Best of New Hampshire from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of New Hampshire from the Editors of Yankee Magazine [easy-social-share buttons=”facebook,twitter,pinterest,google,mail,print,more” sharebtn_style=”icon” counters=0 style=”icon” point_type=”simple”] Table Of Contents: Best Attractions Best Lodging Best Dining Best Bargains Best Classic Attractions Best Outdoor Attractions Spotlight: Seacoast Spotlight: White Mountains Best Attractions in New Hampshire Looking for fun in the Granite State? You won’t have to look far! Read […]
By Yankee Magazine|Apr 23 2018|
Best of New Hampshire from the Editors of Yankee Magazine
Best of New Hampshire from the Editors of Yankee MagazineTable Of Contents:
Best Attractions Best Lodging Best Dining Best Bargains Best Classic Attractions Best Outdoor Attractions Spotlight: Seacoast Spotlight: White MountainsBest Attractions in New Hampshire
Looking for fun in the Granite State? You won’t have to look far! Read our picks for the best attractions in New Hampshire.
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES
NEW HAMPSHIRE ANTIQUE CO-OP, Milford
Museum-quality pre-Columbian artifacts, art nouveau jewelry, art deco porcelain, rare American Indian art, Chippendale chests, historical maps—this emporium doesn’t have just a few rare pieces but rather entire cases and rooms full of them. Modest collectors shouldn’t be intimidated, though: Additional rooms are filled with budget-friendly collectibles ranging from teddy bears and crocheted doilies to tin cookie cutters and the books we loved as kids. For genuine antiques, fine art, and just everyday old-fashioned stuff, this 20,000-square-foot group shop is a candy store for collectors and browsers. 603-673-8499; nhantiquecoop.com
GENERAL STORE
HARRISVILLE GENERAL STORE, Harrisville
Overlooking a picture-perfect red-brick mill complex, Harrisville General Store has been its town’s gathering point for nearly two centuries. Saved from closing by the nonprofit group Historic Harrisville, the store has all the right ingredients for a local grocery but serves them up with a uniquely Harrisville flavor. Premium brands prevail, and area products get first dibs: The bacon and sausages are from Mayfair Farm; the free-range eggs, fresh vegetables, honey, and jams from other nearby producers. Order a fresh-baked muffin or custom-made sandwich, and join locals at a table. They’ll advise you not to miss the cider doughnuts. 603-827-3138; harrisvillegeneralstore.com
HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
REMICK COUNTRY DOCTOR MUSEUM & FARM, Tamworth
Medicine and farming share the spotlight at this 18th-century family farm, home to two generations of Remick doctors. The role the country doctor played in the community blends with an emphasis on how he grew vegetables and kept livestock just as his neighbors did. His wife churned butter and made bread, activities demonstrated in the big kitchen during seasonal events. The rest of the time, visitors can visit the two homes, barns, sugarhouse, dairy, icehouse, and gardens, where exhibits and hands-on experiences teach them the finer points of ice cutting, maple sugaring, preserving, sheepshearing, and more. 603-323-7591; remickmuseum.org
NATURE EXPERIENCE
GORHAM MOOSE TOURS, GORHAM
Although moose-spotting is a notoriously unpredictable pastime, the odds of seeing one of these magnificent beasts are heavily in your favor on these town-sponsored tours. With special permission from the state, Gorham Moose Tours’ buses are outfitted with lights that not only make moose easier to spot but also easier to photograph. The reported success rate is better than 90 percent, which offers a much more attractive prospect than prowling the roads in your car at dusk: Yes, you can spend hours sitting by the roadside along Moose Alley and hope, but it’s a better bet—and safer—to go with the pros. 603-466-3103; gorhammoosetours.org
SPECIALTY MUSEUM
AMERICAN ARCADE CLASSIC MUSEUM, Laconia
No, you’re not a teenager again … it just feels that way. At this one-of-a-kind destination, more than 250 vintage arcade games blink hypnotically in a dimly lit room, all of them still costing just a quarter to play. Pong, Astro Invader, Q*bert, Punch-Out—they’re all here, ready to bring you back to a time when the ability to guide a frog safely through traffic was the criterion by which you were judged by your peers. 603-393-7903; classicarcademuseum.org
WILDERNESS EXPEDITION
REDLINE GUIDING, Intervale
Wondering how to cross a river when there’s no bridge? Preparing to embark on a hike across a glacier? Learn these and other wilderness secrets and skills on professionally guided outdoor adventures in the White Mountains. Mount Washington and other rugged terrains are the year-round classroom for teaching mountaineering essentials such as backcountry camping and navigating with a map and compass. And here’s a tip for free-spirited lovebirds looking to tie the knot: You furnish the license, and they’ll furnish a justice of the peace who’s also a licensed guide. 603-617-8788; redlineguiding.com
Lake Cruising for Families
M/V MOUNT SUNAPEE II, Sunapee Harbor
