Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Covid-19 news
On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for older and certain immunocompromised populations. According to a press release, these include people ages 50 and older at least four months after receiving their first booster dose, as well as people ages 12 and older (for Pfizer) and 18 and older (for Moderna) who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are living with conditions considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. “Based on an analysis of emerging data, a second booster dose … could help increase protection levels for these higher-risk individuals,” Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement. “Current evidence suggests some waning of protection over time.”
In New Hampshire, state health officials reported 102 new cases of Covid-19 on April 4. Last week, Covid-related hospitalizations fell to the single digits for the first time in more than a year — as of April 4 there were just six statewide.
Paid leave
The state is looking for a commercial insurance carrier to fully insure and administer the Granite State Paid Family and Medical Leave Plan. According to a press release, last week Gov. Chris Sununu and the New Hampshire Departments of Administrative Services and Employment Security, with assistance from the Insurance Department, released a Request for Proposal to administer the plan, which provides participating employees in New Hampshire with 60 percent of their average weekly wage for up to six weeks per year for specified leaves of absence. “A statewide, private-market, truly voluntary paid leave plan does not exist in any other state, and New Hampshire is leading the way,” Sununu said in the release. “After years of talk, we are finally moving forward with a viable paid leave product that is available to anyone who wants it and forced upon no one who does not.” The state is required to implement a voluntary paid family and medical leave plan as a provision of the 2022/2023 State Budget Trailer Bill, the release said. Any employer can choose to participate, and a business enterprise tax credit equal to 50 percent of the premium paid by those employers is available. “This is a critical program providing current and future workers here in the Granite State with the choice to take paid time away from work to care for family or care for themselves,” Deputy Commissioner Richard Lavers of Employment Security said in the release.
Queen City budget
Last week, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig delivered her FY23 tax-cap budget address. According to a press release, the budget proposal includes a 3.57 percent property tax increase (resulting in a tax rate change of $0.63, from $17.68 to $18.31 per $1,000 of assessed property value), which equates to an increase in property tax revenues of $8.2 million. Approximately $4.3 million of that is allocated to the City and $3.9 million the Manchester School District. A significant increase in health insurance claims in the second half of FY22 prompted an increase of $1.5 million to health insurance in FY23, the release said, and an additional $1.4 million was allocated to merits, longevity and associated benefits — meaning 65 percent of all city employees will receive at least a 3 percent increase in pay. The budget also includes bonding renovations to Derryfield Park, and replacing the Livingston Park track and the playgrounds at Wolfe Park and Sheridan Emmett Park, as well as $4.1 million that will go toward improving 32.9 miles of streets and sidewalks. The budget also establishes a green streets tree canopy program that will cover half of a resident’s cost for a new tree if it’s adjacent to the street. It leverages private funds for upgrades to fields at Livingston, Precourt, Sheehan Basquil and Stevens parks. For Manchester’s schools, the budget covers current programming and staff, and costs associated with collective bargaining agreements, retirement and health insurance, the release said, and it supports the school district’s strategic plan to grow its learners, educators and systems. Approximately $4.4 million in bonding will be used for Capital Improvement Projects, including the purchase of five school buses, playground replacements at Bakersville and Webster Elementary and Cullerot Park access to green space for Northwest students.
Political poll
Sixty-eight percent of New Hampshire registered voters think the country is on the wrong track, according to a recent poll from the Saint Anselm College Survey Center at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. That number is down from 74 percent in January, and according to a press release, the current political environment has led to slightly improved job approval for incumbents, though President Joe Biden’s handling of the economy is the same as January, with 58 percent of voters disapproving. His job approval has increased slightly: 43 percent approval, compared to 41 percent in January. Locally, Gov. Chris Sununu is up from his career low and is now at 62 percent approval, 36 percent disapproval, and, according to the release, he leads in a hypothetical matchup against his only announced challenger, State Sen. Tom Sherman, 51 to 24 percent. The approval rating for Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is at 48 percent; Sen. Maggie Hassan is at 46 percent; Congressman Chris Pappas is at 43 percent; and Congresswoman Annie Kuster is at 42 percent, the release said. Results from the Saint Anselm College Survey Center poll are based on online surveys of 1,265 New Hampshire registered voters collected on March 23 and March 24.
