New Hampshire Magazine July 2025

Summer Fashion

What’s Inside

YOUR DREAM RETIREMENT

Finding a home at Taylor means more than access to a stunning new cottage or apartment – it means receiving the keys to present and future peace of mind.

Taylor Community is located in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire with campus locations in Laconia, Wolfeboro, and Meredith. Whether you prefer an active lifestyle lled with tness classes and an extensive lineup of social and recreational opportunities, or would rather enjoy a ne dining experience with friends after a day spent by the lake... Taylor is the place for you!

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The Baldwin started with a bold vision for what senior living can and should be. Innovative. Forward-thinking. And designed to empower successful aging. In 2019, that vision was recognized by The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Design for Aging Review with an Award of Special Recognition in the “unbuilt projects” category.

The Baldwin vision has now become a vibrant community where residents are connecting, learning, growing, and living well — on their own terms. And The Baldwin has just received a prestigious AIA Design for Aging Review award in the “built projects” category for demonstrating innovative design solutions that improve the quality of life for older adults.

Our thanks to the entire team at DiMella Shaffer for turning our vision into reality.

Photo ©Robert Benson Photography

FIRST THINGS

10 Editor’s Note 10 Contributors

FEATURES

34 From the Battle to the Monument

As the nation prepares for next year’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to remember the key role that New Hampshire played in the Battle at Bunker Hill. By J. Dennis Robinson

42 Style by the Sea

Shot at the iconic Wentworth by the Sea, let your summer style set sail with these sustainably-sourced, local-meets-luxe coastal looks.

Styled by Chloe Barcelou, Photos by Jenn Bakos

54 Best of NH 2025

The results of the annual Best of NH Readers’ poll and Editor’s Picks are your ultimate guide to exploring New Hampshire, from restaurants and resorts to shops and music venues.

NAVIGATE

14 The Big Picture Harrisville reflects the beauty of the season.

Photo by Michael Blanchette

16 Our Town

Every street has a story as you traverse through the ever-changing historic town of Portsmouth.

INFORM

22 Community Dandelion Forest Farm in Nottingham focuses on growing food, community and care.

By Jill Armstrong

Photos by Allegra Boverman

28 What Do You Know? The Murder of Caleb Dyer

CONNECT

86 Living

Hannah Gagnon, aka The Patchhunter, creates custom retro looks with patches of her own design.

By Elisa Gonzales Verdi

91 Out and About Calendar of events

Compiled by Elisa Gonzales Verdi

100 Spotlight

Greg Jolin is five times lucky.

By Lynne Snierson

102 Healthwise

More sun, less sips: Taking a sobering look at summer drinking

By Krysten Godfrey Maddocks

104 Live Free

Rotisserie Chicken Run By Elisa Gonzales Verdi

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

78 Best of NH Hall of Fame

94 Summer Fun

ON THE COVER: Meredith McGrane shows off timeless summer style at Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle.

Photo by Jenn Bakos

THE JANITOR WITH STAMINA AND THE “MAYOR” OF HAMPTON BEACH

DUNN CASH JIMMY

COMEDY ON THE COAST AUGUST 1

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© 2025 Yankee Publishing, Inc.

New Hampshire Magazine® is published by Yankee Publishing, Inc., 250 Commercial Street, Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101, 603-624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/ opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Yankee Publishing, Inc.: New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omissions and errors. New Hampshire Magazine is published monthly, with the exception of February and April.

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Best of NH’s Greatest Hits, Deep Tracks

When my wife and I jump in the car, a tug of war begins for control of the radio — even for a short trip across town.

Jeannie likes the hits, especially the pop songs of our youth, stretching back to the early 1970s, when Top 40 stations like WKBR ruled the airwaves in Manchester.

I like the classics, too, but I also yearn for pretty much anything I don’t already know by heart, including music hitting my ears for the very first time. (No, not that Madonna song!)

Our cease fire usually leads to The Bridge, a channel on SiriusXM that features “mellow classic rock” by Van Morrison, Carole King, the Eagles, James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. (Bob Dylan makes an occasional appearance.)

When I’m driving by myself, I dial up The Loft, an eclectic mix of music only available on the SiriusXM streaming app. It’s where Miles Davis meets the Ramones, Phoebe Bridgers, Jack White and Nina Simone. (Bob Dylan makes more frequent visits here.)

Our annual Best of NH feature (page 54) splits the difference. The Readers’ Poll is jampacked with both familiar favorites and new upstarts chosen by our readers throughout New Hampshire. Sure, you’ll find the perennial winner for the best chicken tenders (no spoilers here!), but a variety of picks old and new for dining, adventure and entertainment.

Our Editor’s Pick selections are a decidedly more eclectic mix chosen by our editing team, which includes Emily Heidt, Elisa Gonzales Verdi, Emily Reily and yours truly.

Some are long-time favorites, such as Mica’s Groove Train, a soul and R&B band led by Yamica “Mica” Peterson, who were recruited to entertain guests at our Best of NH Party at Flag Hill Distillery & Winery in Lee on June 26.

Others are brand-new: The Lake Estate on Winnisquam is primed to become a major tourism destination when the luxury resort opens in August. (Some of us had a sneak peek of the Tilton property earlier this year as construction was under way, which we’ll share in the August issue.)

Best of NH will always hold a special place for me. Two years ago, I joined Yankee Publishing a few days before the party, which had moved to Flag Hill for the first time.

The day before, during prep work in Lee, I got to know my new colleagues as we stuffed goodie bags with magazines, gift cards, vendor coupons and other schwag for the hundreds of people who would be joining us the next day, when they would mingle, sample food and drink, listen to live music and enjoy a perfect New Hampshire night.

It doesn’t get any better than that. Summer’s here. Get it while you can.

Just don’t touch my radio. Dylan’s in The Loft again.

contributors

The Battle of Bunker Hill story was written by New Hampshire historian J. Dennis Robinson.

New Hampshire Magazine fashion editor Chloe Barcelou styled this month’s summer fashion feature, “Style by the Sea” shot at Wentworth by the Sea.

Portsmouth-based photographer

Jenn Bakos took the photography for this month’s summer fashion feature as well as Living about “The Patchhunter” Hannah Gagnon.

Jill Armstrong reports on the outdoor industry. She wrote this month’s Informer story about Dandelion Forest Farm in Nottingham.

this ‘n that

Send letters to Editor Mike Cote, New Hampshire Magazine, 250 Commercial St., Suite 4014, Manchester, NH 03101, or email him at editor@nhmagazine.com.

Send the Newt to family and friends!

Every month, we receive dozens of Spot the Newt entries via email. But we relish the postcards and letters that fill our mailbox after each issue goes to press.

Some readers include a personal note along with their entries. We especially love the ones from readers who tell us they have family members outside the Granite State who enjoy the magazine.

Martin Sullivan of Manchester pays for subscriptions for his daughters in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Alexandria, Virginia.

“And they love getting it in the mail,” he says.

Barbara Smith of Pelham also has an adult child down south who is a subscriber.

“Look forward to my N.H. Magazine,” she says. “My son in Fla receives a copy also.” The Newt loves to travel. And a subscription is cheaper than an Uber ride across town.

Spot FOUR newts like the one here, hidden on ads in this issue, tell us where you found them and you might win a gift certificate for $50 to use at The Common Man Restaurants. Each month’s gift card will be different, which adds to the overall Newt fun. Let the hunt begin!

To enter our drawing for Spot the Newt, visit spotthenewt.com and fill out the online form. Or, send answers plus your name, email address 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.

Last month’s “Spot the Newt” winner is Nancy Fraher of Chichester. June issue newts were on pages 17, 31, 37, 43 and 93.

Harrisville Reflection

“Harrisville is a well-preserved 19th-century mill town in the Monadnock Region, complete with red brick buildings, old mills and a white-steepled church. The photo was taken before sunset on a calm evening with pleasant reflections of the Harrisville Community Church, the town library and a vibrant red boathouse in Harrisville Pond.”

PHOTO & WORDS BY MICHAEL A. BLANCHETTE

Every Street Tells a Story

Finding home in historic Portsmouth

BY CRYSTAL WARD KENT / ILLUSTRATION BY PETER NOONAN / PHOTOS BY BUDD PERRY OF MEMORIES STUDIOS

Portsmouth is one of New Hampshire’s most intriguing cities, from Market Square with its iconic North Church and historic façade to the lush gardens of Prescott Park and the sturdy red tugboats tied up on Ceres Street.

A fascinating mix of historic and modern, the city celebrated its 400th birthday in 2023, and many feel the state’s coastal Grande Dame is looking better than ever. Vibrant nightlife, teeming restaurants and a long list of things to do draw people of all ages to Portsmouth, both to visit and to live.

But popularity can come with a price, and locals agree that Portsmouth is facing some challenges. Not enough parking or expensive parking, lack of affordable housing and a need for “real life” services in the downtown are among the most cited concerns, along with dismay over a building boom that has added much taller buildings to the skyline.

The fact that these issues are frequently in the news shows the city is paying attention,

but achieving real solutions may take time, especially as Portsmouth continues to grow.

These Streets Are Made for Walkin’

Ask locals what drew them to Portsmouth and why they stay, and you’ll find common themes as well as interesting differences.

Sarah Gnerre, 64, and her husband, Chris Mulligan, 58, live on State Street in the older end of town.

Gnerre grew up in the Seacoast, moving to Portsmouth in 1978 after college. She was drawn to the downtown, which was vibrant even then, and a place where “Everybody knew everybody. Portsmouth did and does feel more like a small town than a city. When you are out and about, you’re always meeting people.”

Living close to the waterfront, the couple take a daily walk to the Prescott Park Pier and visit the marker of former Portsmouth Poet Laureate Robert Dunn. “The view is stunning in all seasons and that walk is a

nice way to start the day,” Gnerre says.

The couple frequents local galleries and 3S Artspace, as well as shows at The Music Hall and concerts at South Street Church. They enjoy taking their grandchildren to explore Portsmouth’s many parks, both large and small. “There are small parks tucked in unexpected places, so you have that sense of discovery,” Gnerre says.

She and her husband walk nearly everywhere, keeping just one car for his work and errands that need to be done outside of downtown. Like many, her Portsmouth wish list includes a grocery and pharmacy.

“There are some nice markets, including the seasonal farmers’ market, but to truly support a residential downtown you need real-life services,” she says. “Even fullservice banking is getting challenging as some banks

now only offer ATMs.” Still, Gnerre and her husband would not live anywhere else. “We have an amazing life, with all kinds of activities right at our doorstep.”

Jeffrey Barnes and his fiancé, Emily McKenna, both 25, feel fortunate to have found an apartment over a garage off Dennett Street, an easy walk from the downtown, and once part of Portsmouth’s North End. In the 1960s, this area was Little Italy, a dynamic neighborhood of older homes, bakeries, markets, shops and its own school.

The neighborhood was wiped out when urban renewal swept through — an action that remains controversial. Four hundred buildings, including 200 homes, were bulldozed, their families displaced. New development would not materialize for decades, and former residents saw much of their thriving neighborhood replaced by parking lots and a strip mall.

Today, part of the North End contains hotels and large buildings offering office and restaurant space and luxury condos. A remnant of the Italian neighborhood lives on in a cluster of buildings that were saved and moved to a small complex called The Hill, now largely home to offices.

Barnes and McKenna live near North Mill Pond, with Barnes a Portsmouth native and McKenna hailing from Rye. They love being able to walk downtown and frequently meet friends for dinner or drinks on the decks.

Favorite restaurants include TJ’s Sports Bar, The Goat and breakfast at Café Espresso, or for a special night out, Puddle Dock down in the South End.

“We love walking around, in any season,” Barnes says. “There’s always something going on, something to see, and we like to take our time and explore.”

The couple frequents shows at Seacoast Repertory Theatre and the live theater and summer movies at Prescott Park. “They have a huge inflatable screen, and it’s awesome. Seeing “Jaws” on a screen like that was incredible,” Barnes says.

The couple wants to make Portsmouth their forever home, but knows this will be a challenge. “We lucked out getting this apartment,” McKenna says. “To find a house that we can afford will be tough, but we are hopeful.”

Like Barnes and McKenna, Budd Perry and his wife, Debra Sue, also live in the North End, but in the Cutts Mansion area. Now in

their 60s, they too, walk everywhere. Perry grew up in Exeter but moved to Portsmouth more than 30 years ago when he married Debra Sue, a Portsmouth native.

“We’ve raised our kids here, grandkids here; it’s a great town,” he says. His favorite part? “Eating!” he says with a grin. “So it’s good we do lots of walking. Really, you can find any kind of food at almost any time of day. I love downtown, but my favorite restaurant is the Dinnerhorn, out on Route 1. It’s family-owned, an old-time Portsmouth standby. That’s where all the locals go on Friday night. You can’t beat it.”

Perry, who is also a musician, loves to take in shows at The Music Hall, and at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, which features a range of musical performances accompanied by dinner and drinks; there is also a jazz brunch. In fact, the music scene is alive and well in Portsmouth, with concerts at

Prescott Park, several restaurants offering live music, and musicians busking in the Square.

Perry sees the city’s biggest issue as the lack of affordable housing. “The downtown especially is less an option for the middle class. Workforce housing was supposedly going in on Route 1, but it turned into luxury condos. We need places for people to live who are doing the work, raising families, starting out. A city needs all demographics to thrive.”

Food, Glorious Food

Long-time residents like Perry are still somewhat surprised by how their city has evolved. As recently as the 1970s, Portsmouth was a working man’s town. The waterfront sported numerous bars, not trendy shops and eateries. The downtown focused on daily life with hardware stores, department stores like J.J. Newberry’s and Grants, pharmacies and banks.

Sarah Gnerre and husband Chris Mulligan enjoy a morning walk to the Portsmouth Pier.

Locals frequented Gilley’s Diner (named for Robert “Gilley” Gilbert) which was towed into Market Square every evening and offered burgers, dogs and baked beans. Men in suits stood next to dock workers and mechanics as they waited for their food.

Gilbert was ticketed 50 cents a day for parking illegally; he paid the tab then did the same thing the next day. Gilbert operated the dog cart for four decades; when he retired, the city celebrated with Gilley’s Day, complete with parade. You can still get a great hot dog at Gilley’s, albeit with new owners, and now permanently parked on Fleet Street.

Back in 1901, Frank Jones, the brewery baron and a major Portsmouth philanthropist, undertook the first renovation of The Music Hall as a way to bring culture to both Portsmouth and the region. Stunning in its architecture and design, complete with ceiling murals and gilded balconies, the venue was a showplace that attracted attendees from miles around.

Two World Wars, time and economics led to the incredible venue falling into disrepair. Murals were painted over; gilding and plasterwork forgotten. It became an inexpensive sticky-floored movie theater that showed largely Disney movies and had a trash can lid with a bulb where the once gorgeous crystal chandelier once hung.

Then, in the late 1980s, a team of visionaries (the Friends of The Music Hall) began

the daunting task of restoring the 1878 building to its former glory, and renewing Jones’ vision of it as a cultural center for people far and near. Today, it is once again a theatrical jewel, its grandeur revived and its place secure in the heart of the city. Portsmouth’s reputation is interwoven with food due to its legendary restaurant scene. The city peaked with 326 restaurants in 2018, and now boasts 301, with 75 located downtown. According to a Seacoastonline article, the city has 36,000 restaurant seats — more than enough for its 22,000 residents. The restaurant renaissance began in the 1970s with the debut of The Oar House, the Dolphin Striker,

The Library and The Rusty Hammer. With the success of these venues, shops, nightlife and culture followed, and Portsmouth’s transformation began. Today, all of these restaurants survive, save for the Dolphin Striker, which closed in 2021 after 47 years. A new eatery is opening there this year.

Families gravitate to Portsmouth as well, with Portsmouth natives Christy Bryant, 33, and her husband, Tylor, 31, both choosing to raise their boys, ages 10 and 4, in the city. The Bryants live in the Sherburne neighborhood, west of downtown. It’s a close-knit community where kids ride their bikes in the streets and play in each other’s yards.

Jeffrey Barnes and fiancé Emily McKenna love hitting the decks on Portsmouth’s waterfront.

Budd Perry at The Music Hall, a favorite outing.

“We grew up here and our families are here, so that’s a big draw,” Tylor says. “We also like the city’s proximity to beaches and lakes, as well as all the downtown has to offer.” Both boys love the city’s many playgrounds, as well as Peirce Island and Prescott Park, and hitting favorite ice cream spots.

The Bryants know they were lucky to find their house when they did. “We bought it in 2016, and it’s small — I can’t have another child; there isn’t room,” she says with a laugh. “And I’m only half joking. We have friends who want to live here and can’t find anything.”

Christy is also concerned about what she sees as a “touch of Boston” in the downtown. “Portsmouth has such lovely, historic buildings. It’s too bad to see these big, tall

buildings coming in. It’s really changing the skyline.”

Still, she has no plans to leave. “I loved growing up here, and I want my boys to have that chance. There is still great community here.”