History floats on this classic 90-minute narrated tour of Lake Sunapee—a painless way to learn about the charming harbor and the spiritualists who camped out at Blodgett Landing in the 1800s. Kids often get to steer the ship as it cruises the 10-mile-long mountain lake, past eight islands and three lighthouses, with plenty of leeway if they should take a wrong turn. Town Dock. 603-938-6465; sunapeecruises.com
Country Decorating
TWIN ELM FARM, Peterborough
Thirty handpicked dealers fill Louise York’s carefully curated antiques shop, where country chic meets garden vintage, with a nod to mid century. The pretty farmhouse and barn are strewn with airy white linens, shabby-chic cupboards, and metal garden furniture—enough to inspire a serious case of cottage envy. 133 Wilton Rd. (Route 101). 603-784-5341; twinelmfarm.com
Crafts Fair
ANNUAL LEAGUE OF NH CRAFTSMEN FAIR, Newbury
Craftspeople overrun the foothills of Mount Sunapee for this annual crafts-fair blowout, oldest and best in the country. For nine days in August, 350 of the country’s best artisans pitch a tent city and show us everything they’ve got. 1398 Route 103. 603-763-3500; nhcrafts.org
Restored Theatre
THE COLONIAL THEATRE, Keene
The historic 1924 stage has embraced performers and celebrities of every stripe, from vaudevillians to Amelia Earhart. A dedicated restoration brought this grande dame back to life, and since 1995 it’s hosted more than 350 live performances, entertaining us with the likes of Lyle Lovett, NPR royalty, dance ensembles, and first-rate films. 95 Main St. 603-357-1233; thecolonial.org
Salvage
ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE INC., Exeter
Art Nouveau mantel? Porcelain folding yacht sink? How did they move that nine-panel stained-glass ceiling? Carpenters love this vintage trip down memory lane, where you can pick up aging barn doors and finial doodads like an architectural time traveler. Christopher McMahon’s extraordinary treasure trove has been here for 18 years. “We have a lot of fun collecting it,” says son Aiden, backed up by a panel of ornate doorbells, a contingent of corbels, and a couple hundred years of inventory. Open Friday, Saturday, and by appointment. 3 Mill St. 603-773-5635; oldhousesalvage.com
Orchard
ALYSON’S ORCHARD, Walpole
Topographically, it’s hard to beat this 450-acre orchard at the top of a ridge overlooking the Connecticut River Valley. Equally hard to choose when it’s at its most irresistible. From the spring blossoms to the summer berries to the annual chili cookoff, it always feels like a festival up here on the heights. But with more than 50 varieties of apples, it’s ultimately the apple that reigns supreme. 57 Alyson’s Ln. 603-756-9800; alysonsorchard.com
Best Orchard | Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole
Credit: Michael PiazzaCredit: Michael Piazza
Winery
LABELLE WINERY, Amherst
Winemaker Amy LaBelle’s elegant facility offers guided tours plus tastings from among more than 25 of the winery’s own New Hampshire–produced varietals, including Corazon, Granite State Apple, and Riesling. This coolly sleek enterprise also houses The Bistro, where you can raise a glass to farm-to-fork lunches and dinners featuring artisanal cheese plates, roasted chicken tartine, and fresh pasta. Buy all 34 wines, plus unusual kitchen gadgets, at the gift shop. Like a sip of Sonoma in the New Hampshire hills. 345 Route 101. 603-672-9898; labellewinerynh.com
Urban Escape
CONTOOCOOK RIVER CANOE CO., Concord
Just 6.5 miles from the golden gleam of the State House dome, a broad lawn sweeps down to the banks of the Contoocook River. Bright kayaks sit stacked like chili peppers beside canoes and stand-up paddleboards at Patrick and Lisa Malfait’s family-owned business. But it’s the wide expanse of water that inspires you to ease that rental vessel into the river. You can take a nine-mile paddle (they’ll shuttle you to Contoocook Village) and steer your boat through Concord’s Lehtinen Park, or a shorter jaunt upriver to Daisy Beach. 9 Horse Hill Rd. 603-753-9804; contoocookcanoe.com/contoocook-river
Place to Get Away From It All
OCEANIC HOTEL, Star Island
Portsmouth’s Isles of Shoals Steamship Company ferry (315 Market St. 603-431-5500; islesofshoals.com/cruises) cruises six miles off the New Hampshire coast to the windswept Isles of Shoals, where you can reserve lunch at the Oceanic Hotel, a picturesque mid-19th-century hotel turned conference center on Star Island. The Oceanic also offers “personal retreats” for up to a week for those not conferencing, but lucky daytrippers can wander the 43-acre island at will, exploring the old burial ground, picnicking at the gazebo, or just admiring the stunning Atlantic views. 603-430-6272, 603-601-0832 (island phone); starisland.org
Cruise
GUNDALOW CO., Portsmouth
Set sail on the Piscataqua from Prescott Park and bring your own picnic dinner. This traditional “gundalow” is a replica of the sailing barges that regularly cruised these river waters starting in the 1600s, but with a modern-day twist. On Thursday nights (and some weekends), local musicians climb aboard and play concerts ranging from folk and Celtic to bluegrass and jazz. What could be sweeter? The wind in your sails, the port at your back, a picnic, good tunes, and soft river breezes. 60 Marcy St. 603-433-9505; gundalow.org
