New Hampshire Magazine December 2023

BUY LOCAL: Holiday Gift Guide | Music Venues That Rock the House

Holiday

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Fashion Turning on the Heat with Chill Winter Chic at Strawbery Banke

PLUS:

The Waffle Quiz

Seasonal Cocktail Concoctions Wrap Your Gifts in Style Live Free.

Top Holiday Events

December 2023 $5.99

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Contents 74

66

December 2023

603 Navigator 10 That’s (Holiday) Entertainment

‘Tis the season for magical live performances

By Kara McGrath

16 Food & Drink

Here We Go a Wafflin’

By Elisa Gonzales Verdi

20 Our Town

Navigating North Conway

By Barbara Radcliffe Rogers

603 Informer 24 Chronicling History’s Slippery Slopes

The New England Ski Museum’s vast collections celebrate and archive all aspects of the sport.

By Brion O’Connor

28 Blips

‘Billy Madison’ Returns to the Playground

By Casey McDermott

30 What Do You Know Deacon Sam Hill’s Cupola

By Marshall Hudson

IMAGES BY: ALLEGRA BOVERMAN / COURTESY: LOCALLY HANDMADE NH / MATTHEW MEAD / JENN BAKOS / COURTESY: THE PALACE THEATRE

First Things

32 Politics

Down for the Count

4 Editor’s Note

By James Pindell

6 Contributors

603 Living

Features

94 Wrapped up with Style

56 Winter Fashion

New Hampshire fashion tends to hibernate in fleece and flannel when the temperatures drop and the snow flies, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Pulling from the storied elegance woven throughout the state, and reflected in the timeless style of Strawbery Banke, winter fashion can actually be filled with an air of sleek sophistication and a side of chic flair.

94

56

Christmas Events

Compiled by Elisa Gonzales Verdi

102 Health

To Your Health

By Krysten Godfrey Maddocks

104 Ayuh

66 Opening Acts

New England Is Not a State

New entertainment venues bring variety, competition to the Granite State’s live art scene.

By Rebecca Rule

Special Advertising Sections 36 Faces of New Hampshire 88 Cocktails for the Holidays

By Emily Reily

74 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

By Emily Heidt

By Matthew Mead

98 Calendar

By Chloe Barcelou, Photography

by Jenn Bakos

Delight family and friends with gifts from local shops, artists and attractions.

Streamline a Christmas chore with an easy-to-assemble wrap room that churns out packages with the skill of an elf.

10

ON THE COVER: Model Olivia Barcelou looks pretty in pink wearing a knitted pink plaid tweed coat, pink cotton velvet

pants and sherbert-colored heels. Feature story begins on page 56. Styling by Chloe Barcelou. Photography by Jenn Bakos.

Volume 37, Number 10 ISSN 1532-0219 nhmagazine.com | December 2023 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS my family spent without my father should have gone down in the books as “The Year of the Disappearing Dad.” He only moved across town, but he left my mom to raise four young children by herself. So how come more than 50 years later, I’m still getting blamed for ruining Christmas?

Before we rewind that episode, know that I made peace with my father long before he died. But when I was 8 years old, I was pretty angry with him. The tears were fresh.

That year, my Uncle Gerry surprised us by donning a Santa Claus suit and showing up at our Manchester apartment with a bag full of gifts. “The Year Uncle Gerry Saved Christmas” didn’t quite play out as planned, however. Imagine an alternative version of “A Christmas Story” in which Ralphie Parker, the kid whose pent-up angst prompts him to finally pummel that bully, does not get his beloved BB gun.

I didn’t need a Red Ryder rifle to cause havoc in our home. I just needed to use my words.

After Uncle Santa handed out the gifts, and my siblings and I finished tearing the wrappings off them, legend has it that I famously said: “Is that all?”

My Uncle Gerry reminded me of that story recently. It was the first time I can remember hearing his version, though my mom has repeated it many times over the years. I get it, Uncle Gerry, you go through the trouble to buy a Santa suit, round up a bunch of toys, give it your best, “Ho! Ho! Ho,” and for all your kindness, you get “meh” from an ungrateful kid.

No one has ever vouched for my version of story, in which I indeed said those terrible words, but only because I wanted to know if we were done with this unwrapping ritual so I could move on to playing with my new toys.

Was I really that terrible of a kid? I mean, cut me some slack, Uncle Santa. Things were a bit dicey back then, and they were about to get a little worse before they got better.

After all these years, I will finally plead guilty to this one, however. Memories are fuzzy things. We all would rather believe we had the best of intentions rather than face the darker side of ourselves, especially around Christmas. And I’m of a mind to forgive my 8-year-old self — even if my family is still getting around to it.

PHOTO BY KAREN BACHELDER

Is That All You Got, Santa?

Toys for Tots helps needy kids at Christmas Have yourself a merry merry Christmas Have yourself a good time But remember the kids who got nothin’ While you’re drinkin’ down your wine

— From “Father Christmas” by the Kinks (written by Ray Davies)

The kids will be grateful. Some more than others.

The Toys for Tots iconic logo, which features a miniature three-car → train, was originally created by Walt Disney for the first Toys for Toys poster as a favor to the program’s founder, Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks, according to the Toys for Tots website.

4 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

PHOTO COURTESY THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

That first Christmas on her own, my mom and Uncle Santa got help from Toys for Tots, the program founded by the Marine Corps in 1947. Every year, Toys for Tots accepts new, unwrapped toys collected through local campaigns nationwide.

Check out toysfortots.org for more info, but chances are, you’ll find a collection box at a local business during this year’s giving season. The program includes at least 10 campaigns around the Granite State.

www.d ays jewelers .c o m nhmagazine.com | December 2023 5

Contributors for December 2023

Portsmouth-based photographer Jenn Bakos took the cover and photography for our winter fashion story, “Turn on the Heat with Chill Winter Chic.” She loves to document and capture the special moments in life, and she specializes in food, product, lifestyle, editorial and brand photography. Check out more of her work at jennbakosphoto.com

Kara McGrath is a Keene-based writer/editor who’s been reporting on a variety of topics for over a decade. She wrote this month’s Navigator story.

Photographer, stylist and writer Matthew Mead wrote this month’s Living story, “Wrapped up with Style,” about wrapping your Christmas packages.

New Hampshire Magazine fashion editor Chloe Barcelou styled this month’s winter fashion feature, “Turn on the Heat with Chill Winter Chic.”

Assistant editor Elisa Gonzales Verdi penned this month’s Food & Drink story — a waffle quiz where you can find out which NH waffle spot you are.

Regular Our Town writer Barbara Radcliffe Rogers wrote this month’s story about North Conway. Follow her travels at worldbite.wordpress.com

Freelance writer and frequent contributor Brion O’Connor wrote this month’s Informer about The New England Ski Museum.

About | Behind the Scenes at New Hampshire Magazine Another New Face on the Block Emily Reily was already a familiar voice to the New Hampshire Group of YPI when she joined the company in October as assistant editor. Her work has appeared in both New Hampshire Home and Manchester Magazine, the annual custom publication we produce for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The former newspaper photojournalist, copy editor and page designer once briefly appeared on New Hampshire PBS — hiding behind the lens while covering the 2000 presidential election. For nearly 10 years, Emily worked as a freelance journalist for several online music, news and entertainment sites, and has been published in the New Hampshire Union Leader, New York Times for Kids and the Washington Post Magazine’s “Opening Lines” section. At YPI, Emily will be writing stories for New Hampshire Magazine and NH Business Review and helping with other projects. Emily can usually be found at a concert or in the vintage vinyl stacks. She lives in Dover with her family and two cats, Silver and Grays.

6 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

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8 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

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Or, send answers plus your name and mailing address to: Spot the Newt c/o New Hampshire Magazine 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014 Manchester, NH 03101 You can also email them to newt@nhmagazine.com or fax them to (603) 624-1310.

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603 Navigator “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

— Ebenezer Scrooge

The Palace Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” with performances from November 24 to December 23.

10 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Food & Drink 16 Our Town 20

That’s (Holiday) Entertainment ‘Tis the season for magical live performances

BY KARA McGRATH

W

hether you’re seeking “The Nutcracker”’s sugarplum fairies, the Dickensian ghosts that haunt “A Christmas Carol,” classic holiday jazz standards or a rowdy improv show, this comprehensive list of festivities across the Granite State should have something to suit your fancy.

Where to See “A Christmas Carol”

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghosts of Past, Present and Future as they teach him the true meaning of Christmas in Charles Dickens’s classic tale.

The Palace Theatre

This performance is filled with lively song and dance that will be fun for the whole family.

When: November 24 – December 23, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.

Where: The Palace Theatre, Manchester Tickets: $28 – 49 at palacetheatre.org

Players’ Ring Theatre

COURTESY PHOTO

Looking for a little holiday shakeup? “What the Dickens” is an improvised version of “A Christmas Carol,” where the audience decides how Scrooge’s story goes.

When: November 25 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Where: Players’ Ring Theatre, Portsmouth Tickets: $15 at playersring.org If you’d prefer to stick to the classic tale, the Ring’s players will be performing a more traditional version for the 28th year in a row.

When: December 1 – 23, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.

Where: Players’ Ring Theatre, Portsmouth Tickets: $31 for general admission, $28 for students and seniors, $18 for children at playersring.org

Rochester Opera House

At the Rochester Opera House, players will stay true to the original text and bring a feeling of Victorian England to the stage.

When: Friday, December 8 at 7:30 pm.; Saturday, December 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday December 10 at 5 p.m.; Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 16 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, December 17 at 5 p.m.; Thursday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, December 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Where: Rochester Opera House, Rochester Tickets: $28 – $32 at Rochester Opera House’s online box office

Where to See “The Nutcracker”

Follow Clara and her magical Étagère,nutcrackin Amherst er prince as they travel to the Land of Sweets in this classic Christmas ballet.

Dana Center at Saint Anselm College

The Methuen Ballet Ensemble has staged “The Nutcracker” for over 25 years, always with wowinducing visual effects and elaborate costumes.

When: Saturday, November 25 at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Where: Dana Center at Saint Anselm College, Manchester Tickets: $35 at tickets.anselm.edu nhmagazine.com | December 2023 11

603 NAVIGATOR / HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT

Safe Haven Ballet will be performing “The Nutcracker” at the Nashua Center for the Arts on December 1, and at the Capitol Center for the Arts on December 16.

The Palace Theatre

This holiday classic will be performed by the Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater.

When: Saturday, November 18 at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 19 at 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Where: The Palace Theatre, Manchester Tickets: $28 – $49 at palacetheatre.org

Seifert Performing Arts Center

The New England Dance Ensemble performance will be accompanied by the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra.

When: November 24 & 26 at 4 p.m.

Where: Seifert Performing Arts Center, Salem Tickets: $45 – $55 at nede.org

Rochester Opera House

Sole City Dance presents five performances of the Christmas story by E.T.A. Hoffman.

When: Thursday, November 30 at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m.

Where: Rochester Opera House, Rochester Tickets: $22 – $26 at Rochester Opera House’s online box office

Capitol Center for the Arts

Performed by Safe Haven Ballet, a traumainformed touring ballet company, this version includes all of your favorite characters, plus a variation unique to Safe Haven Ballet called The Brave American.

When: Saturday, December 16 at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Chubb Theatre at CCA, Concord Tickets: $40.25 – $53.25 at ccanh.com

Holiday Concerts Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

According to the group’s website, they’re pulling out all the stops to make this their best winter tour in years.

When: Friday, November 24 at 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Where: SNHU Arena, Manchester Tickets: $43 – $114 at snhuarena.com

Tuba Christmas

Have you ever wanted to hear your favorite holiday songs performed exclusively by tubas?

Now’s your chance. Tuba players are invited to join in the 50th annual Tuba Christmas, which consists of tuba-only performances across the country.

When, Where, Tickets: Locations and dates vary.

Visit tubachristmas.org for more information, including what to bring if you plan to play, dress codes for each event, and details about refreshments.

Boston Pops Holiday Concert

The beloved Boston Pops will be joined by the Metropolitan Chorale to perform festive favorites from cultural traditions around the world.

When: Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: SNHU Arena, Manchester Tickets: $79.50 – $149.50 at snhuarena.com

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to the SNHU Arena.

Performed by Safe Haven Ballet, a traumainformed touring ballet company, this version includes all of your favorite characters, plus a variation unique to Safe Haven Ballet called The Brave American.

When: Friday, December 1 at 7 p.m.

Where: Nashua Center for the Arts, Nashua Tickets: $45 for adults, $40 for students and seniors at etix.com 12 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

COURTESY PHOTOS

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603 NAVIGATOR / HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT

Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops

An annual seasonal concert — complete with a sing-along — that’s great for the whole family.

When: Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Portsmouth High School, Portsmouth Tickets: $35 for adults, $25 for seniors, $15 for students at themusichall.org

Other Festive Entertainment Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings their retro sound to holiday classics to Nashua.

Join Big Bad Voodoo Daddy for their fun arrangements of classic holiday songs plus their own original works of music.

When: Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Nashua Center for the Arts, Nashua Tickets: $39 – $79 at etix.com

A Celtic Christmas

Three world-renowned Irish bands perform their own takes on traditional Irish music.

When: Saturday, December 9 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Rex Theatre, Manchester Tickets: $39 at palacetheatre.org

The Scott Spradling Band: Rockin’ Big Band Christmas

The Scott Spradling Band performs Christmas hits from the golden era of swing, big band, and the early days of rock and roll.

When: Saturday, December 2, 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Rex Theatre, Manchester Tickets: $29 at palacetheatre.org

Capitol Jazz Orchestra – Holiday Pops

A live performance of holiday favorites, complete with an audience sing-along.

When: Sunday, December 10 at 4 p.m.

Where: Chubb Theater at Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord Tickets: $33.25 – $66.25, available at ccanh.com

New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus: Holly Jolly Folly

The NHGMC returns for their 26th annual holiday concert series.

When and Where: Saturday, December 2, at 7 p.m. – Christ the King Lutheran Church, Nashua Sunday, December 3, at 3 p.m. – Stratham Community Church UCC, Stratham December 9, at 7 p.m. – The Park Theatre, Jaffrey Sunday, December 10, at 3 p.m. – Derryfield School, Manchester Tickets: Will go on sale at nhgmc.com

Winter Solstice Concert with Cold Chocolate

Cold Chocolate, a duo from Boston, combines folk, funk and bluegrass for a sound that’s all their own.

When: Saturday, December 16 at 6 p.m.

Where: Kaufmann Theatre at The Tillotson Center, Colbrook Tickets: $10 at tillotsoncenter.org or at the door

Holiday Swingin’!

A Kat Edmonson Christmas

Acclaimed jazz singer Kat Edmonson performs her holiday jazz album at this historic Portsmouth venue.

When: Saturday, December 16 at 7 p.m.

Where: Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, Portsmouth Tickets: $10 – $55 at jimmysoncongress.com

14 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

An interactive experience for all ages, including a performance of “The Grinch” as well as lectures on the history of dance and theater etiquette.

When: December 17 at 4:30 p.m.

Where: Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord Tickets: $25 – $30 at Rochester Opera House Online Box Office; $28.25 – $40.25 at ccanh.com

“A New England Christmas”

The Pontine Theatre’s annual tradition of ringing in the holiday season with works by New England authors returns. This year, an original adaptation of Frank Stockton’s “Captain Eli’s Best Ear.” When: November 24 at 7 p.m., November 25 at 3 p.m., December 1 at 7 p.m., December 2 at 3 p.m. and December 3 at 2 p.m.

Where: Pontine Theatre, Portsmouth Tickets: $32 general admission and $29 for students/seniors at pontine.org

The Barter Players: “Frosty: A Musical Adventure”

A live performance of the classic winter tale, in which a young orphan discovers a magical hat that brings a snowman to life.

When: Saturday, December 9 at 1 and 3 p.m.

Where: Chubb Theater at Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord Tickets: $15 at ccanh.com

Rockapella 2023

This year marks Rockapella’s 20th year of performing holiday hits acapella style.

When: Friday, December 8 at 7 p.m.

Where: Stockbridge Theatre, Derry Tickets: $35 – $40 at stockbridgetheatre.com

Safe Haven Ballet “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”

Kat Edmonson will perform at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club.