TeachUNITED
The state has a new partnership with TeachUNITED to provide five rural schools with individualized professional development. According to a press release, the schools were selected based on need and instructional improvement goals. The chosen schools are Northwood Elementary School in Northwood, Strong Foundations Charter School in Pembroke, Barnard Elementary School in South Hampton, Stevens High School in Claremont and Cornish Elementary School in Cornish. The program highlights strategies for growth mindset, data-driven instruction and personalized and blended learning. “This new partnership will support teachers and rural school leaders with strategies necessary to set and reach ambitious student goals,” Frank Edelblut, commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education, said in the release.
Help clean up any public area in Concord with the city’s Blue Bag Program. According to Concord’s monthly newsletter, residents can participate in the free program by filling out a release form, picking up free blue bags at the Concord General Services office at 311 N. State St., do the clean-up, leave the bags on the side of the road, and then notify General Services, which will come out and pick up the trash.
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center will travel to the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum in Warner on Saturday, April 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. for “Spemki Nib8iwi: The Heavens in the Nighttime.” According to a press release, the free outdoor program will feature stargazing with an Indigenous focus, a bonfire, hot drinks and telescopes set up in the field for sky viewing. Bring your own chairs; restrooms will be available.
Street sweeping is underway in Manchester. The Department of Public Works started sweeping on April 6, according to a press release, and sweeping will take place in various neighborhoods around the city on the first Wednesday and Thursday of the month. From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days, vehicles will need to be parked on one side of the street on Wednesday and on the opposite side the following day. Signs will be posted, and the city has tried to inform all residents in these areas, the release said.
Hillsborough County Superior Court-South’s Adult Drug Court in Nashua has been named one of 10 national mentor treatment courts by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the U.S. Department of Justice. According to a press release, the drug court will serve a two-year term as a model program to assist new or growing courts around the country.
The results are in! Find out Hippo readers’ opinions of the best people, places and things in New Hampshire, plus see some of the clever – and spot-on – responses we got to a few fun questions.
Also on the cover, meet four of the Capital City region’s authors, p. 26. Amateur bakers compete with French-inspired cakes at a new event in Merrimack, p. 36. And hear the sounds of Heart in Concord, p. 46.
Various Artists, Black Lives: From Generation to Generation (Jammin’colorS Records) The Belgium-based Jammin’colorS label is run by its chef/cook/bottle-washer, Stefany ...
This year’s Best of 2022 Readers’ Poll features, for the most part, five winners for each category — five favorites, the top five opinions about what makes a great place for a second date or a good spot to let the kids run wild.
All these “readers’ bests” mean lots of recommendations for places to go and things to do (and eat — as always we ask a lot of questions about eating). Along the way, we also got readers’ opinions on their feelings about Zoom meetings (the answer will not surprise you), their feelings about the best 5 o’clock drink and we even delve into one of the most heated debates of our time: is a hot dog a sandwich?
This year, we’re also offering up some quotes from readers. Because our poll asks open-ended questions — no multiple choice or drop-down menus — we get lots of funny, sweet, smart and smart-alecky answers and reading them is one of the true perks of tallying the results.
Looking for some opinions on a new place to grab a slice or a place to get that perfect cocktail? Hippo readers have some thoughts …
This survey is for entertainment purposes only and all results are final.
The results of Hippo’s readers’ poll are based on readers’ answers to a poll conducted online in February. Readers typed in the names of people and locations they voted for. In situations where the vote is tied or otherwise unclear, Hippo editorial staff makes an effort to determine the will of the greatest number of voters.
Hippo reserves the right to disqualify individual votes, ballots and/or entries when they are incomplete or unclear, do not meet the letter or the spirit of the question asked or otherwise do not meet the requirements to make them a usable vote. Hippo’s editorial staff makes the ultimate determination of the winners in the categories. Hippo’s advertising staff and its advertisers play no role in the determination of the winners. All results are final.
The Best of 2022 is a celebration of all things local and is meant to serve as a snapshot of the people and places in southern New Hampshire. Large national and international chains are, for the most part, not included in the count.
Information presented here is gathered from sources including the location’s website and social media pages. Double check with the spots before heading out to make sure times, locations and menu items haven’t changed.
Questions, comments, concerns? Did we get an address or phone number wrong? Do you have an idea for a new category? Let us know. Contact editor Amy Diaz at [email protected]. Corrections will appear on the first page of the news section in future issues. Is your favorite category missing? Categories change regularly, with some categories taking a sabbatical and new categories introduced, so please send your suggestions for a category for next year.