Organic Farm Stand
ROSALY’S GARDEN, Peterborough
Mounds of veggies scent this airy farm stand, surrounded by acres of pick-your-own flowers and herbs set against a backdrop of Mount Monadnock, a favorite of fresh-air painters. Named Gardener of the Year by the Northeast Organic Farming Association, founder Rosaly Bass has recapped it all in her book, Organic!, which you can cherry-pick from her picture-perfect stand, along with just-picked lettuce, cukes, and armfuls of Skittles-bright zinnias. 63 Route 123. 603-924-7772; rosalysgarden.com
All-Around Entertainment
PORTSMOUTH MUSIC HALL, Portsmouth
The outrageous scope of this performing-arts venue—from Tom Brokaw to Melissa Ethe-ridge—seems right at home in this elegantly rehabbed 1878 Victorian theatre, which once hosted vaudevillians. Its acclaimed Writers on a New England Stage series has seen the kind of celebrity cross-pollination that would rattle any reader, spanning Salman Rushdie to Patti Smith. Across the street, Writers in the Loft hosts more-intimate programs and signings, with best-selling authors such as the prolific Chris Bohjalian. 28 Chestnut St. 603-436-2400; themusichall.org
Studio Gift Shop
SALTY DOG POTTERY, Barnstead
Everything about Teresa Taylor’s world is organically artistic, from her weathered-barn showroom and studio to the stooped and hobbity kiln out back. This 40-year-plus pottery veteran produces a nimble and lovely tumble of platters edged with broad leaves, beakers that are literally beaked, whimsical tiles, and swirling birdbaths, shimmering in foamy greens, blues, and coppery earth tones, perfectly complemented by the late-afternoon dust motes filtering down through barn light. 92 Suncook Valley Rd. 603-435-6014; saltydogpottery.com
20th-Century-History Museum
WRIGHT MUSEUM, Wolfeboro
An M3A1 Stuart tank juts from the brick wall encompassing this collection of World War II artifacts, materials, and memorabilia. “We’re losing 500 vets a day,” notes Gene, a volunteer guide at this under-the-radar gem “Dedicated to the Greatest Generation WWII.” The “time tunnel” leads visitors through a series of rooms, one for each year from 1939 to 1945, that orient us to the war via LIFE magazine covers, exhibits, and bits of trivia: A gallon of gas cost 10 cents in 1939 (a car was $700); Rosy the Riveter appeared in 1943. The 1940s-era wartime kitchen is complete in every detail, down to the shiny Glenwood stove and a box of Rinso at the sink. Jeeps, tanks, and a Red Cross van huddle under hanging airplanes in the Vehicles Gallery. Founded in 1994 by collector David Wright, a Marine in the Korean War, the museum educates and inspires, a tribute to those who served. 77 Center St. 603-569-1212; wrightmuseum.org
Vintage Décor
WHITE HOME COLLECTIONS, Wilton
Pearly mirrors, vintage wrought iron, birds’ nests—a breezy, elegant collection of carefully curated antique finds, furniture, and garden equipment fills a three-story 1860s farmhouse, spilling over into extra barn stalls, a potting shed, and the front yard. Special events like the annual Garden Extravaganza on Mother’s Day attract collectors and decorators from the four corners; across the street, the affiliated White Home Market hosts special themed exhibits every few months. All the ingredients for a makeover. 9 Greenville Rd. 603-654-7363; whitehomecollections.com
Best Lodging in New Hampshire
Looking to rest your head in the Granite State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our picks for the best lodging in New Hampshire.
FAMILY LODGING
HUTTOPIA, Albany
Traveling with kids gets a European twist at this, the first U.S. outpost of a French chain of upscale campgrounds. The menu at the on-site café includes crepes and espresso; wines are available in the small grocery. Yet the core appeal of this “glamping” spot—which includes spacious, fully equipped platform tents—is how it removes the logistics from families’ outdoor adventures. Whether learning to fish, canoeing in the lake, or enjoying a concert under the stars, they can simply revel in nature and each other—something that parents the world over can appreciate. 603-447-3131; canada-usa.huttopia.com/en
FARM STAY
THE INN AT EAST HILL FARM, Troy
Part working farm, part destination resort, the Inn at East Hill Farm makes it easy to unplug and get back to the land. If you’ve never milked a cow or collected the eggs for your own breakfast, find out what you’ve been missing. Meals are served family-style, and when chores are done, there’s outdoor recreation aplenty, as well as perfect spaces for an afternoon of petting animals, playing games, or reading. 603-242-6495; east-hill-farm.com
LUXURY ESCAPE
MOUNTAIN VIEW GRAND RESORT & SPA, Whitefield
One of the grandest of the grand hotels that still dot the landscape of northern New England, this Victorian-era retreat has been generously updated for the 21st century. Relax in the infinity tub while soaking up White Mountain views, surrender to a hot-stone massage in the “tower spa,” or chip away at that handicap on the hotel golf course. However you choose to amuse yourself during the day, when evening comes be sure to grab a well-deserved drink on the sprawling veranda. You’ll feel like so many of the A-listers before you who found refuge and relaxation at this special mountainside retreat. 603-837-2100; mountainviewgrand.com