Portsmouth is clearly a city with tremendous appeal but also one seeking to blend its identities. No matter how gentrified it may appear, it still has a working person’s soul.

Those that remember its rowdier waterfront, ethnic neighborhoods and suppers of beans and dogs served up in the Square speak fondly of those rough edges, if only as a reminder of the city’s roots. Hopefully, Portsmouth can bridge both worlds going forward — an elegant lady with the heart of a classy dame. NH

Christy and Tylor Bryant grab a slice of pizza at one of the city’s many eateries.

TRIED AND TRUE

Rooted in Possibility

Growing food, community and care

at Dandelion Forest Farm

BY JILL ARMSTRONG / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLEGRA BOVERMAN

Many view dandelions as pesky, undesirable weeds that spoil the beauty of a well-manicured lawn with their glaring yellow heads. For the folks at Dandelion Forest Farm in Nottingham, they’re a versatile ingredient that can be roasted for tea, tossed in a salad or used to make a sweet, rich wine.

On a mission to grow and harvest edible perennials that thrive with minimal care, such as chestnuts, elderberries and mulberries, Linh Aven and her husband, Brian Fluharty, chose to name their operation, an agroforestry farm situated on a 31-acre plot of conservation land in Nottingham, after this common variety.

“There are so many ingredients around us already that are so good for us, and a lot of them taste good too,” Aven said from a stump-turned-stool overlooking the farm, the fresh greenery of late spring popping in the sunshine following several days of heavy rain. “I hope this place becomes somewhere where people can come and be inspired to grow their own food.”

Aven and Fluharty, a chef and scientist respectively, were not experienced farmers when they found their way to this location from Boston in April of 2022. They spent years searching for a place to call home prior to and amid the chaos of the pandemic before settling in Nottingham.

“This is not what we were looking for in career or location,” Aven said. “But it’s one of those things where, once you’re here, you know it’s the right thing to do.”

At first glance, Dandelion Forest Farm might not seem like the average farm: Crops aren’t planted in straight rows in singular plots, vegetation seems to cover much of the soil and there’s no heavy machinery stationed out in the field.

This is because for Aven and her team — a small group she says are “missionallyaligned kindred spirits with compatible gifts and strengths” — farming is about finding practices that offer better ways to grow food naturally.

Korean natural farming is one such practice, which involves creating pesticides and fertilizers through the process of fermentation. Fermented tomato leaves, for example,

Top right: Linh Aven, right, co-founder of the farm, plants tomatoes with Elizabeth Haskett of Raymond, co-founder and chef, center, and Tuya Elwy of Portsmouth, front of house manager for the Farm Dinners.

Above: The Dandelion Forest Farm team. In back from left are Tuya Elwy of Portsmouth and Elizabeth Haskett of Raymond. In front from left are Brian Fluharty and Linh Aven, who live at the farm.

contain a compound that repels insects. The practice might also involve collecting bacterial and fungal organisms in the surrounding forest, promoting soil health.

One of the most ambitious farm projects to note are the hundred or so chestnut saplings scattered across the property. Since it will take years before the trees bear fruit, the team will grow a variety of vegetables and herbs in a practice known as alley cropping, where crops are grown in the intervening “alleys” surrounding the trees’ base.

Many of the practices are observational. The use of mulch, for example, attracts voles and slugs, so a flock of ducks manage the slugs (“Oh, boy, do they love slugs!” Aven said), and two cats deter the vole populations, a solution that proved successful after a failed potato crop in their first season.

“It’s not a perfect system, but we’re always

Ducks help with eating pests like slugs and insects and help prepare the soil for planting, much like the farm’s chickens do, too. They move around the farm as a group.

trying to find simple solutions like that,” Aven said.

While the crew at Dandelion Forest Farm can certainly do the work themselves, they’ve valued the community groups who’ve joined them on the land to help with planting projects. This past spring, a group of local high school students helped plant a bed of honeyberry bushes — plants that bear large, sweet fruit similar to blueberries — which will be part of a pick-your-own fruit and berry orchard for visitors once the plants mature.

“I feel like what we’re creating is just so much bigger than us, not just for the work, but for the connection and the relationships that we have with each other,” Aven said. “It quickly becomes more than the food.”

Farmer’s Table, seasonal communal dinners hosted on the farm, embodies Aven’s vision for reconnecting consumers with their food and with one another. Curated by Aven and co-chef Elizabeth Haskett, the six-course, vegetable-forward meal highlights the best of what’s in season at that moment in time.

“A lot of people ask us, ‘When do you start your menu planning?’ ” Aven said. “But we don’t even talk about the menu until the

Market crops such as lettuce, bok choy, cabbage, radishes, turnips and beets are growing under insect nets for protection.

The farm works to transform 6 acres of hay fields into a bountiful food forest with plenty of treats to enjoy along the way.

week before, because we don’t know what is going to be in season on the farm, let alone the foraging side of things, where those seasons are so short. We’re just kind of figuring things out as we go along.”

At these events, guests arrive to welcome drinks and a board of local cheese, pickles and foraged items. Before the meal, Aven leads guests on a farm tour, noting where many of the ingredients in the meal are grown and explaining some of the farming practices.

The meal is served out in the field underneath a canopy tent lined with twinkling white lights. Tiki torches — used to ward off pesky mosquitos — surround the long, communal table where diners convene to relish the summer’s bounty.

Most of the food served is sourced on site, but some of the ingredients, like meat products, come from local farmers. “We make sure to highlight all the farmers and treat them like celebrities here, and it’s such a wonderful thing to show all the people who are at this table, ‘Hey, these are the hands that made your food,’ ” Aven said.

This field was recently mulched by a group of students from Phillips Exeter Academy in preparation to get the ground ready for planting honeyberries (similar to blueberries), melons, potatoes, cucumbers and winter squash. In the fall, perennial honeyberries will be planted there also.

About 500 people attend the Farmer’s Table dinners throughout the summer, but Aven and her team also curate weekly vegetable box pickups, more commonly known as CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), for 30 families throughout the growing season. “I’m helping shape what they’re eating for dinner, and they put their trust in me.”

“Farming is a funny thing,” Aven said,

NATURAL ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR

a spotted guinea hen feather, tied into her long, black braid, fluttering in the breeze as she spoke. “We are growing food to feed the people around us. It’s a very nurturing position to be in.” NH

Dandelion Forest Farm is located at 311 Stage Road in Nottingham. Check out their website for more information — dandelionforestfarm.com

GARNISH AND GO

Ready to Drink

Jose Cuervo Authentic Variety Pack

Want to give your taste buds a little fun this summer? Try the Jose Cuervo Authentic Variety Pack. This variety pack combines fan favorites like Jose Cuervo Authentic Strawberry, Mango and Lime Margarita in a fun 200ml 6-pack.

Available at NH Liquor and Wine Outlets.

200ML 6-pack • $14.99

On sale in Aug: $12.99

Surfside Lemonade + Vodka

The canned cocktail that transforms sour faces into sweet smiles faster than you can say, “Who spiked the lemonade?” Surfside is made with Stateside Vodka, real juice, has 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar and zero bubbles. Check it out in the Lemonade Variety Pack. Available where beer is sold.

8-pack • $19.99

Jose Cuervo Authentic

Dragon Fruit Lemonade

Bringing new sweetness to spring drinks, Jose Cuervo Authentic Dragon Fruit Lemonade is the newest flavor addition to the Jose Cuervo Ready To Drink Margarita line. Dragon Fruit Lemonade has flavors of sweet tropical fruits, tart lemon and a hint of mango.

Available at NH Liquor and Wine Outlets.

750ML • $16.99 On sale in July/Aug: $14.99

Coppa Cocktails Margarita

Coppa Cocktails Margarita is a delicious, ready-to-serve cocktail made with tequila, liqueur & lime. Pour straight from the fridge into your glass of choice over crushed ice. Optional: Serve in a saltrimmed glass with a lime slice. By the pool or in the comfort of your home, the Coppa Cocktails Margarita is best enjoyed in great company.

Available at the NH Liquor and Wine Outlets

750ML • $16.99

On sale in July/Aug: $13.99

Don’t feel like fully stocking a bar with a selection of spirits, bitters and sodas? Not a problem. Think stress-free and simple by turning to ready-to-drink cocktails. Just add ice and the garnish of choice. These convenient options allow everyone to enjoy refreshments — even the host.

On The Rocks

Lemon Drop Martini

This blossoming Lemon Drop Martini is the perfect blend of a classic taste with hints of botanicals. Crisp, refreshing and subtly sweet, just pour over ice and treat yourself to layers of lemon, hints of elderflower and basil and a vanilla finish.

Available at the NH Liquor and Wine Outlets

375ML • $13.99

On sale in July/Aug: $11.99

1800 Ultimate Light Lime

1800 Ultimate Margarita is the #1 super premium ready to serve tequila cocktail. It is made using 1800 Tequila which is the world's most awarded tequila family. 1800 Ultimate Light Lime brings the same taste quality in a lower calorie option. Available at NH Liquor and Wine Outlets.

750ML • $19.99

On sale in July/Aug: $17.99

Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka

Top seller! We promise it’s not just a pretty can. Tastes like fresh brewed iced tea but with a kick. Surfside is made with Stateside Vodka, real tea, real juice, has 100 calories, 2 grams of sugar and zero bubbles. Check it out in the Iced Tea Variety Pack.

Available where beer is sold. 8-pack • $19.99

Casamigos Margaritas

Crafted with premium Casamigos tequila and the refreshingly bold taste of real juice, each margarita is a celebration of flavor and fun. With 10% ABV and no carbonation these drinks are perfect to bring to your next gathering with friends! Flavors include Passionfruit & Prickly Pear, Guava & Hibiscus, Strawberry & Colima Lime, and Classic Margarita.

Available at NH Liquor and Wine Outlets.

200ML 8-pack • $19.99

The Murder of Caleb Dyer

An angry father’s threats lead to a violent end in Shaker Village

STORY & PHOTOS BY MARSHALL HUDSON

The drone crashed with a heartbreaking crunch followed by silence … I’m at Enfield Shaker Museum attending an aerial mapping class, and we just watched the drone attempt to circle the bell tower high atop the Great Stone Dwelling House.

Unfortunately, the pilot accidentally flew it into the tower. Counting the windows’ tiers, I estimate this massive building has five or six stories of living space and an attic, placing the belltower 60 to 70 feet above ground. It likely has a commanding view of the village, so I volunteered to go up and retrieve the drone pieces.

I found my way up many flights of stairs to a steep ladder that led through a trapdoor and emerged inside the bell tower. The view was worth the effort. The drone was damaged but perhaps salvageable, so I gathered up the pieces and returned them to the

embarrassed pilot. While he attempted repairs, I wandered around inside the Great Stone Dwelling looking at exhibits, reading placards and learning about the Enfield Shakers.

I learned the village was founded in 1793, the ninth of 19 Shaker communities that once existed throughout the United States. Shakers lived here practicing their religious beliefs, which included gender and racial equality, celibacy, pacifism and communal ownership of property. At its peak in the mid-19th century, this community was home to about 300 Shakers and included more than 100 buildings and 3,000 acres.

The centerpiece of the village is the Great Stone Dwelling House, which I’m now wandering around in. The construction of this impressive building began in 1834 when other buildings were moved out of the way. The next three years, the Shakers prepared the site,

quarried granite and sawed timbers. In 1837, the building was erected with the assistance of hired tradesmen, but the planning and construction was managed by a Shaker Brother named Caleb Dyer.

Dyer was born in 1800 and joined the Shaker Society when he was 12. Dyer grew into one of the Enfield Shakers’ most capable trustees. As a Society leader and savvy businessman, he managed his community’s transition from farming into an industrial economy and oversaw major construction projects, including this granite dwelling house and the Shaker Bridge across Mascoma Lake. Sadly, Caleb Dyer also holds the distinction of being the only murdered Shaker.

The story of his murder begins in June of 1861, with a temporary laborer employed by the Shakers named Thomas Weir. Weir decided he would join the Union Army

The ill-fated drone attempting to circle the bell tower, moments before crashing.

and announced he was quitting his Shaker employment stating, “I am going to enlist and go South and get Jeff Davis’ head.”

Weir had two daughters, about 8 and 10 years old, who he proposed to leave in the care of the Shakers while he was away at war. He brought the daughters to Enfield Village and executed adoption documents giving the Shakers custody and responsibility for them. These documents also stipulated that upon his return, he could not remove either child from the Society if they were happy living among the Shakers.

Weir enlisted in the 5th N.H. Volunteers and marched south with his new infantry regiment. But he was over 50 years old and not suited to rough Army living. After a few months his health broke down; he was discharged and sent home.

Weir visited his daughters and found them happy and content. After a few visits he inquired about removing them from the village. Dyer told him if the children wanted to go, they could, but the girls told their father they preferred to remain with the Shakers.

Weir hired an attorney to get his daughters back, but the documents he had signed precluded legal recourse unless the girls desired to leave, which they did not. The daughters freely told the attorney they did not want to live with their father and wanted to stay with the Shakers.

Rumors of alcoholism and an unstable, troubled home life with Weir circulated. Weir

then attempted to take his daughters by force, but the girls resisted, and the attempt failed. Frustrated, Weir began to threaten violence, but it was thought to be nothing more than obnoxious bluster.

On July 18, 1863, Weir, “nerved up by bad whiskey,” went to the Shakers armed with a Colt revolver. Weir and Dyer met on the highway outside the Shaker business office. Weir demanded his children be returned to him, but Dyer refused and turned to leave. Weir drew his revolver and shot Dyer in the back. The bullet entered near the spine,

nicked a lung and lodged beneath the skin just above Dyer’s naval. Weir attempted a second shot, but the pistol misfired.

Dyer was brought to the Shakers’ infirmary, where a doctor removed the bullet. Dyer told his gathered friends that he would be up and about in a few days. Three days later he breathed his last breath.

Thomas Weir surrendered to the sheriff and was charged with premeditated murder. His trial lasted four days and the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. The presiding judge sentenced him “To be hung by the neck until dead,” with the execution to occur “one year and one day from this date.”

The case was appealed, and a new trial was granted. At the retrial, it became obvious that the verdict would be the same, so Weir’s attorney negotiated a plea deal for second-degree murder, which was accepted by the court. The reduced sentence was 30 years in prison, which seemed likely a life sentence as Weir was 54. But after serving 17 years, he was pardoned by the governor and released. Hearing a ruckus and a cheer outside, I looked out the window to see the resurrected drone zooming past. The pilot had repaired it, and class was reassembling in the parking lot. I trotted down the many flights of stairs to rejoin the group.

I had come here to learn about aerial mapping, but learned an intriguing tale of murder instead … don’t tell the embarrassed pilot, but I’m a little glad his drone crashed. NH

The murderer Thomas Weir after his release from prison.

The view from the bell tower high atop the Great Stone Dwelling House.

ASK THE Experts

Some of the most important decisions for New Hampshire retirees to make include where and how they want to live, and whether to stay in their own homes or to transition to a retirement community. We reached out to some retirement living experts to learn about the planning process and what they have to offer so New Hampshire residents can ask the right questions as they enter this stage of their life journey.

MEET THE EXPERTS:

DIRECTOR THE BALDWIN

Kristin Mattheson DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

DIRECTOR

SILVERSTONE LIVING

Kelley Kennedy EXECUTIVE

SILVERSTONE LIVING

Kathleen D’Amico MARKETING

The Baldwin

THEBALDWINNH.ORG

QThe Baldwin has now received two awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) as well as other awards. What sets The Baldwin apart?

AThe Baldwin really changes the experience of senior living. From the very beginning, the vision has been to create an environment where people naturally connect and engage in the life of the community and have the freedom and flexibility to live as they choose.

The design is a contemporary take on traditional New England architecture and creates the feeling of a small town that’s walkable, welcoming and open to all. Along the tree-lined street are ground-level retail spaces, entrances to each building, and even some groundlevel apartment homes that have doors facing the street. In the middle of the community is a beautiful water feature that acts as a town center. With benches, tables for outdoor dining, and paved walking paths, you’ll see people coming and going, chatting with neighbors, enjoying lunch or a cup of coffee — all before you even set foot inside.

Another intentional part of the design included distributing amenity and community spaces throughout the buildings to encourage interaction and engagement. With individual but connected buildings, there are no long corridors to navigate and — thanks to a glassenclosed pedestrian bridge, an underground walkway and underground parking — residents can access everything in the community and come and go without having to go outside in inclement weather. Within each residential building, there are additional gathering spaces with comfortable seating and a variety of ways for residents and their guests to have fun together. For example, you’ll find a billiards table in one and a ping pong table in another.

QDoes The Baldwin take a unique approach to assisted living and memory support?

AYes! For one thing, while typical senior living communities put healthcare wings off to themselves, separate from the community, Orchard Inn — our small-home assisted living and memory support area — is located on the second and third floors of our main building. This makes it easy for those living at Orchard Inn to enjoy and remain part of community life and participate in programs. Orchard Inn’s small-home model is also unique in southern New Hampshire. With just 10 residents in each household, care is highly personalized and empowering.