And, again, all results are final.
Arts
Best Performing Arts Venue
Best of the best: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com
Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com
Bank of NH Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, banknhstage.com
Best Theatrical Production
Best of the Best: Mamma Mia!, mainstage production of the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) ran Oct. 15 through Nov. 14, 2021.
The Full Monty, mainstage production of the Palace Theatre ran Jan. 28 through Feb. 20, 2022.
A Christmas Carol, mainstage production of the Palace Theatre ran Nov. 26 through Dec. 22, 2021.
Recycled Percussion, drumming group performed at the Palace Theatre Dec. 27, 2021, through Jan. 8, 2022, recycledpercussion.com.
Barefoot in the Park, performed by the Community Players of Concord at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) Oct. 15 through Oct. 17, 2021, communityplayersofconcord.org.
Best Local Place to Buy Art
Best of the best: Craftsmen’s Fair, nhcrafts.org. The annual nine-day craft fair hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is held outdoors at Mount Sunapee Resort starting the first week of August. It features hundreds of craftspeople with vendor booths, plus special craft exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and more.
Manchester Craft Market, Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester, manchestercraftmarket.com. Year-round gift shop features handmade items by more than 125 local artisans.
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Concord Fine Craft Gallery, 36 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The craft organization’s flagship retail shop and gallery features a variety of traditional and contemporary crafts created by juried New Hampshire craftspeople.
The Museum Shop at the Currier, Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. The gift shop offers art supplies and gifts for artists and art-lovers, including novelty items inspired by the museum’s special exhibitions.
Concord Arts Market, Rollins Park, Concord, concordartsmarket.net. The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market runs one Saturday a month, June through October, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first market will be held on Saturday, June 11.
Art Gallery with the Most Surprising Art
Best of the best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. The internationally renowned art museum, founded in 1929, has permanent and rotating exhibits featuring American and European paintings, sculptures, photographs and more by notable artists such as Picasso, Monet and O’Keeffe, as well as local and regional artists. Its next special exhibition, “Warhol Screen Tests,” opens on March 31 and will feature projections of film shot by Andy Warhol in the 1960s.
Diane Crespo Fine Art Gallery, 32 Hanover St., Manchester, 493-1677, dianecrespoart.weebly.com. The gallery, owned and operated by local artist Diane Crespo, features Crespo’s oil and pastel realism landscapes and offers art classes and workshops for all ages and abilities.
Art 3 Gallery, 44 W. Brook St., Manchester, 668-6650, art3gallery.com. The fine art retail gallery features art in a variety of media and styles by local, regional, national and international artists, and offers custom framing and corporate and residential art consulting.
Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery, 120 Front St., Exeter, 418-6286, artupfrontstreet.com. The artists’ collective features seven working artist studios, open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and hosts art events, workshops and demonstrations. Its Spring Open Studios will be held on Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Concord Fine Craft Gallery, 36 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The craft organization’s flagship retail shop and gallery features a variety of traditional and contemporary crafts created by juried New Hampshire craftspeople.
Chris’s Comics, 341 S. Broadway, Salem, 898-4151, chriscardscomics.com
Best Mini Golf
Best of the best: Chuckster’s Family Fun Park, 9 Bailey Road, Chichester, 798-3555, chuckstersnh.com. Opening for the season in Chichester on April 9.
Mel’s Funway Park, 454 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com. Open seasonally from April to October, weather permitting.
Chuckster’s, 53 Hackett Hill Road, Hooksett, 210-1415, chucksters-hooksett.com. Opening for the season in Hooksett on April 9.
Legends Golf & Family Recreation, 18 Legends Drive, Hooksett, 627-0099, legendsgolfnh.com. Open seasonally; 2022 operating dates TBA.
Mammoth Green Driving Range & Mini Golf, 135 Nashua Road, Londonderry, 432-4653, mammothgreendrivingrange.business.site. Open seasonally; 2022 operating dates TBA.
Best Spot for Some Friendly Competition
Best of the best: The Rugged Axe, 377 S. Willow St., Manchester, 232-7846, theruggedaxe.com
Game Changer Sports Bar & Grill, 4 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, 216-1396, gamechangersportsbar.com. The sports bar is known for its indoor cornhole facility.