→ Check out our Calendar for more December events on page 96. NH

COURTESY PHOTOS

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 15

PHOTO BY SAY CHEESE

603 NAVIGATOR / FOOD & DRINK

16 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Here We Go a Wafflin’ Answer these five questions to find out which Granite State waffle spot you are

BY ELISA GONZALES VERDI

Winter is finally here, which means that it’s time to bundle up and hunker down until spring thaws everyone out. In the colder season, we’re always looking for hearty meals that will warm us up from the inside out.

When you’re in the need for a bit of warmth and cheer, there’s no better way to warm yourself up than with a wonderful waffle. A staple at most breakfast joints, the waffle is a blank slate for a chef ’s creativity to shine.

Not sure where to go to find your perfect waffle? Take our “Winter Waffle” quiz to find out which Granite State waffle spot matches your personality and will dish up a delicious waffle you’ll be sure to love!

What is your ideal winter night?

In the winter, what can’t you leave the house without?

B. Using my night in to plan my next holiday party.

B. The invitations for my next get-together … the post office is usually the first stop on my to-do list.

A. Cozy on my couch with a warm blanket and a good book.

C. I’m in the car heading home from a bluebird day on the slopes.

D. I’m making a mug of hot cocoa, and watching a new movie.

A. My mittens — I can’t stand my hands being cold!

C. My lift pass and a few trail maps.

D. My gift cards to the craft store.

What do you look forward to most about the spring?

It was a freezing cold day! What do you want for dinner?

A. Something easy, warm and filling, like a shepherd’s pie.

B. I’m breaking out my caquelon for a fondue night.

C. I’m picking up a hamburger and some fries — there’s nothing like a burger after a cold day on the mountain.

A. Being able to go outside and garden.

B. I love hosting garden parties.

C. Being outside without layers and layers and layers on.

D. Going on walks in the woods while the world is in bloom.

D. I’m making chili, but I’m adding lots of spices for some added flavor.

What’s your favorite thing about winter?

A. Spending quality time indoors with my family.

B. The holiday parties.

C. Winter sports.

D. Trying new things and exploring my creativity.

If you answered…. nhmagazine.com | December 2023 17

603 NAVIGATOR / FOOD & DRINK

Mostly A’s:

You’re Polly’s Pancake Parlor! →

You live for the classic New England winter, and you look forward to the winter traditions that have been upheld for decades. Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill has been serving up pancakes since 1938.

With warm and fresh maple syrup from Fuller’s Maple in Lancaster, and a pancake and waffle recipe that was created by the Parlor’s original owner, you’re in for a timeless waffle that’s been a New Hampshire staple for 80 years.

Polly’s Pancake Parlor / 672 Sugar Hill Rd., Sugar Hill / (603) 823-5575 pollyspancakeparlor.com

Mostly B’s:

Your friends say that you’re the life of the party, and you know that (à la Kesha) the “party don’t start ‘til (you) walk in.”

Located in Concord, with a new location opening soon in Dover, Teatotaller is a hub of excitement.

With live performances, a full calendar of events and a thriving community, Teatotaller is the place to be if you want good food and a great time. Their waffle is anything but ordinary — with real maple syrup and a number of toppings (like chocolate chips, vegan butter and fresh berries), you can make it your own. Plus, everything on their menu is made from scratch.

Teatotaller / 2 Capital Plaza, Concord / (603) 715-1906 / teatotallercafe.com 18 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

COURTESY PHOTOS

You’re Teatotaller! ↑

WANDERING FOR WAFFLES While you are out and about on your waffle quest, stop by any of these spots to take your waffle experience up a notch, like gluten-free options, waffle carts and even a state fair waffle complete with barbecue pulled pork and maple cotton candy. Wander off the beaten waffle path with The Goat’s Chicken & Waffle entrée — “fried chicken tenders on a pearl sugar waffle with jalapeños and maple siracha drizzle.”

Mostly C’s:

You’re The Waffle Cabin! ↑

No surprise here, you can rarely be found indoors in the winter. While most people hunker down and bundle up, you’re up at dawn and ready to hit the slopes whenever you can.

With locations at Loon, Mount Sunapee, Waterville Valley, Ragged Mountain and Bretton Woods, The Waffle Cabin is there for you after a day shredding the gnar. These fresh Belgium waffles are as out-of-this-world as the pow after a good snow. Drizzled with chocolate or maple syrup, there’s no better way to wrap up a day on the mountain than with a warm waffle. You may even want to double-check your jacket to see if it has a waffle pocket, so you can bring them with you on the lift.

The Waffle Cabin / wafflecabin.com

Purple Finch Cafe ↑ 124 South River Road, Bedford (603) 232-1953 / purplefinchcafe.com Bite Me Kupcakez 4 Mound Court, Merrimack (603) 674-4459 / bitemekupcakez.com Wayfarer Roasters 626 Main St., Laconia / wayfarerroasters.com

Waffle and Sugar Pop-Up Food Cart ↑ Serving Southern New Hampshire waffleandsugar.com The Friendly Toast Multiple locations / thefriendlytoast.com

Mostly D’s:

COURTESY PHOTOS

You’re Suzie’s Diner! ↑

You’re all about shaking up tradition and putting a creative spin on a timeless classic.

Right in the heart of Hudson, Suzie’s Diner has been playing with their food since 1999.

Suzie’s offers seasonal twists (like a pumpkin spice waffle) and creative spins on timehonored breakfast traditions (like a chicken and waffle with hot honey maple syrup). The diner’s Strawberry Shortcake Waffle is served with fresh strawberries, strawberry syrup and a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar, all topped with whipped cream.

Suzie’s Diner / 76 Lowell Rd., #4867, Hudson / (603) 883-274 / suziesdiner.com

The Goat ↑ Multiple locations / goatnh.com nhmagazine.com | December 2023 19

603 NAVIGATOR / OUR TOWN

The archway at Schouler Park frames the Victorian North Conway Station. Built in 1874, the depot station is also the terminus for the Conway Scenic Railroad.

Navigating North Conway First the artists, next the skiers and then the shoppers

BY BARBARA RADCLIFFE ROGERS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY STILLMAN ROGERS

I

n the early 19th century, Conway was the main town and North Conway was only one of its outlying settlements, but successive waves of artists, skiers and shoppers turned what was once a village into the tourism hub of the White Mountains.

Like so much else in the region, it all began with the Wiley Slide. On the night of Aug. 28, 1826, a wild storm raged through Crawford Notch, causing an avalanche that killed the entire Wiley family. In the days before photography, newspapers and magazines sent artists to portray the scene.

Their often-exaggerated depictions of the White Mountains, as well as the allure of the tragedy, began to draw tourists, among them artists.

One of these was Benjamin Champney, who was so taken by the scenery of the Saco Valley that he bought a house in North

20 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Conway in 1853. He painted the mountain landscapes from every angle, even occasionally setting up his easel in the middle of North Conway’s then-unpaved main street.

Champney’s style was influenced by the Hudson River School of artists, and his enthusiasm for the beauty of the White Mountains began to draw others to paint and sketch the scenery. His house and studio became a center for an art colony that became known as the White Mountain School.

Over the course of the 19th century, more than 400 artists came to the region, including Thomas Cole and Winslow Homer, and the images they sent back to galleries in New York and Boston began to draw tourists eager to see these idyllic landscapes for themselves. Valley farms took in guests, then inns and hotels were built to

accommodate the tourists as transportation into the area improved. North Conway became the center of all this.

It was still a large summer burst of activity, until an Austrian ski instructor made North Conway one of America’s first ski resorts. Hannes Schneider developed what’s known as the Alberg technique while an instructor at the Austrian resort of St. Anton am Arlberg, but had to leave following the Anschluss, when Nazi Germany took control of Austria.

He reopened his ski school at Cranmore Mountain in 1939 — a statue of Schneider at the mountain recalls him as the father of modern-day skiing — and the skiers thronged to North Conway.

The famed Snow Trains

PHOTO COURTESY CRANMORE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Cranmore Mountain Resort’s kid-friendly ski area offers 56 trails, snowboarding terrain and a tubing park.

were already bringing winter sports enthusiasts to North Conway, but as skiing reached a more diverse audience, these trains expanded their service, connecting to lines from New York and Connecticut and becoming a weekend social event. A new

poster promoting the trains was designed each year, usually picturing attractive young women in stylish winter outfits.

Local inns and hotels no longer closed for the winter, and more services sprang up to outfit, feed and entertain the skiers and

others who came for the fun. Snow Trains continued through the 1950s, by which time skiing had caught on and whole families were arriving by car.

You can learn more about the history of the sport at the New England Ski Museum (see story on page 24) next to Schouler Park, through ski equipment and clothing, ski videos and exhibits on the famed World War II 10th Mountain Division and its impact on bringing recreational skiing to America.

The next wave was shoppers. In 1988, Settlers Green opened on the site of the old airport, the state’s first outlet shopping center, with 30 stores. More malls and outlets followed, until the strip of Route 16/302 south of the center was a steady line of retail businesses. These drew bargain hunters and shoppers, including Canadian families who planned their summer vacations to outfit children for school at New Hampshire’s taxfree shops.

My first memories of North Conway were before the malls, of stopping for breakfast in a café on Main Street before heading to the slopes. I remember sliding off the seat in my slippery red one-piece snowsuit and

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 21

603 NAVIGATOR / OUR TOWN

Zeb’s General Store embodies the nostalgia offered by the general stores of yesteryear with a decidedly whimsical flair.

learning to ski between my brother’s 6-footlong skis. My own were too small for proper bindings and were attached by leather straps around my rubber boots.

My gear is a bit more sophisticated today, and I may stop at Stan and Dan’s for a quick boot tweak before heading to the slopes.

Like me, North Conway has grown and changed since the days when Carroll Reed’s was the main act in town.

Not everything has changed. The grand

Victorian Rail Station still overlooks Schouler Park, where a large rink is flooded for skating in the winter. The North Conway 5 & 10 still bookends the blocks of independent retail shops across Main Street.

There since 1939, the 5 & 10 is a glorious compendium of retro household goods and toys, along with books about the mountains.

Farther along is Zeb’s General Store, a relative newcomer there only since 1991, selling everything from balsam pillows and

moose cuddle toys to gourmet mustards and sensible wool socks. We’ve never been able to get the kids past their long candy counter.

The outlets aren’t the only lure for shoppers.

Scenery, skiing and shopping have some serious competition from the natural attractions. The Saco winds its way through the valley in a shallow, leisurely course that invites kayakers. There’s a put-in at First Bridge, on River Road, close to Main Street.

Echo Lake State Park is good for swimming and kayaking, with views of White Horse Ledge. That sheer face, along with neighboring Cathedral Ledge, are favorites for rock climbers, along with ice climbers in the winter.

For a short hike with a reward, take a picnic to Diana’s Bath, less than a mile off West Side Road. The stream drops and cascades over a series of flat ledges, forming shallow pools and carving potholes and grooves as the waters swirl and fall. NH

Find It

North Conway’s oldest continually operating retail store, the 5 & 10 is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

22 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Cranmore Mountain / (603) 356-5543 cranmore.com New England Ski Museum / (603) 730-5044 newenglandskimuseum.org Settlers Green / settlersgreen.com North Conway 5 & 10 / (603) 356-3953 Zeb’s General Store / (603) 356-9294 zebs.com

603 Informer “As long as skiing is enjoyable, I’m going to continue to do it.”

— Bode Miller, most successful American ski racer of all time

“Space, it says, is big.

Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mindbogglingly big it is.”

The permanent displays at the Eastern Slope

—Branch Douglas Adams of The New England Ski Museum offer an abundance of education and inspiration.

24 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Blips 28 What Do You Know? 30 Politics 32

Chronicling History’s Slippery Slopes The New England Ski Museum’s vast collections celebrate and archive all aspects of the sport.

BY BRION O’CONNOR / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY N.E. SKI MUSEUM

PHOTO BY BY TRICIA McENVOY

N

ew England is steeped in skiing lore, spanning more than a century of winter pursuits. That shared history creates a nostalgic bond between generations, a thread of treasured memories connecting anyone who has ever attached their feet to a pair of skis or snowboard.

Consider the ever-evolving disciplines of skiing and snowboarding, the dramatic improvements in lifts, grooming and snowmaking, and in gear and clothing, making winter sports safer but no less thrilling.

Consider the legendary locations, from Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, Shawnee Peak/Pleasant Mountain in Maine and Suicide Six in Vermont to New Hampshire’s own Mittersill, Wildcat, Black Mountain, Gunstock and Cranmore, the litany of ski clubs like the Massa-Schussers and the Skidaddlers, and groundbreaking programs like Burke Mountain Academy and Carrabassett Valley Academy.

Then consider the fascinating cast of characters, from pioneers like Joe and Brooks Dodge, Dartmouth Outing Club and Appalachian Mountain Club members, Katharine Peckett, Hannes Schneider and Jake Burton Carpenter to competitors such as Andrea Mead Lawrence, Bill Koch, Jessie Diggins, Bode Miller and Mikaela Shiffrin.

In short, cold-weather enthusiasts throughout New England, and New Hampshire specifically, deserve a museum that fully represents that rich, frigid history.

Fortunately for ski and snowboard buffs, the New England Ski Museum checks all the boxes, providing a world-class winter retrospective.

“The reason that the museum is so important to the region is that so much of this sport, so many ski industry founding fathers and competitive skiing, both Nordic and Alpine, were born and raised here in New England,” said Bo Adams, a museum board member since 1999 and president since 2007. “In addition to New England, the museum and its vast collections speak to the history of skiing throughout North America, and frankly the world.”

The museum’s mission is “to collect, conserve and exhibit elements of ski history for research, education and inspiration, and plays an important role across the region and the globe,” says Jeremy Davis, founder of the New England Lost Ski Areas Project and a museum board member. “The museum provides access to explore this history in many ways — from interactive exhibits, educational programs, journals, social media and special events — including exhibit opening parties and the annual Hannes Schneider Meister nhmagazine.com | December 2023 25

603 INFORMER / NEW ENGLAND SKI MUSEUM

The New England Ski Museum offers permanent and annually-changing exhibits.

Cup Race at Cranmore Mountain.”

“Ski history researchers recognize the museum for its unmatched archives covering all aspects of the sport,” he says.

“Without the museum’s work, much of the history would have been lost, but instead can be preserved and celebrated for future generations.”

The job of cataloging and celebrating the region’s winter recreational history falls to a dedicated staff, volunteers and the museum’s executive director, Timothy Whiton, who took the reins in July 2022.

“I do think the museum is a steward of skiing. Our bylaws don’t confine us to New England either, so we really are stewards of skiing’s past and facilitators of its future,” Whiton says. “One can’t adequately forecast the future of any industry without having a strong critical analysis — positive and negative — of the past. That’s what we offer and are able to (do), primarily because of our unrivaled archive.”

The organization is comprised of three structures — two public museums, in Franconia and in North Conway (not 26 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

far from where the famous “snow trains” dropped off passengers in the mid-1900s), and a warehouse beside Cannon Mountain.

They serve as an exhaustive repository of all things related to the region’s love affair with sliding on snow.

“We have the obligatory skis, boots, etcetera, but we have an unrivaled collection of periodicals, clothing, film, library, posters, photographs, ephemera, marketing materials, business records and private papers,” Whiton says. “It is the most complete and comprehensive ski-related archive in North America and one of the top three to five in the world. And we’re continuously growing it.

“Our work is rooted in this archive to ensure that we are staying as close to the truth as possible in what we write, interpret and convey,” he says. “This is what fundamentally sets us apart from ski history organizations outside of Europe and puts us on par with the most preeminent public history institutions in the country.”

The museum’s sparkling reputation has been earned. The New England Ski Muse-

um, said board member Timothy G. Scott, “is widely considered to be one of the finest ski museums in the world, both from its collection and its deep scholarship which has accumulated steadily since its founding in 1977.”

“As a regional asset, we tell the story both of how New Hampshire got its start in skiing as well as the seeds from which skiing evolved in centuries past,” Scott said.

“Skiing is the economic engine that made us a four-season destination while emphasizing being out of doors in winter as something to celebrate and aspire to.”

For a quarter century, the museum flourished under the leadership of Jeff Leich, who retired as executive director in 2022.

The organization, he said, is a source of immense pride.

