-224-4600; redrivertheatres.org

Lodging

Boutique Hotel

THE HOTEL PORTSMOUTH

When boutique specialist Lark Hotels acquired the Hotel Portsmouth in 2015, it may have seemed there was little room for improvement. Ideally located a few blocks from Market

Square, the 1881 Queen Anne mansion had been renovated and reopened just the year before, its 32 guest rooms smartly overhauled to blend Victorian courtliness with modern crispness, and its common areas (including a cheerful sunroom decked out in witty parakeet wallpaper) made freshly inviting. Yet to all this, Lark has managed to give us further reasons to return, from its signature curated small-plates breakfasts to a staff that acts more like a whole team of concierges. 40 Court St., Portsmouth. 603-433-1200; thehotelportsmouth.com

CITY B&B

ASH

Street Inn

Located a block from Manchester’s impressive Currier Museum of Art, this 1885 bed-andbreakfast has its Victorian act in order: stained glass, exposed brick, and period flourishes. But there are hidden perks, too. “We work a lot with the museum,” says Rob Wezwick, the friendly innkeeper who runs the five-room establishment with wife Margit. When booking a stay, guests can opt for a package that includes admission to the Currier and a tour of the Zimmerman House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in New England that’s open to the public (seasonal availability). 118 Ash St., Manchester. 603-668-9908; ashstreetinn.com

Country Hotel

The Wentworth

Built in 1869, the Wentworth sits in the heart of Jackson Village, just a short drive from major ski resorts like Wildcat and Cranmore. Its rooms are divided among the elegant main building and a number of cottages that offer sleigh beds, hot tubs, and fireplaces. Guests can dip into the hotel’s heated outdoor pool or sign up for a relaxing spa session; golfers tee up next door at the 18-hole Wentworth Golf Club. The award-winning dining room is the icing on the cake. 1 Carter Notch Road, Jackson Village. 603-383-9700; thewentworth.com

HISTORIC B&B

THE BALLARD HOUSE INN

For the record, Newton is not the official innkeeper, but the bouncing golden retriever’s enthusiastic welcome is certainly in line with the vibe at this beautifully restored 1784 boardinghouse. While owners Brian and Lynn Krautz can’t take credit for the outstanding lake and mountain views from the back-porch swing, they get full marks for homemade country breakfasts and complimentary coffee, wine, and beer. Located minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee, the Ballard House Inn offers six rooms and two suites, and easy access to hiking trails from the backyard. 53 Parade Road, Meredith. 603-279-3434; ballardhouseinn.com

INN WITH OLD-SCHOOL CHARM

THE EXETER INN

It’s only fitting that Exeter, founded in 1638 and home to Phillips Exeter Academy (alma mater of Dan Brown and Mark Zuckerberg), should have an inn that lives up to its historical character. This stately Georgian-style inn has 43 guest rooms, three suites, an elegant restaurant, and enough Wine Spectator awards to please any sommelier. Plus, it’s only a 10minute walk from the American Independence Museum, where you can check out early drafts of the Constitution. 90 Front St., Exeter. 603772-5901; theexeterinn.com

Lakeside Inn The Wolfeboro Inn

A short stroll from the town center, the historic Wolfeboro Inn (c. 1812) comes with its own private beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and a replica 19th-century paddleboat, the Winnipesaukee Belle , that offers seasonal daytime cruises. The inn’s pub, Wolfe’s Tavern, serves New England comfort food alongside upscale options, and has an extensive beer list (Mug Club members must sample 100 varieties ... but just two per visit, please). Oh, and there are rooms, too—44 of them, including suites with lake views. 90 N. Main St., Wolfeboro. 603-569-3016; wolfeboroinn.com

Luxury Family Lodging Horseleg Hill Lodge

Up to 10 guests can relax in this 4,000-squarefoot, four-bedroom retreat, located near pristine Purity Lake and King Pine Ski Area. There’s access to the amenities at neighboring Purity Spring Resort, including waterskiing, tennis, a pool, and a fitness center, plus the lodge has its own 20-foot vaulted-ceiling great room, playroom with wet bar, and nine-seat home theater with 150-inch projection screen (where better to binge-watch your current TV addiction if the rain rolls in?). 70 Horseleg Hill Road, East Madison. 818-694-2722; horseleghill.com

Oceanside Resort Wentworth By The Sea

Few sights are more impressive than New Hampshire’s remaining turn-of-the-century “grand hotels,” especially the glorious oceanside giant known as the Wentworth. Dating back to 1874, it boasts three massive mansard-roofed towers that were part of the original structure. And who wouldn’t want to have their very own Turret Suite overlooking the Atlantic? In these two-level suites, with 600 to 725 square feet (and 360-degree views from the central turret), guests can lounge like true Victorian gentlefolk. 588 Wentworth Road, New Castle. 603422-7322; wentworth.com

Dining

Asian Cuisine

You You Japanese Bistro

Can’t decide where to begin? Here’s plan A: Start with a simple salad with the tastiest Asian dressing around; savor fresh sashimi, sushi, and maki, including the basic-but-has-it-all

August 5 - 13, 2017

Newbury, NH

Open Daily 10 am–5 pm

Shop Our Eight Fine Craft Galleries

Ctr Sandwich, Concord, Hanover, Hooksett, Littleton, Meredith, Nashua, North Conway

Visit The Craft Center And Gallery

Check out our latest exhibition and The Permanent Collection 49 S. Main St, Suite 100 • Concord, NH