NEW LODGING
GREAT ISLAND INN, New Castle
Crisp, uncluttered guest rooms overlook the harbor from a cluster of residences that might have seen Paul Revere on his 1774 midday ride—which happened more than four months before his more famous midnight excursion—to warn local patriots of British plans on nearby Fort William and Mary. Great Island Inn’s neighborhood may be historic, but its guest rooms are up-to-the-moment modern; even better, they’re equipped for longer stays with full kitchens, sitting areas, and washers and dryers. A pretty patio with a grill invites guests to gather outside in good weather, and a personal concierge service can help plan explorations of the Seacoast. The beach is a five-minute walk away. 603-436-2778; greatislandinn.com
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
ADAIR COUNTRY INN, Bethlehem
For the full effect, arrive in the evening, when this stately home is aglow with lights, welcoming you and your significant other as warmly as its wealthy former owners once greeted their guests. Their antiques and collections still grace its rooms, which retain the intimacy of the original country home. The dining room offers some surprises, as the chef draws on occasional influences beyond New England for a sophisticated yet approachable dinner menu; breakfast begins with popovers fresh from the oven. Take a stroll in the romantic Olmsted gardens below the house, painstakingly restored by new owners. 603-444-2600; adairinn.com
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
SNOWVILLAGE INN, Eaton Center
Rising above gardens in the summer and snowy meadows in the winter, the full-on view of the Presidential Range from Snowvillage Inn fills a spectacular 180 degrees. The three king suites at the front of the main inn—built in 1916 as a summer home for the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Frank Simonds—are the best bets for those seeking maximum panoramas, but most of the cozy, well-appointed rooms in the three buildings here provide more than a glimpse of mountain grandeur. None have TVs, but heck, who needs ’em? 603-447-2818; snowvillageinn.com
WILDERNESS RETREAT
AMC CARDIGAN LODGE, Alexandria
On the slopes of Mount Cardigan, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s 1,200-acre forest is traversed by 50 miles of hiking trails. At the end of the access road is the Cardigan Lodge, where families can stay in either private rooms or private bunkrooms with shared bath, or camp at walk-in tent sites. Summer and fall, dinner and breakfast are served family-style; winter and spring, guests can prepare their own meals in the lodge kitchen. Hike the trails to the summit, join in guided family explorations, pick wild blueberries, snowshoe, ski, or just soak up the quiet. 603-466-2727; outdoors.org
HISTORIC AMC HUT
CARTER NOTCH HUT, Wildcat Mountain, Jackson
The Appalachian Mountain Club calls this rustic beauty in a wildly pretty setting its best-kept secret. This year it turns 100—making it the AMC’s oldest hut. From a steep climb up Carter Dome to trout fishing in nearby Wind Lakes, the hut is ideally sited for your exploration of Wildcat and the Carter range. We only hope to be this lovely, inside and out, when we hit our centennial. 603-466-2727; outdoors.org/lodging/huts/carter
FARMHOUSE LUXURY
HIGHLAND LAKE INN B&B, Andover
Porch sitting could become a habit here, and strolling a full-time occupation. The Northern Rail Trail skims by, with miles of walking, biking, and cross-country skiing at hand, plus a private beach. Pretty grounds and an indulgent breakfast make this 1767 B&B everything a gentleman farmer could hope for. 32 Maple St. 603-735-6426; highlandlakeinn.com
NORTH WOODS SPORTING CAMPS
CABINS AT LOPSTICK & TALL TIMBER LODGE, Pittsburg
The Great North Woods deserves equally great pit stops (that is to say, rugged and beautiful). The lakeside “cabins” at these two sporting camps pull out the stops when it comes to rustic chic: great views, grills, satellite TV. With professional guides on hand, you’re never far from moose, fly fishing, paddling, or hiking. Lopstick, 45 Stewart Young Road. 800-538-6659; cabinsatlopstick.com Tall Timber Lodge, 609 Beach Rd. 603-538-6651; talltimber.com
FAMILY RETREAT BY A POND
LOCH LYME LODGE, Lyme
For nearly 100 years, generations of families have frolicked on Loch Lyme’s large lawn and small beach, sheltering in the property’s 20 shingled cabins and dining in a clapboard lodge, making memories and stirring up nostalgia from May to October. 70 Orford Rd. 603-795-2141; lochlymelodge.com
B&B ESCAPE
COLBY HILL INN, Henniker
Part inn, part highly regarded restaurant, with a little romance stirred in, this historic 1797 property operated as Bartlett’s Tavern. More recently (since 2003), it’s been a consistent Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner. A touch of rusticity meets comfy elegance in the inn’s décor, especially in the carriage-house suites, complete with whirlpools and decks. 33 The Oaks St. 603-428-3281; colbyhillinn.com