“The museum is a nonprofit with a small staff that fills many roles and works hard, a knowledgeable board and committed members,” Leich says. “The larger challenge is to grow the membership, as members are the source of everything the museum can accomplish, financially of course, but also in

The Bode Miller display in Franconia includes his Olympic medals and World Cup globes.

that their knowledge, memories and collection donations allow the exhibit and journal content to remain fresh.

“New England was one of the earliest cradles of skiing in the country, and nearly always had the largest regional number of skiers compared to other regions, as measured by the National Ski Association (now U.S. Ski & Snowboard), and some of the most interesting characters and stories have come out of the region,” he says. “When I started in 1997, collection information

was kept on handwritten notebook pages, and collections were housed in board members’ barns.”

Computerization of records began in 2000, and selected photos have been digitized. “The next big step in collections is to select film footage that should be digitized and get it done,” Leich says. “I’m sure that will be a major part of a strategic plan.”

When Leich stepped down, museum’s directors found his replacement next door.

A Maine native, Whiton attended Gould

Academy and Bates College. He ventured to Montana State University for his master’s, returning home to the University of Maine to pursue his doctorate, writing his dissertation on skiing post-1945 in the United States.

“I grew up Alpine skiing all over New England, but moved towards cross-country in middle school,” said Whiton, who lives in Fryeburg, Maine. “I tend to hit the backcountry on my skinny skis while saving up for a lightweight Alpine Touring setup.”

Whiton’s affinity for the backcountry provides a window into the world of skiing’s early practitioners. Though equipment has improved dramatically, backcountry skiing reflects the same rugged spirit embodied

by AMC members who built rudimentary downhill trails in southwestern New Hampshire — notably Barrett and Temple mountains — in the late 1920s.

“Skiing is not singular, isolated experience, but part of much longer historical narratives, social and cultural discourses, and big spans of geography,” Whiton says.

“Understanding these is essential to understanding skiing. Being able to understand where skiing is today, how it got here, in order to see where it might be heading is integral to attracting a younger generation of skiers to the museum.”

The museum’s strategic plan, says Adams, is a “road map for us to follow over the next five years or so to expand our outreach, awareness of and utilization of the museum and all that is available to learn, explore and appreciate.”

“Our first and arguably most important step in our strategic plan is the digitization of the museum’s collections,” Adams says.

“By digitizing our collection, the public will have a greater opportunity and easier access to explore the museum, which should elevate interest, enthusiasm for what the museum represents, which in turn will grow membership.”

The process promises to be the next step in the museum’s long-held commitment to keep the skiing’s bygone era alive and relevant. NH

Find It

The museum’s Franconia Notch location is open from Memorial Day through end of ski season.

New England Ski Museum 135 Tramway Drive, Franconia (603) 823-7177 2628 White Mountain Highway, North Conway (603) 730-5044 newenglandskimuseum.org nhmagazine.com | December 2023 27

603 INFORMER / IN THE NEWS

Blips

Monitoring appearances of the 603 on the media radar since 2006

‘Billy Madison’ Returns to the Playground Adam Sandler’s hometown tour included a stop at his old elementary school

BY CASEY McDERMOTT social media tracked his surprise visits to local playgrounds, restaurants, the Mall of New Hampshire and more.

“He stopped by with his mom and nephew to the diner, which is a local place that is filled with nostalgia and family connections for him,” the Red Arrow Diner divulged on its Facebook page. “He enjoyed chicken rice soup, a plain burger and a side of pickles.”

Back at Webster, Foucher said she was struck by Sandler’s ease, and how attentive he was to the kids who gathered to grab a high-five, pepper him with questions or pose for a photo.

“When you initially see someone that famous, you’re in shock,” she said. “He’s such a hometown, down-to-earth dude that you just felt almost like you were his friend, like you were comfortable, like you weren’t intruding.”

All told, she said, Sandler hung around the playground for about an hour. When Foucher finally approached to introduce herself and let him know she was one of his

L

auren Foucher knew something was up when she heard the commotion outside her front window in late September.

A chorus of kids’ voices was carrying louder than usual from just across the street at Webster Elementary School, in Manchester’s North End. When she walked over to investigate, it soon became clear why.

“All of the kids were surrounding this

28 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

guy,” she recalled. “I walk up a little closer, and I’m like, ‘Who the heck is that?’... It’s Adam Sandler, oh my gosh.”

Sandler, of course, is no stranger to the neighborhood. An alumna of Manchester public schools (including Webster Elementary), the comedic superstar was back in town for what can only be described as a decidedly-un-VIP-tour of his old stomping grounds: A series of photos scattered across

Adam Sandler poses for a photo with 7-year-old Izzy Foucher during a visit to Webster Elementary School in Manchester in September.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN FOUCHER

Adam Sandler’s visit to some of his old haunts during a September visit to Manchester included a stop at Webster Elementary School.

sister’s neighbors, he said she should “give (him) a call” if there’s ever any trouble.

“He was just super humble and friendly and funny,” Foucher said.

If there was one downside to the visit, it was that only one of Foucher’s daughters was around for it. Sandler threw up a peace sign for a photo with her 7-year-old, Izzy.

But her oldest, Lyla — a budding performer herself, with a stint as an extra in “Beetlejuice 2” — was away at acting class. The 11-year-old was disappointed, but Foucher said she’s taking it in stride.

“It was inspiring for my daughter, Lyla, to hear one of the most successful actors in history acting stay close to his ties in small town New Hampshire,” Foucher said. “She was very happy her sister got to meet him even though she missed out.”

For now, their family is working their way through a Sandler movie marathon — and Lyla’s looking forward to the star’s next visit to her neighborhood. NH Speaking of local celebrities: Jodi Picoult, who calls the Upper Valley home, is part of a group of literary powerhouses trying to take back control of their content from artificial intelligence company OpenAI. Their complaint, as reported by “The New York Times,” alleges, “The success and profitability of OpenAI are predicated on mass copyright infringement without a word of permission from or a nickel of compensation to copyright owners.”

NH ELECTIONS 2024 New Hampshire Public Radio is your source for news and information related to local, state and national elections.

Our experienced team explores the issues that impact NH voters and shares the stories of how policy decisions affect everyday lives.

FOR ALL OUR TOOLS & REPORTING PROJECTS, VISIT NHPR.ORG/ELECTIONS2024

COURTESY PHOTOS

Sick of the seemingly endless stream of unattainable, perfectly manicured homes flooding your social media timelines? So was Derry resident Stephanie Murphy, whose transparent “average middle-class house” tour on TikTok drew more than 600,000 views and the attention of “Good Morning America.” Murphy told the morning show, “I think it’s better for everyone’s mental health to see others in similar situations as them, so they know that they aren’t alone.”

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 29

603 INFORMER / WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Deacon Sam Hill’s Cupola STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARSHALL HUDSON

D

eacon Sam Hill has a sour look on his face in the old photo. Hill was born in 1808 and looks to be roughly 60 years old, which dates the picture to the early days of photography when smiling was not fashionable. Most people grimaced or tried to look serious while they waited the several minutes necessary to capture their likeness.

Or perhaps scowling Sam was unhappy about the upcoming nuptial of his daughter, Mary Eliza, to J.P. Kimball. A note written to Hill by his future son-in-law seeking consent for the marriage still survives. This written approach seems cowardly to me. If the future son-in-law lacked the courage to ask the stern deacon face-to-face, putting his plea in writing wouldn’t seem to help his cause.

I know little about Hill other than he was a blacksmith and a deacon in his local church. Sam Hill had the title “Deacon” engraved onto his headstone suggesting he was immensely proud of this elected office.

Old records indicate Hill was chosen as deacon in 1853 and served in that capacity until his death in 1882. The records also indicate that the ministry work was divided among the elders of the church with Deacon Sam Hill and Dr. Joseph Harper

30 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

officiating one quarter of the time and Elder Jeremiah Clough covering the remainder of the year. Deacon Hill helped raise funds for erecting a new church and paid $12.50 to purchase a pew in it.

Sam Hill owned a farm and kept a few animals but primarily made his living as a blacksmith. He wisely erected his blacksmith shop across the road from his house and barn, anticipating that if the fire in his forge ever got out of control, the road would provide a degree of separation between his house, barn and the burning blacksmith shop. Hill ran the blacksmith shop for several decades throughout the mid-1800s and then turned it over to his daughter and son-in-law along with the family farm.

Almost 175 years later, I’m now in the process of clearing the trees and building a house in the pine forest referred to in old deeds as, “Sam Hill’s blacksmith pasture.”

Judging by the age of the tall pines, Sam Hill’s blacksmith pasture ceased being a pasture a very long time ago. While clearing the pines, popping the stumps, and excavating the cellar hole, we found relics left behind from Hill’s enterprise. Charred black bricks, horse and oxen shoes, chain links, sleigh bells, square iron nails, odd

tools, and pointy farm implements were discovered beneath the tree roots and sod.

Deacon Hill’s discards provided a glimpse back in time and into his life in the mid1800s.

Sam Hill turned the property over to his daughter and son-in-law just prior to the Civil War and then assisted them with building a large barn that included a functioning cupola high atop the roof.

Atop the cupola was an iron weathervane featuring a galloping horse. This horse is now pockmarked with bullet holes as miscreant target shooters made it spin.

Functioning cupolas on old barns allowed moisture to escape and provided a flow of air into the hayloft, which helped dry the hay. Cupolas also allowed natural light to brighten the dark corners of the hayloft.

Today however, cupolas on barns or garages are usually non-functioning and serve only for aesthetics.

In a nod to Deacon Hill and his Civil War-era barn, I built a cupola atop my newly constructed garage. Using Sam Hill’s cupola as model, I constructed a scaleddown version for the garage. My cupola is non-functioning, meaning there is a useless cavity inside of it about the size of a dorm refrigerator. It struck me that this sealed

Mr. & Mrs. Hill; You are well aware that I have long visited your Daughter and I doubt not you are also aware of the object of those visits and I now wish to know if you are wiling (willing) that we be connected in marriage.

Yours respectfully, J. P. Kimball

unheated cupola. The owner of a local distillery told me this wouldn’t be a problem if the alcohol content was high enough, and then graciously provided a bottle of his 2023 maple bourbon whiskey for inclusion.

Finally, I wrote a letter to the future discoverer detailing some history of the property and recording some of the oral legends, interesting local trivia, and facts

not to be found in an online search. Before sealing the cupola, I added the old photo of Sam Hill and some of his horseshoes and sleighbells.

Someday a future owner will find this hidden treasure chest and likely spend a few minutes reflecting on the lives of the previous owners…and that should make even the sourpuss deacon, Sam Hill, smile. NH

The original weathervane horse atop Sam Hill’s cupola was riddled with bullet holes over the years.

void was an ideal spot for hiding a time capsule. The new steel roof is promised to last for 75 years, so perhaps my time capsule won’t be discovered until the roof needs replacing in 75 to 100 years. Now, what to put into a time capsule for some future owner to find a century from now?

Building permit paperwork, photos of the house in varying stages of construction, and business cards of the builder and subcontractors, seemed like good items to include. Daily newspapers, sealed in plastic, would educate the finder about the important events of the day. I also included laminated copies of the town newsletter, church bulletin and annual town report.

Because COVID has been a big part of life for the past couple of years, I threw in a bottle of hand sanitizer and a face mask.

Coins dated 2023 might be precious in 100 years so I added some spare change. As a land surveyor, I tucked in some no-longerused surveying implements. As a writer, I included several issues of New Hampshire Magazine. My New Hampshire driver’s license renewed recently, and the old one found its way into the capsule.

I play chess, so I added a chess board and pieces. In my earlier life I had a military career and had hung onto my worn-out combat boots, battle helmet, dog tags, stripes and unit patches. I don’t know why I saved these items but could never bring myself to throw them away, so I put them in the cupola.

Wine or whiskey is often more valuable and said to be better tasting after being aged for long periods of time. I thought a 2023 vintage might be a nice gift to someone finding this stash decades from now, but wondered if it would freeze or spoil in an

Marshall’s scaled-down replica of Sam Hill’s cupola contains a hidden secret time capsule within.

Hopefully sometime in the future, this collection of items in the capsule will be discovered by a future owner. nhmagazine.com | December 2023 31

603 INFORMER / POLITICS

Down for the Count The NH primary, like the local media that follows it, has lost its punch

F

ifteen years ago, I was almost giddy about the news of a fight inside the Strafford County jail. The pair trading words and blows were two people well known in the New Hampshire political circle at the time.

Gary Dodds violated bail conditions after he faked his own disappearance during a run for Congress. Leeland Eisenberg walked into Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign office in Rochester with a fake bomb strapped to his chest and held five staffers hostage and was serving three years.

The fight was about an argument over the role of county government.

Because, in the Granite State, well, of course THAT was the topic of the fight.

With that, I walked into the office of New Hampshire Magazine in the Manchester Millyard and pitched an idea to the editor at the time, Rick Broussard. What if we did a monthly column that explored the cultural, sociological and trends of New Hampshire politics as well as the characters?

He agreed to let me try one. Roughly 180 columns later, this one is my last. A new editor, with a new vision, deserves a chance for new voices. And so do you, the readers.

But I want to go back to the original premise of the column, because I am concerned the state is slowly losing something core to its identity.

The scene above simply wouldn’t happen anymore.

In 2023, the Democratic National Committee effectively killed the New Hampshire primary as we know it and might keep doing it for years to come. Sure, New Hampshire will technically be the first primary due to the state law, but President Joe Biden refuses to campaign or hire staff.

It’s not much better among Republicans.

While they are still on board with New Hampshire having the first primary, they nationalized the process by using national metrics for a person to get on a debate stage. Serious candidates only have maybe five staffers in the state. That’s a long way from the hundreds of staffers most major candidates would have at that point, enough to have a Rochester office and five staffers in Clinton’s case.

In other words, there is no Rochester presidential campaign office. And the sheer crazy numbers people raise for Congress these days nationally means there aren’t

quirky candidates like Dodds. They don’t even bother running. Even if they did, they wouldn’t generate press coverage since there is basically no local press anymore anyway.

The participatory, small-town nature of the State House is also gone. It used to be a point of pride that State House members listed their personal home or cellphone numbers on the state website. Now that it is an invitation to crazy people to bother them and they don’t. School boards used to be places for civic engagement, and now they are a place for national culture wars to play out, even if they have really nothing to do with the local community.

It has been an honor to explore all these issues with you for this long. I always knew I wanted to be a political journalist from the time I was a kid from a small town in the Midwest. For most like me, Washington was their dream destination. For me it was New Hampshire, because I found it to be the most interesting and consequential political culture in the country.

It still is to a degree, even if less so. I do hope it comes back. Until then, check out what your county government is up to. It might be something worth fighting over. NH

BY JAMES PINDELL / ILLUSTRATION BY PETER NOONAN 32 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Capitol Center for the Arts

Two amazing venues in the heart of Concord, New Hampshire

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nhmagazine.com | December 2023 33

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Shop Local, Shop Unique for the Holidays Looking for interesting, unusual, and artisan-made gifts this holiday season? A day or weekend trip to the heart of Massachusetts offers distinctive presents for everyone’s wish list.

From top: Famous chalkware Santas and holiday decor from Vaillancourt Folk Art; Holiday platters from Smith's Country Cheese; Handmade toys, small batch bath products, and unique gifts from The Hive 34 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Start at The Worcester Center for Crafts store with their beautiful ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, woven baskets and more from regional craftsmen.

While in the city, don’t miss O Shop’s gorgeous lingerie and sleepwear, or Sensory Station Toys’ engaging heirloom-quality toys for the little ones.

Bedlam Book Café offers not only new and rare books, but interesting literary-inspired gifts.

Crompton Collective features creative antiques and lovely handmade gifts. Stop in to the fabulous Worcester Public Market for lunch and browse the Irish imports at Erin Giftstore, libations from Canal District Wines, and Bri’s Sweet Treats.

On your way out of town, browse Vaillancourt Folk Art’s famous, locally-made chalkware Santas and holiday décor in Sutton.

Local attractions also have excellent specialty gift shops that are perfect for holiday shopping.

The Museum Shop at the Ecotarium has outer space and science-geared gifts. The Purple Peacock Gift Shop at Southwick’s Zoo has gifts for animal lovers. At the Ox & Yoke Mercantile at Old Sturbridge Village you’ll find upscale Village-made crafts that add farmhouse charm to modern homes. And New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill’s Gift Shop is carefully curated with gifts for nature enthusiasts of any age, from garden ornaments to wall art, and jewelry to tableware.