Best of the best: Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net. Live local music is usually featured six nights a week, from Tuesday through Sunday, with an emphasis on blues artists. See Frankie Boy & the Blues Express on Friday, April 1, and 2120 S. Michigan Ave. on Saturday, April 2, at 9 p.m. respectively.
The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com. Live entertainment is featured multiple nights a week — a typical week will usually include Open Mic nights on Mondays, solo performances on Tuesdays, live music on Friday and Saturdays and a thBest emed “Rap Night” on Sundays.
The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com. Live local performances are held at The Derryfield every Friday and Saturday evening, from 8 to 11 p.m. Next up is Blue Matter on Friday, April 1, and the Chad LaMarsh Band on Saturday, April 2.
The Goat Bar and Grill, 50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 222-1677, goatnh.com. Live entertainment is usually featured seven nights a week at 9 p.m. (21+ only starting then), with a focus on country and pop artists. Catch Rob Pagnano on Friday, April 1, and The Pop Disaster on Saturday, April 2.
The Stumble Inn Bar and Grill, 20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com. Live music is usually featured Thursdays through Mondays at The Stumble Inn. See Jonny Friday there on Friday, April 1, and the Casual Gravity Band on Saturday, April 2, from 8 to 11 p.m. each evening.
Best Bar with an Outdoor Deck
Best of the best: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
The Wild Rover Pub, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com
Best Weekly Bar Event
Best of the best: Ruby Room Comedy, Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. at The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com
Open Mic Nights with Nate Comp and Paul Costley, Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. at KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Heather Abernathy: Trivia Bee, Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. at The Farm Bar and Grille, 1181 Elm St., Manchester, 641-3276, farmbargrille.com, and Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 707 Huse Road, Manchester, 206-3888, chunkys.com. Find her on Facebook @manchestersbesttrivia
Trivia with Steve, Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. at The Alamo Texas Barbecue & Tequila Bar, 99 Route 13, Brookline, 721-5500, alamobarbecue.com, and Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. at The Pasta Loft Restaurant & Brewing Co., 241 Union Sq., Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com. Find him on Facebook @triviawithsteve
Trivia Nights with Bill Seney, Thursday nights at 7 p.m. at The Hop Knot, 1000 Elm St., Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com
Best Spot for a Second Date
Best of the best: The Rugged Axe, 377 S. Willow St., Manchester, 232-7846, theruggedaxe.com
Classes with 603 Charcuterie (various breweries, wineries and other locations; see 603charcuterie.com/classes or find them on Facebook and Instagram for the full schedule)
Copper Door Restaurant, 41 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-2033, copperdoor.com
Hampton Beach, Route 1A, Hampton, hamptonbeach.org
Best of the best: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com
Col’s Kitchen, 55 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6778, colsplantbased.com
Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com
Best New Eatery
Best of the best: Tucker’s, 95 S. River Road, Bedford, 413-6503, tuckersnh.com. Arriving in the former Outback Steakhouse on South River Road in Bedford in October 2021, this is the sixth Tucker’s restaurant overall and also the largest — the local diner chain has five other locations, in Hooksett, Dover, New London, Concord and Merrimack. Tucker’s features a menu of breakfast items like omelets and scramblers, and lunch items like sandwiches and bowls, plus a rotating selection of specials, while the new Bedford spot introduced new menu concepts for the brand, like fresh juices, smoothie bowls and brunch-based cocktails.
New Hampshire Pizza Co., 76 N. Main St., Concord, 333-2125, newhampshirepizzaco.com. The latest venture of longtime Concord restaurateur Joel Harris, who opened the first Dos Amigos Burritos location in Portsmouth before coming to the Capital City four years later, the New Hampshire Pizza Co. opened in the former Crazy Goat space in January 2022. This full-service dine-in restaurant features brick-oven artisan pizzas as its centerpiece, along with salads, brunch items, cocktails, homemade ice cream and more, with the overall focus of highlighting locally produced ingredients.
Hare of the Dawg Bar & Grill, 3 E. Broadway, Derry, 552-3883, find them on Facebook @hareofthedawg. Longtime Derry couple Kevin and Lesley Decker opened this family-friendly downtown bar and grill in early January 2022, taking over the space that had long been occupied by the C & K Restaurant on East Broadway. The eatery features a wide variety of comfort foods, craft beers and cocktails, with a 24-seat custom bar built from the ground up by local woodworker Matt Daily.