CAMPGROUND SWIMMING
WHITE LAKE STATE PARK, Tamworth
New Hampshire has plenty of reasons to thank the glaciers, but White Lake ranks high, with some of the best swimming in the White Mountains, a wide and sandy beach, big playgrounds, and a family campground. Our Yankee lake critic says, “I’m a total lake snob. I can’t swim in most lakes. This one I could.” 94 State Park Rd. 603-323-7350; nhstateparks.org
LAKESIDE LODGING
MANOR ON GOLDEN POND, Holderness
Lovely Squam Lake—the “Golden Pond” of Hepburn-Fonda fame—ripples below this stately manor house set on a hillside of tall pines. The interior is filled with turn-of-the-20th-century details: carved balusters on the grand staircase, elegant mahogany paneling, and original Grueby tiles surrounding the fireplace. Savor the ambience and decor over salmon sandwiches at a genteel afternoon tea in the library, or at dinner in the paneled dining room over smoke-roasted duck or local beef braised in stout. 603-968-3348; manorongoldenpond.com
Best Small Luxury Hotel | The Manor On Golden Pond, Holderness
Credit: Douglas MerriamCredit: Douglas Merriam
HISTORIC INN & FARM VACATION
THE INN AT VALLEY FARMS, Walpole
Here’s a 105-acre family-friendly organic farm with guestrooms, cottages, and even a rental farmhouse. Get a taste of the farm experience (gather eggs! pet cashmere goats!) and then retire to your pretty, antiques-filled bedroom. In the morning, get fortified with a candlelit, three-course, farm-to-table breakfast. 633 Wentworth Rd. 603-756-2855; innatvalleyfarms.com
Lakefront Cabins
AMES FARM INN, Gilford
Nostalgia rises like mist off the edges of Lake Winnipesaukee where the water meets a quarter-mile of sandy beach and 17 quiet cottages. Five generations of Ameses have tended this idyllic spread since 1890. The lawn would be extravagant anywhere, but on this lake, it’s astounding. You scarcely need more than the inn, restaurant, dock, and mountain views, but just in case, there are movies, karaoke, and ping-pong. The cottages line up like ducklings, with porches facing the view. 2800 Lake Shore Rd. 603-293-4321; amesfarminn.com
New Historic Inn
BELLOWS WALPOLE INN, Walpole
Colonel Benjamin Bellows, one of the founders of pretty (and today, upscale) Walpole, started building his 14,000-square-foot mansion in 1752, just 1.2 miles from the center of town. Recent renovations have transformed the historic building into a bright and airy eight-room luxury boutique hotel. With a sparkling on-site restaurant and pub, outdoor seating, and tennis courts, Bellows would hardly recognize the place. 297 Main St. 603-904-4022; bellowswalpoleinn.com
Wilderness Camping
NORTHERN WATERS OUTFITTERS, Errol
Take a long, deep breath, check your 9-to-5 routine, and jump off the map. The wild beauty of Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge is yours for the paddling, with Northern Waters Outfitters offering canoe camping at several wilderness sites, including near its base camp and school. Canoe the refuge by day; sleep under the stars at night. Or sign up for instruction in kayak touring and whitewater rafting, plus pontoon-boat wildlife tours. 579 Upton Rd. 603-482-3817, 603-447-2177 (winter); beoutside.com/umbagog-lake-canoeing-and-kayaking-2
Lodging Perks
SNOWVILLAGE INN, Eaton Center
Peace settles over the Snowvillage Inn like a dusting of snow, and the only distractions are the gorgeous views (Mount Washington), fine dining (Max’s Restaurant & Pub), and pretty rooms. Unless you choose otherwise. This tucked-away inn also knows how to keep its guests well entertained, with an extensive menu of lodging packages running into the dozens. Summer packages include paddling on the Saco River and antiquing in the mountains; in the fall, delve into the mysteries of beer or enjoy “bring a friend” shopping weekends. A perfect complement to all that peace and quiet. 136 Stewart Rd. 603-447-2818; snowvillageinn.com
Best Dining in New Hampshire
Hungry? The Granite State offers plenty of restaurant options for hungry residents and visitors alike. Here are our picks for the best food & dining in New Hampshire.
BREWPUB
SCHILLING BEER COMPANY, Littleton
Housed in a gristmill built on the Ammonoosuc more than 200 years ago, the Schilling brewery and its airy taproom have birthed many a modern beer nerd. The lineup of house brews borders on the overwhelming, from Belgians and Czech-inspired creations to German lagers and wild ales. Leave it to others, though, to wax rhapsodic about the subtle toffee notes or bready undertones they’re picking up: Your mission is simply to take a seat above the water and drink up the summer sights and the wicked good brews. Hungry? Take a look at the other tasty menu, of Neapolitan flatbread pizzas from the pub’s wood-fired oven. 603-444-4800; schillingbeer.com
BURGERS
BRGR BAR, Portsmouth