Next, head to North Central Massachusetts for everything you love about winter in New England.

As that brisk morning air whispers of holiday festivities, why not embark on a memorable Country Roads Holiday tour through charming local shops, where you’ll discover an array of treasures to check off your gift list. From the delectable farm-fresh cheeses at Smith’s Country Cheese to the luxuriously soft alpaca fiber products at Plain View Farm, the mouthwatering pastries at The Kitchen Garden, and the flavorpacked ciders straight from the orchard at Red Apple Farm—this journey offers something for every gifting occasion. The region’s hidden gems include Mill No. 3 Farmstand, showcasing unique

gifts, jewelry, accessories, and home décor, while Creative Connections Gift Shop & Gallery features an eclectic art gallery and a gift shop with artisan pottery, blown glass, jewelry, and more. Sage Home Collections offers enchanting florals, crystals, and gifts. Don’t miss the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center in Lancaster, where you can discover jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, fudge, chocolates, and sparkling cider from regional producers.

Drive southeast from Lancaster to explore MetroWest, starting with Hudson’s charming downtown boutiques like the CroseNest for tea, herbs, and botanical gifts, The Haberdash’s beautiful women’s apparel and accessories, Owen & Sage for sweet children’s wear and toys, or Vintage Anthropology’s collection of curated antiques and thoughtfully-chosen home goods. Mullahy’s offers not only gorgeous local artisan cheeses but also Goodnow Farms chocolate, winner of more International Chocolate Awards than any other maker in North America. Drive farther south, and you’ll come to the Natick Center Cultural District, with galleries and shops showing clothing to jewelry, art to décor, specialty foods to artisanal products.

Don’t miss The Hive, a new cooperative of local woman-owned brands with gifts for every occasion and recipient, plus H Brandt Jewelers for holiday sparkles, Five Crows gallery for handcrafted pottery, fiber arts, jewelry and more, or Uni-T for unique handmade t-shirts and gifts. Round out your trip wandering the Franklin Cultural District, with the lovely Little Shop of Olive Oils’ collection of small batch oils, vinegars, honey and condiments, Greco Design for unique home goods and gifts, fantastic games at Pete’s Nerd Emporium, books, toys, gifts, and original art from Escape Into Fiction, and Thru the Looking Glass for handmade gifts and framed artwork.

For more exceptional retailers, restaurants, and hotels to plan a shopping trip to central MA, visit TheHeartofMA.com.

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FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023 New Hampshire’s entrepreneurs and leading professionals bring experience, expertise and heart to their jobs and run organizations with a personal touch.

Meet these standout individuals who represent their companies and their fields, making New Hampshire a great place to live and do business face to face.

PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Photography is by Kendal J. Bush unless otherwise noted.

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACE of LOCAL HEALTH PLANS KATHRYN (KATE) SKOUTERIS HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTH CARE

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athryn (Kate) Skouteris is the Vice President of the New Hampshire market for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, a Point32Health company. Prior to joining Harvard Pilgrim, Kate worked as an attorney specializing in serving the needs of health care, insurance and financial industry clients. She also served in executive leadership roles at Southern New Hampshire Health System, most recently as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer. Having served in numerous local leadership roles throughout her career, Kate is devoted to New Hampshire and the physical and mental health of its communities. “We are committed to supporting our member’s whole-person health, which includes mental health. That’s why we are proud to introduce an integrated behavioral health support model to help improve access to mental health services and ensure every Harvard Pilgrim member gets the care they need, when they need it.”

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2023

The FACES of DENTAL IMPLANT EXPERTS NEW HAMPSHIRE ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

OFFICES IN NASHUA, MANCHESTER, CONCORD, DOVER, EXETER, SALEM AND NORTH CONWAY (603) 595-8889 ■ NHOMS.COM

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s the leading experts in dental implants and wisdom teeth in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Doctors Moavenian, Reich, Schonfield, Fahmy, Bean, Dyrkacz, Courtney, Ahson, Keyser and Kim are committed to providing safe and compassionate care to our patients. Our early adoption of 3D digital imaging and computer aided planning software allows us to reduce the number of appointments and treatment time needed for dental implants. We can often place dental implants at the time a non-savable tooth is removed. We pride ourselves on availability and are always happy to accept new patients. Oral surgery problems are often urgent, and we go the extra mile to accommodate emergencies. We are also certified to provide your choice of local or general anesthesia. The doctors of NHOMS are Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and on staff at hospitals in Nashua, Manchester, Exeter and Beverly, Massachusetts.

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACE of INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MARK A. WRIGHT MCLANE MIDDLETON

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cLane Middleton is one of New England’s premier law firms for helping businesses manage and execute their intellectual property strategies. Led by Mark Wright, the firm’s Intellectual Property Group boasts extensive experience on intellectual property development, protection, licensing and litigation. The group’s services include trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. Attorney Wright has over 30 years of experience counseling clients and helping them to protect their IP rights in the United States and abroad. He is admitted to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and is ranked by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Mark can be reached at mark.wright@mclane.com.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ■ MCLANE.COM

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

ERICKA MCCARRON, RN ABOUT FACE MEDICAL AESTHETICS 64 PORTSMOUTH AVE., STRATHAM MYABOUTFACE.COM

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bout Face Medical Aesthetics emerged as the premier luxury medical aesthetic practice for New Hampshire in 2011. Since that time, owner Ericka McCarron, RN has solidified her position as a recognized and respected leader in the field of medical aesthetics. Utilizing the latest non-surgical techniques and aesthetic technologies, About Face offers an expansive portfolio of safe, innovative aesthetic services including facial rejuvenation, fat reduction, body contouring, anti-aging skin renewal and hair restoration. Ericka and her dedicated team of talented, highly trained clinicians and staff all share her philosophy of gently enhancing one’s unique features to reveal innate beauty. This is accomplished using minimally invasive treatments that revitalize appearance and restore radiant glow.

The cornerstone values of About Face include the ability to consistently deliver its patients an elevated aesthetic experience, while providing treatment in a discreet, safe clinical environment. Ericka is a co-founding member of AMPNH, The Aesthetic Medical Providers of NH, a non-profit organization comprised of multidisciplinary providers. She and AMPNH members are dedicated to supporting fellow providers, educating the public and assisting lawmakers to shape the highest standard of care within the industry, ensuring patient safety throughout New Hampshire.

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The FACE of CONCIERGE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACE of CARING SUE MOONEY, MD, MS, PRESIDENT AND CEO DARTMOUTH HEALTH’S ALICE PECK DAY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

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atients feel well cared for.” That’s how Sue Mooney, MD, President and CEO of Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon NH, describes the feeling patients, families and staff experience when they walk through the doors of the hospital. “We nurture that feeling,” says Sue. “We are proud that when you come to APD, you are coming to a thriving community hospital that has a reputation for providing high quality services in a caring way.”

In her current role Sue has much to be proud of regarding APD’s reputation as an outstanding community hospital and member of Dartmouth Health. But there are two areas that stand out for her when she reflects on the positive impact she’s had during her tenure.

First, is her work in quality improvement. Quality patient care is Sue’s passion which, layered on top of her clinical and administrative training, gives her the skills necessary to focus on data, and how to improve continuously.

Creating an organizational culture that supports high functioning clinical teams that always strive to meet the highest standards possible is the number one imperative for Sue. Creating an environment that embraces diversity, where everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, feels seen, heard, respected and included is her other passion. “Attracting providers and staff who feel as though they belong at APD and at Dartmouth Health has a direct bearing on our ability to attract and retain a high quality workforce,” she added, “We can’t care for patients if we don’t care for our people.”

Sue’s leadership around what is needed to address the challenges confronting healthcare has been a gamechanger. Her credo is simple: “be clear about mission, vision and values, hire the best people and let them do what they need to do. We have empowered them to be the best; and they are.”

ALICEPECKDAY.ORG ■ (603) 448-3121

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

PROMOTION

JAKE AND TERRYANN BOWEN MANCHESTER FIRING LINE

2540 BROWN AVE., MANCHESTER ■ GUNSNH.COM

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his is the seventh consecutive year that Manchester Firing Line has been named the Face of Firearm Safety and Education. It’s far more than just a place to shoot — it’s a welcoming family business filled with friendly faces on a mission to educate and raise awareness of firearms and the responsibility that comes with ownership. This veteran-owned company run by husband-and-wife team, Jake and TerryAnn Bowen, offers an impressive array of events, services and a gun store. From youth and beginner classes to advanced instruction for the most seasoned professionals, educators and personal instructors offer you confidence and knowledge — on and off the range. It is a place to go for date night, parties, team-building outings, marriage proposals and more. It continues to grow, and now offers walk-in firearm engraving. You’ll be in good hands with a staff comprised of prior law enforcement, military and NRA-certified professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this multiple award-winning, state-of-the-art range has something for you.

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The FACES of FIREARM SAFETY & EDUCATION

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

PROMOTION

The FACE of COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE DENTISTRY BRYAN HOERTDOERFER, D.D.S. HOERTDOERFER DENTISTRY 4 ELLIOT WAY, SUITE 306, MANCHESTER BRUINSDENTIST.COM

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’m in the business of creating vibrant and beautiful smiles,” says Dr. Bryan Hoertdoerfer. “My patients want to look their best, and I have the privilege of providing cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry that restores teeth and boosts confidence.”

Hoertdoerfer Dentistry provides family-friendly dental care to the greater Manchester, New Hampshire area. Along with his experienced dental team, Dr. Hoertdoerfer and his staff proudly offer same-day, precision-based Cerec crowns, ZOOM whitening, veneers, bridges, partials, dentures, fillings and general hygiene care. Each visit includes the use of state-of-the-art technology and adherence to the strictest safety protocols to best serve the needs of their patients.

For sports fans, knowing that Dr. Hoertdoerfer has served as the cosmetic and reconstructive dentist to the Boston Bruins, and continues to create custom-fitted mouth guards for several Bruins and other NHL players gives you one more thing to smile about!

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

Top row left to right: Matt Benson (Chair), Emily Penaskovic, Bill O’Sullivan, Andrea Chatfield Bottom row left to right: Jonathan Whitcomb, Doug Verge, Kaitlin Murphy Not pictured: Jim Cook

The FACES of STARTUPS SHEEHAN PHINNEY

1000 ELM ST., MANCHESTER ■ OFFICES IN BOSTON, PORTSMOUTH, CONCORD AND UPPER VALLEY ■ SHEEHAN.COM

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heehan Phinney Law Firm recently launched BOOST for Startups. This innovative program includes a team of attorneys dedicated to helping startups BOOST their company to the next level. The diverse team brings decades of experience, networking connections and exposure to the local investment and tech community.

BOOST also focuses on the critical steps and guidance that startups must address early on including: entity formation/organization, equity compensation, capital raising, intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks), contracts and licensing agreements. The BOOST team understands that many startups’ resources can be constrained.

For this reason, BOOST offers fixed fee packages and flexible billing arrangements for access to critical legal documents for startups. The overall innovative climate in New Hampshire is exciting; Sheehan Phinney is thrilled to offer BOOST services to further support the local startup community. Learn more: www.sheehan.com/BOOST

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of TITLE PROFESSIONALS ROSELYN J. LANGIANESE SUMMIT TITLE

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ummit Title, under the direction of Roselyn Langianese, has been providing residential and commercial title, escrow, and real estate closing services in NH, MA, and Southern ME for 14 years. Roselyn’s vision and perseverance in the ever-changing industry has been the key to the company’s success. Summit Title is committed to providing superior service with personalized one-on-one attention to offer a smooth closing for our business partners, buyers, and sellers. The heart of our business relies on the commitment of our dedicated team. Shannon Kennedy and the Business Development division are devoted to building successful relationships and creating a professional, pleasant closing experience with customer satisfaction being a top priority. Cheryl, Megan and the Operations team work tirelessly behind the scenes to integrate cutting edge technology and tools to offer streamlined processes and increased information protection. With a reputation for integrity, quality, professionalism, and exceptional customer service, we are proud to be “Your Closing Resource.”

120 BEDFORD CENTER ROAD, BEDFORD ■ (603) 644-4747 ■ STSCORP.COM

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of EMERGENCY CARE ELLIOT HEALTH SYSTEM

ELLIOT HOSPITAL, 1 ELLIOT WAY, MANCHESTER ■ (603) 669-5300 ■ GO.ELLIOTHOSPITAL.ORG/ER

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hen there’s no time for doubt, you can count on Elliot Hospital’s Emergency Department, the region’s only Level II Trauma Center and Pediatric Emergency Department. Boasting the latest technology and toptier infection control, state-of-the-art equipment, as well as enhanced privacy in a newly renovated and expanded facility, we provide the highest level of care. Our dedicated team of emergency board-certified physicians, advanced practice providers, and trauma and critical care specialists stand ready to deliver innovative, life-saving care every day, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Matthew Dayno, MD, FACEP, Section Chief and Medical Director, Elliot Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine, says, “The Elliot provides the highest level of care and responsiveness possible to our patients. We continue to harness innovation and technology to improve the quality of care and patient experience.” Your health is our priority at Elliot Hospital. Learn more at go.elliothospital.org/er.

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of ORTHOPEDICS SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE HEALTH

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t Foundation Orthopedics, our team is here to help you move without pain and achieve your goals.

Our dedicated orthopedic experts provide a comprehensive range of individually tailored surgical and nonsurgical treatments for orthopedic-related injuries and conditions affecting the ankle, elbow, foot, hand, hip, knee, shoulder and wrist, including fractures and major trauma. As highly trained surgeons, our team offers leading solutions, including robotic-assisted surgeries using Stryker’s Mako Robotic Surgical System, making your journey to recovery as painless and efficient as possible. For those who qualify, our outpatient joint replacement program allows you to return home the same day of your surgery. From athletes to seniors, we’re dedicated to improving your quality of life and providing specialized care for bones, joints and muscles. When you choose Foundation Orthopedics, you choose personalized care that gets you back to the life you want to live.

17 PROSPECT STREET, SUITE 203, NASHUA ■ (603) 577-2663 ■ SNHHEALTH.ORG/FOUNDATIONORTHOPEDICS

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of M&T Bank M&T BANK

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ■ MTB.COM

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roviding over 120 years of financial service to New Hampshire. Our business may have a new name, but our commitment to our customers and our community remains unchanged. This is not just where we do business, this is where our over 190 employees have chosen to work, live and raise their families. We strive to make a difference in people’s lives. Our team is driven to help, encourage and enable our customers and communities to thrive. Founded in 1856, we care deeply about those we serve and we pride ourselves on giving back to our communities. We support local organizations by volunteering our time and reinvesting in our community. We are invested in driving change by adapting to the needs of our neighbors, finding new solutions for lending, offering Multicultural Banking and sharing the Research & Insights we learn along the way. We empower our people. We encourage diversity, equity and inclusion with our suppliers and our employees. We are always looking for people to grow their careers and future with M&T.

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

PROMOTION • PHOTO BY MATTHEW LOMANO

The FACES of ORTHODONTICS DR. WILLIAM MEHAN & DR. PAUL JOHNSON III MEHAN AND JOHNSON ORTHODONTIC

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he office of Mehan and Johnson Orthodontics has been serving the greater Manchester community since 1977. Dr. Paul Johnson III joined Dr. Mehan in practice in April 2013, bringing with him a drive for excellence, beautiful smiles and happy patients.

Known for his affable, down-to-earth southern nature and gentle care, Dr. Johnson’s “greatest pride is becoming part of a great family in and out of the office by serving wonderful patients, friends and colleagues in the Greater Manchester community.” He has built a reputation for kind, gentle care, and taking his time to obtain optimal treatment outcomes and beautiful smiles that his patients deserve.

Dr. Johnson has served as president of the Greater Manchester Dental Society and president of the New Hampshire Association of Orthodontists. Initial consultations are always complimentary, and Dr. Johnson will give patients the opportunity to meet the team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out which treatment options will best meet your needs.

