Concord, NH | Buy Local: Arts, Culture, Shopping, Food, Recreation and Education
I’ve been visiting Concord, New Hampshire, for more than ten years now. The main draw for me is family: My brother, sister-in-law and adorable nephews live nearby. Every now and again I have a business meeting there, or I stop on my way to somewhere else to grab a quick bite to eat, or do […]
By Heather Atwell|Feb 14 2014|
The Capitol
Credit: Heather AtwellThe Capitol
Credit: Heather AtwellCredit: Heather Atwell Concord is New Hampshire’s capital city; and with about 40,000 residents, it has its share of chain restaurants, hotels, and shopping. However, there’s quite a lot of depth to Concord, too. It’s not just an easy place for a pit stop on the drive to somewhere else. If you spend an afternoon, a day, a weekend, or your life there raising a family like my brother and his wife decided to do, you’ll quickly realize that it’s a vibrant community with a thriving local arts and culture scene, with lots of independently-owned restaurants and shops, and wonderful educational and recreational opportunities. Concord is the kind of town that warmly invites you to stay a while. If you plan to visit overnight, The Centennial Hotel, a 19th century Victorian-era building located on Pleasant Street, combines historic charm with flashes of contemporary–dare I say “hip” without making myself sound “un-hip”–style. If you stay here, don’t miss brunch, but don’t wait for me to order because I cannot decide. Hmmm, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Spinach, Tomato and Capers or a Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote, Whipped Cream, Toasted Almonds and NH Maple Syrup. Less than one mile from the Centennial, you’re in the heart of Concord on South Main Street. And the first stop is the League of NH Craftsmen Gallery. All exhibitions are free and open to the public. The current exhibit is Hot Stuff: Feel the Heat!, a multi-media, exhibition designed to spark inspiration and light up the senses. The works in the Gallery are for sale, but if you want to buy something that is hand-crafted locally and a bit more budget-friendly just walk down the street to one of The League of NH Craftsmen Retail Galleries. Of course, when I am on that side of South Main, I need to make a few stops before heading down the street. Get ready to spend some time in the independently owned (since 1898) Gibson’s Bookstore.
Gibson’s Bookstore
Credit: Heather AtwellCredit: Heather Atwell There’s also an enormous kids’ section with books and toys. Oh, and a cafe that serves coffee and beer. In fact, they have 603 beer on tap. (If you aren’t from New Hampshire, you may not know that is our area code.)
I also love bona fide goods. Their mission is to serve “the highest standards in eco-criteria and social responsibility with the lowest impact to the earth and its inhabitants” My kitty cat loves the organic catnip mouse toy I bought for her.
And since I am on this side of town I might as well visit New England Cupcakery.
New England Cupcakery
Credit: Heather AtwellCredit: Heather Atwell New England Cupcakery is a one-woman bakery. And that woman is Lia Liporta, who bakes all the sweet treats on-site daily, using only the finest ingredients; although the day I stopped by, Lia’s mother was helping, but that was really because Valentine’s Day was around the corner, a busy time for cupcake makers. (If you’re still craving sugar, be sure to visit Granite State Candy Shoppe, a third generation-run company, located at 13 Warren Street. They’ve been making premium chocolates in New Hampshire since 1927.) On this end of South Main, you’ll also find the independent Red River Theatres (for movies) and Capitol Center for the Arts. The latter, a 1,304-seat theater presents Broadway shows, dance performances, pop and country stars, family shows, international performances, school-time shows and business conferences and seminars. Nearby, you can take in a show at The Audi, Concord City Auditorium. Open since 1904, it has served as Concord’s community arts and entertainment venue.
Arts in Concord, NH
Credit: Heather Atwell
Hi Heather!
This is a wonderful article featuring so many of our favorite Concord businesses. Many of them participate in our local gift registry service, Nearby Registry. It’s really important to us that we drive dollars to local businesses, services and nonprofits. We launched in NH so the Granite State is very near and dear to our hearts. We’d love to connect with you! Again, great article!
Cheers,
Alyssa & The NEARBY Team
Next time be sure to visit The Soup Gallery for lunch. The soups, salads, & sandwiches are fresh & delicious. They have Tapas Night on Fridays, & the chef creates a variety of exotic little dishes that you won’t find elsewhere in town. They have omelet breakfasts on Saturdays. (I’m not affiliated with the shop but just a resident who’s very pleased that it exists!)