QHow does The Baldwin promote and support the concept of holistic wellness?

AThe Baldwin’s wellness program — APEX — is a holistic approach to wellness that’s personal, flexible, and self-directed. It’s not just about physical health — though a strong, healthy body makes everything else easier. Total well-being also includes cognitive and mental health, emotional and spiritual well-being, a sense of purpose, social opportunities, and a living environment that enhances quality of life. With this in mind, we make a wide variety of lifeenhancing programs and resources available to residents in an active, vibrant, and supportive community that makes it easier to reach their goals.

Scan the QR code to download an APEX brochure and learn more.

— Kathleen D’Amico, Marketing Director, The Baldwin

To see this innovative community for yourself, call 603.699.0100 and schedule a tour. Or go to TheBaldwinNH.org/Events to find an upcoming open house or informational event.

Silverstone Living

QWhat exactly is a life plan community, and why would I want to live in one?

AThink of it as retirement with a game plan! Life plan communities like Hunt Community and The Huntington at Nashua offer a mix of independent living and future healthcare services—all in one place. Now you’re free to enjoy life your way, with the comfort of knowing help’s there if you ever need it.

QHow do these communities enhance social engagement and well-being?

ALife plan communities are designed to support active, fulfilling lifestyles. They offer diverse amenities such as fitness programs, cultural events, dining options, and group activities. At The Huntington at Nashua, residents can enjoy scenic walking trails and art classes, or Hunt Community—steps from local hotspots, events, and everyday adventure. These environments promote strong social connections, mental stimulation, and emotional wellness.

QIs moving into a Life Plan Community a smart financial move?

ASurprisingly—yes, for many people! While there’s an upfront entrance fee and a monthly service fee, these cover costs you’d normally pay separately: housing, utilities, maintenance, dining, fitness, entertainment, and even future healthcare.

Plus, many residents appreciate the predictable monthly costs that make budgeting easier. And depending on your contract type, part of your entrance fee may be refundable to you or your estate. Bonus: in some cases, you might even qualify for tax deductions related to medical or longterm care expenses.

So, while it might feel like a big step, it’s often a smart way to protect your finances—and your peace of mind.

— Kelley Kennedy, Executive Director, At Home By Hunt, and Kristin Mattheson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Silverstone Living

ENJOY THE

Lifestyle

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

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

Schedule a tour of our available homes today!

Thank you!

New Hampshire Magazine, in partnership with the New Hampshire Nurses Association, would like to thank our sponsors and attendees for making this year’s event a night to remember! We appreciate your support, and look forward to next year’s celebration!

Special thanks to Jodie Andruskevich and Jacques Flower Shop.

Above: A classic but inaccurate painting of

From the Battle to the Monument

The Granite State played a key role at Bunker Hill

It’s boom time for Bunker Hill. As the nation prepares for next year’s 250th anniversary, Boston is already there with parades, concerts and memorial events. The brutal battle between the New England militia and British redcoats took place on June 17, 1775, in Charlestown, Mass.

On that date, 50 years later, the Marquis de Lafayette dedicated the cornerstone of an iconic 221-foot monument. Without support from New Hampshire, however, this would be a very different story.

Rehearsal for rebellion

To appreciate New Hampshire’s role at Bunker Hill, let’s turn back the clock. England and France have a chequered past. From 1099 A.D., historians calculate, the two nations declared war on one another 41 times. What we call the French and Indian War (1756-1763) was, in fact, a global conflict. French and English forces wrestled for territory in India, Europe and here in North America.

As a royal English province, New Hampshire had been sparring with New France (Canada) over fishing grounds and the fur

BY J. DENNIS ROBINSON

trade since the early 1600s. The French and Indian War turned out to be an American training ground for the coming revolution against King George III. While none of the action took place on New Hampshire soil, the war turned British-American citizens into hardened fighters. John Stark of Manchester, for example, would later employ his skills against the redcoats at Bunker Hill.

France ceded Canada to the British in 1763, but the Seven Years' War was costly. The protracted conflict nearly doubled Britain’s national debt. Having saved the

Opposite page: Bostonians on rooftops watched Charlestown set ablaze by British troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill as imagined in a 1901 illustration by Howard Pyle.

the death of Dr. Joseph Warren on Breed’s Hill at the battle by John Trumbull.

American colonies, King George hoped to recover some of the Crown’s expenses from his American subjects. Taxes on sugar, stamps, tea, documents and other goods sparked unrest in New England, highlighted by the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre. When British soldiers tried to control the king’s armory and arrest rebels Sam Adams and John Hancock, they met armed resistance at Lexington and Concord. Seventy-nine redcoats and 43 Americans were killed in the first armed rebellion on April 19, 1775.

Enter John Stark

John and Elizabeth “Molly” Stark had welcomed nine of their 11 children before the Revolution began. A farmer and lumberman, Stark was in his mid-40s and working at his sawmill in Derryfield (Manchester) when he received the “Lexington Alarm.” The uprising had begun. Minutes later, according to legend, he was on his way to Medford, Mass., to join thousands of New England militiamen encamped around Boston. On April 23, Stark received word from the New Hampshire pro-

visional government in Exeter that he was to command the 1st New Hampshire Regiment.

For weeks after Lexington and Concord, British and Colonial leaders struggled to plan their next move. Gen. Thomas Gage, in command of the Siege of Boston, wanted to crush the American rebellion quickly. Gage planned to seize and fortify the Boston high ground at nearby Dorchester Heights. From there, his forces could control Roxbury, Charlestown and Cambridge. With thousands of fresh troops and cannons arriving at Boston Harbor aboard warships from England, the attack was set for June 18.

But word of the British plan leaked to the Colonial forces. On June 16, Col. William Prescott secretly led 1,200 New England men on a midnight mission to fortify a spot called Breed’s Hill (accidentally identified as Bunker Hill). Quickly and quietly, they dug a ditch and built up a 6-foot-high wall of dirt called a “redoubt” for protection from the inevitable British assault.

At daybreak on June 17, cannon fire from a ship in Boston Harbor reached Prescott’s crude fortification but did little damage. By

early afternoon, in warm and sunny weather, 2,500 British forces led by Gen. William Howe assembled at the foot of Breed’s Hill. They would charge the hill three times in two hours of fierce fighting.

At the rail fence

At first, Prescott’s small force held the hill against an onslaught of men in red uniforms. Hope and ammunition, however, were running low when John Stark and his New Hampshire force arrived. Spotting a serious breach in Prescott’s defense, Stark positioned his 900 men farther left of the hill by a ragged 600-foot rail fence and stone wall that hugged the shore of the Mystic River. Drawing on his experience in the French and Indian War, Stark made the best of an impossible situation. Each of his men received a small portion of gunpowder, one flint, and 15 musket balls.

With little ammunition against thousands of redcoats, he ordered his men to set out markers 100 feet ahead of the rail fence. This was the ideal distance, he knew, for dead-on accuracy with colonial muskets.

PHOTOS BY RALPH MORANG AND WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Above: 1st NH Regiment re-enactors join the 225th anniversary of the Bunker Hill skirmish held at Wagon Hill in Durham in 2000.

Opposite page: While plans for a statue of John Stark on the grounds of Bunker Hill Monument fell through, he can be seen on horseback in Manchester, NH, and standing in front of the Statehouse in Concord, NH. Stark statues are also represented in Washington, D.C., and Bennington, Vt.

“If any man dares fire before the redcoats reach this stake,” Stark warned, “I will knock him down.” Waiting behind the wooden barrier stuffed with hay, his militia bravely held their ground, then rose suddenly, as bursts of withering fire tore into the enemy line.

During the battle, the colonel received word that his 16-year-old son, Caleb, had been killed. Stark told the messenger that this was “not a time to talk of private affairs.” Caleb Stark, however, was alive. He went on to earn the rank of major and later served in the New Hampshire Senate.

As the red tide turned against the Americans, a supply of gunpowder arrived from New Hampshire. According to lore, “old John Demeritt” had delivered the powder 60 miles overland by oxcart from where it had been hidden at his Madbury farm. This was the same gunpowder stolen from Fort William and Mary during the famous colonial raid at New Castle Island on Dec. 13, 1774.

Stark knew when it was time to quit. Demeritt’s ammunition allowed New Hampshire forces to cover the retreat of the surviving troops fleeing the redoubt as the British stormed Breed’s Hill. Today, the Powder Major’s Forest is a 193-acre recreational preserve on the Lee/Madbury border.

The British had won the day, but at a staggering cost. By evening, a thousand redcoats were dead, wounded or missing versus 450 colonial casualties. Instead of crushing a protest, the British had been lured into a war for American independence. The Siege of Boston continued until March 1776 in a war that lasted eight deadly years.

Building memory

Fresh from Phillips Exeter Academy and Dartmouth College, a hick young lawyer named Daniel Webster arrived in the bustling seaport of Portsmouth at the peak of its prosperity in 1807. New Hampshire’s only seaport (population 5,000) was the ideal spot to open a law office. Webster served in the state House of Representatives. In his autobiography, America's famous orator would recall his nine years in Portsmouth as the happiest in his life.

By 1823, as the 50th anniversary of the Siege of Boston loomed, Webster had moved his practice to Massachusetts, where he was again a member of the U.S. Congress. Revolutionary War veterans were fading. To keep

Above: NH-born politician Daniel Webster helped kickstart the granite monument, but a lack of money halted construction. Sarah Josepha Hale, also of NH, stepped in to raise critical funds for the costly project.

PHOTO BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Bunker Hill Day in Charlestown, Mass., circa 1890-1900. The towering obelisk marking a lost battle has become a symbol of American resistance and independence.

their memory and the pivotal Charlestown battle alive, Daniel Webster and four other influential men established the Bunker Hill Monument Association.

Donors who joined for $5 received an official certificate. The BHMA bought land at the site of the battle and sponsored a contest for the monument design. Horatio Greenough, a 20-year-old Harvard student, won the prize. His model of a granite obelisk was inspired by an ancient Greek memorial.

On June 17, 1825, an aging Marquis de Lafayette dedicated a granite block at the future site of the monument to a massive crowd.

“We live in a most extraordinary age,” Daniel Webster told 15,000 VIP guests. “The whole world seems changed.”

Three thousand granite blocks, each weighing 5 tons, were needed. To move the stone from a quarry 12 miles away in Quincy, engineers created the nation’s first commercial railroad. The horse-drawn line carried the heavy blocks to the Neponset River, where they were floated by barge to Charlestown.

Construction began in 1827. But the founders had underestimated the cost. Money soon ran out, and, at only 37 feet tall, work on the Bunker Hill Monument stopped for seven long years. Renewed funds pushed

the height to 85 feet before construction was halted again in 1834.

A Ladies Fair

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale of Newport, NH, was born in 1788. By 1822, she was the widowed mother of five children. The following year, as Daniel Webster was promoting a granite monument in Boston, Sarah Hale published her first novel. Entitled “Northwood,” her book was a sensitive study of a New Hampshire family struggling to adjust to life in the American South before the Civil War. Hale then moved to Boston, where, as “editoress” of a ladies’ fashion magazine, her writing reached 150,000 monthly subscribers.

Most of us know Sarah Hale as the author of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” based on a true story. Or we remember her campaign to turn Thanksgiving into a national holiday. She also promoted higher education and employment for women.

But there’s more. In 1840, to support the stalled monument project, Hale organized a sales bazaar at Quincy Market in Boston. The fair sold goods sewn, knitted, baked, crafted, canned and painted exclusively by women. Funds from the five-day Ladies Fair totaled $30,000, worth close to $1 million today.

Hale’s contribution to the BHMA sparked new sponsors and, on June 17, 1843, the tallest monument in the nation was dedicated. Daniel Webster, of course, delivered a speech that would be required reading in schools for decades to come.

Flanked by John Tyler, our 10th president, Webster spoke once more. “A duty has been performed,” Webster said, as the obelisk loomed overhead. “A work of gratitude and patriotism is completed.”

Only a dozen veterans of the battle had survived to see it. Within days of the dedication, an abolitionist newspaper criticized Daniel Webster. His speech had failed to mention that, in 1843, a so-called “free America” also included more than 3 million enslaved Africans.

Redefining the battle

The monument transformed what was an American defeat into a towering symbol of resistance against British rule. It was an instant tourist attraction. Visitors climbed 294 steps to a 360-degree view of the Mystic and Charles rivers, the city hub, and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

It was, for countless visitors, a Boston thing. Bunker Hill was, after all, the tallest war memorial in the country. Then, in 1884,

During a five-day “Ladies Fair” at Boston’s Quincy Market in 1840, writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale and her female volunteers raised the modern equivalent of nearly a million dollars to finish the stalled monument.

another granite obelisk opened to visitors in the nation’s capital. At 555 feet, the new Washington Monument was twice the height.

In 1902, Henry M. Baker, a New Hampshire lawyer and politician, offered a stirring reminder of the Granite State’s historic role in 1775. Baker calculated that 1,211 officers and men who were residents of New Hampshire participated in the battle. This he compared to roughly 200 men from Connecticut, 660 from Massachusetts, and 300 to 400 men who worked on the Breed’s Hill redoubt but did not participate in the fighting.

“No battle of the Revolution accomplished more for the patriot cause,” Baker said at a gathering of the NH Society of Sons of the American Revolution in Concord, NH.

“Without it, Bennington, Saratoga, and Yorktown might not have been possible. That New Hampshire bore so conspicuous and honorable a part at Bunker Hill confers renown upon our state and … upon the brave men whom this society especially represents. We sustain just pride in their work, achievements, and glory.”

A larger-than-life statue of Dr. Joseph Warren, who died at the battle, was added to the monument grounds in 1857. Another of Col. William Prescott, sword in hand, appeared in 1881. Then, in 1902, the same year as Henry Baker’s speech, the Monument Association opened “The Lodge.”

Shaped like a Greek temple, it offered visitors a place to gather, view exhibitions and pay a 25-cent fee to ascend the monument stairs. There was talk about adding a third statue to honor Col. John Stark. It never happened. Today, a bronze image of Stark stands

outside the capital in Concord, NH, not far from a likeness of Daniel Webster.

In 1951, Boston Evening Traveler reporter Bill Schofield suggested combining Boston’s key historic sites into a self-guided walking tour that includes Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, and the tall ship “Old Ironsides.” Schofield suggested the names “Patriot’s Path” and “Liberty Loop.” Luckily, the name Freedom Trail stuck instead, and Boston Mayor John B. Hynes made it official that year. A painted red line was added in 1958. Today, millions of visitors follow the trail that concludes at Bunker Hill Monument.

The never-ending skirmish

Bob Davidson of Nottingham grew up loving history, especially the World War II era of his grandparents. He was 12, he recalls, when he first climbed the Charlestown monument with his grandmother. A scholar of the battle, Davidson, 53, is adjutant/lieutenant of the First New Hampshire Regiment. The modern group of reenactors is dedicated to keeping the Revolution going.

Davidson got the “living history” bug about a decade ago and has been active in the 1st NH since 2018. As a 21st century adjutant, his advisory role is similar to an event coordinator, he says. His group includes about 35 men and women. Past Bunker Hill anniversaries have been staged in Epping and Durham. This year’s 250th was assigned to a hill in Gloucester, Mass.

These are not costumed hobbyists out for a lark. Volunteers are trained in the safe use of ancient weapons. They wear authentic handmade outfits, study battle strategy,

follow strict regulations and endure authentic 19th-century encampment conditions. The 1st NH is a member of the nonprofit Continental Line that manages groups from Georgia to New England. The British reenactors belong to a separate organization. Davidson, a merchandiser for a beer distributor in the real world, does about 15 battles, parades and historic events per year.

There were many storied Granite Staters at Bunker Hill. Gen. George Reed of Londonderry fought in Charlestown and in battles for the next eight years of the Revolution. Young Henry Dearborn was a captain in Stark’s regiment. Joseph Cilley, of the 2nd NH Regiment, went on to become a state senator. But it was Stark, who Davidson compares to a top-notch coach, who stands out.

“If it wasn’t for John Stark at Bunker Hill, the Revolutionary War might not have lasted. There would have been no men left,” Davidson says.

Not forgotten

Visitors who climb the initial steps to the base of the monument from the east, known as the New Hampshire Gate, will discover a tomblike granite plaque. An early New Hampshire seal depicting a fish, a tree and a quiver of arrows is etched into the polished stone. A carved motto reads: “Strength United is Stronger.” A second inscription briefly tells the story of John Stark and the 900 men of the 1st NH Regiment.

For some, the plain marker dedicated during the American Bicentennial of 1976 tells the story. For others, not so much. At the nation’s centennial of 1876, a minister named Increase Tarbox worried that the Granite State deserved more. “We have the full conviction,” Tarbox wrote, “that the time will come when the whole nation will give the honors of the battle of Bunker Hill largely to the common soldiers of New Hampshire who, more than any other men, fought it.” NH

J. Dennis Robinson is the author of 20 history books including two “history mystery” novels. His latest, created with illustrator Robert Squier, is “Bunker Hill Time Machine,” the graphic story of the building of the Bunker Hill Monument for readers of all ages.