113 MAMMOTH RD., MANCHESTER ■ NHORTHODONTICS.COM

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACE of FINANCIAL PLANNING CHRISTOPHER B. AYER PALLAS CAPITAL ADVISORS

36 MAPLEWOOD AVE., PORTSMOUTH ■ (603) 292-3699 ■ PALLASCAPITALADVISORS.COM

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hristopher is a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at Pallas Capital Advisors, bringing with him two decades of industry experience as a financial advisor in the Portsmouth area. Christopher works with closely held business owners, corporate C Suite Executives and high net worth families. He leverages a full family office model by working directly with clients’ attorneys and CPAs on their behalf for a seamless client experience. Prior to Pallas Capital Advisors, Christopher was a Financial Advisor and Managing Director at Ameriprise Financial Services where he established his business focusing on tax, estate and generational wealth planning for a select group of about 50 clients. He has also held similar roles at UBS Financial Services and Smith Barney. Christopher did his graduate work at Dartmouth College and went to Gordon College for an undergraduate degree in Political Science. Christopher has his insurance licenses and holds his Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65 and 31 registrations in numerous states around the country. Christopher is an appointed member of the New Hampshire Estate Planning Council since 2015 and is on the Board of Trustees at Old York Historical Society. In his free time, Christopher enjoys boating, skiing and spending time with his family. He is active in local and national politics. Chris lives in York, Maine with his wife and children.

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACE of GENERAL CONTRACTING R. S. AUDLEY INC.

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ew Hampshire is home, in part, to the first highway in colonial America. U.S. Route 1 was originally constructed for the exchange of goods and delivery of mail. New Hampshire has always been reliant on a strong civil infrastructure to effectively move goods and services to assist in the promotion and development of our economy. Since our founding in 1955, R.S. Audley has sought to construct impactful projects throughout New Hampshire with the highest level of expertise and pride for that reason. From highways and bridges to subdivisions and industrial sites, some of New Hampshire’s most critical infrastructure has been constructed in part by the Audley team. Tackling a multitude of different and unique challenges requiring a wide variety of skills, our greatest asset is our talented staff of professional operators, craftsmen, drivers, foremen, administrators and engineers. Our entire team is proud to construct the infrastructure of New Hampshire.

1113 ROUTE 3A, BOW ■ (603) 224-7724 ■ AUDLEYCONSTRUCTION.COM

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of WEIGHT LOSS CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTER

CMC NEW ENGLAND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE DARTMOUTH COMMONS, 769 SOUTH MAIN STREET, MANCHESTER ■ (603) 663-7377 CATHOLICMEDICALCENTER.ORG/START

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iscover your path to a healthier life with CMC’s New England Weight Management Institute, a nationally accredited program and trusted partner in weight loss journeys spanning over two decades. Our comprehensive approach offers advanced surgical and medical weight loss options supported by a dedicated team of surgeons, medical weight loss physicians, advanced practice providers, registered dietitians, behavioral health specialists and on-site exercise physiologists, with a proven track record of over 3,700 weight loss surgeries. Additionally, we’re excited to be growing our team by welcoming an experienced surgeon who will be joining us in winter 2024. “Obesity is a chronic disease that significantly impacts every facet of a person’s health and can be treated with the guidance of a dedicated weight loss center,” says Dr. Andrew Wu, Chief of General and Bariatric Surgery. “The preparation for medical and surgical weight loss surgery requires a comprehensive approach, ensuring that patients are prepared both physically and mentally, to undergo proper medical treatment and/or safe surgery.” Take the first step towards a healthier you — register for a free online info session today at CatholicMedicalCenter.org/start or call (603) 663-7377.

Your weight loss journey begins with us.

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of WATER TREATMENT SECONDWIND WATER SYSTEMS, INC.

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econdwind Water Systems Inc. has been the region’s go-to full-service water treatment company for more than 30 years. They invest significant time and energy into researching water contaminants found in New Hampshire wells in order to apply the very best treatment applications. The team has advanced training and certifications from the Water Quality Association and an extraordinarily high commitment to education, integrity and customer service. There’s a reason why they consistently receive 5-Star Reviews and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They do the work until your water is the best it can be — safe, clean, clear and odor free. Residential and commercial solutions for drinking water, recycling water and more, with exceptional experience in treating PFAS, arsenic, radon, bacteria and more.

735 EAST INDUSTRIAL PARK DR., MANCHESTER ■ (603) 641-5767 ■ SECONDWINDWATER.COM

FACES of

NEW HAMPSHIRE

2023

The FACES of NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESSES UPTON AND HATFIELD

CONCORD ■ PETERBOROUGH ■ PORTSMOUTH (603) 224-7791 ■ UPTONHATFIELD.COM

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he team at Upton & Hatfield has decades of experience counseling small- and medium-sized New Hampshire businesses in all matters from formation to growth to sale. We also have highly specialized experience representing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in matters involving formation, governance, and operations and during times of change. Members of our team have held leadership roles on nonprofit boards, run nonprofit organizations and small businesses, and have served in other executive roles.

Our experience is broad, varied, and practical. Our counsel is fully nuanced to the needs of New Hampshire’s business and nonprofit community.

Did you know that Flag Hill Whiskey Bottles fit into approximately 67% of all Christmas stockings?

Pick your color today at NH Liquor Outlets or the Flag Hill Tasting Room & Store

flaghill.com

DISCLAIMER: We did no research to confirm this claim. It is a joke.

Pretty in Pink Knitted pink plaid tweed coat by Maeve ($42) from Wear House, layered over the Avery Burnout top by French Connection ($118), chunky blue stone and gold ring statement ring ($68) and emerald colored stone & gold drip earrings ($78), all from Evie. Pink cotton velvet Wendy pant by CP Shades ($286), from Bliss, with Sherbert platform heels by Circus NY ($42), from Wear House.

56 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Turn on the Heat with Chill Winter Chic New Hampshire fashion tends to hibernate in fleece and flannel when the temperatures drop and the snow flies, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Pulling from the storied elegance woven throughout the state, and reflected in the timeless style of Strawbery Banke, winter fashion can actually be filled with an air of sleek sophistication and a side of chic flair. Here’s proof.

STORY, STYLING, HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CHLOE BARCELOU PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENN BAKOS / MODELED BY OLIVIA BARCELOU

Bold & Bright Start off strong with the warm and soft Dutton skirt in Fuchsia ($187) by Krista Larson paired with the colorful waves crochet sweater by Farm ($295) from Evie. Add the malachite chain belt ($100) from Bliss and the chunky knitted beanie with tie dye Pom-Pom ($18) with the chunky blue suede boot with furry ankle by Montelliana ($98), both from Wear House, to tie it all together. And we can’t forget the electric blue leather “Fran Fran” bag by Clare V ($345) from Bliss.

58 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

New Girl on the Block The Smith jacket plaid hunter coat by the Great ($495) layered over the Yulia dress in Redford plaid by Trovata Birds of Paradise ($368), which is layered yet again over the Vita Floral Henley by Sundry ($72), all from Bliss. Paired with the Dutton Skirt in Peanut Peony and the Peanut Palazzo pant in black/white stripe ($167), both

by Krista Larson. Show them you mean business by adding the vintage one-of-a-kind denim patch and pin robo hat ($42) and the tan harness belt by Free People ($42), both from Wear House.

Keep your goodies safe and warm in the Hoa patchwork padded pouch from Evie ($72).

Snowflake in Pattern Hip 1960s white glitter icing mini dress ($84) paired with a 1960s vintage Alfred Weber black and white geometric jacket ($290) and a vintage Karen design hat ($42), all from Cotillion Bureau. Slip on some modern-day Mary-Jane flats for a rock ’n’ roll twist by Dolce Vita (Arora Ballet Flats $120) from Evie to complete the look.

Spanish Mary Stunning vampy vintage red silk slip dress by Natori for Saks 5th Ave ($84) under the spring runway 2005 Gucci sheer 1920s inspired blouse ($295) and the red wooden painted fan ($36), all from the Cotillion Bureau. Layer the black felted motorcycle jacket by L’Agence ($186) and the white western bejeweled boots by BCBG ($42), both from Wear House for an unexpected twist.

60 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Sporty Red & Gold Lamé Party Look Vintage 1980s red and gold V-neck dress lamé dress ($275) from Cotillion Bureau, paired with the softest cashmere multicolored patchwork striped scarf by Kerri Rosenthal ($98), and finally, add the sleek bronze bootie by Stuart Wiseman ($92) for a modern touch and knitted striped fingerless cuffs by Veronica Beard ($72), all from Wear House. Tortoise shell chain earrings ($95) from Bliss take the look to another level.

Victorian Morning Deep blue velvet “Dree” jacket by CP Shades ($282), Bliss, layered over the Long Underpinning Slip in black ($173), the Pretty Dress in black/lead stripe ($279) and the ruched Ingalls scarf ($281), all by Krista Larson. Cinch it together with a vintage purple velvet bow belt ($38) from the Cotillion Bureau. And when you need to run out, slip on the Black Claire Venetian leather slippers by Frye ($198) from Bliss.

62 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

American Girl Vintage floral stripe twill pants by Emerson Fry ($168), Evie paired with the flouncy and flirty Mushroom blouse

by Farm ($165) from Evie and the Penny Coat in Fushia ($250) by Krista Larson.

Add the Gallito Shearling slipper by Beek ($300) from Bliss for style and comfort and top it off with the 1980s vintage leather patch belt with red leaves ($44) from Cotillion Bureau.

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 63

Shopping in Vintage Inara soft and chunky Cardigan in light caramel by Demylee ($426), layered over the Allover lips Phoebe blouse by Clare V ($245).

Add The Seafare Jean in Rodeo Wash by the Great ($295), all from Bliss. Keep it comfy with the shearling slipper with leather tassels by Ulla Johnson ($236), the Cashmere pink love beanie by Kerri Rosenthal ($72), and a creamy crochet Mami clutch with wooden handles ($36), all from Wear House. Slippers by Frye ($198) from Bliss.

64 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Winter Rose Vintage 1970s black sequin Victorian Disco peplum blouse ($88) with Victorian beaded rose purse ($46) and metal rosebud earrings ($14), all from Cotillion Bureau, paired with a Fuchsia Cosmo skirt by Krista Larson ($196) and Black Billy pull on cowboy boot

by Frye from Bliss ($378) for a colorful and romantic winter style.

Find it. Buy it. Wear it.

A special thanks to Strawbery Banke Museum for the location of all the photos in this story, along with the shops that provided clothing and accessories that made our winter fashion feature happen.

Strawbery Banke Museum 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth / (603) 433-1100 / strawberybanke.org

Krista Larson Designs 410 Middle Road, Brentwood / (603) 642-5077 / kristalarson.com

Bliss Boutiques 85 Market St., Portsmouth / (603) 431-8285 / blissboutiques.com

Wear House 101 Market St., Portsmouth / (603) 373-8465 / wearhouseportsmouth.com

Evie 74 Congress St., Portsmouth / (603) 373-8635 / evieportsmouth.com

Cotillion Bureau 65 Bow St., Portsmouth / (603) 319-6680 / cotillionbureau.com nhmagazine.com | December 2023 65

PHOTO BY ALLEGRA BOVERMAN

The Nashua Center for the Arts in downtown Nashua opened to the public in April with a ribbon cutting and tours of the building for donors and special guests and a performance with many local performers on hand. Ruby Shabazz, left, and Fee the Evolutionist, both of Nashua, along with John Henry, of Northwood (not shown) on video, were performing during the show.

66 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

New entertainment venues bring variety, competition to the Granite State’s live arts scene B Y E M I LY R E I LY

There's something to be said for having a healthy ❛❛ music scene throughout the entire state, so I don't view any of it as competition. ❜❜ — Sal Prizio, Capitol Center for the Arts

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 67

Griffin Starr works a little mixology magic while chatting with a customer.

Left: Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth held multiple concerts with Herbie Hancock and his band, with a full house each time. The space is airy and atmospheric.

PHOTOS BY ALLEGRA BOVERMAN

Below: Herbie Hancock with bandmates Lionel Loueke on guitar and Terence Blanchard on trumpet.

68 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

URING AN ENCORE performance at Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club in Portsmouth on a recent rainy evening, The Blind Boys of Alabama ripped through a funky, blues-drenched cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.” Audience members clapped along, some raising their hands in a welcoming gesture, soaking up the positivity and energy exuded by the five-man powerhouse band.

The Blind Boys, a gospel act that’s been going strong for generations, reimagined Wonder’s song — which touches on themes of rebirth and reincarnation — to create a soulful, electrified celebration.

Jimmy’s is one of several new, smallersized venues across the state. Longstanding New Hampshire clubs like The Music Hall in Portsmouth, Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, The Flying Monkey in Plymouth, and others are facing some friendly competition from clubs like The Rex Theatre in Manchester, the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in Concord, the Nashua Center for the Arts and the Colonial Theatre of Laconia.

Capitol Center for the Arts Executive Director Sal Prizio, who leads the CCA staff and is in charge of programming and outreach for the Bank of New Hampshire Stage, isn’t worried about the new options for entertainment lovers.

“There's something to be said for having a healthy music scene throughout the entire state, so I don't view any of it as competition,” Prizio says. “I think it's nice to have more grains of sand in the sandbox for all of us to play in.”

These venues, some with in-house dining options, some housed in lovingly refinished historic buildings, are infusing glitz and glamour into New Hampshire’s live arts scene.

Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club, a renovated 1905-era multi-story site at the former YMCA building, has stained glass windows and a 22-foot ceiling. When renovation began in 2018, developer Mike Labrie called the site “a treasure that needed to be saved.” nhmagazine.com | December 2023 69

Along with acts such as Murder Mystery Dinner performances and a slew of tribute bands, the Bank of New Hampshire Stage had Tom Rush back for a return visit and the multicultural rockers deSol on a recent performance.

PHOTO COURTESY SPECTACLE LIVE

The Colonial Theatre in Laconia has been attracting local performers, ranging from Jimmy Dunn's Comedy All-Stars, the Lake Region Symphony Orchestra and Safe Haven Ballet, to national acts like Chris Issak, Amy Grant and Colin Hay.

Meanwhile, the Nashua Center for the Arts, which opened in April, sports a modern design and can seat up to 750 people. Extra seating can be expanded to fit about 1,000.

The Rex in Manchester, part of the Palace Theatre family, is a flexible 300-seat venue.

The venue was born as a printing press, then became a movie theater and, later, a series of nightclubs. In 2016, the Palace Theatre Trust partnered with the Manchester Development Corporation to reinvigorate the site.

The Rex opened in October 2019, on the eve of COVID. Now back in full force, The Rex hosts comedy acts and rock bands.

After a multi-year renovation, the Colonial Theatre in Laconia reopened in 2021 and seats 761. The Colonial has 70 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

hosted local and national musicians like Lori McKenna, Brandy Clark and Amy Grant; comedy acts like local success story Jimmy Dunn; holiday performances and tribute acts.

To book artists, the Colonial works with Spectacle Live, a booking and management organization based in Massachusetts that also manages the Nashua Center for the Arts and several venues in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Bank of New Hampshire Stage underwent its own revamping, reopening in fall 2021. A cozy 296-person facility, the venue has hosted acts like Tom Rush, Cozy Throne, Adam Ezra, Long Autumn, Muddy Ruckus and April Cushman.

These new venues also bring a broader

diversity of acts to the state, and flexibility for those who love live entertainment. For example, if you can’t see your favorite act in December at The Rex, then maybe you’ll catch them in March at the Colonial in Laconia.

So many places to play

These additional opportunities also pose questions for local artists, like comedian Juston McKinney, who has performed at the Portsmouth Music Hall, Rochester Opera House, and the Capitol Center for the Arts, among other venues.

McKinney, who lives in Newmarket, has to strategize when booking shows due to “radius clauses” — noncompete agreements enacted by clubs that effectively pre-

PHOTO COURTESY DESOL

vents an artist from performing at another site within a specific radius and time frame.

This raises the possibility that the performer may lose revenue or exposure, the comedian says.

“I don't want to hurt myself either. And I don't want to hurt ticket sales at one venue,” McKinney says.

So he’ll space out his appearances to maximize impact.

“They got to be a certain distance away.

The Capital Center I do in March, and the Palace I do in October. That way, I'm splitting the year with those two venues because they're not that far from each other,” McKinney says.

Regardless, McKinney likes that venue owners are raising the bar. He’s looking

forward to his debut performance at the Nashua Center for the Arts this December.