These burgers are piled high with fixings, so don’t expect to get your mouth around one, even with the lid off. (The most architectural come impaled with a steak knife to hold them upright.) Like to build your own? There’s an array of cheeses, house-made sauces, and “bling”—ranging from fried egg to bacon-onion jam—ready to go. So if you happen to have a hankering for duck with avocado, smoked Gouda, and sriracha aioli, it can be yours. 603-294-0902; brgr-bar.com
DINER
SUNNY DAY DINER, Lincoln
Sunny Day began life in 1958 as the shiny new Stoney’s Diner in Dover, where it was a local fixture into the 1980s. In 1988 it was moved to Lincoln, where it’s been serving breakfast and lunch ever since. Its red-and-gray-tile interior is filled with gleaming chrome, checked curtains, and lots of chatter from happy patrons. Eggs Benedict luxuriate in lemony house-made hollandaise, and you can forget about lunch after a stack of fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup and a pair of oversize sausage patties. 603-745-4833
DOUGHNUTS
HARVEY’S BAKERY, Dover
Glistening honey-dipped rounds, fat jelly doughnuts sparkling with sugar, big creamy maple bars—at least four generations have stood before this glass counter and tried to decide which to bite into first. There’s bread hot from the oven, and the case is filled with cinnamon buns dripping with frosting, muffins bursting with local blueberries, and whoopie pies. Harvey’s also has a lunchroom and a solid menu (which includes a standout pork pie), but it’s the jellies we’d stand in line for. 603-742-6029; harveysbakery.com
HOT DOGS
PUPPY LOVE HOT DOGS, Concord
What’s not to love about a menu composed solely of hot dogs, perfectly steamed and dressed in condiments? From April through October, look for the red pickup with the “PUPLOV” plates in the alley next to Northway Bank; in the winter, look for the orange awning next to CVS. Service is fast, but on busy summer days you may have to wait in line. It’s worth it. puppylovehotdogs.com
TASTING MENU
STAGES AT ONE WASHINGTON, Dover
If the words “progressive New England cuisine” sound at all oxymoronic, let chef Evan Hennessey enlighten you. His tiny restaurant/food lab in a converted mill building near Portsmouth takes ultralocal ingredients—such as Irish moss, juniper, black walnuts, apples, and duck—and spins, sears, and swirls them into poetic, seasonal compositions in an ever-changing lineup. 603-842-4077; stages-dining.com
Burger
TUCKAWAY TAVERN & BUTCHERY, Raymond
The burgers are crafted of Angus beef, ground fresh each day—but there’s no skimping on BBQ, pork, bacon, bison, or steak tips, either. Hearty fare is what you get—poutine, smashed potatoes, beer battered onion rings, baked beans—with alternatives such as roasted veggies drizzled with fontina. 58 Route 27. 603-244-2431; thetuckaway.com
Farm Café
HILLTOP CAFÉ, Wilton
You can’t get more farm-to-table than at this café/farm tucked into a warm 1765 house, with its stunning hilltop setting, roaming chickens,and flaky croissants. Sidestep the modern rush with fresh yogurt and deliciously creative dishes, like Israeli eggs, plus friendly owners who keep the young, happy vibe alive. 195 Isaac Frye Hwy. 603-654-2223; hilltopcafenh.com
Gelato
MORANO GELATO, Hanover
We’re in trouble. Or would be, if we lived within a 20-mile radius of such heavenly temptation. The freshly-made-each-morning Sicilian gelato here comes in bright flavors that are shockingly delicious: Florentine cream, hazelnut, pistachio, and dark chocolate, with sorbettos like raspberry and Concord grape that startle the tongue. Our professional opinion: Sample many and often. 57 South Main St. 603-643-4233; moranogelatohanover.com
Sunday Brunch
THE RESTAURANT AT BURDICK’S, Walpole
Filmmaker Ken Burns calls this pretty village home, and the elegant restaurant here rivals any Brooklyn hotspot. With Burdick’s award-winning chocolate shop attached to this Parisian-style eatery, it’s perfect for lingering over the Sunday Times and a plate of charcuterie. 47 Main St. 603-756-9058; burdickchocolate.com
Old-World Dining
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT, Bretton Woods
With views of its namesake peak and the Presidential Range, you barely need to squint to re-imagine the days of Gilded Age splendor at this massive 1902 luxury resort. Much that’s served in its airy palazzo-style main dining room is locally sourced. 310 Mount Washington Rd. 603-278-1000; omnihotels.com
Pancakes
PARKER’S MAPLE BARN, Mason
Out here in the middle of nowhere, the parking lots are mobbed and eager eaters queue up like hopeful lottery winners. Will it be buttermilk or blueberry–buckwheat? Or “Pancake of the Month”? The wait today, a Sunday, is 70 minutes (it’s a lot shorter during the week), but there’s plenty to fill your time: Sample maple jelly¬beans at the bustling gift shop, or try a maple doughnut by the sugarhouse. IMHAPY2 reads one license plate, as a helicopter lands nearby. “It’s not unusual,” smiles the doughnut-stand lady. “We have regulars who fly in for breakfast.” 1316 Brookline Rd. 603-878-2308; parkersmaplebarn.com
Best Pancakes | Parkers’s Maple Barn, Mason
Credit: Aimee SeaveyCredit: Aimee Seavey
New Chocolatier
VICUNA CHOCOLATE FACTORY & CAFÉ, Peterborough