After climbing 294 stone steps, 19th-century tourists were treated to a panoramic view of Boston Harbor, Charlestown Navy Yard and the rapidly growing city, now home to the historic Freedom Trail.

Style by the Sea

Summer’s here again in the Granite State, but rather than reaching for the same old staples in the back of your closet, why not explore some of our favorite local retailers for pieces that inspire your next boardwalk-to-brunch adventure? Shot at the iconic Wentworth by the Sea, let your summer style set sail with these sustainably-sourced, localmeets-luxe coastal looks.

FASHION EDITOR & STYLING BY CHLOE BARCELOU

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENN BAKOS

HAIR AND MAKEUP: HEATHER HYLTON AT HAUS OF BEAUTY SALON & SPA

MO DEL: MEREDITH M c GRANE AT MAGGIE INC.

VENUE: WENTWORTH BY THE SEA, NEW CASTLE

Summer Break

Printed wide-leg maxi pant in midnight blue by Joseph Ribkoff ($196) with Meridian earrings ($60) and bracelet ($118) both by Brighton, all from Alapage, styled with red butterfly lace ruffle bra by For Love & Lemons ($79) from The Ivy Edit. Crinkle crew neck cardigan by French Connection ($118) and Arizona big buckle Birkenstock ($170), both from Indigo, layered with the silky printed kimono jacket by Shana ($105) from Statement Boutique.

Lobster Catch

Linen embroidered shorts by Marble ($58) from Peridot, paired with adorable lobster racerback tank top ($42) by Promesa USA and “beach” tote ($78) by Shiraleah, all from Peridot. Gingham “Sammie” bustier by For Love & Lemons ($139) and cowrie shell raffia bucket hat by Puka Dot ($96), both from The Ivy Edit. Blue suede notice sneaker by Dolce Vita ($139) and red perrie mini woven bucket bag by Remi/ Reid, both from Indigo. Puglia bracelet in molly mix ($124) and goccia pastels necklace ($230) both by Michaela Malin from Statement Boutique.

Shades of White

White linen annecy tank by Z Supply ($79) layered under white crochet vest by Dex Clothing ($80) and rattan and beaded earrings ($18) with Camilla crossbody bag ($70) by Moda Luxe, all from Viva Boutique. Beautiful crochet pullover in coco milk ($98) by Open Fancy, paired with vanilla eyelet maxi skirt by Liverpool ($119), silver and turquoise concho belt ($90) by Brighton, Santa-Cruz straw hat by Kooringal ($35), and rattan slipper bambi shoes by Sam Edelman ($130), all from Alapage.

Jewelry

ON HER LEFT HAND: Meridian geo bracelet ($148),Meridian open hinged bangle ($118), Medici link bracelet ($138)

ON HER RIGHT HAND: Precious heart two-toned bracelet ($92), Meridian bracelet ($98)

NECKLACES: Meridian suez twotoned necklace ($128), Meridian rope necklace ($128), Meridian geo necklace ($178) and Spectrum necklace ($68)

All by Brighton from Alapage

Cooling Breezes

Blue & pink paisley mandy maxi skirt by Bell ($340), layered under blake mini skirt by Bell ($216) and paired with Mandarin pintuck blouse in salvia blue by Oliphant ($198), all from Indigo. A linen pinstripe vest by Bell Dahl ($110), Tenly tan zebra print sandals by Sam Edelman ($110), and a silver concho belt by Brighton ($145), pair lovely with the mosaic Paseo bead and silver pendant necklace by Brighton ($98), all from Alapage. Stunning lavender Elise knit top by For Love & Lemons ($129) from The Ivy Edit. Mesh and aluminum tube fringe necklace by Christina Brampti ($160) from Statement Boutique.

Window to the Sea

Draped over Meredith’s shoulder is the cotton slub pocket cardigan in ivory by White + Warren ($295), paired with the Chatham blue pinstripe belted shirt dress by Oliphant ($398), both from Indigo, layered over the Kendall play stripe midi skirt by Greylin ($113) from Alapage.

Accessorized with the loxey clutch by Moda Luxe ($60) from Viva Boutique and genora kitten heels by Dolce Vita ($100) from Indigo.

Free at the Beach

Floral-printed cotton jumpsuit by Free People ($168), half-moon stone earrings by Aqua Terra ($22), Interlok braided sunglasses ($138) by Brighton, black marble stone bracelet by Atelier 1701 ($100) and contempo bracelet ($98), all from Alapage, layered with patchwork printed jacket by Merci ($118) from Peridot. Patchwork multicolored merla slipper flat by Steve Madden ($79) from Indigo. Accessorized with rattan braided headband ($12) and woven riviera purse by Moda Luxe ($75), both from Viva Boutique.

Date Night at Salt

Red & pink printed floral maxi dress by Flying Tomato ($118) from Peridot, paired with multicolored patchwork kimono by Primitive Punch ($374) layered underneath the fuchsia tulle Stradivarius scarf by Igor Dobranic ($195) and turquoise recycled pendant shell necklace by Jianhui ($150), topped off with the crossbody bag in blue fusion by RFID Enabled ($114), all from Statement Boutique. Turquoise beaded Kelly circle earring by Millie B ($48), from Alapage. Strappy “Annie” heel in Champagne by Steve Madden ($99), from Indigo.

Everyday Tennis

Green & white ‘Bria’ tennis dress by Beach Rot ($158) from The Ivy Edit, paired with the sheer contrast collar blouse by Arron and Amber ($72) from Peridot, layered underneath the Knowles textured knit vest by Varley ($98) from Viva Boutique. White floral raffia azalia sneakers by Dolce Vita ($135) and stratford watch ($168), both from Alapage. Patagonia terravia mini hip pack ($35) accessorized with staycation sunglasses in Brownstone by Z Supply ($39) and the B-low the belt milla in bone/gold, all from Indigo. Cord & Aluminum link necklace ($130), bracelet ($75) and earrings ($60) by Christina Brampti, all from Statement Boutique.

A special thanks to Wentworth by the Sea for the location of all the photos in this story, along with the shops who provided clothing and accessories that made this feature happen.

Peridot

18 Hanover St., Manchester / shopperidotboutique.com

Viva Boutique

1 Highlander Way, Manchester / viva-boutique.com

Statement Boutique

250 Commercial St., Ste. 2014, Manchester / statementbtq.com

Alapage Boutique

25 S. River Road #301, Bedford / alapageboutique.com

Indigo

22 N. Main St., Hanover / indigo-hanover.com

The Ivy Edit

35 S. Main St., Ste. #101, Hanover / theivyedit.com

Unitil Powers The Best of New

With

a field of more than 11,000 new solar panels, Unitil is leading the charge in energy innovation and investment to help its customers meet their emissions-reduction and cost-savings goals.

The company recently completed a 4.9-megawatt solar array in Kingston — New Hampshire’s largest — and the first of its kind to be operated by a regulated investor-owned distribution utility in the state.

Recognized as “Project of the Year” as part of NH Energy Week, the Kingston facility marks a pivotal step in Unitil’s ongoing leadership in the state’s sustainable energy future.

“We want to support the programs that we believe are going to lower emissions cost-effectively for our customers,” says Alec O’Meara, director of external affairs at Unitil. “We recognize that we have many, many different customers with many, many different points of view on energy. We want to meet our customers where they are and find the energy solutions that best make sense for them.”

In New Hampshire, distribution utilities like Unitil generally don’t operate energygenerating facilities, like power plants, and instead, they bid on energy in half-year cycles. The Kingston solar array was created through a state statute that allows for a

renewable energy-generating installation to provide a distributed energy source. Energy is more efficient when it’s used closer to where it’s generated, so by integrating this system close to an existing substation, there’s less loss in transmission, which ultimately saves customers money.

The 4.9 MW array will be the largest of its kind in the state once it comes fully online, about a year after its groundbreaking in summer 2024.

The panels cover 27 acres of a 36-acre remote parcel, which is adjacent to a Unitil substation where electricity from highvoltage transmission lines is downgraded to lines fed to homes and businesses. Energy production will be optimized by single-axis tracking panels that rotate over the course of a day to track the sun from east to west.

The array is expected to generate about 9.7 million kWh annually, or enough to power 1,200 homes, and save Unitil customers about $2 million over the panels’ lifetime.

And that’s something that benefits the entire system of Unitil’s approximately 80,000 New Hampshire customers.

Part of the project proposal Unitil pre-

sented to the Public Utilities Commission included details on a 1.3-MW array that the company operates in Massachusetts. Unitil operates in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. The Solarway site was formerly a fossil-fuel-burning power plant. Over five years, the panels produced 6 million kWh of electricity, exceeding estimates by about 15%.

“Unitil is a supporter of the sustainability initiatives that exist in New England as a whole,” O’Meara says. “In this particular instance, we saw an opportunity to create a renewable energy project that was also going to have a cost benefit for our customers.”

Beyond its investment in renewable energy generation, Unitil is leveraging its leadership in sustainability by implementing other efficiencies.

The company offers “time-of-use” rates where customers pay a discounted rate for using electricity at off-peak times of day, reducing the strain on the grid during peak demand. Smart technologies and improved forecasting also help the company meet energy demands more efficiently.

“It’s a lot of little things that we’re constantly trying to integrate,” O’Meara says. “Oftentimes, the successes we find are around the edges of what’s going on, and that’s the nature of being a regulated distribution utility.”

Unitil’s guiding principles are Respect, Integrity, Stewardship and Excellence (RISE).

Hampshire

“We want to make sure that the customer experience for a Unitil customer lives up to those values,” O’Meara says.

Whether a residential customer is looking to install rooftop solar or a municipality is looking to develop an industrial park, Unitil has a dedicated team to help customers meet whatever their energy needs and goals are. Unitil can help direct them to more information or trusted vendors.

Involving utilities like Unitil early into the energy conversation can benefit both customers and the grid. Unitil’s energy expertise can help with project development, and outreach can ensure Unitil is delivering energy when and where it’s needed.

“The core of what we do is system planning,” O’Meara says. “That is a fundamental part of the relationship that a distribution utility has, both with the municipality and with the community as a whole.”

Unitil, like other utilities, participates in the NH Saves program, which provides business and residential customers with energy-saving tools from energy audits to rebates on more efficient equipment.

The company remains committed to ensuring that it delivers solutions to meet customers’ energy- and money-saving objectives.

“We’re able to work with customers and enable their goals with the infrastructure that we have,” O’Meara says. “We can do that on an individual level with energy efficiency programs, and we can do that on a macro level with a large renewable project like this solar array.”

Unitil isn’t just delivering energy. It’s bringing possibility, innovation and reliability to New Hampshire’s best businesses and their communities.

The array is expected to generate enough electricity to power 1,200 homes, and save customers about $2 million over the panels’ lifetime.

food & drink

fun & adventure

10,343 That’s how many readers made their favorites known to determine this year’s roster of winners for our annual poll of the best our state has t o offer. Look inside to see if your favorites made the Best of list, and check out our Editor's Picks.

FOOD & DRINK

Readers’ PICKS

BAKERY

CONCORD AREA

The Crust and Crumb Baking Co. Concord / thecrustandcrumb.com

BAKERY

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Blue Loon Bakery New London / blueloonbakery.com

BAKERY

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Polish Princess Bakery Lancaster / polishprincessbakery.com

BAKERY

LAKES REGION

Yum Yum Shop Wolfeboro / yumyumshop.com

BAKERY

MANCHESTER AREA

Bearded Baking Co. Manchester / beardedbaking.com

BAKERY

MONADNOCK REGION

Eat More Cake Keene / eatmorecake.org

BAKERY

NASHUA AREA

Buckleys Bakery & Cafe Merrimack / buckleysbakerycafe.com

BAKERY SALEM AREA

Klemm's Bakery Windham / klemmsbakery.com

BAKERY

SEACOAST REGION

Popovers

Epping and Portsmouth / popoversonthesquare.com

BAKERY

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Crumb Bum Bakery Littleton / crumbbumbakery.com

BARBECUE

KC's Rib Shack Manchester / ribshack.net

BEER STORE

The Packie Manchester / thepackienh.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

CONCORD AREA

Tucker's Concord / tuckersnh.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Tucker's New London / tuckersnh.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Waterwheel Breakfast

And Gift House Jefferson / waterwheelnh.com

Japanese by the Sea

Nestled inside the full-service Hotel Thaxter, Nichinan opened in December 2022, and has a legacy of serving exceptional Japanese contemporary cuisine. Nichinan makes a direct nod to Portsmouth’s official sister city in Japan, a relationship that hearkens back to the 1905 Portsmouth Peace Treaty. Chef Andrew Swanson curates fusion dishes that evoke a local, maritime feel. Seaweed salad and roasted Maine oysters are offered, as well as the Chirashi Bowl, a deconstructed sushi roll with kosho Maine crab, king salmon, wakame, tsukemono, avocado and trout roe, and maguro (tuna). nichinanrestaurant.com

Scratch Made, Tallow Fried

Tinos Kitchen + Bar in Hampton is rooted in the belief that food should nourish and satisfy — body and soul. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves wood-fired food and craft cocktails that are ingredient-driven, seasonal and entirely scratchmade. They fry exclusively in beef tallow, further encapsulating their “make people feel good” mentality. tinosnh.com

Fresh Fuel

Next time you’re rolling through Candia along Raymond Road, make a quick stop at Just the Sip for a refreshing, mid-morning pick-me-up. This elegant, upgraded food truck offers specialty coffees and unique bites perfect for your next craving. With clever-sounding smoothies like Sip Happens, Thank You Berry Much, the Class Clown (made with key lime and Italian lemonade) and the Stress Free (with strawberry, mango and banana), Just the Sip promises an unforgettable experience. Facebook

Gourmet Taters

The Potato Concept in Manchester is here to be your best “spud.” Located next to Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream, “The World’s Smallest Food Court,” as the team calls it, offers gourmet baked potatoes, soups and salads. Build your own tater or try one of theirs like the loaded classic or broccoli cheddar. thepotatoconcept.com

North Country Sweets

Bubble Tea

If you’re new to the fun and tasty world of bubble tea, why not start at Matcha in Derry? To find your favorite, choose from their wide variety of bubble teas, milk teas, fruit teas and more. What goes great with Matcha’s boba tea? Mochi doughnuts: a fusion pastry that’s a cross between American doughnuts and Japanese mochi — doughnuts made with rice or tapioca flour. matchaderry.com

Healthy Fare

The proprietors of The Fresh Chef in Manchester offer smoothies, salads, sandwiches, bowls, teas and coffees, with the notion that food can be both nutritious and delicious. The Fresh Chef serves its wares at 775 Canal St. but also offers catering for parties, company events and other occasions. There’s also a “Puppy Menu” that features treats for your tail wagger. freshchefmp.com

Tori’s Place (previously known as Tori’s Homestead Doughnuts), is fairly new to Colebrook and has been dishing out delectable doughnuts ever since, quickly becoming a favorite with locals in the process. And since May, they’ve been dishing out hard-serve and soft-serve ice cream as well, adding yet another yummy reason to visit the North Country. Their hearty build-your-own breakfasts, acai bowls, coffee and lattes round out the fare. Facebook

BREAKFAST PLACE

LAKES REGION

Tilt'n Diner

Tilton / thecman.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

MANCHESTER AREA

Airport Diner

Manchester / thecman.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

MONADNOCK REGION

Parker's Maple Barn

Mason / parkersmaplebarn.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

NASHUA AREA

The Friendly Toast

Nashua / thefriendlytoast.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

SALEM AREA

MaryAnn's Diner

Windham / maryannsdiner.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

SEACOAST REGION

The Friendly Toast Portsmouth / thefriendlytoast.com

BREAKFAST PLACE

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Polly's Pancake Parlor

Sugar Hill / pollyspancakeparlor.com

BREWERY CONCORD AREA

Northwoods Brewing Company

Northwood / northwoodsbrewingcompany.com

BREWERY DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Flying Goose Brew Pub

New London / flyinggoose.com

BREWERY

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Copper Pig Brewery

Lancaster / copperpigbrewery.com

BREWERY

LAKES REGION

Kettlehead Brewing Company

Tilton / kettleheadbrewing.com

BREWERY MANCHESTER AREA

603 Brewery and Beer Hall

Londonderry / 603brewery.com

BREWERY MONADNOCK REGION

Post & Beam Brewing

Peterborough / postandbeambrewery.com

BREWERY NASHUA AREA

Spyglass Brewing Company Nashua / spyglassbrewing.com

BREWERY SALEM AREA

Kelsen Brewing Company

Londonderry / kelsenbrewing.com

BREWERY SEACOAST REGION

Smuttynose Brewing Co.

Hampton / smuttynose.com

BREWERY

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Schilling Beer Co.