“If you're an artist that wasn't working in that market, and a new venue comes in, it's a benefit. But if you're an artist that's already working at a venue and another venue comes in, it's just more competition,” McKinney says.

John McArthur is co-founder of NH Music Collective, a Gilford booking agency that works with local artists to book shows at breweries, wineries and other intimate club venues. But he also works with local performers to see who might be a good fit to open for more recognized acts.

New Hampshire is a great environment for up-and-coming local artists hunting for an available stage, he says.

❛❛

New Hampshire is really easy to work in.

It's great. There's lots of work for artists. We've got some performers that are working six days a week.

— John McArthur, NH Music Collective

❜❜ nhmagazine.com | December 2023 71

The Palace Theatre's 300-seat venue, The Rex, attracts acts like the New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra, Friday Night Comedy Series, live music tribute bands and charity events.

PHOTO BY JOHN W. HESSION

“New Hampshire is really easy to work in.

It's great,” McArthur says. “There's lots of work for artists. We've got some performers that are working six days a week.”

McArthur says while some artists, like local April Cushman, sometimes find additional opportunities in larger markets like Nashville, they’ll still call New Hampshire home.

“We have so many artists that go down to Nashville for some record industry networking or songwriter networking opportunities, but they come up here to make a living,” McArthur says.

The Music Collective supported more than 1,300 events last year and expects to exceed that number this year.

“The ones who want this as a career, we try to give them as much work as we possibly can, while making sure that we match the style of music and the type of performer that

PHOTO BY JERRY LOFARO, COURTESY TUPELO MUSIC HALL

Tupelo Music Hall's 700-seat venue attracts star-powered performers like Toto (shown here).

Other big names that have graced the Tupelo stage include The Fixx, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Lita Ford, LeAnn Rimes, Peter Frampton, Ann Wilson, 10,000 Maniacs and Buddy Guy.

72 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

they are, with what the venue is looking for,” McArthur says.

Prizio says The Bank of New Hampshire Stage is still carving out its niche and hopes to tweak the venue’s fame as a “name-driven” club.

“We had (spoken-word artist) Henry Rollins in that space, and it sold out, no problem. Other nights, you might have 50 some-odd people in the room,” Prizio says. He remains confident he’ll find his audience.

“But that's incumbent upon us to continue to build that brand, so that people can trust and rely on the quality of programming we put in there, so that they can just take a chance on a random thing they don't know yet,” Prizio says.

Prizio can see the issue from both sides.

While with a power-pop band in the early 2000s, Prizio toured small, yet prestigious Boston clubs like the Middle East, TT The Bears Place and The Rat. Back then, Prizio did all the band’s booking and remembers “a lot of rejection.”

“I'd call every club until one gave us a Tuesday night to go play for beer and tips,” Prizio remembers.

Tupelo Music Hall owner Scott Hayward says Tupelo focuses on hosting more national acts in an intimate space.

“Artists like Toto, Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, Peter Frampton, Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett and others typically don’t play venues under 700 seats,” Hayward says. “The intimacy that is achieved by them playing to a smaller audience can be really memorable.”

He explains that the existence of new venues can be a “double-edged sword.” While it can present New Hampshire as a viable place to play, that doesn’t always mean diverse bands are making it here.

“The new PAC’s (performing arts centers) are simply competing for the same shows that were already going to the state,” he says.

Hayward gave the example of a new movie theater opening near another one; if one shows offbeat films for a niche audience, everyone wins.

“There isn’t a benefit if both theaters are playing the same movies. There is a benefit, however, if one of the theaters specializes in first-run indie films,” Hayward says.

While venues aim to avoid “doubling up” when booking acts, Hayward says the artists’ agents are in control of the booking.

“Venues don’t really coordinate with each other regarding bookings, although they

should. It’s the agent’s job to make sure contractual distances are maintained to avoid overplaying an artist in an area,” Hayward says.

Prizio says venues just need to communicate with one another to coordinate booking.

“I think you have to keep the lines of communication open with all of your fellow club owners or talent buyers in the area. It's just a matter of making sure that we don't step on each other’s toes,” Prizio says.

He says good communication is simply a “a common courtesy” and a best practice when coexisting with other club owners and booking agents.

“We’ll talk to places like the Music Hall in Portsmouth. We’ll talk to Tupelo Music Hall.

We'll talk to our friends. I'll even talk to the folks over at Spectacle Live for their venues down in Nashua and up in Laconia, as well. I have a good relationship with Peter down at the Palace in Manchester who has his venue, the Rex, which is the exact same size as ours.

So we coexist. It works fine.”

Regardless, everyone has their own business to consider.

“Some of it is professional courtesy. And some of it is strategic, and some of it is, ‘all right, how do you, as a venue, carve out your own niche within all this?’ ” Prizio points to the Word Barn in Exeter, an intimate venue that hosts bands, speaking events and workshops.

“They have such a distinct, unique identity there that none of the rest of us have.

That's one of the important things, I think, is to create that forward-facing, unique identity,” Prizio says.

With a lifetime of entertaining crowds under his belt, Tom Rush says connecting with his audience is paramount.

“The audience doesn’t want perfection, they want connection. They want to feel they understand what you’re singing about.”

Rush, a Portsmouth native who first came to national prominence during the ‘60s folk scene, missed that connection. To continue playing during the pandemic, Rush began offering private, outdoor shows, a practice he continues today.

“It was hard to get people to come out to a concert. We got to get them back in the habit,” he says.

Rush is confident things are on the upswing.

“The trend seems to be getting better and better.” NH

Find It Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club

135 Congress St., Portsmouth (888) 603-5299 / jimmysoncongress.com

Nashua Center for the Arts

201 Main St., Nashua / (800) 657-8774 nashuacenterforthearts.com

The Rex

23 Amherst St., Manchester (603) 668-5588 palacetheatre.org/venues/rex-theatre

Colonial Theatre

609 Main St., Laconia (800) 657-8774 / coloniallaconia.com

The Bank of New Hampshire Stage

16 S Main St., Concord (603) 225-1111 / ccanh.com/bank-nh-stage

Portsmouth Music Hall

28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth (603) 436-2400 / themusichall.org

The Capital Center

44 South Main St., Concord (603) 225-1111 / ccanh.com

Tupelo Music Hall

10 A St., Derry (603) 437-5100 / tupelomusichall.com

OTHER VENUES TO CHECK OUT: Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford (603) 293-4700 / banknhpavilion.com

The Word Barn

66 Newfields Road, Exeter (603) 244-0202 / thewordbarn.com

The Music Hall Lounge

131 Congress St., Portsmouth (603) 436-2400 / themusichall.org

The Casino Ballroom

169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton (603) 929-4100 / casinoballroom.com

Nova Arts

48 Emerald St, Keene / novaarts.org

Flying Goose Brew Pub

40 Andover Road, New London (603) 526-6899 / flyinggoose.com

The Shaskeen Pub

909 Elm St., Manchester (603) 625-0246 / shaskeenirishpub.com

The Flying Monkey

39 Main St., Plymouth (603) 536-2551 / flyingmonkeynh.com

The Stone Church Music Club

5 Granite St., Newmarket (603) 659-7700 / stonechurchrocks.com

The Press Room

77 Daniel St., Portsmouth (603) 431-5186 / pressroomnh.com

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 73

2023

Delight family and friends with gifts from local shops, artists and attractions Compiled by Emily Heidt

74 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

’tis the season

Our curated selection of New Hampshire shops and gift ideas for (almost) everyone on your list

For the tea and coffee enthusiast Even during the holidays (perhaps more than ever), morning caffeine is a must. Whether they prefer seasonal drinks, like pumpkin spice lattes and peppermint mochas, stick to strictly black coffee all year, or go for less-caffeinated teas, there are a plethora of options.

New Hampshire Coffee Roasting Co. in Dover

Terra Nova Organic Coffee Roasters in Keene Travel the world with a single cup of joe with a mixture of beans from Indonesia, Africa, Central and South America. Complex, smooth and delicious, all of Terra Nova Organic Coffee Roasters’ beans are responsibly sourced and roasted in small batches. terranovacoffee.net

Drink global and buy local with small-batch coffee roasters of 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced responsibly from around the world. Find flavors like blueberry cobbler and chocolate hazelnut in the area’s best restaurants, specialty stores, online and more. nhcoffee.com

27Teas in Manchester

COURTESY PHOTOS

Enjoying loose-leaf teas is easy, unintimidating and delicious, especially when you can fill your mug with flavors like warm vanilla chai or decaf cinnamon apple. If you really want to take your gift-giving up a notch, opt for a monthly tea subscription and an infuser for making your own teas.

27teas.com

The Cozy Tea Cart in Brookline Sip on delicious warm tea as a respite from the freezing cold of January. Stick to a classic black or green, or try a trendy “blooming tea.” thecozyteacart.com nhmagazine.com | December 2023 75

For the shoe lover From boots to slippers to sneakers and even your own custom shoe ware, these New Hampshire shops make shoes that will keep your feet warm and happy (and even stylish) this winter season.

Deerfield Leathers in Derry This leather goods store has been selling goods primarily to the motorcycle trade, but their sheepskin footwear is also exceptional. Slip-on scuff slippers or moccasins are perfect for chilly evenings by the fire. deerfieldleathers.com

Duckfeet USA in Portsmouth These shoes may be headquartered in Denmark, but they just moved into the West End of Portsmouth to walk their way through New England. Each pair of shoes is simple and functional, representative of mid-20th century Danish design with each being naturally tanned and processed by hand, allowing subtle variations in the leather. The sheep wool lining of their boots makes them the perfect addition to any Granite State winter wardrobe. duckfeetusa.com

White Mountain women’s shoes are made to be worn every day. Their carefully crafted (and stylish) collections are built to reside at the front of your closet with molded footbeds, arch support and memory foam insoles. Styles like the Dear Bootie and Loyal Tall Boot are great for those snowy treks to the office or to run errands. whitemountainshoes.com

76 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Dr. D’Wayne → Edwards

JEMS by Pensole in Somersworth In 1883 a Black man, who was a cobbler and shoemaker by the name of Jan Ernst Matzeliger, dramatically changed the way shoes are made. His patented lasting machine increased production of shoes from 50 to 700 pairs a day, an invention that has become the foundation of modern-day shoe-making. He died before he was able to see the impact his invention would have on the world of footwear, and his story has been lost in the history books. In honor of Matzeliger, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Lewis College has named his ground-breaking factory JEMS, The Jan Ernst Matzeliger STU/DEO. This Black-owned footwear manufacturing studio (and the first in the U.S.) is known for its inaugural shoe, the FIRST JEM. The sneaker design includes red and blue ombre laces with copper aglets, lace-locking crosshatch eyelets and other unique details. jemsbypensole.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

White Mountain Shoes in Lisbon

glerups in Newfields

← Molly Grant

Celebrating 30 years in business this year, glerups are wool shoes inspired by nature for all age groups from the active surfer to those who love kicking their feet up on the sofa. What started as a New Hampshire hobby has now grown into a global business, and each pair of slippers and shoes have been created with love and care from the sheep to the feet. glerups.com

The Cordwainer Shop in Canterbury Not seeing the shoe you are looking for this season?

Have trouble fitting shoes to your feet? Why not make your own? The Cordwainer Shop offers workshops around the state with Molly Grant, where you can create your own custom pair of shoes made uniquely for your feet. cordwainershop.com

Minus33 in Ashland Don’t forget socks with your shoes! Minus33 makes a variety of wool options to choose from by activity, weight and even height. minus33.com

Our elves have been busy Let Jacques help make the holidays merry with our home and office decorating services!

Florals & Plants for Personal & Professional Occasions

www.jacquesflowers.com 1-800-622-5155 • 603-625-6153 712 Mast Road, Manchester, NH 03102

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 77

For the foodie A visit to one of these sweet shops comes with (delicious) rewards for the gift-receiver.

Zeb’s General Store in North Conway Granite State Candy Shoppe in Concord Granite State Candy Shoppe has an abundance of treats for every sweet tooth. From gourmet chocolates to candies to fudge and a variety of maple products, stop by their shop and get a few goodies for yourself and a few for friends and family on your Christmas list. They offer their own gift baskets, or you can assemble one yourself. granitestatecandyshoppe.com

Pressed for time? Zeb’s General Store will do the work for you, drawing on their decades of experience to craft a custom gourmet gift basket. You can do this over the phone (or order pre-made baskets online), but we suggest you walk around this North Conway favorite. That way you can pick out a treat for yourself, like something from the 80-foot candy counter or the store’s own kettle corn. zebs.com

Feel good about supporting local agriculture — and find great gifts. All year long, Tendercrop Farm offers a number of handmade items such as soaps, dried flower arrangements, wreaths, gift baskets, candles and more.

Plus, around the holidays, the top floor of the barn is dedicated to even more gift ideas and festive décor. You can also stock up on produce, cheeses, coffee, jams, syrups, dips … basically, whatever you need for either edible gift-giving or partyhosting. Plus, if you’re wiped out after a day of shopping, take home one of their prepared food items for a tasty and simple dinner. tendercropfarm.com 78 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

COURTESY PHOTOS

Tendercrop Farm in Dover

WHERE CHOCOLATE MEETS IMAGINATION

One of our passions is creating artisan and sustainable chocolates that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Our other passion is sharing them with you.

Kitchen/Retail Shop

109 Water Street Exeter, NH 03833

Mention this ad to get 5% off in store or use coupon code NHMAG23 on our site through 12/24/2023

Retail Shop

214 State Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 Visit us at www.lcdcnh.com nhmagazine.com | December 2023 79

More culinary concoctions – all in one place If you are looking for even more local products for gift baskets or stocking stuffers, NH Made has all of your needs covered. With a boutique store in Portsmouth and a member directory available online, the organization increases awareness of and demand for New Hampshiremade products and services through the power of a “New Hampshire Made” state brand identity program. Here are a few of Executive Director Jessi Edgecomb’s recommendations.

The Soup Ladies’

Blackwater Mustard Co. LLC Located in a rural New England setting close to the banks of the Blackwater River, Blackwater Mustard Co. products are made with quality ingredients with no emulsifiers or preservatives. Discover or keep enjoying this local legend by ordering all eight flavors online, and finding out which events the company will be attending next. All of their varieties are gluten-free except for the Chocolate Stout, the Everyday Cafe & Pub, Beechwood and the Tuckerman Varieties.

The Soup Ladies’ all-natural, easy-to-make soups and pasta salads are the perfect gift for the cook in your life.

The Quinoa Medley has the perfect blend of vegetables and grains, but with the addition of chicken, turkey or tofu makes for an even more satisfying meal. Just add water, dressing and a couple of stirs to the No Cook Pasta Salad and you have a simple meal ready to go. The Split Pea is delicious on its own, but tastes even better with diced ham, pancetta, or even chicken. It also goes perfectly with a slice of toasted bread on the side.

Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies

80 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Camp Mix Gift Pack The original Camp Mix is an all-in-one seasoning mixture of garlic, onion, black pepper, salt, white pepper and celery salt.

Spud Fixin’ Camp Mix is a mild blend of seasonings that has tasty possibilities for every style of potato you might prepare.

Honey-Cinnamon Camp Mix is a mouthwatering blend of brown sugar, honey solids and cinnamon that is great on or in apple pies or on top of fruits. The Lemon Pepper Camp Mix is a special blend of garlic, onion, black pepper and more that was created for those who enjoy a slight “lemony” taste in some of the foods we eat.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The gourmet jams and jellies from Lauren Hill contain no hidden extras, such as artificial colors or flavorings. Many of the ingredients used come directly from local farmers markets, which are a great source for excellent-quality local produce grown without the use of pesticides.

Popular flavors include Perfect Peach Jam, Pino Grigio Wine Jelly, Marvelous Multi Berry Jam and 19 Crimes Wine Jelly.

Unwrap the Gift

of Scotland

Official NH Tartan merchandise & custom NHSCOT apparel for the Holidays

Decorate your home

Kilts | Caps Vests | Dresses Accessories and More!

...inside and out

Let us help you create your ideal holiday design and enliven your home with spirit!