Food Network winner, chocolatier, and pastry chef Neely Cohen has traveled to Europe and the Amazon to study chocolate, and what she shares with us—handcrafted salt-, yellow chili–, and nibs flavored chocolate bars—is food of the cacao gods. The café setting is as delicious as the 70% organic Fair Trade bars, created from scratch in her on-view “factory” in the back. 15 Main St. 603-924-2040; vicunachocolate.com
Cocktails
COTTON, Manchester
Owner/chef Jeffrey Paige serves upscale American fare—ruby-red tuna tataki and a perfectly dressed Caesar salad spring to mind—while hunks of chunky bread are companions to any one of a surfeit of award-winning martinis. Candy-colored celebrations—Flirtinis, Bellinis, Cosmopolitans—sashay by. Satisfy your curiosity with a sampler under the gaze of a wall-size, black-and-white Audrey Hepburn. 75 Arms St. 603-622-5488; cottonfood.com
Seafood
THE FRANKLIN OYSTER HOUSE, Portsmouth
Abenaki, Little Grizzly, and Fox Point, piled on heaps of ice, greet the traveler who wanders off busy Market Street and steps inside this shimmery ode to the oyster. The modern, iridescent décor feels like the inside of an oyster shell, but when you plunk down at the horseshoe-shaped bar to order grilled “Oysters Off the Hot Line” and a side of pumpkin fritters, you do so knowing that the guys you crossed paths with in the doorway were dropping off something fresh and briny. There’s also plenty to eat besides oysters. 148 Fleet St. 603-373-8500; franklinoysterhouse.com
Pub Grub With Music
HARLOW’S PUB, Peterborough
What started as a small cheese shop has morphed over the years into a full-blown, family-friendly pub with craft brews on tap, a Celtic music jam every Tuesday, open-mic nights on Wednesday, and weekends of toe-tapping, wide-ranging music. You can never fail with lunchtime veggie chili or a thick “Turkey Thang” sandwich, but at night the sizzling diablo chicken makes a perfect complement to the bands that rock everything from Jamaican ska to “chamber art-pop.” 3 School St. 603-924-6365; harlowspub.com
Sandwich
MILLER’S CAFÉ & BAKERY, Littleton
When the Food Network crisscrossed the country to find the best sandwiches in every state (tough job), they flipped over the “Yankee Flip Pot Roast” here: juicy meat stuffed into tandoori flatbread, with garlic potatoes and greens overspilling the borders. You, too, can tackle the full roster of breakfast, lunch, and dinner sandwiches and conduct your own taster’s challenge, preferably on the pretty riverside deck. 16 Mill St. 603-444-2146; millerscafeandbakery.com
French Fare
MISE EN PLACE RESTAURANT, Wolfeboro
When then-president Nicolas Sarkozy was feeling homesick for France, he pulled up une chaise at this fine eatery a few tangled blocks away from Main Street and Lake Winnipesaukee. Chef/owner Terry Adrignola seasons her gourmet American dishes (like seared sea scallops and lobster/jumbo lump-crab risotto) with French-style flair—good enough for Sarkozy, while giving you a little taste of France without the jet lag. 96 Lehner St. 603-569-5788; miseenplacenh.com
New Indian Restaurant
THE SPICE CHAMBERS, Keene
Ooh, those vegetable pakoras, dipped in chickpea batter and sizzled to crunchy perfection, with some sort of fresh minty sauce that kept us dipping way past the saturation point … Executive chef Madan Rathore brings spice to Keene, with lamb, seafood, and vegetarian options. We’re off to a fine start with creamy navrattam korma (vegetables in sauce), punctuated by a delectable malai kofta (cheese-and-veggie dumplings in curry), plus a puff of garlic–cilantro naan for good measure. But with specialties from all over India, we may have to travel the entire menu, top to bottom. Winter St. 603-352-9007; spicechambers.com
Bistro
LIBBY’S BISTRO & SAALT PUB, Gorham
The Gorham streets are alive with ATVs, but traffic slows around the pretty block that shelters this super-hip bistro. Chef/owner Liz Jackson was a 2012 James Beard semifinalist, but she just wants to “cook good food for people.” French mussels, Turkish eggplant, and Faroe Island salmon are a small, lively sample. 111 Main St. 603-466-5330; libbysbistro.org
Dessert
TIM-BIR ALLEY, Littleton
Unassuming and lovely, with beautiful dishes like Moroccan chicken and blue-corn-crusted tilapia—but owners Biruta and Tim Carr are famed for their swoon-inducing desserts. Save room for white-chocolate coconut cheesecake with toasted coconut–caramel sauce or chocolate hazelnut pâté. Really. 7 Main St. 603-444-6142
Bakery Dish
UMPLEBY’S BAKERY & CAFÉ, Hanover
Comfort and finger food, rolled into one. Charles and Carolyn Umpleby’s savory pies aren’t much bigger than a generous hockey puck, but they’re juicy reminders of the heights that a pie can achieve in the hands of a master. Chicken curry; artichoke; stuffed with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, or leeks … We just like saying pie. Savory flavors, engulfed by flaky crust, handed over in a waxed-paper wrapping. Since 2007, they’ve been baking up these hearty, old-fashioned treats, reinterpreted, deliciously, for modern times. 3 South St. 603-643-3030; umplebys.com
Best Bargains in New Hampshire
Pinching pennies never felt so good! Check out our picks for the best bargains in New Hampshire.