Littleton / schillingbeer.com

BREWPUB

Woodstock Inn Brewery

North Woodstock / woodstockinnnh.com

FOOD & DRINK

BURGER CONCORD AREA

The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern Concord / thebarleyhouse.com

BURGER

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Flying Goose Brew Pub New London / flyinggoose.com

BURGER GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Copper Pig Brewery Lancaster / copperpigbrewery.com

BURGER LAKES REGION

Patrick's Gilford / patrickspub.com

BURGER MANCHESTER AREA

Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery Raymond / tuckaway.com

BURGER MONADNOCK REGION

Papa Joe's Humble Kitchen Milford / papajoesburgers.com

BURGER NASHUA AREA

Buckley's Great Steaks Merrimack / buckleysgreatsteaks.com

BURGER SALEM AREA

Copper Door Salem / greatnhrestaurants.com

BURGER SEACOAST REGION

Wild Willy's Burgers Rochester / wildwillysburgers.com

BURGER WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Black Mtn. Burger Co. Lincoln / blackmtnburger.com

BURRITO

California Burritos

Manchester, Hudson, Amherst and Nashua californiaburritosnh.com

BUTCHER SHOP

Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery Raymond / tuckaway.com

CAKES

Frederick's Pastries Bedford and Amherst / pastry.net

CHICKEN TENDERS

Puritan Backroom Manchester / puritanbackroom.com

CHINESE RESTAURANT

Chen Yang Li Bedford / chenyangli.com

CHOCOLATIER

Van Otis Chocolates Manchester / vanotis.com

CLAM CHOWDER

Petey's Summertime Seafood Rye / peteys.com

COFFEE ROASTER

Flight Coffee Company Bedford / flightcoffeeco.com

COFFEE SHOP CONCORD AREA Revelstoke Coffee Concord / revelstokecoffee.com

Extraordinary Coffee

World-class coffee has come to New Hampshire. Jonathan Hutchins, the brainchild behind William & Sons Coffee , sources only the best farmer-grown beans to create the smoothest, most memorable cup this side of New England. Hutchins’ career as a coffee connoisseur began when he opened a humble boutique coffee shop in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and later opened a modest roasting lab in the small town of Loudon, proudly naming it after his father. Catch them in Manchester and Concord. wsonscoffee.com

Inspired Sweets

Put a little love into your gift-giving with decadent cookies from XO Custom Cookies . This May, the Derry-based cookie and pastry shop celebrated its fifth anniversary, and customers couldn’t be happier. Try their sugar cookies delicately laced with royal icing or their sinfully rich brownies, or choose a dozen of their cupcakes, which can be customized to your liking. Better yet, go straight to the source and try one of their chocolate chip cookie cakes — the crème de la crème of the cookie world. mycustombakes.com/xocustomcookiesandsweettreats

Mini Pies

A whole pie to yourself? Sign us up. Well, mini pies that is (but don’t tempt us to have more than one!). Northeast Pie Company in Durham offers scratch-made mini pies perfect for breakfast and lunch, as well as desserts and handcrafted coffee drinks. The seasonal food truck is open on the University of New Hampshire campus during the school year. Facebook

Asian Appetizer

Chang Thai Café owner Emshika Alberini has something fresh and exciting brewing at her Littleton restaurant, which has become a destination for Asian dining in New Hampshire. Chang Thai’s Satay Rolls are “a fusion of fresh summer rolls and chicken satay, wrapped together and served with a rich homemade peanut sauce." "We are using local farm fresh veggies and mom's homemade peanut sauce,” she says. changthaicafe.com

Artisanal Confections

A café based around chocolate? Count us in. Chocolatier Bob Bitterli brings sophistication and a French vibe to Bob’s Chocolate Café at The Barn in Francestown. As soon as it opened, the shop became a hit with locals. Bon-bons are the order of the day here, in flavors like pistachio, passion fruit, yuzu, peppermint and chile pepper. Bitterli hand-paints the confections himself using Belgian chocolate, then hands out samples to customers, putting his treats to the test. Pair your chocolate treat with a warming tea, coffee or espresso. bobschocolatecafe.com

COFFEE SHOP

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

The Works Bakery Cafe Hanover / workscafe.com

COFFEE SHOP

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

The Granite Grind Lancaster / facebook.com/thegranitegrind/ COFFEE SHOP

LAKES REGION

Gusto Italian Café Center Harbor / gustocafenh.com

COFFEE SHOP

MANCHESTER AREA

O'Shea’s Caife & Tae Londonderry / osheasnh.com

COFFEE SHOP

MONADNOCK REGION

Union Coffee Company Milford / unioncoffee.co

COFFEE SHOP

NASHUA AREA

Riverwalk Bakery & Café Nashua / riverwalknashua.com

COFFEE SHOP

SALEM AREA

Pressed Cafe Salem / pressedcafe.com

COFFEE SHOP

SEACOAST REGION

Flamingos Coffee Bar

Hampton and Exeter / flamingoscoffeebar.com

COFFEE SHOP

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Mad River Coffee House Campton / madrivercoffeeroasters.com

CRAB CAKES

Surf Nashua and Portsmouth / surfseafood.com

CUPCAKES

Jack & Fin's Littleton / jackandfins.com

CUPCAKES

Queen City Cupcakes & Gift Shop Manchester / qccupcakes.com

DELICATESSEN

Biederman's Deli Plymouth / biedermans.com

DINER

CONCORD AREA

Red Arrow Diner

Concord / redarrowdiner.com

DINER

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Four Aces Diner

Lebanon / 4acesdiner.com

DINER

LAKES REGION

Tilt'n Diner

Tilton / thecman.com

DINER

MANCHESTER AREA

Airport Diner

Manchester / thecman.com

DINER

MONADNOCK REGION

Peterborough Diner

Peterborough / peterboroughdiner.com

DINER

NASHUA AREA

Red Arrow Diner

Nashua / redarrowdiner.com

DINER

SALEM AREA

MaryAnn's Diner

Salem / maryannsdiner.com

DINER

SEACOAST REGION

The Airfield Cafe

North Hampton / theairfieldcafe.com

DINER

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Littleton Diner

Littleton / littletondiner.com

DISTILLERY

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery

Lee / flaghill.com

DOUGHNUTS

New Hampshire Doughnut Co.

Bedford and Concord / nhdoughnutco.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING

Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery

Raymond / tuckaway.com

FARM STORE OR FARMSTAND

Lull Farm

Hollis / livefreeandfarm.com

FAVORITE LOCAL

RESTAURANT CHAIN

(MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN NH)

The Common Man Concord / thecman.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

CONCORD AREA

Revival Kitchen and Bar

Concord / revivalkitchennh.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION Flying Goose Brew Pub New London / flyinggoose.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Buck Rub Pub & Lodge Pittsburg / thebuckrub.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

LAKES REGION

Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant Meredith / hartsturkeyfarm.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

MANCHESTER AREA

Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery Raymond / tuckaway.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT MONADNOCK REGION Pickity Place Mason / pickityplace.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT NASHUA AREA Buckley's Great Steaks Merrimack / buckleysgreatsteaks.com

FOOD & DRINK

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

SALEM AREA

Copper Door Salem / greatnhrestaurants.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

SEACOAST REGION

Surf Portsmouth Portsmouth / surfseafood.com

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Woodstock Inn Brewery North Woodstock / woodstockinnnh.com

FINE DINING RESTAURANT

Copper Door Bedford and Salem / greatnhrestaurants.com

FOOD TRUCK OR POP-UP

DINING EXPERIENCE

Deadproof Pizza Co Derry / deadproofpizza.com

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN NH)

110 Grill Manchester / 110grill.com

ICE CREAM CONCORD AREA

Richardson's Farm Boscawen / richardsonsfarmnh.com

ICE CREAM

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream Sunapee / sanctuarydairyfarmicecream.com

ICE CREAM GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Moose Alley Cones Pittsburg / partridgecabins.com

ICE CREAM LAKES REGION Kellerhaus Laconia / kellerhaus.com

ICE CREAM MANCHESTER AREA

Puritan Backroom Manchester / puritanbackroom.com

ICE CREAM MONADNOCK REGION

Kimball Farm

Jaffrey / kimballfarm.com

ICE CREAM NASHUA AREA

Hayward's Ice Cream Nashua / haywardsicecream.com

Summer-esque Smoothie Bowls

Playa Bowls , a fast-moving franchise with locations in Salem, Manchester, Bedford, Nashua, Hampton and Concord, offers summer vibes and delicious, inventive food. Many of their smoothie bowls have acai berries as their base, a plant which grows in the Amazon and are packed with antioxidants. Playa means “beach” in Spanish, and Playa Bowls aims to bring those dreamy summer days you long for through other healthy options, including blueberry flax granola, vanilla protein and cacao nibs. Dive in! playabowls.com

Passion-filled Pasta

Deep-fried Ribs

Poor House BBQ in Canaan is known for their mouthwatering meats, sides and mac and cheese, but have you had their deep-fried ribs? Their team is made up of individuals who share their love of barbeque, so your experience will be filled with quality meat combined with their own blend of rubs and house-made sauces to create the perfect flavor and tenderness (and the perfect combo of crispy and crunchy). poorhousebbq.com

Presto Craft Kitchen in Manchester has you covered with a carry-out menu fit for everyone in your family. From in-house craft pastas like tortellini al forno to greens, bites and sticks like meatball parmesan (and even party sizes that your picky in-laws would love), the team will help you spend more time with the people around you and less time shopping for them. prestocraftkitchen.com

Playful Brews

A hangout after whatever-kind-of day, Big Day Brewing in Gorham is the place to have a couple of beers, eat great food and share the experience with friends and family. Enjoy creative beers like a New England or hazy IPA after an afternoon on the Coos Trails, or on-site nine-hole disc golf course, or sit back in their outdoor dog-friendly beer garden while listening to live local music. bigdaybrewing.com

Elevated Experiences

Take your next catering event, corporate event or dining experience to the next level at Elevated Eats . Chef and owner Jonathan Vogt, who touts attention to detail and a passion for using the best seasonal ingredients, brings his 15 years of hospitality experience to every dish he makes. Elevated Eats’ wide variety of options, from salads to side dishes to tasty hors d’oeuvres and delectable desserts, will leave you wanting more. elevatedeatsnh.com

ICE CREAM SALEM AREA

Moo's Place Homemade Ice Cream

Salem / moosplace.com

ICE CREAM SEACOAST REGION

Lago's Ice Cream Rye / lagosicecream.com

ICE CREAM

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Super Secret Ice Cream Bethlehem / supersecreticecream.com

INDIAN RESTAURANT

Shalimar India Portsmouth / shalimarindia.com

IRISH PUB

Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub Epping / holygrailrestaurantandpub.com

ITALIAN RESTAURANT Villaggio Ristorante Manchester / villaggionh.com

JAPANESE RESTAURANT Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Concord / ichibanconcord.com

LOBSTER ROLL Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery Raymond / tuckaway.com

LOCALLY SOURCED MENU Pickity Place Mason / pickityplace.com

MAC AND CHEESE

Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese Manchester / mr-macs.com

MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT Amphora Derry / amphoranh.com

MEXICAN RESTAURANT (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN NH) La Carreta Manchester / lacarretamex.com

NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED JANUARY 2024 OR LATER) Lost Cowboy Brewing Company Nashua / lostcowboybrewing.com

OUTDOOR DINING

Schilling Beer Co. Littleton / schillingbeer.com

PIZZERIA CONCORD AREA Constantly Pizza Concord and Penacook / constantlypizza.net

PIZZERIA DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION Lui Lui Lebanon / luilui.com

PIZZERIA GOURMET 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria Manchester / 900degrees.com

PIZZERIA GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Buck Rub Pub & Lodge Pittsburg / thebuckrub.com

PIZZERIA LAKES REGION

Tilton House of Pizza Tilton / thopnh.com

FOOD & DRINK

PIZZERIA

MANCHESTER AREA

900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria Manchester / 900degrees.com

PIZZERIA

MONADNOCK REGION

Zizza Pizza Milford / zizzapizza.com

PIZZERIA

NASHUA AREA

Lui Lui Nashua / luilui.com

PIZZERIA

SALEM AREA

Granfanallys Pizza Pub

Salem / granfanallys.com

PIZZERIA

SEACOAST REGION

La Festa Brick & Brew Dover / lafestabrickandbrew.com

PIZZERIA

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Flatbread Company

Conway / flatbreadcompany.com

RESTAURANT WITH BEST BEER LIST

(MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN NH)

Thirsty Moose Tap House Manchester / thirstymoosetaphouse.com

RESTAURANT WITH BEST WINE LIST

Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant Bedford / bedfordvillageinn.com

RESTAURANT WITH BEST COCKTAILS

Copper Door

Bedford and Salem / greatnhrestaurants.com

SANDWICH SHOP

Biederman's Deli

Plymouth / biedermans.com

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Surf Nashua and Portsmouth / surfseafood.com

SPECIALTY FOOD STORE

Angela's Pasta & Cheese Shop

Manchester / angelaspastaandcheese.com

SPORTS BAR

Thirsty Moose Tap House Manchester / thirstymoosetaphouse.com

STEAKHOUSE

Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery Raymond / tuckaway.com

TACOS Barrio

Portsmouth / barrio-tacos.com

THAI RESTAURANT

Taste The Thai & Sushi House

Littleton / tastethethaiandsushihouse.com

VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

Pickity Place

Mason / pickityplace.com

WINE SHOP

Wine on Main

Concord /wineonmainnh.com

WINGS

Tuckaway Tavern And Butchery Raymond / tuckaway.com

Breezy Dining

A sister location of The Breeze, Breeze by the Bay in Meredith brings casual fine dining to the Lakes Region with a view of Meredith Bay. Enjoy signature menu options ranging from kale dumplings to burgers to seafood galore. Don’t forget to stop by on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch. thebreezenh.com

Mobile Food

The award-winning food trailer StrEATz in North Woodstock, which opened for the season Memorial Day weekend, smokes locally-sourced brisket and pork on-site and make their own dressings, sauces and sides. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options abound. In cooler months, StrEATz becomes a pop-up eatery with takeout and dine-in options at Maple Haven Campground in North Woodstock (not bad for a food truck). Check their Facebook and Instagram pages for their specials menu, which they post daily. streatzmobilefood.com

Raw Bar

Here’s something you wouldn’t expect to find at a restaurant more than a half-hour from the coast: a raw bar that offers fresh oysters, crudo, lobster tail and other culinary treasures from the sea. The Evelyn Raw Bar , a new addition to New England’s Tap House Grille in Hooksett, features a stylish dining area, but you can order your favorites from anywhere in the restaurant. taphousenh.com

Compassionate Compassionate

SHOPS & SERVICES

Vintage Disney Tees

Our love for the mouse runs deep in New Hampshire, so you can imagine our joy when we heard of Main Street Tourist in Manchester. Lauren Kimball makes vintage park-inspired apparel for rope drop and beyond that are subtle, stylish and don’t scream tourist. Think shirts inspired by Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tower of Terror and more. themainstreettourist.com

Culture Collectibles

This family owned and operated comic and pop culture shop in Exeter is every collector’s dream. Krypton Comics and Pop Culture has everything, from sought-after vintage collectables, to new collectables, to vintage toys, antiques and comics. Culture collectors of all kinds will be amazed by Krypton’s selection, and will love the staff’s passion and collection knowledge. Facebook

Embroidery Kits

Embroidery is having a moment. It’s a blissful, screen-free opportunity to unwind while creating something gorgeous. Plus, it’s perfect (and fun) for beginners. Stitched Stories creates beautiful embroidery kits for all levels, with creative and trendy patterns so you can make handmade décor that you’ll be proud to showcase in your home. shop.stitchedstories.com

Good-for-You Products

If you love the sweet scents of nature, you’ll be guaranteed to love Sweet Grass Farm Their hand soaps, lotions, lip balms and body care products are inspired by nature, and are made with simple ingredients that you can feel good about using. With homecare products, balms for recovering from gardening and baby care, there’s something for Sweet Grass Farm for everyone in the family. sweetgrassonline.com

Vintage & Lifestyle Boutique

In the heart of downtown Dover, you’ll find one of the coolest shops around. Hip Finds is a vintage and lifestyle boutique with a curated collection of vintage finds, plants, accessories, candles, geodes and more. The store’s fun vibe, and cool collection, makes it the perfect spot to visit whether you have something specific in mind, or you want to find something surprising. hipfindsco.com

Readers’ PICKS

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OR VETERINARY CLINIC

ARK Animal Homecare, PLLC

Chester / arkanimalhomecare.com

ANTIQUE OR VINTAGE SHOP

Antiques on Elm

Manchester / antiquesonelmmanchester.com

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY

RiverWoods

Manchester, Exeter and Durham / riverwoodsnh.org

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Grappone Automotive Group

Bow / grappone.com

BARBERSHOP

Lineup Barbershop

Hooksett / lineupbarbershop.com

BICYCLE SHOP

Littleton Bike and Fitness

Littleton / littletonbike.com

CATERER

Celebrations Distinctive Catering

Manchester / celebrationsmenu.com

CIGAR SHOP

Twins Smoke Shop

Hooksett / twinssmokeshop.com

COMIC BOOK STORE

Double Midnight Comics

Manchester and Concord / dmcomics.com

DAY SPA

JSJ Aesthetics

Salem / jsjaesthetics.com

EVENT VENUE

(LARGE - MORE THAN 500 ATTENDEES)