917-686-7438 thateventco@gmail.com

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For the proud Granite Stater Here comes the shameless plug! Our New Hampshire Magazine online store is filled with New Hampshire-themed items. Gift ideas (all for under $40) include cutting serving boards, coasters, photo frames, totes, calendars, wooden signs and more. Here are a few of our favorite New Hampshire-made items. store.nhmagazine.com Old Hancock Suncatchers These suncatchers were hand-pressed from recycled glass using a centuries-old technique by Chris Salmon of the Old Hancock Glassworks, which is located in a historic glass-making region of southern New Hampshire. Each piece has a unique character not found in machine-made glass.

Ox Pond Press These signs by Ox Pond Press in picturesque Bethlehem, New Hampshire, are made from knot-free and kiln-dried white pine purchased from local lumber mills.

These beautiful night lights were fabricated in Dublin, New Hampshire, by master woodworker Dan Hill. In his career, Dan has built elegant roll top desks, as well as the casings for historical clock replicas that were commissioned by a museum. Dan creates the night light shade designs on a computer and then carves them with a specialized laser. The resulting images are highly intricate, detailed and delicate. Each shade consists of four pieces of wood held together with interlocking finger joints (no glue).

The front panel illustration is different than the two complementary side panel designs, and each night light casts a warm, relaxing glow.

82 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

New Hampshire Christmas Ornament This ornament may not be made in New Hampshire, but it is worth grabbing to bring a little New Hampshire to your tree this year. Measuring 4 inches long, it is intricately handcrafted and made from metals including plated nickel, copper and brass with gorgeous, intricate 3D metal and glass beads.

Looking for more NH-themed merch?

Hop on over to our NH Mag Swag shop for tees, tanks, sweatshirts, mugs, mousepads and more. nhmagazine.com/shop COURTESY PHOTOS

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N WO R KS .O R G

2011 MAIN STEET • BETHLEHEM, NH nhmagazine.com | December 2023 83

Stop and Shop (Christmas-style) Looking for a place to shop for everyone on your list this year? Ever thought that you should make more of an effort to shop locally? Here’s a short list to get you started on the right track. The following stores are as local as it gets, selling New Hampshire-made products and supporting local artisans, brewers, winemakers and more.

Manchester Craft Market in Manchester Shop from over 200 New England area makers in-store where “happiness is handmade.” If you are short on time, check out their website for a handpicked selection that is available for instore pickup. manchestercraftmarket.com

Hannah Grimes Marketplace in Keene This spot is home to over 250 local artisans and artists, including painters and sculptors, woodworkers, glass blowers, potters, textile artists, local brewers and vintners, soap makers, basket weavers, jewelers, candle makers, beekeepers, local farmers and gardeners, and many other one-of-a-kind artisans. hannahgrimesmarketplace.com

League of NH Craftsmen Visit any of the seven League galleries around the state for contemporary and traditional fine crafts including jewelry, pottery, blown glass, fiber arts, photography and more.

Each gallery is distinct in its décor and inventory, and offers its own exciting destination shopping experience. nhcrafts.org

Locally Handmade With four locations around southern New Hampshire, each of these shops provides you with an everyday craft fair experience for local community members to shop and sell their unique homemade goods. As owner Eva says, “Support local, keep it local and live local.” locallyhandmadesalemnh.com

← Custom rings by

COURTESY PHOTOS

League member Lia Gormley

84 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

WREN Local Works Marketplace in Bethlehem The Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) Local Works Marketplace on Main Street in Bethlehem features the work of more than 90 local member artists. They carry natural bath and beauty products, fine art prints, local books, pottery, spice blends, greeting cards, home décor and much more. In addition to the marketplace, make sure to visit the Gallery at WREN, also located on Main Street. wrenworks.org

NH Made in Portsmouth This nonprofit fosters the power of shopping local as a one-stop-shop for supporting small businesses, makers and artisans who make the Granite State so livable. The neighborhood store sells wooden bowls, handmade goods, food items and more. shop.nhmade.com

40 years of play!

DOVER, NH

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COURTESY PHOTOS

FullersSugarhouse.com Maple Syrup | Maple Sugar | Maple Cream Maple Candy | Gift Baskets & Boxes 2 NEW INFUSED MAPLE SYRUPS! Cinnamon & Vanilla nhmagazine.com | December 2023 85

New Hampshire Holiday Greeting Cards They don’t call them “greeting cards” for nothing. Who wants to be “greeted” by another piece of email? If you want to send a proper holiday hello (or thank you) to the many special people in your life, avoid the e-card fad and stick with real paper and ink.

Cards for a Cause CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of NH sells beautiful cards designed by local artists, students and photographers that come blank or personalized. Proceeds help abused and neglected children in New Hampshire. casanh.org/greeting-cards

Artful Greetings Hundelrut Studio in Plymouth makes delightful holiday and Christmas-themed cards with intricate line art and amusing sentiments that speak volumes. Remember, you can’t string up e-cards over the fireplace or cut them up the next year to make gift tags. hundelrutstudio.com

Mailed From Bethlehem Since the 1960s, the post office in the small town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, has postmarked holiday mail with a special stamp picturing a star over, well, the town of Bethlehem. Once you’ve purchased (or made) your cards, head up to this beautiful place to put that perfect finishing touch on your annual greetings.

Gus & Ruby Letterpress The owners of Gus & Ruby Letterpress have an honest-to-goodness letterpress from the late 1800s on which they craft beautiful one-of-a-kind paper creations. Their lovely, welcoming store also offers a large range of gift wrap, stationery, holiday cards and more. gusandruby.com

Steele’s Stationers Steele’s Stationers opened way, way back in 1871, making it the oldest business in the Monadnock area. It’s located in the historic Anderson building, which still has the original tin ceiling and wood floors. It seems a fitting place to shop for fine stationery and greeting cards. steelesstationers.com Located in lovely downtown Wolfeboro, in addition to paper goods, Black’s also sells locally made items such as Winnipesaukee Chocolates — just in case you wanted to get in other holiday shopping (or buy a treat for yourself). blacksgiftsnh.com 86 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

COURTESY PHOTOS

Black’s Paper Store

Holဴdƀys

COCKTAILS F OR T HE

FE ST I V E D R I N KS TO C EL EBR AT E T HE SEASON

88 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

S P E C I A L A DV E RTI S I N G S E C TI O N

COCKTAILS FOR THE

Holဴdays

Spiked Hot Chocolate Ingredients:

2 ounces Three Olives® Espresso Vodka 5 ounces hot chocolate Chocolate syrup

Garnish:

Hot Toddy Ingredients:

2 ounces TINCUP American Whiskey ½ ounce lemon juice ½ ounce honey 4 ounces hot water or brewed tea

American Holiday Mule Ingredients:

1½ ounces Wheatley Vodka 4 ounces ginger beer Splash cranberry juice

Garnish:

Whipped cream, grated cinnamon, and three chocolate chips

Garnish:

Cranberry, lime, lemon and mint

Line inside of a mug with chocolate syrup. Add Three Olives Espresso Vodka and hot chocolate.

Gently stir and garnish with whipped cream, grated cinnamon and three chocolate chips.

Pour honey and lemon juice into mug. Add hot water or hot tea and stir. Add TINCUP whiskey, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Combine vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug and top with a splash of cranberry juice.

Garnish with cranberry, lime, lemon and mint for the holidays.

Cinnamon stick

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 89

COCKTAILS FOR THE

Holဴdays

Maker’s Mark Mistletoe

Roku Osaka Southsider

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

Garnish:

Garnish:

Combine mint leaves and green tea simple syrup into a shaker and gently muddle to extract the oils from the mint. Add other ingredients and ice, shake for 10-15 seconds. Fine strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with mint sprig.

Combine all ingredients into mixing glass with ice. Stir 10-15 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh, high-quality ice. Express the orange peel over the drink and then place in the glass as garnish.

1½ parts Maker’s Mark® 46 Bourbon ¾ part DeKuyper® Peachtree® Schnapps Liqueur 2 parts orange juice 1 splash grenadine

Garnish:

Orange wedges

Build over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a half-moon orange slice on the rim.

90 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

2 parts Roku Japanese Gin ½ part green tea simple syrup (or agave) ¾ part fresh lemon juice 5-7 mint leaves

Mint sprig

Legent Manhattan 1½ parts Legent® Bourbon ½ part sweet vermouth ¼ part Luxardo® Maraschino Liqueur 2 dashes Angostura® Bitters

Orange peel

Spiced Christmas Punch

Black Barrel Old-Fashioned

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

12 ounces Basil Hayden’s® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 6 ounces sweet vermouth 6 ounces black tea 12 ounces fresh apple cider 8 ounces fresh lemon juice 4 ounces simple syrup ½ ounce Angostura® Bitters 24 ounces club soda 6 cinnamon sticks 17 apple slices

Garnish:

1½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila 1 part simple syrup ½ part Amaro Liqueur 2 dashes bitters 2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish:

Orange peel

Combine simple syrup, Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila, amaro and bitters. Add ice and stir. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with an orange peel.

Rye Hot Toddy Ingredients:

1 part Knob Creek® Rye 1 bar spoon honey 1 large lemon peel 1 ounce hot water

Prepare a mug by rinsing it with boiling water and pouring the water out. Add the honey (or sugar) and the lemon peel, pour in an ounce of hot water and stir until the sweetener has dissolved. Add Knob Creek® Rye, and top off with more boiling water.

Freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg

Add first seven ingredients to punch bowl and stir. Top with club soda. Carefully place ice into the punch bowl and garnish with apple slices and freshly grated cinnamon and nutmeg.

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 91

COCKTAILS FOR THE

Cuervo Nuevo Ingredients:

1½ ounces Jose Cuervo Tradicional Plata Tequila 3 ounces elderflower liqueur 2 ounces Brut Champagne 2 ounces club soda

Garnish:

Edible gold glitter

Run a lemon wedge along half of the outer rim of a coupe and roll in gold edible glitter. Then set it aside. Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir gently and strain into the prepared coupe glass.

92 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Holဴdƀys

Ultimate Chocolate Martini Ingredients:

2 ounces Baileys Chocolate Liqueur ¾ ounce Ketel One Vodka

Garnish:

Chocolate syrup and cocoa powder

Rim a martini glass with chocolate syrup and cocoa powder. Combine Baileys Chocolate and Ketel One in a shaker filled with ice. Shake for about 6 to 8 seconds and strain into the glass.

Ho Ho Highball Ingredients:

2 ounces Flag Hill Maple Bourbon Whiskey ½ ounce Flag Hill Sugar Maple Liqueur ¾ ounce fresh lime juice ¾ ounce strawberry shrub Club soda

Garnish:

Dried strawberries and fresh mint

In a shaker tin, add all the ingredients but the soda, including a few dried strawberries and a couple sprigs of mint. Add ice and shake vigorously for 8-10 seconds.

Strain into a highball glass, add ice and top with club soda. Garnish with dried strawberries and fresh mint.

Cocada Ingredients:

2 parts Milagro Anejo 1 part fresh lime juice ½ part coconut cream 1 part pineapple juice 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Garnish:

Pineapple leaf

Pour all ingredients into a Boston shaker, shake and strain over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf.

Apple Pie à la Mode Ingredients:

1½ ounces Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine 1 ounce Irish Cream

Garnish:

Apple slices

Pour Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine and Irish Cream over ice. Garnish with fresh apple slices.

Espresso Martini Ingredients:

2 ounces Tito’s Handmade Vodka 1 ounce coffee liqueur 1 ounce espresso ½ ounce simple syrup ½ ounce creamer, optional

Garnish:

3 espresso beans

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with espresso beans.

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 93

603 Living

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

— William Arthur Ward, American motivational writer

Calendar 98 Health 102 Ayuh 104

Wrapped Up with Style Streamline a christmas chore with an easy-to-assemble wrap room that churns out packages with the skill of an elf.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW MEAD

T

his holiday season, bring the spectacle with beautifully wrapped and embellished gifts that recipients will be awed to open.

There is no need this year to clutter the dining room table or commandeer the computer desk — make a wrap room where all your tools and supplies are in easy reach, and in minutes your Christmas gift boxes are a feat of stylish holiday design.

Maybe you have a junk room or back hall that just gets filled with clutter. Clean it up and use your wrap items as an organized festive display. With a nice recycled work table, you have a flat surface for crafting, while on the periphery you can assemble all your necessary supplies. No more hunting for the tape! Old jars and boxes can corral scissors and pens, and you can use color-coordinated pottery, tins or bowls to display a mix of Christmas embellishments, both new and old. A few dowels with S-hooks and chains easily display your cheerful holiday wraps and voila!

You've got your own Santa's workshop.

The beauty of a wrap space is that everything is within eyeshot and all your tools are at arm’s reach. Re-dress the space for another season and you've got great real estate for crafting projects or arranging flowers.

Play with Display Having all of your wrapping tools and holiday embellishments in one location means that gift-wrapping can be a fun and creative endeavor. nhmagazine.com | December 2023 95

603 LIVING / WRAPPED WITH STYLE TOPPERS > Ornaments, gift tags, Christmas foliage, both fresh and faux, are the final pinnacle of gift-giving style. Collect items all year to use as decorations in your holiday wrap room.

Go vintage and shop New Hampshire’s antique, thrift and upcycle stores. You can find charming ornaments and labels from every era for pennies, and such embellishments add distinctive and individual style to every package.

WRAPS > Hang these decorative and inspiring prints like works of art.

RIBBONS > A silky swath adds luxury to any package. Keep these colorful threads out in the open to dress any bag or box.

96 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

CORRAL YOUR MATERIALS > Wire baskets make for the perfect organizer to arrange and distribute your wrapping materials — including items to create your own gift tags and labels.

Santa's List...

All the stores are filled with wraps, ribbons and more at this time of year. For something extra special, check out these shops: Viking House Featuring a delightful selection of gifts, clothing and imported foods from over 12 European countries, they also have a nice selection of imported wraps, cards, gift bags and special ornaments great for embellishment.

19 North Main St., Concord / (603) 228-1198 / vikinghouse.com League of New Hamspshire Craftsman Store After shopping the array of fine Granite State-made products, find a curated selection of artisan papers and ornaments for topping gifts.

Multiple NH locations / nhcrafts.org Twiggs Gallery at Cornerstone Design Twiggs Gallery offers fine art, gifts, calligraphy, antique uniquities, artists workshops and more! Handmade papers, cards, gift tags and art supplies will get those gifts ready for wrapping.

254 King St, Boscawen / twiggsgallery.org Gus & Ruby Letterpress Gus & Ruby is a custom design and print studio and trio of brick and mortar retail stores located in historic Portsmouth. The shop offers products ranging from jewelry, candles, art prints and custom printing services.

Along with their assortment of fun and functional products for gift-giving, they offer an exclusive paper goods line, ribbons, boxes and more.

29 Congress St., Portsmouth / (603) 319-1717 / gusandruby.com nhmagazine.com | December 2023 97

603 LIVING / CALENDAR

for December 2023

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Events

December 2-3, 9-10

NH Gingerbread House Festival > You know the NH Home Builders can build houses of wood, wait until you see what they can do with gingerbread. Over 25 handcrafted gingerbread houses will be on display (and given away). There will also be a People’s Choice Award decided by you. In addition to the homes, there is a hot chocolate station and Santa’s Workshop where you can make your own paper gingerbread house to take home. $5-$15. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., NH Home Builders Association, 119 Airport Road, Concord. (603) 969-7077; nhgingerbread.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.

98 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

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halting at various stops for tastes of homemade sweets. $40. Times and locations vary. facebook.com/ jinglebellchocolatesleighride.

December 2 – 10

Wolfeboro Festival of Trees > More than 65 exquisitely decorated Christmas trees deck the halls of the Wright Museum for this annual event. Marvel at the colorful conifers (spread across two floors) and enjoy live entertainment from local performing groups and light refreshments. $2-$20. Times vary, Wright Museum of World War II, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro. (603) 948-5504; wolfeborofestivaloftrees.com PHOTO COURTESY LABELLE WINERY

December 2

Christmas with the Celts > Step dancers, vocalists and a rollicking band combine with Irish instruments, such as the bodhran and uilleann pipes, to create an evening of classic holiday music from both sides of the Atlantic. Tickets start at $39. 7:30 p.m., The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performing Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth. (603) 536-2551; flyingmonkeynh.com Tuesdays – Sundays, November – January 7

LaBelle Lights > There’s a festive feel in the air with the magical display of lights in Derry.

More than 500,000 twinkling lights light up the night at The Links at Labelle Winery. The outdoor light display is a walking tour along designated paths through the golf course.