Seasonal Bargain Bookshop
KYES-SAGE BOOK SHOP, Peterborough
As laid-back as a hammock, Kyes–Sage turns its lights on from April to November, three days a week. Housed in a historic New Englander with Gothic flourishes beside the town’s library, and staffed by volunteers, the shop prices most books at $2 or less, making it a beach reader’s bonanza. 14 Concord St. 603-203-1794
Free Museum
HOOD MUSEUM OF ART, Hanover
Dartmouth shares its art—65,000 pieces from one of the largest college collections in the U.S.—without charging a dime. With works ranging from ancient to modern, Asian to American to West African, plus stunners such as José Clemente Orozco murals and 9th-century Assyrian reliefs from the palace of Ashurnasirpal II. 4 East Wheelock St. 603-646-2808; hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu
Discount British Clothing
BARBOUR OUTLET, Milford
Deep discounts plus no sales tax bring this classic, 120-year-old British clothing line well within reach of sporty mortals. Scoop up waxed jacket and wellies (just like Duchess Kate’s) at the U.S. headquarters, which houses an outlet store, a warehouse, and a repair shop where devotees send their coats from around the country.
55 Meadowbrook Dr. 603-673-1313; barbour.com
Rainy-Day Flea Market
FAIRGROUNDS ANTIQUES, Swanzey
On any given day, you’ll find bargains galore at the Cheshire Fairgrounds collective, where 85 dealers create enough chaos to keep antiques hounds busy for hours. But you’ll score serious deals in the weeks before the Cheshire Fair in late July, when dealers have to pack up their booths for the incoming fair exhibits. 249 Monadnock Hwy. 603-352-4420
New Outlet Bargains
MERRIMACK PREMIUM OUTLETS, Merrimack
The state’s newest super-outlet offers savings of up to 65% on 100 brand names, including Nike, J.Crew, and Under Armour. But besides the standard New Hampshire bonus of no sales tax, Merrimack Outlets offers a VIP coupon book to veterans, military, and their families, and a 10% discount on Tuesdays at stores like Banana Republic and Le Creuset if you’re over 50. Age has its benefits. 80 Premium Outlets Blvd. 603-424-0050; premiumoutlets.com
Best Classic Attractions in New Hampshire
There’s a lot to see and do in the Granite State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in New Hampshire.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – Classic Amusement Park
CANOBIE LAKE PARK, Salem (1902)
From its early days as a “pleasure resort” in 1902, with canoeing and a botanical garden, Canobie Lake has evolved into a classic amusement park with 85 rides, games and attractions, and actual fear-factor ratings. Thrill rides, such as the Corkscrew Coaster and the Starblaster (shuttle lift-off meets bungee jumping) demand intrepid commitment; family rides like Crazy Cups and Dodgem bumper cars let your pulse rate recover. 85 North Policy St. 603-893-3506; canobie.com
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – Easy Scenic Walk
THE FLUME, Lincoln (1808)
The setting is certainly dramatic: 90-foot cliffs, cascading falls, and the cool dampness of a primordial forest. But there’s also something appealingly Swiss Family Robinson– like about the network of cliff-hugging boardwalks clinging to the walls of this deep granite beauty at the base of Mount Liberty. 852 Daniel Webster Hwy. 603-823-8800; cannonmt.com/flumegorge.html
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – White-Knuckle Vista
MOUNT WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD, Gorham (1861)
New England’s highest peak—6,288 feet — Mount Washington claims some of the world’s worst weather and the second-highest wind speed ever recorded. The eight-mile drive to the top is a hair-raiser; drop-away vistas on fair-weather days are stupendous, with visibility up to 130 miles and views of New York and the Atlantic. Bonus: The summit’s Extreme Mount Washington museum at the Mount Washington Observatory explores the nitty-gritty of the mountain’s subzero, hurricane-force drama. Road open May to October, depending on weather. 603-466-3988; mountwashingtonautoroad.com; mountwashington.org/education/extreme
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – Old-Time Summer Stock
THE BARNSTORMERS THEATRE, Tamworth (1931)
The Barnstormers is one of the oldest professional summer theatres in the country, operating since 1931, and it’s the only one that goes for a breakneck eight plays in eight weeks. Classics (The Glass Menagerie), kids’ fare (Toad of Toad Hall), and comedy (Ken Ludwig’s Be My Baby) are this company’s “stock” in trade, and the old converted Main Street storefront rings with laughter and applause during the July/August marathon. 104 Main St. 603-323-8500; barnstormerstheatre.org
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHT – Pancake & Maple Experience
POLLY’S PANCAKE PARLOUR, Sugar Hill (1938)
Pancakes, views, and most especially views of pancakes: You’ll be in blueberry buckwheat heaven at this family-owned institution, which has been flipping delectable discs for 75 years. Polly’s has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a woodshed, and inaugurates a new building in 2015 to accommodate the 58,000 pilgrims who make the trek to tiny, aptly named Sugar Hill each year. 672 Sugar Hill Rd. (Route 117). 603-823-5575; pollyspancakeparlor.com
Best Outdoor Attractions in New Hampshire
The Granite State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in New Hampshire.
Berry Picking
MONADNOCK BERRIES, Troy
The expansive setting, with majestic Mount Monadnock in the foreground, is as delicious as the grape-sized blueberries clustered on row after row of bushes. The rustic café/gift shop provides a quick pick-me-up before you hit the outdoors for a full range of PYO delectables: gooseberries, currants, and blackberries, oh my. 545 West Hill Rd. 603-242-6417; monadnockberries.com
Best Berry Picking | Monadnock Berries, Troy
Credit: Kimberly Peck