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Bretton Woods / omnihotels.com

EVENT VENUE

(SMALL - LESS THAN 500 ATTENDEES)

Castle In The Clouds

Moultonborough / castleintheclouds.org

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Fidelity Investments

Merrimack / fidelity.com

FLORIST

Apotheca Flowers

Goffstown / apothecaflowershoppe.com

Event Planning & Bartending

Free Spirits Event Co. brings the vibes — anything you can dream up for your event, they can probably do. A boutique event production company, Andrew and Ashleigh specialize in mobile bartending service design and décor (check out Gypsea, their 1968 VW bus converted to a mobile bar), custom builds, in-house rentals and décor and expert planning. freespiritsevents.com

SHOPS & SERVICES

Spanish Peanut Butter

You can stop chasing windmills trying to find the perfect peanut butter. As the new "don" of peanut butter, Don Quixote Peanut Butter in Walpole offers a tasty twist on an old classic. By using Spanish peanuts, Don Quixote Peanut Butter is full of antioxidants, with a rich, robust peanut flavor. donqpeanutbutter.com

Funky Fashion

Fish Toes is on a mission to make thrifting easier. Instead of having to hunt for the best finds, the Manchester shop does the work for you. Their treasure trove of men and women’s vintage clothing and collectables makes Fish Toes a must-stopshop for vintage lovers and sustainable shoppers alike. fishtoes.com

Brews & Blooms

Started by two brothers with a love for apples, Bird Dog Farm & Cider in Greenland hopes to carry on the tradition of cider-making that started on their farmland that dates back to the early 1700s. Not only is it a tribute to family and friends old and new, but it’s a spot to sample dry cider in their 1950s dairy barn-turned-tasting room, and pick-your-own bouquet of dahlias from the field planted by Fox Cottage Farm. birddogcider.com

Artisanal Mixers

Leather Goods

Osgoode Marley ’s commitment to craft is conveyed through each one of their products. Based in North Hampton and run by father son duo Bob and Mike, every piece, whether wallet, crossbody or backpack, is as classic as it is innovative (and stylish if we don’t say so ourselves), and has the form and function to last through every New England season. osgoodemarley.com

Small-batch, all-natural cocktail and mocktail mixers made with local ingredients? Yes please! Wood Stove Kitchen in Bow offers a wide variety of delicious mixers for any drink and any occasion. Produced in small batches, Wood Stove Kitchen’s mixers are bursting with flavor, and offer a refreshing twist to any beverage. They even offer a line of glitter-infused mixes for those nights when you’re in the mood to sparkle and shine! woodstovekitchen.com

Zero-Proof Libations

If you’re looking for nonalcoholic beverages and zero-proof bottles, the Dry Cellar , New Hampshire’s first exclusively nonalcoholic shop is a must stop spot. The Portsmouth store offers nonalcoholic wine, beer, spirits and mixers. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff is available to help you select your new favorite beverage from their curated collection of over 70 brands. drycellar.co

Woodworking & Gift Shop

At Chik Farm Woodworking in Litchfield, you’ll find beautifully handcrafted cutting and charcuterie boards made from locally sourced wood from New England sawmills. Along with stunning woodwork and custom creations, they showcase work from other local artisans, and offer custom creations. Chik Farm Woodworking also hosts charcuterie classes, so attendees can learn how to create a beautiful meat and cheese display on their boards. chikfarmwoodworking.com

FORMAL DRESS SHOP

Madeleine's Daughter Bridal

Portsmouth / madeleinesdaughter.com

GARDEN CENTER

Wentworth Greenhouses

Rollinsford / wentworthgreenhouses.com

GIFT SHOP OR RETAIL BOUTIQUE

(MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN NH)

League of NH Craftsmen

Fine Craft Gallery Concord / nhcrafts.org

HAIR SALON

JSJ Aesthetics

Salem / jsjaesthetics.com

HAIR SALON (SPECIAL OCCASION) JSJ Aesthetics

Salem / jsjaesthetics.com

HOME DÉCOR SHOP

Junction 71

Merrimack / junction71.wixsite.com

HOSPITAL

Elliot Hospital Manchester / elliothospital.org

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

Gibson's Bookstore

Concord / gibsonsbookstore.com

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED

FITNESS CENTER

Collective Studios

Londonderry / thecollective-studios.com

INVITATIONS

Gus & Ruby Letterpress

Portsmouth / gusandruby.com

JEWELER

Bellman Jewelers, Inc. Manchester / bellmans.com

JEWELER FOR ENGAGEMENT RING

Bellman Jewelers, Inc. Manchester / bellmans.com

KID’S CLOTHING SHOP

Puddlejumpers

Exeter / puddlejumpersnh.com

MEDICAL SPA

JSJ Aesthetics

Salem / jsjaesthetics.com

MEN’S CLOTHING SHOP

George's Apparel

Manchester / georgesapparel.com

NAIL SALON

Velvet Nail Lounge

Exeter / velvet-nail-lounge.com

PET BOARDING

All Dogs Gym & Inn

Manchester / alldogsgym.com

PET GROOMER

Hollywood Hounds

Bedford / hollywoodhoundsnh.com

PET GROOMER

Take Five Dogcare

Lee / takefivedogcare.com

PET SUPPLIES STORE

Four Your Paws Only

Conway / fouryourpawsonly.com

PET TRAINING

No Monkey Business Dog Training

Concord / nomonkeybusinessdogtraining.com

PERSONAL BANKING

(NH OR NE BANK)

Bank of New Hampshire

Bedford / bnh.bank

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty

Plymouth / badgerpeabodysmith.com

RESORT/HOTEL SPA

Wentworth By The Sea

New Castle / opalcollection.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Silverstone Living

(THE HUNTINGTON AT NASHUA & HUNT COMMUNITY)

Nashua / silverstoneliving.org

SECONDHAND OR CONSIGNMENT

CLOTHING SHOP

Corey's Closet

Hooksett / coreyscloset.org

SKI SHOP

Lahout's

Lincoln and Littleton / lahouts.com

TATTOO PARLOR

The Darling Grey Tattoo, Gallery & Piercing

North Conway / thedarlinggrey.com

TOY STORE

Little Village Toy & Book Shop

Littleton / littlevillagetoy.com

WEDDING OR SPECIAL EVENT FLORIST

Allioops! Flowers & Gifts

New London / allioops.com

WEDDING OR SPECIAL OCCASION

CAKES

Jacques Pastry Shop

Pembroke / jacquespastries.com

WOMEN’S CLOTHING SHOP

Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. Concord / gondwanaclothing.com

YOGA STUDIO

Humble Warrior Power Yoga

Manchester, Exeter and Bedford/ humblewarriorpoweryoga.com

SHOPS & SERVICES

Stylish Eyewear

Inspired by a cove on Squam Lake, Kohv Eyewear in Meredith offers shades fit for all occasions, lifestyles and activities. From polarized unisex frames to their popular blue light heron frame, each style reflects what the families behind the lenses value most — adventure, travel, family, friends and experiences. kohveyewear.com

Collective for Creatives

The Dew Collective in Manchester does it all. You can find stunning floral arrangements, beautifully curated home goods and fellow creatives. Their events range from barre pop-ups to paint nights, flower arrangement classes and more. Your creative energy is sure to flow at Dew. dewcollective.co

Seacoast-Inspired Soap

Everything from the Portsmouth Soap Company is lovingly handmade right there in their downtown Portsmouth storefront. They offer a wide variety of local and organic goods that range from soaps and bath products inspired by the beloved scents of the Seacoast, gift baskets, shampoo and conditioner bars, accessories and more. portsmouthsoaps.com

Environmental Learning Tools

Step into the wild side of learning with Tanglewood Hollow . Your child will love the Concord store's nature-inspired hands-on activities and educational resources that are specially designed to nurture your child’s sense of wonder and foster a lifelong love of the natural world around us. From their naturalist book club, to nature studies, events and more, you can unlock the whole wild world with Tanglewood Hollow. tanglewoodhollow.com

Community Gaming Space

There’s always something happening at Jetpack Comics and Games . The Rochester comic and game store is a hub for comic lovers and gamers of all kinds. With comics as far as the eye can see, and a jam-packed roster of events and game nights, everyone in your party is guaranteed to have fun! jetpackcomics.com

Nature and Plant Shop

Root Rot is every plant lover’s dream. The East Hampstead shop is home to dozens of beautiful plant varieties, along with everything you need to keep them healthy and thriving. The shop is also perfect for anyone looking for earthy and fun décor, or gifts for the nature lover in your life. rootrotnatureshop.com

FUN & ADVENTURE

Family-friendly Park

Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield is a family-friendly park that features go-karts, lazer tag, a lazer maze, bumper boats, mini-golf and a dedicated Kiddie Land for youngsters. After September, Mel's becomes home to Nightmare New England and the Holly Jolly Journey for Christmas. melsfunwaypark.com

FUN & ADVENTURE

Indoor Playground

Imagine Art & Play in Hampton Falls is part play space, part art space with plenty of extra room for birthday parties. Bring your kiddos to explore their child-sized town with spots like a fire station, diner or construction zone, or invite them to express their creativity through paint, crafting or even mining. Pop by for events like “sensory time for little explorers” and even craft club nights for adults. Everyone in the family will find something to delight in! imaginenh.com

Luxury Lake Resort

As you’re reading this, The Lake Estate on Winnisquam in Tilton is prepping for opening weekend just weeks away. We couldn’t resist spotlighting this luxury resort as a perfect new place to recharge and start summer traditions all your own. Enjoy an afternoon at the spa, cocktail hour at the dock, hone your pickleball game, walk their 36-acre nature preserve and sample the delicious cuisine prepared by chef Chris Viaud at their restaurant. Pack your bags — the lake is calling. thelakeestatenh.com

Readers’ PICKS

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORT OR HOTEL

Adventure Suites

Conway / adventuresuites.com

GOLF COURSE

(PRIVATE, MEMBERSHIP ONLY)

Wentworth By The Sea Country Club

Rye / wentworthbytheseacc.com

GOLF COURSE

(PUBLIC, NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED)

Atkinson Resort & Country Club

Atkinson / atkinsonresort.com

INN OR BED AND BREAKFAST

Woodstock Inn Brewery

North Woodstock / woodstockinnbrewery.com

NH SPORTS TEAM

NH Fisher Cats

Manchester / milb.com/new-hampshire

SKI RESORT

Loon Mountain Resort

Lincoln / loonmtn.com

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

DARTMOUTH/LAKE SUNAPEE REGION

Mount Sunapee Resort

Newbury / mountsunapee.com

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

GREAT NORTH WOODS REGION

Bear Rock Adventures

Pittsburg / bearrockadventures.com

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

LAKES REGION

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Holderness / nhnature.org

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

MERRIMACK VALLEY

Canobie Lake Park

Salem / canobie.com

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

MONADNOCK REGION

The Inn At East Hill Farm

Troy / east-hill-farm.com

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

SEACOAST REGION

Hampton Beach

Hampton / hamptonbeach.org

SUMMER OUTDOOR ATTRACTION

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION

Santa's Village

Jefferson / santasvillage.com

FUN & ADVENTURE

Adventure Farm

Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook has it all — 80 varieties of apples, ice cream, baked goods, Contoocook cider, home goods and even cider syrup. Owners Tim and Amy Bassett provide a true New Hampshire experience between their 1810 post and beam barn that’s now home to their store and bakery, and apple cider doughnuts to round off a full day of apple-picking (and maybe grabbing some local vegetables for dinner too). gouldhillfarm.com

Paddling Experiences

Monadnock Paddle in Fitzwilliam is the ultimate summer adventure locale. Rent one of their kayaks or canoes and spend a few hours (or the whole day) on the water enjoying the abundant wildlife and views of Mount Monadnock, and end the day with a picnic or fancy your own from their on-site concessions. Events range from starlight paddle or senior paddle, and beginners or seasoned paddlers are always welcome! monadnockpaddle.com

Farm for Bees & Brides

Not only does Live Bee or Die Farm in New Boston make for the perfect wedding backdrop, but manager Emily Shellenberger is also the onsite florist for custom bouquets and event florals grown from the farm’s own sustainable pollinator habitat. Between their greenhouse event space (perfect for DIY events), Greenhouse on the River, flower cart, byappointment tours and personal on-farm apiary, the farm is buzzingwith opportunity. livebeeordiefarm.com

Advanced Cardiovascular Care You Can Trust

At the Elliot Heart and Vascular Center, we bring together the region’s top specialists in cardiology, vascular surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care. Whether managing common conditions like high blood pressure or addressing complex cases like heart failure and aortic aneurysms, our expert team works collaboratively to ensure seamless care from diagnosis to recovery.

> Scan the QR code or visit ElliotHospital.org/Heart to learn more.

ARTS & CULTURE

Outdoor Sculpture Studio

Looking to soak in the woods of New Hampshire and art at the same time? The Andres Institute of Art in Brookline is your spot. New England’s largest outdoor sculpture park, the cultural hub offers over 10 miles of trails over 140 acres, over 100 sculptures representing over 40 countries, self-guided hiking, workshops and events. As Marc Chagall says, “Great art picks up where nature ends.” andresinstitute.org

Neo-soul Music

Mica’s Groove Train , led by singer and keyboard player Yamica “Mica” Peterson, have been dazzling audiences around New England for more than a dozen years, performing original music that incorporates soul, R&B and jazz. For evidence, visit YouTube to catch the Portsmouth native leading her band at the Salem Jazz & Soul Festival in Massachusetts in 2019. The Groove Train rolls into Lee on June 26 for the Best of NH Party at Flag Hill Distillery & Winery. micasgroovetrain.com

Homegrown Sips and Sounds

You could call Pembroke City Limits an extension of co-owner Rob Azevedo’s “Granite State of Mind,” a radio show he launched in 2012 with friend and former co-host Dave Cummings on 95.3 WMNH that features local musicians. See those rock, jazz and blues acts live at the venue that Azevedo opened in Suncook Village with friend Eric Klesper last year. The pub features beer and wine, plus food conceived by Kelley-Sue Leblanc, owner of The Sleazy Vegan food truck and catering service. pembrokecitylimits.com

Community Makers Market

Hampton’s Live Freely Market features 35 local vendors who offer their wares on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 356 Lafayette Road. The small-business showcase presents themed events throughout the year, such as a nine-week summer market that runs through Aug. 10 designed for shoppers to check out after a day at the beach. Find that special outfit or unique handmade craft from one of the dozens of pop-up stores. livefreelynh.com

Hands-on Craft Courses

The Keene school, Mill Hollow Works, helps learners connect their minds with their hands through courses on basketry, jewelry and wire wrapping, wood carving and other traditional crafts. They also offer custom workshops for team building, leadership training and private functions. Want to bond with your crew? Try building a boat together. millhollowworks.org

Readers’ PICKS

ART GALLERY

3S Artspace

Portsmouth / 3sarts.org

METEOROLOGIST

Kevin Skarupa

Manchester / wmur.com

MUSEUM

Currier Museum of Art

Manchester / currier.org

MUSIC VENUE

(LARGE, 1000+ CAPACITY)

BankNH Pavilion

Gilford / banknhpavilion.com

MUSIC VENUE

(SMALL, LESS THAN 1,000 CAPACITY)

Tupelo Music Hall

Derry / tupelomusichall.com

NH RADIO MORNING SHOW

Greg and The Morning Buzz, Rock 101

Manchester / morningbuzz.com

NH RADIO STATION

NHPR

Concord / nhpr.org

PERFORMING ARTS VENUE/ PLAYHOUSE

The Palace Theatre

Manchester / palacetheatre.org

TV NEWS ANCHOR

Erin Fehlau

Manchester / wmur.com

TV NEWS REPORTER

Ray Brewer

Manchester / wmur.com

TV SPORTS ANCHOR

Mike Cronin

Manchester / wmur.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Soul Artist

Nashua native Ruby Shabazz , lead singer of The Evolutionists, was awarded the 2024 New England Music Award in the Soul/R&B category, marking the singer’s first nomination and win. It was a long overdue accolade for New Hampshire’s queen of R&B and hip-hop, who has been entertaining audiences in New England for a quarter-century. @rubyshabazz on Instagram

Community Clay Studio

MudCity Clay in Colebrook has an admirable mission: “We partner with groups and organizations to bring clay into spaces that otherwise may not have access to this incredible healing and community building arts medium.” The Rochester studio, located in the historic Gonic Mill, offers memberships, classes and programming for children and adults. Book a birthday party where everyone can feel the magic of clay spinning on a potter’s wheel. mudcityclay.com

Psychedelic Rock

OK, so “psychedelic" is only one way to describe Rumboat Chili , which was honored as a “Rising Star” in the 2024 New England Music Awards. The band's twin lead guitar attack — they have two lead singers, too — recalls the Allman Brothers Band, the Black Crowes and their brethren on the FM dial. But, hey, Led Zeppelin got lumped in that bag, too. rumboatchili.net

Harp Tunes

The New England Irish Harp Orchestra is “many harps and harpers with a shared vision of playing great music and having fun doing it.” Summer performances for the group, which toured Ireland in 2023, include stops in North Conway and Lee (at the Sunflower Festival at the Coppal House Farm). neiho.org

North Woods Art

A few years ago, wildlife photographer Raymond Lacasse opened Great North Woods Gallery and ore on Main Street in Pittsburg, where he provides gallery space for artists and crafters along with a selection of his own photographs. Take home a handcrafted sign celebrating the North Country or bring your pickup and haul away a new picnic table. Facebook

Crafting Store

This “purpose driven” arts and craft supplies thrift store, on 46 North Main St., in Concord, offers supplies, studio space, classes, meet-ups and parties, and partners local nonprofits. “When you donate to DIY Craft and Thrift you are spreading supplies through the local community and helping us build the kind of ethical, affordable, transparent, and welcoming business that we want to see in the world.” diycraftandthrift.com NH

Know that you can dine, shop and explore with confidence — all of these advertisers are certified as the best, either as voted by our readers or selected by the editors of New Hampshire Magazine. You can’t go wrong with these current and past Best of NH winners.