Sweet and savory snacks, and warm nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at LaBelle Market, and Americus Restaurant offers a heartier fare for a meal before or after your walk. Ticket prices and times vary. LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry. labellewinery.com

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID J MURRAY/ STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM

November 18 – December 17

December 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-24

Santa’s Christmas at Charmingfare Farm > Timeless traditions will please the whole family at this annual Christmas extravaganza at Charmingfare

oi

ce

Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour > Find enchantment on a magical sleigh ride through the snowy mountains of Northern New Hampshire, plus enjoy delicious chocolate treats from local chocolatiers. The Austrian horse-drawn sleigh makes its way to Jackson Village,

Ch

Gift of Lights > Remember when your parents used to stuff you and your siblings in the van to drive around checking out neighbors’ Christmas lights? This is that drive, and then some. More than 400 light displays, 60 holiday scenes and 2 million LED bulbs light up New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Spectators are urged to drive the route (including the tunnel and part of the track’s road course) and revel in the sights around them. $30-$60. 4:30 to 9 p.m. daily, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 NH-106, Loudon.

(603) 783-4931; nhms.com

34th Annual Christmas in Strafford Craft Fair > Local artisans and craftspeople from all around Strafford will be safely opening up their homes and studios this holiday season. There will be over 15 locations open and over 50 crafters, including local homes along with the Bow Lake Grange Hall and Bow Lake Church. Watch out for large “Cardinal” signs with marked stop numbers to help guide you to your destinations. Free. Times and locations vary. (603) 664-5787; christmasinstrafford.com

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November 23 – December 31

December 2 – 3

Weekends November – December 17

5th Annual NH Jingle Bells Winery Tour > Winery Tour participants will have the opportunity to visit seven festive wineries throughout New Hampshire over the course of five weekends ending on December 18. This is a self-guided tour through New Hampshire wine country. The self-guided traveling tasters will have from November 18 through December 17 to receive a wine (or spirits at winery/ distillery locations) tasting at each location accompanied by light hors d’oeuvres (available on weekends only). Along with the tastings, festivities will include a unique holiday ornament from each winery, music and a Holiday Spirit contest. The Holiday Spirit contest will feature the seven wineries and how they best display their holiday cheer. $55-$100. Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., locations vary.

(603) 659-2949; Facebook. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.

Weekends December 2 – 17

Candlelight Stroll Under the Stars > The signature event of Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas celebrations, Strawbery Banke’s holiday classic encourages families to enjoy a bit of “stopfulness” amid the crazy pace of the season. Watch historical reenactors create scenes of Decembers gone by, while walking along pathways illuminated by candlelight. $16-$32. Fri. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5 to 9 p.m., Sun. 4 to 8 p.m., Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth. (603) 433-1100; strawberybanke.org nhmagazine.com | December 2023 99

603 LIVING / CALENDAR

603 LIVING / CALENDAR Farm. It all starts with a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Christmas Trail, which features 12 charming holiday scenes to decorate the way to the North Pole. Santa will wait for families in the Reindeer Barn where the kids can hand off their Christmas letters and feed the live reindeer. Be sure to visit Mrs. Claus for sugar cookies and hot cocoa, too. Prices and times vary. Charmingfare Farm, 774 High St., Candia. (603) 483-5623; visitthefarm.com December 9

January 30, 2024 Grappone Conference Center, Concord, NH

Holly Jolly Craft Fair > Procrastinators, this one’s for you! The last event of the year from Joyce’s Craft Shows, this fair carries both stocking-friendly small gifts and larger items including quilts, gourmet food and holiday floral arrangements. Sat 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 2 Somerset Plaza, Nashua. (603) 528-4014; joycescraftshows.com

31 award categories include residential construction, remodeling, interior design, landscape design, energy efficiency and more.

For more information or to purchase tickets go to https://buytickets.at/nhhba/1047500 603-228-0351 · info@nhhba.com · www.nhcornerstoneawards.com SPONSORED BY:

December 9

Visit the Seacoast Artist Association gallery in downtown Exeter for unique holiday gifts.

Holiday Artist Reception December 8 — 5-7pm, with Holiday music!

Donations accepted.

Open Every Day December 11-24: Sun —1-4pm M, T, W, Sat — 10am-5pm Thurs and Fri —10am-7pm NH MADE MEMBER

FIND US ON

130 Water Street • Exeter, NH • 603-778-8856 • seacoastartist.org 100

New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

Holiday Pops Concert > The Boston Esplanade Orchestra visits SNHU Arena for their cherished Holiday Pops concert. The magical music will be the highlight of your holiday season by capturing the special winter charms of New England. Listen and delight to their signature “Sleigh Ride,” as well as other holiday classics and new seasonal arrangements, joined by Metropolitan Chorale and an appearance from the Man in Red during the finale. Prices vary.

7:30 p.m., SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester.

(603) 644-5000; snhuarena.com December 9 – 10

26th Annual Inn to Inn Holiday Cookie & Candy Tour > Nine country lodges open their doors for visitors to taste their best holiday cookies and candies and snag some recipe and décor ideas. Stay at one of the participating inns and you will also receive a keepsake ornament. Prices and locations vary. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., (603) 356-2642; countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com December 14

The Greg and The Morning Buzz Christmas Ball > Join Greg and the Morning Buzz team as they host an all-star cast of musicians, performers, comedians

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Midwinter Revels, an Upper Valley holiday tradition since 1975, to the stages of the Claremont Opera House in Claremont, and to Mascoma High School in Canaan. Guest artists for the show include Keith Murphey, Becky Tracy, Jeremiah McLane and Tim Cummings. Prices, locations and times vary. revelsnorth.org December 31

PHOTO COURTESY LABELLE WINERY

New Year’s Eve Partybration > At Santa’s Village, Santa doesn’t disappear when Christmas ends. In fact, he’ll welcome guests to ring in the New Year. Partybration features fireworks, a DJ, rides, food and soft drinks.

Ticket prices vary. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Santa’s Village, 528 Presidential Hwy., Jefferson. santasvillage.com December 31

December 31

Hampton Beach Fireworks > Summer isn’t the only season when Hampton Beach is set alight with fireworks. Bundle up and hit the boardwalk for the town’s last light show of 2023. 8 p.m., Hampton Beach, 115 Ocean Blvd., Hampton. hamptonbeach.org and special guests. A portion of the proceeds go to Lend a Helping Can, a nonprofit that serves 11 soup kitchens in New Hampshire. $58.75. 7 p.m., Chubb Theatre, 44 S. Main St., Concord. ccanh.com

December 10 – 16

A New England Midwinter Revels Celebration >The Revels North are bringing their beloved winter tradition on the road! Revels North will bring The

First Night Portsmouth > Come participate in this family-friendly citywide New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Portsmouth. There will be fireworks, puppets, music, dancing, face painting and even ice sculptures in front of North Church. Don’t wait, get your First Night button before they are all gone. Prices, locations and times vary. (603) 433-4398; proportsmouth.org Find additional events at nhmagazine.com/ calendar. Submit events eight weeks in advance to Elisa Gonzales Verdi (egonzalesverdi@nhmagazine. com) or enter your own at nhmagazine.com/calendar. Not all events are guaranteed to be published either online or in the print calendar. Event submissions will be reviewed and, if deemed appropriate, approved by a New Hampshire Magazine editor.

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 101

603 LIVING / HEALTH

To Your Health This season, give the gift of good health to everyone on your list

BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS / ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN R. GOODWIN

R

ather than weighing down their stockings with candy, cookies or wine, consider giving a gift that promotes good health this holiday season.

There are plenty of presents you can choose from that set the stage for a healthy New Year. Here are some quick, affordable ideas for everyone on your list.

For the Busy Office Mate Consider gifting a water bottle that tells your co-worker how much water they need to drink to stay sufficiently hydrated. For as little as $10, you can buy a colorful water bottle that helps drinkers consume water all day — one sip at a time. The Giotto 32-ounce bottle is marked with times and inspiration quotes that remind you to “keep on chugging.”

For the Work-from-Home Warrior Sitting at a desk all day isn’t only a drag; it poses a health hazard. In a study that looked at doctors’ treadmill desk usage, researchers found that walking led to weight loss and reduced body fat when compared to not using a treadmill desk (Thompson et al., 2014). The latest under-the-desk treadmill models are compact enough to stow away

102 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

when you’re through working and affordable enough to buy. Amazon sells one model for as little as $99. At 34 pounds, the Merax Under Desk Treadmill speeds up to 4 miles per hour and includes a remote control. It also tracks time, calories burned and distance.

For the Fitness Enthusiast There are a number of pieces of home gym equipment that can meet the needs of experienced exercisers and those looking to get back in shape. If your loved one missed out on the Peloton craze, you can now rent Peloton bikes for as little as $89 a month.

After you pay a $150 delivery fee, your gift recipient will receive a bike and a new pair of cycling shoes. You can cancel at any time, or if your loved one really enjoys the energy of Peloton classes, they can opt to purchase their bike.

If you think your significant other, family member or friend might prefer trying different kinds of equipment, a membership to a low-cost gym like Planet Fitness might be a better fit. In 1992, Planet Fitness opened its first club in Dover, New Hampshire, and can now be found in 2,400 locations — including several in the Granite State. For as little

as $10/month, your gift recipient can visit one gym; for $24.99/month they can access any club and bring a guest along with them.

Does your loved one enjoy tracking their fitness and collecting data? A new fitness watch might keep them motivated to move.

While some watches might exceed your budget, other brands offer similar experiences at a much lower price tag. I found the Garmin Vivofit 4, an older model smart watch, priced at $68 on Amazon and $59.99 at BJ’s. This watch tracks steps, distance and calories burned, monitors sleep and provides a personalized daily step goal.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find (and ship) dumbbell sets, resistance bands and yoga mats online and in local retail stores.

For the Kid at Heart Exploring snow-covered New Hampshire trails can make navigating the winter months a little more fun. While crosscountry skiing can take a bit of practice, almost everyone can snowshoe right away.

Walmart sells lightweight beginner snowshoes for as little as $42.99.

There’s nothing more invigorating than pond skating in the backyard or taking a

quick lap around the rink. It’s not a hobby that everyone can master quickly, but if you’re buying for a former hockey player or figure skater, ice skates might make a perfect gift. L.L. Bean sells Bauer Expedition Recreational Skates for as low as $79.99, in both men and women’s sizes.

Don’t forget the magic of sleds and snow tubes. There are plenty of coasting hills in the Granite State and adults ready for the challenge. You can find them at sporting good stores or through online retailers.

For the Busy Family If you’re buying for friends or family with busy schedules, they might enjoy a gift that makes dinner time easier — and healthier.

Meal kit delivery services deliver fresh or frozen meals right to your doorstep. For example, Factor includes a new menu of over 27 dietitian-designed, pre-prepared fresh meals each week that meet the needs of keto, paleo, low-carb, vegetarian, plant-based and high protein dieters. You can choose from five plans, ranging from four meals to 18 meals per week. (If you choose 10 meals per week, you’ll pay about $125 per week, including delivery.) Plans can be paused or

canceled at any time. If you’re not sure it’s something they’ll want to subscribe to, you can purchase Factor gift cards instead.

For the Homebody Let’s face it, long winters keep us inside for a good part of the year. While you can’t always get a reprieve from winter, there are presents you can give to make hunkering down more comfortable. Cool-mist humidifiers can prevent dry air and help make breathing easier for the whole family. The Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifier received top marks from Betters Homes and Garden Magazine and sells for just $79 on Amazon.

Help create a sense of calm and relaxation by giving your loved one an essential oil diffuser. Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus and cedarwood can lower stress and relieve anxiety — and just make the room smell great. Sierra Modern Home makes an essential oil diffuser that lets you control LED color, mist intensity, timer settings, scheduling and more directly from your phone. You can find one on Amazon for $39.95.

We spend between six and 10 hours sleeping each night, yet most of us continue

to rest our heads on the same old pillow. The Sleep Foundation recommends changing your pillow every one to two years to keep them free from allergens like dust mites or pet dander. The Nestl cooling memory foam pillow is filled with gel-infused, shredded memory foam aimed to draw heat away from the body, keeping sleepers comfortable all night long. Get two queen pillows for $44 on Amazon.

For the Spa Queen (or King) After a stressful 2023, who wouldn’t look forward to a luxurious facial, massage or manicure in January? Most New Hampshire day spas and massage therapy businesses sell gift certificates that allow the gift recipient to schedule the spa services of their choice.

Some noteworthy spas include: Adagio Spa, Salon, & Wellness Center Barrington / adagiospa.com Cassandra Salon & Spa Nashua / cassandrasalon.com Chill Day Spa / Manchester / chillspa.com The Cut Off Salon & Day Spa North Conway / cutoffspa.com

Here’s to gifts that are sure to bring a happy and healthy 2024!

nhmagazine.com | December 2023 103

603 LIVING

New England Is Not a State “A

ren’t New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine pretty much the same?” asks the person not from around here. I elevate one eyebrow: “No.” New Hampshire isn’t Vermont nor is it Maine. The three are as different as granite, maple syrup and buttered lobster in a hot dog bun.

First off, New Hampshire and Vermont are geographically compact, whereas Maine sprawls. Compare Maine’s infinite coastline to New Hampshire’s 13 miles of seacoast and Vermont’s none at all. Once, at a Burlington restaurant, I noticed clams on the menu.

Who on earth would order clams so far from the ocean? I wondered and ordered the poutine.

Compare Maine’s 35,387 square miles to Vermont’s 9,249 and New Hampshire’s 9,615. If Maine was a basket, two Vermonts and a New Hampshire would fit inside, “Sure,” the person not from around here concedes, “Maine is bigger and wicked jagged on the edge, but the Green Mountain State and the Granite State are pretty much identical. Right?”

Wrong.

Check the map. Vermont is New Hampshire upside down. Big difference. If Vermont were a person, the blood would rush to its head. Also, Vermont’s mountains are, as the nickname suggests, green. New Hampshire’s are white and higher. Maine

has mountains, too, but they get kinda lost amongst the potatoes.

What one U.S. state can you drive to only by passing through one other state? Maine.

You can’t drive to Maine without passing through New Hampshire. If a Mainer wants to go to Vermont, same thing. Unless they take the long way around through Canada.

Physical characteristics aside, each state has a unique history that harkens back to before the stalwart Puritans claimed New Hampshire and the gentle Quakers settled Vermont. Maine’s indigenous tribes included Maliseet, Penobscot and Passamaquoddy.

Vermont had Mahican. Pennacook and Abenaki spanned current borders.

Different tribes, different traditions, different stories. Like the story of Passaconaway, the Fearless One, who united tribes in the face of European encroachment.

Legend says he lived to be 120. As death approached, he rode a wolf-drawn sled to meet it atop Agiocochook (Mount Washington), where he burst into flames and ascended to his place among the stars. That’s a New Hampshire story if there ever was one.

We are our stories.

Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys loom large in Vermont history. In the 1700s, they fought off New York’s attempt to absorb little old Vermont. “Nope,” the Boys said, and prevailed. In New Hampshire, we think quite a lot of John Stark, the Revolu-

tionary War general who penned this toast to be read at a Battle of Bennington reunion: “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.” In 1945 New Hampshire adopted the Live Free or Die part as its motto.

Controversial?

You betcha.

Vermont’s motto: “Freedom and Unity.”

Controversial? Course not.

Maine’s motto, “Dirigo,” is a Latin metaphor. Big difference.

IN CONCLUSION, I OFFER THIS FOLK TALE:

A Vermont farm snugged up to the New Hampshire border. When a survey revealed the boundary had been drawn incorrectly and the farm was actually in New Hampshire, the relieved farmer declared, “Thank God for that. I couldn’t stand another Vermont winter.”

A RELATED STORY BEGINS: A Maine farm snugged up to the New Hampshire border ...

You know the rest.

IN ORFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, on the Connecticut, I regaled an audience with Yankee humor — my specialty. One dour fellow sat quietly throughout, arms tight-folded across his chest.

Afterwards, I approached him: “I noticed, sir, that during this humor program, you never once cracked a smile.” He said, “I’m a fifth generation Vermonter. We don’t.” NH

BY REBECCA RULE / ILLUSTRATION BY PETER NOONAN 104 New Hampshire Magazine | December 2023

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