Congratulations once again to all of our past and present winners.

The Patch Hunt Is On

Hannah

Gagnon, a.k.a. “The Patchhunter”,

creates

custom retro

looks with patches of her own design (and ones she finds on the hunt)

BY ELISA GONZALES VERDI / PHOTOS BY JENNIFER BAKOS

If you thought collectible patches were a relic of a bygone era, think again. Hannah Gagnon, also known as the Patchhunter, knows first-hand that the appeal of a collectible patch hasn’t waned, and is actually experiencing a revival.

“I started the Patchhunter in 2016,” said Gagnon, a graphic designer by day. “I’m a vintage and antique lover always, and I started collecting patches because they were little examples of vintage design that could fit in a small box in my small Boston apartment.”

As her collection grew, Gagnon put some

of her beloved patches on a jacket, and her friends and family started asking her to do the same for them.

“I realized, I liked doing this for other people because I really like learning. I mean, if I already know about a person, I’m sort of translating their essence into these visual little representations on a jacket,” Gagnon said.

What started as a custom jacket for her mom and a few friends quickly became a thriving, small word-of-mouth business until 2020, when the pandemic allowed Gagnon to put herself, and her business, out there. She

stated branding, doing farmers markets, and got herself online.

While Gagnon started as a collector, she always knew that she wanted to use her background in graphic design to create patches of her own.

“I am a big fan of the tourism patches that people collected in the ’60s and ’70s when they were doing cross-country road trips,” said Gagnon, who frequently encounters souvenir patches at vintage and thrift stores.

As she began designing patches, her collections quickly began to celebrate local, smaller

landmarks. Her patch collections celebrate her favorite places, like Hampton Beach and her hometown of Bedford, which celebrates its 275th anniversary this summer.

“People will often get patches at the big tourist destinations, and there are little places that people still come to that I think deserve a patch. Most of my patches right now are souvenirs (like my Hampton Beach collection),” Gagnon said. “I have a couple that are unique creations, which I call my comedy patches. One is based after my favorite snack, which is a shrimp cocktail, and the other one is my favorite pastime, which is crying. I’m a crier — I will cry at anything. So, I made a patch about that. It’s either comedy, or places you know and love.”

Today, Gagnon designs her own patches, creates curated trucker hats and designs custom-order jackets, and custom patches — you can even send your patch collection to Gagnon to create a custom look.

As a graphic designer, Gagnon cares deeply about the “look” and puts a lot of thought and care into the design.

“I’m trying to bring an insight into that place that people might not know about, and create little nods to that place,” Gagnon said.

When creating last year’s Hampton Beach collection, Gagnon’s main design was inspired by the beach’s trash cans.

“I had a pop-up in Union Square in Somerville, and I did a patch about having your car towed from the Market Basket parking lot,” said Gagnon, laughing. “I always try to take things like that into consideration. If I’m recreating an old logo, I try to recreate it as exactly as possible.”

Gagnon noted that one challenge of designing patches is the simplicity that a design needs to have in order to translate well, and picking a color palette, because most patches only use four colors of thread. Creating a design that encapsulates the location she’s picked, along with making sure it translates onto the small canvas, takes a lot of refining to make sure it’s perfect before production.

“It’s been a learning process of designing and making sure everything stays as simple as possible, while still being this gorgeous, detailed patch,” Gagnon said.

With retro nostalgia and the rise in thrifting, sustainable fashion and mending clothing, Gagnon has noticed that patches are on an upswing, and are starting to trend outside of vintage spaces.

“It’s been a learning process of designing and making sure everything stays as simple as possible, while still being this gorgeous, detailed patch.”

—HANNAH GAGNON

Top left: Patches found on the hunt from Gagnon’s personal collection.

Above: Hannah Gagnon, a.k.a. “The Patchhunter” in her Bedford studio.

Gagnon showcases a Deerfield Fair-inspired jacket of her own design, which won a blue ribbon at the aforementioned fair.

New to patches? Here are some tips from the expert:

1. Always, always, always pre-wash your garment. Some things, like a backpack or hat, might not be able to be washed the same way you can a jacket, but you can always pre-wash your fabric. It’s a good practice because the process of washing and drying can prevent shrinking or adhesive weakening later on.

2. Pick your garment and placement wisely. Iron-on patches adhere best to natural fibers like cotton, denim, canvas, etc. You will want to choose a location that is easy to hold an iron onto for a long(ish) period of time, and if you are sewing on, make sure you choose a section that you can easily get your hand into — things like sleeve applications can be challenging but NOT impossible!

3. As for how to actually adhere the patches, I always recommend sewing on. It’s easier than you think, and ensures the patch is super secure. You can first check where you like the placement of your patch by pinning it in place, and then using a heavy-duty needle with thread to do a straight stitch or zigzag along the patch edge. This is a great method for vintage patches that may not have an iron-on backing or that you may want to be able to move to another garment should you grow out of one.

When ironing on, use a medium-high setting with no steam and remember to cover the patch and area with a thin cloth or towel, to not accidentally damage anything. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds, then flip to the other side of the garment and do the same. Always allow it to cool completely before wearing.

And if all else fails, you can use liquid stitch to glue on your patches, just keep in mind they won’t be removable later.

4. Once your patches are applied, show them off and wear them with confidence! Most garments like jackets don’t need to be washed, but if you have to wash your patched item, make sure to turn it inside out before doing so using a gentle cycle, and avoid drying on high heat (air drying is best).

“I’ve seen a lot of current brands are trying to recreate that look in new clothes,” Gagnon said. “That, to me, is silly — especially with how much you’re paying for clothes — when you could make it yourself.”

To Gagnon, there’s never been a time when patches are out of style, especially in vintage stores and thrift scenes.

“It’s a very solidly retro vintage look that’s always cool,” she said.

Gagnon’s creative gears have been turning lately, as she plans a new line of patches for this summer (stay tuned) and dreams up ideas for more New Hampshire-inspired patches.

“I have plans to represent more New Hampshire locations, since I’m from here,” Gagnon said. “I’m just sort of waiting to figure out when the right time will be in places where people will see it. Maybe then people will start collecting them!”

Gagnon and her patches can be found at pop-ups all over New England. For the second year in a row, she’ll be at the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival, and will be at the Union Square Vintage Market in Somerville, Mass. She also designed an exclusive patch collection for Bedford’s 275th anniversary celebration.

“ There’s no age for a patch collection,” Gagnon said. “I get people who are Gen X or baby boomers who come up to my table and say ‘Oh, I remember when patches were a thing.’ I love that aesthetic, and that’s why I got into this.”

Gagnon recalled that last year, she had a man come up to her booth toward the end of the day at the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival, who was so excited to find her because he had spent the whole day looking for a patch to commemorate his visit to Hampton Beach.

“It warms my heart to hear that maybe I’m ticking that (box),” Gagnon said. “People were so excited about the Hampton Beach patches. I had the idea for over five years before I actually made it, and now I’m just letting it all out.” NH

For more about The Patchhunter, visit her website thepatchhunter.com, or follow her on Instagram @ thepatchhunter

Find The Patchhunter this summer: Hampton Beach Comedy Festival Aug. 12-17 (Hannah will be there from Aug. 14-17)

DISCOVER THE

In every season, the Sugar River Region offers something unforgettable. Come for a visit, and you’ll see why we love to call it home.

Events Around the State

JULY 5

Family Carnival

Hosted by the Waterville Valley Recreation Department, this carnival offers a full day of fun on Packard’s Field. Rain or shine, bring the whole family for a day of inflatables, music, relay races, dunk tanks, tie-dye, mini-golf, food trucks and more. Registration required. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Packard’s Road, Waterville Valley; visitwatervillevalley.com

JULY 8-31

73rd New Hampshire Music Festival

Calling all lovers of classical music: Venues throughout Plymouth and Wolfeboro come alive to celebrate 73 festival years with the sounds of orchestras, choruses and professional soloists. The fest will feature performances by an exceptional roster of artists from across the United States in chamber music concerts on

Tuesday nights, classic orchestral concerts on Thursday nights and several free Music in the Mountains community concerts throughout their monthlong festival. Times and locations vary. Plymouth. 603-238-9007; nhmf.org

JULY 8-AUGUST 12

Six Week Pottery Class

Looking to get creative this summer? This hands-on six-week class is perfect for complete beginners, or if you’re a seasoned pottery pro looking to refine your technique. You’ll receive a 25-pound bag of clay to use throughout the course, and by the end, you’ll have a beautiful collection of your own handmade pottery pieces to take home. All materials, tools and firings are included with the registration fee — just bring your creativity (and clothes you don’t mind getting a little muddy). The Wheel House, 865 Islington St., Portsmouth; thewheelhousenh.com

THURSDAYS, JULY 10-JULY 31

Atlantic Grill Music by the Sea Concerts

This summer concert series brings some of New England’s hottest bands to the Seacoast on Thursday nights. Enjoy great tunes and the seaside setting while supporting the Seacoast Science Center and its ocean education mission. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic or purchase freshly grilled dinner and chilled beverages on-site. Concertgoers can also enjoy the center and its exhibits, free with concert admission. $20-$30. 5-8:30 p.m., 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye. 603-436-8043; seacoastsciencecenter.org

JULY 11-13

Hillsboro Summer Festival

From live music and a parade to a fairway full of carnival rides, this legendary festival is packed with activities. With plenty of activities for everyone — including a beer tent, 5K road race, skillet toss, tractor pull and more — your day will be jam-packed with fun. For a free spectacle, stick around till dusk on Saturday night. Free. Times vary. Grimes Field, 29 Preston St., Hillsboro. 603-464-0377; hillsborosummerfest.com

FRIDAYS, JULY 8-AUGUST 15

39th Annual Cochecho Arts Festival

The festival began in the summer of 1987, after the chamber had accepted the challenge of matching an anonymous donation to produce a summer concert series. The summer-long festival showcases regionally recognized acts as well as top local Seacoast entertainers. All Cochecho Arts Festival events are free to attend and open to the public. Henry Law Park, 1 Washington St., Dover. 603-742-2218; dovernh.org

JULY 11-13

On the Green Arts & Crafts Festival

Rain or shine, enjoy more than 100 arts and crafts exhibitors on the lawn at Brewster Academy. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 80 Academy Drive, Route 28, Wolfeboro; joycescraftshows.com

JULY 11-12

VSCCA White Mountain Grand Prix

Calling all motorsport lovers and racers! The VSCCA White Mountain Grand Prix course has 15 turns over 2.5 miles with an elevation change of 250 feet. It’s more than 40 feet wide with a mix of long straightaways and left and right turns, both uphill and downhill. Fast corners, slowish corners, increasing and decreasing radius — it has it all. Registration required, Club Motorsports, 780 Chocorua Mountain Road, Tamworth; vscca.org

CONNECT | out & about

JULY 12

5th Annual Piscataqua Riverfest

Piscataqua Riverfest is Portsmouth’s annual celebration of the rivers and bays featuring a traditional boat show, food, music, historical demonstrations, hands-on activities and great local vendors. This free Gundalow Company event has something for all ages. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth; piscataquariverfest.com

JULY 12

Human Nature: Back to the Sound of Motown

Begun as a boy band in the late ’90s at their high school just outside Sydney, Australia, Human Nature quickly became popular throughout the continent. Today, they are one of the world’s greatest pop vocal groups and have played various residencies on the Las Vegas strip for more than a decade. Their show “Back to the Sound of Motown” celebrates the greatest songs ever. Castle in the Clouds, 483 Ossipee Road, Moultonborough; greatwaters.org

JULY 12

New England Vintage Boat Auction

Join the New Hampshire Boat Museum for its annual auction featuring classic wooden boats, fiberglass boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, memorabilia and more. Folks can bid online or in person, and this event is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Boats will be displayed online and at the Nicholas J. Pernokas Recreation Park (The Nick) in Wolfeboro for the general public to view on Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11 from noon to 5 p.m. Live bidding begins Saturday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Road, Wolfeboro; nhbm.org

JULY 12

The Prouty

If you enjoy outdoor recreation of just about any kind, then you’ll find something to suit your tastes at this annual mega-fundraiser for the Dartmouth Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. Cyclists can opt for 20- to 100-mile rides on the road or the 200-mile, two-day Prouty Ultimate; walkers can traverse anything from a 3K stroll through Hanover to an 11K walk in the woods; rowers can hit the Connecticut River for 5 to 15 miles, and cyclers can mountain bike and race on the updated hybrid gravel bike trail! Don’t like any of those? They also need volunteers. Prices, times and locations around Hanover vary. 603-646-5500; theprouty.org

JULY 12

American Independence Festival

If you didn’t get all the patriotism out of your system on the Fourth, then try this homage to America. Activities at this 35-year-old fest include battle reenactments, lawn games, live music and kids activities. Free. All day. American Independence Museum, 1 Governors Lane, Exeter. 603-772-2622; independencemuseum.org

JULY 19-20

Over the River Craft Fair

It’s Christmas in July in Walpole. Spend your weekend enjoying refreshments while supporting local artisans and small businesses. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 618 Cold River Road, (right off Route 123), Walpole; overtherivercraftfair.com

JULY 23-27

North Haverhill Fair

This fair features a boatload of free events. Crowd pleasers include concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, horse, pony and oxen stone boat pulling, a demolition derby, tractor and pulling events with transfer sleds, dairy, sheep, goat and dog shows for 4-H, an open horse show and art, photography, arts, crafts and flower shows. This year’s theme is “Blue Jeans and Country Dreams.” Prices and times vary. 1299 Dartmouth College Highway, North Haverhill. 603-989-3305; nohaverhillfair.com

JULY 26

New England Hot Sauce Fest

Last year was so spicy, they’re doing it again. Spicy Shark presents a New England destination and celebration for hot sauce lovers. The fest features hot sauce samples from more than 20 craft companies, music, food trucks, food challenges (including a hot pepper eating contest and a

hot wing contest), craft vendors, Smuttynose Brewing Co. beer, bouncy houses and more. Proceeds support the Blue Ocean Society and Seacoast Science Center. Ticket prices vary. Smuttynose Brewing Co., 105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton. newenglandhotsaucefest.com. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event.

JULY 26

Hebron Fair

Held the last Saturday in July, this fair boasts that it’s the place to be. Festivities include more than 100 craftspeople, pony rides, children’s games, white elephants, delicious foods, baked goods, plants and a silent auction. It’s held on the picturesque Hebron Common at the north end of Newfound Lake and will happen rain or shine. Free. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hebron Common, 16 Church Lane, Hebron. 603-409-7143; hebronchurchfair.org

JULY 26-27

Gallery in the Garden

Enjoy seeing fine, handcrafted works of art in a unique, one-of-a-kind location. During this incredible gem of an art fair, you will love strolling through the pondside gardens, sipping on refreshments, and enjoying art in nature. You can even take your favorite pieces home with you, and meet the artists. 148 Sandogardy Pond Road, Northfield; suzanneconnor.com

New Hampshire Antiques Show

JULY 27

26th Annual Chocolate Fest

Enjoy an evening of chocolate temptations in Town Square accompanied by a free outdoor concert as the sun sets. Pack a picnic and enjoy an indulgent evening in the square, on a blanket or with your toes in the sand. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Town Square, 33 Village Road, Waterville Valley. waterville.com

JULY 31-AUGUST 3

Cheshire Fair

This traditional agricultural fair will feature entertainment, crafts, vendors, rides, animals and plenty of live music. This year’s theme is “Farm Fresh Fun.” The whole family will love the recently redone midway and new rides and games! Prices and times vary, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey. 603-357-4740; cheshirefair.org

Find additional events at nhmagazine.com/ calendar. Submit events eight weeks in advance to Elisa Gonzales Verdi (events@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.

New Hampshire’s attractions, beaches, wineries, galleries and more are ready to welcome you for an epic season of warm-weather excitement. The following advertisers are a great resource for starting your summer plans.

T

“Bringing the best of New England to life has special meaning as the nation’s 250th birthday approaches. Join us this season as we celebrate what makes our region America’s birthplace —truly special.”

—Brook Holmberg Publisher, Yankee

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Thrilling Revolutionary War reenactments in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts

Horseback riding through Vermont’s fall foliage

Cooking with James Beard Award–winning Mashpee Wampanoag chef Sherry Pocknett

Setting sail in Maine’s Great Schooner Race

Autumn adventures at New Hampshire’s historic Omni Mount Washington Hotel

Foraging with Connecticut vegan chef and cookbook author Chrissy Tracey

Biking along the beautiful New Hampshire seacoast

The art of the New England clambake at Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island

Learn more about our show and check local listings at WEEKENDSWITHYANKEE.COM

Five Times Lucky

Meet New Hampshire’s newest “Jeopardy!” champion Greg Jolin

BY LYNNE SNIERSON

Kevlar. That’s one word Greg Jolin never wants to hear or see again, because it’s the correct response to the clue that ended his epic run on the popular TV quiz show “Jeopardy!”

“I know there’s a psychological term for it. I think it’s Baader-Meinhof syndrome,” New Hampshire’s newest “Jeopardy!” champion says. “It’s once that you see something, then you keep seeing it, over and over again. I’ve seen the word Kevlar now so many times since then.”

Jolin, who hails from Raymond, passed multiple tests plus an audition to realize his lifelong dream of competing on the show last fall, and he aced five consecutive games — and four by landslide — on editions airing from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6.

“I have so much respect for the people who can win five games in o ne day and come right back the next and win five more games. It can be exhausting.”

— GREG JOLIN

The defending champion was the prohibitive favorite in his sixth game and in contention in the “Final Jeopardy” round to extend the streak. Then host Ken Jennings revealed the category “1960s Inventions” and read the clue that must be answered in the form of a question by the three contestants on stage.

“Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide was first intended to reinforce radial tires, but the life-saving polymer also known as this would have many uses,” Jennings read. As the wellknown “Jeopardy!” theme song chimed in the background for 30 seconds, Jolin scribbled his answer: “What is Styrofoam?”

Nope, it’s Kevlar. “Arrrgh. It’s just one of those things,” Jolin, 39, a former systems analyst and accountant, says of the random clue.

“Jeopardy!” normally tapes five shows in a single day in a Hollywood studio. Contestants bring wardrobe changes, and

during the taping for each show they only get short timeouts that correspond to the commercial breaks, which viewers see at home. Once you win your game, it’s straight ahead to the next one.

“On my first taping day, I didn’t get on until the second to last show, and I won two shows that day. Then I had to stay over in Los Angeles until the following Monday, and I was woefully unprepared because I didn’t expect to do that well. I didn’t have enough outfits, so I had to go shopping over the weekend with my wife to buy more clothes. It’s a good thing I won three more shows so I could pay those bills,” he says with a laugh.

During his magical five-game run, Jolin displayed an impressive knowledge of broadly diverse categories, was strategic in wagering and mastered the buzzer to give himself first-response opportunities while maintaining control of the board. Moreover, he dominated all “Final Jeopardy” rounds with correct answers in each, an incredible feat within itself.

Jolin got the call in August asking if he could be on the show in Los Angeles in mid-September, not giving him a long time to prepare. But he knew what to expect.

“One of the things people say about “Jeopardy!,” as opposed to what I would classify as tougher competitions like College Quiz Bowl, is that the knowledge you need is a mile wide but an inch deep,” says the graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who has a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. “They’re generally not going

to go into depth on the subject.”

Thanks to Internet sites, contestants prepping for the show can examine every clue that has ever been asked on “Jeopardy!”.

“I spent time drilling down on the essentials. You can learn all the world capitals, you can learn all the Best Picture Oscar winners, you can learn a lot of books and authors, and those are the kinds of things I focused on, and a lot of them paid off for me,” he says.

When Jolin ultimately lost his sixth competition, it was in his fourth game of the day. At that stage he was battling fatigue in every form.

“I have so much respect for the people who can win five games in one day and come right back the next and win five more games,” he says. “It can be exhausting. It’s not just the physical fatigue but it’s mental as well, because your brain has to recall everything.”

He could feel that fatigue during the last game — and he knew he wasn’t doing well.

“I started guessing, which my wife told me not to do. I remember one clue I got wrong, which was the worst one because I knew the right answer, but my brain and mouth connection went on the fritz,” Jolin says. “The correct answer was melatonin, but even though I knew it, I said ‘melanin’. That was a $2,000 clue I missed, so it was pretty consequential in the outcome.”

Nonetheless, as a five-time champion, and one who had racked up total earnings of $135,000, he qualified for a berth in “Jeopardy!”’s 32nd Tournament of Champions. He was flown back to Los Angeles to begin

Five-time “Jeopardy!” champion Greg Jolin of Raymond first tried out to be a contestant on the popular national TV quiz show in 2003 when he was a college freshman, but failed the test. After trying again several times over the years and then passing the test, plus an audition, he got the call in 2024.

During his magical run on the show, he bankrolled $135,000 and earned an invitation to the Tournament of Champions.

“This was a worthwhile experience,” says Jolin, 39. “One of the great benefits of being on the show is there are contestant communities online that I’ve become a part of, and that’s a really cool thing. I’ve made friends within our community.”

It’s an exclusive club.

“I’ve done something that’s unique, and there is such a small percentage of people that have done this,” he says. “It’s such a weird thing to do because fundamentally, the people who get on “Jeopardy!” are just normal people. “But now you’re suddenly getting broadcast on national TV on a show that millions of people watch.”

taping the first round on Jan. 29.

In that game, he found both “Daily Doubles” for $2,000 in the Double Jeopardy round, but missed both so even though he answered correctly in “Final Jeopardy,” it wasn’t enough to advance.

“In my Tournament of Champions game, I got blown out because I didn’t trust myself. For one clue, I knew the right answer was ‘halogen,’ but after I rang in, I doubted myself and said something else instead. Again, that was a $2,000 clue I blew when I was desperately trying to catch up. I didn’t follow my wife’s advice to follow my first instinct, which is always going to be right more times than not,” he says.

Jolin joins Amy Bekkerman of Durham, who won three games on the show in 2021, and Maureen O’Neill of Rye, who had a four-game winning streak in 2022, as New Hampshire’s most recent “Jeopardy!” champion. They’ve become local celebrities who get recognized at the grocery store and around town.

“I don’t think I’m smart because I’ve memorized a bunch of trivia facts,” he says. “It’s just a hobby that I turned out to be good at.” NH

“Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, the all-time “Jeopardy!” champion, and Greg Jolin.

More Sun, Less Sips

Taking a sobering look at summer drinking

BY KRYSTEN GODFREY MADDOCKS / ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN R. GOODWIN

Before you raise a glass this summer, you might want to rethink your next cocktail. As temperatures rise and celebrations heat up, so does alcohol consumption. Health experts warn the mix of the heat, long weekends and all-day parties can contribute to a hazy health outlook — especially for women and older adults. Research published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol found that the summer months are traditionally the most popular time for seasonal drinking, excluding December. From graduation parties and weddings to backyard barbecues and beach days, alcohol sets the stage for a host of summer festivities.

“Summer is bookended by some of the biggest drinking holidays — Memorial Day and Labor Day — with July 4th right in the middle,” says Dr. Paul Racicot, chief of recovery medicine and occupational health at Concord Hospital. “Unlike New Year’s or Christmas, these are often all-day, multiday events where people drink for longer periods of time.”

Dr. Abby L’Heureux, medical director at the Center for Recovery Management in Manchester and a board-certified addiction medicine physician, agrees that more daylight, warmer weather and more social events all contribute to an increase in alcohol consumption.

“There’s also a cultural norm here that alcohol is associated with holidays and celebrations,” she says.

While alcohol use among people under age 34 has declined significantly over the last decade, you can now find alcohol at events where you wouldn’t necessarily expect it, says Corey Gately, director of substance use services at Concord Hospital-Laconia.

“We see it at baby showers, kids’ birthday parties — places you wouldn’t have expected years ago,” she says. “Many adults feel pressure to drink or even face awkward questions if they choose not to.”

When One Becomes Many

Enjoying a drink or two at the pool isn’t dangerous, but summer celebrations can quickly lead to binge drinking — defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men over a two-hour period.

In the United States, a standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. Twelve ounces of regular

beer contains about 5% alcohol by volume, whereas 5 ounces of wine can have up to 12%. In other words, a shot of whisky is going to pack more punch than a couple of wine coolers.

Women and the elderly, in particular, are more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, Racicot says.

“They (women) metabolize alcohol at about half the rate of men,” he says. “That means they’ll feel the effects more quickly and face greater health risks, even if they drink the same amount.”

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), adults older than 65 who drink more than seven drinks per week or more than three in a day may put themselves at risk for other health concerns. Older adults feel the effects of alcohol differently and are more likely to take medications that can interact with alcohol, making over-imbibing riskier for them. For seniors, this increases their risk of falls, fractures and head injuries.

“It’s a recipe for dehydration, dizziness and even confusion,” Racicot says.

The long-term health risks of alcohol are also sobering. Recent studies have debunked the popular belief that a glass of wine a day is good for your heart. Moderate drinking is defined as having seven drinks a week for women, and 14 drinks a week for men, and is no longer considered “healthy.”

Studies now link moderate alcohol use — particularly among women — to an increased risk of breast cancer, liver disease and other conditions. Women who had two to three alcoholic drinks per day had a 20% higher risk of breast cancer compared to non-drinkers, according to a pooled analysis of data from 53 studies. Yet, despite these studies, many people don’t recognize alcohol as a cancer-causing carcinogen.

“Over 90% of Americans will identify tobacco and radiation as carcinogens, but less than half will identify alcohol as a carcinogen,” L’Heureux says. “Part of the issue is lack of education and the absence of warning labels or clear messaging around alcohol risks — unlike tobacco products.”

A Dangerous Mix

Drownings, boating accidents and car crashes tied to alcohol use are more prevalent during the summer months. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse

“Over 90% of Americans will identify tobacco and radiation as carcinogens, but less than half wi ll identify alcohol as a carcinogen.”

— DR. ABBY L’HEUREUX

and Alcoholism, 31% of all U.S. drownings involve a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.10%. The legal limit for drinking and driving in New Hampshire — on the road or on the water — is 0.8% if you’re over 21.

Consuming alcohol along with marijuana, a popular trend that’s growing among younger people, can pose a danger to drivers and others on the road. There are several THC-infused seltzers, sodas, teas and drink mixes on the market that can quickly impair drinkers who may be unaware of the amount of cannabis in their beverages. These drinks are not legal in New Hampshire, but are legally available in some border states.

Many believe THC drinks are harder to detect than alcohol. However, their effects will still impair drivers.

“Any of these substances, alcohol, THC, they are impairing to you physically, mentally, and emotionally,” L’Heureux says.

“ They are going to impair you and can lead to adverse consequences. So absolutely, you have to be very mindful of that, particularly if you’re mixing substances.”

Tips for Mindful Drinking

There are ways to celebrate summer safely and responsibly. If you want to be more intentional about your drinking habits this summer, experts recommend:

• Eating before and while drinking. Alcohol is absorbed more quickly on an empty stomach. If you eat, you can lessen its immediate effect.

• Alternate with soft drinks. Follow each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water or seltzer to stay hydrated and slow your spirit intake. Keep a nonalcoholic drink with you.

• Consider mocktails. The growing popularity of mocktails offer more options for those who want to enjoy yummy summer flavors without the hangover.

• Set a limit. Share your intentions with a friend or partner at the beginning of a

party or event and ask them to respect your decision and help you stay on track.

• Keep a tally of how much you’re drinking. Save bottle caps or tabs, or keep a written tally of what you’ve consumed so it’s not a guessing game.

• Understand how certain drinks affect you. Choose lower-alcohol options such as light beer, and avoid high-proof cocktails if you expect you’ll be drinking at an event all day.

• Stop drinking a few hours before driving. You might feel mild impairment after one drink, but impairment escalates with each additional glass — especially when your judgment becomes too compromised to recognize that you shouldn’t drive. If you’re too buzzed to drive, call an Uber or ask a designated driver to take you home.

While it may seem natural to kick back with a drink on a warm day, some may find that it triggers behaviors they’re looking to change. If you’re questioning whether you may be drinking too much, L’Heureux suggests starting with the basics: Know what a standard drink is and compare it to your actual intake.

“Really evaluate how you feel when you drink — physically and emotionally,” she says. “Have you ever tried to stop after one or two and couldn’t? Are you experiencing any side effects like headaches, sleep issues or mood changes?”

She encourages anyone who feels unsure about their drinking habits to speak with their healthcare provider.

“Even if you’re not ready to say, ‘I can’t drink anymore,’ we can still help,” she says. “We know these risks are dose-dependent. It’s not all or nothing.”

Gately agrees.

“It’s OK to seek help even if you don’t think you have a ‘serious’ problem,’ ” she says. “You don’t have to hit rock bottom to talk to someone about cutting back. Any behavior change is hard, and it’s OK to ask for support.” NH

Rotisserie Chicken Run

BY ELISA GONZALES VERDI

It’s a little after 8 o’ clock on a Wednesday night, and Market Basket closes at 9. I have time but just barely.

The backstreets of Portsmouth are blessedly abandoned as I press the gas pedal a little harder. “I’m sorry, Officer,” I say to an imaginary cop, “Speedy’s out of his rotisserie chicken, and he won’t eat kibble.”

I ease up, figuring that a late-night rotisserie chicken run for a 16-year-old chihuahua’s (now late) dinner isn’t the kind of emergency that any traffic officer would let slide. Besides, now that he’s eating regularly again, Speedy is getting a little chunky, anyways.

Now parked, I hurry into Market Basket and make a beeline for the hot chicken display. To my horror, it’s empty. “UGH,” I lament to the empty aisle. This late at night, there’s not a chicken in sight, and now I have to go all the way across town. Back in the car,

I contemplate what my life has become. What once was a life of my own is now a life lived at the beck and call of a 6-pound dog.

It’s my fault that Speedy is in my family, but he hasn’t always been my dog. When I was about nine, my mom and I met and fell in love with Speedy when he was the tiniest puppy you’d ever seen. We asked my dad about bringing him home, but we had just adopted a 10-year-old English lab, Mimzy, and my dad was adamant that two dogs was too many. So, my mom and I did the next best thing. We called my grandpa.

When the two met the next day, it was love at first sight. The little dog was quickly named “Speedy,” which was Grandpa’s call sign in the Air Force. Combined with our last name, and the puppy’s oversized, mouselike ears, it was perfect. Speedy came home as a surprise for my grandma (her first chihuahua was

stolen by a biker gang early in their marriage, but that’s another story). But it was always Grandpa and Speedy versus the world, an inseparable duo. Grandpa had always joked that Speedy was also my dog. “He’s your dog, too, kid,” he’d say with a smile, when Speedy would steal my napkin from my lap and rip it to shreds.

I knew Grandpa was serious, but I couldn’t imagine a reality where Speedy would be living with me full-time, until it happened. Just before Christmas last year, I got a dog; not in the way I dreamt about as a kid, wrapped in a bow waiting for me under the tree, but in a promise made during a late-night conversation in the ICU that I didn’t know was goodbye.

Losing Grandpa, and inheriting a bereaved Speedy on the same day, turned both of our lives upside down. While Speedy maintains the same pampered standard of living that he’s grown accustomed to, for the first few months of our living together he grieved so deeply that even the warmest rotisserie chicken wouldn’t interest him. I knew he was starting to heal when he started stealing napkins again.

Living with Speedy is like working for a rockstar. His adoring fans, gripped with Speedy-mania, scream and fawn over him, but only a select few know how big of a diva he is behind closed doors.

He’ll only have Market Basket rotisserie chicken in his dressing room, and it has to be hand shredded. Thinking about serving him kibble? Think again. He won’t touch the stuff, and in retaliation, he’ll sneak into your room and leave you wishing you had closed the door. He spends most of his day napping, bathed in pools of sunlight — the sweetest image of a perfect angel.

You almost forget about what a diva he is until you try to wake him up before he wants to. It’s those moments of sweetness that send you flying into Market Basket moments before they close.

I make it to the second store with minutes to spare. I ask the teenager standing sentinel at the register if they have any rotisserie chickens left, and ignore his judgmental stare. All I care about is that he says they do. I walk with purpose to the back, and grab the last one.

Triumphant, I walk back to my car, and buckle the chicken into the passenger’s seat — I’m not taking any risks. Tonight, the rockstar is happy and I’ll be in his good graces… for now. NH

Dear Market Basket: Speedy Gonzales would like you to know that he is open and available for brand deals in exchange for chicken.

Photo by Arthur Coy