The Lucky Moose Casino & Tavern, 16 Gusabel Ave., Nashua, 864-0175, luckymoosecasino.com. A sister establishment of The River Casino & Sports Bar just off Main Street in the Gate City, The Lucky Moose opened in July 2021 as New Hampshire’s newest casino, complete with daily games of blackjack, roulette and Texas hold ’em, as well as a full bar and an elevated tavern menu out of a scratch kitchen. You’ll find it in the former Bugaboo Creek Steak House in the Nashua Mall plaza — it has even kept the moose structure that adorns the roof with a brand new set of antlers.
Elm House of Pizza, 102 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5522, elmhop.com. This neighborhood restaurant and bar opened in the old Theo’s space in March 2021, channeling the nostalgic vibe of the 1970s downtown favorite of the same name among Manchester locals. You’ll find what co-founder and business partner Tim Baines calls a modern twist on the traditional house of pizza, featuring everything from house pies and appetizers to fresh seafood dinners, pastas, burgers and more.
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Best of the best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com
Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com
Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com
Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best Restaurant From Which to Get Takeout
Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com
Col’s Kitchen, 55 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6778, colsplantbased.com
Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com
Georgia’s Northside, 394 N. State St., Concord, 715-9189, georgiasnorthside.com. Currently only open for catering and pop-up events. Regular operations are due to resume this May.
Best Food Truck
Best of the best: B’s Tacos & More, nhtacotruck.com. Find them seasonally outside the BP Gas Station (2 Mohawk Drive, Londonderry), usually from May to December. A brick-and-mortar location is also open year-round at 372 Kelley St. in Manchester.
Messy Mike’s Barbecue & Catering Co., messymikesbbq.com. Find them seasonally in the parking lot of Rockingham Acres Greenhouse (161 Rockingham Road, Derry) most Thursdays through Sundays.
Up in Your Grill, upinyourgrill.com. Find them parked in and around various areas of Merrimack, most commonly in the parking lot of Vault Motor Storage (526 Daniel Webster Hwy.).
Smoke N’ Butts BBQ, smokenbuttsbbq.com. Opening for the season on April 8 at The Farmer’s Wife (20 Main St., Candia); hours are Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pressed For Time Mobile Cafe, pressedfortimecoffee.com. Find them at Seacoast Sport Cycle (129 Rockingham Road, Derry) most Tuesdays through Sundays.
Restaurant with best outdoor seating
Best of the best: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com
The Crown Tavern, 99 Hanover St., Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com
Best of the best: Blood orange Cosmo martini at Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677; 41 S. Broadway, Salem, 458-2033; copperdoor.com. The blood orange Cosmo features Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Solerno blood orange liqueur, cranberry juice and freshly squeezed lime.
“Goon Glizzy” loaded hot dog at Industry East Bar, 28 Hanover St., Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com. Industry East is known not only for its specialty craft cocktails, but also for its loaded hot dogs. The “Goon Glizzy” is loaded with a crab rangoon spread, crispy wontons and scallions.
Chicken tenders at The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com. The chicken tenders, deep-fried with homemade dipping sauces, have long been a staple at The Puritan Backroom. Buffalo, spicy and coconut tenders are also available.
Espresso martini at Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar, 270 Granite St., Manchester, 232-3323; 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 883-7333; 524 Nashua St., Milford, 673-3939; giorgios.com
Pad Thai at Col’s Kitchen, 55 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6778, colsplantbased.com. Col’s Kitchen’s vegan Pad Thai features seared tofu, rice noodles, carrots, cabbage, spinach, basil and peanuts.
Best Barbecue
Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Smokeshow Barbeque, 231 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbbq.com. In March 2022, Smokeshow Barbeque moved into a new space in Concord’s South End, sharing a building with Feathered Friend Brewing Co.
Georgia’s Northside, 394 N. State St., Concord, 715-9189, georgiasnorthside.com. Currently only open for catering and pop-up events. Regular operations are due to resume this May.
Best of the best: RT’s Italian spuckie at Rig A Tony’s Italian Takeout & Catering, 254 Wallace Road, Bedford, 488-2877; 13 Rockingham Road, Windham, 685-8122; 38 W. Broadway, Derry, 425-6116 (the Derry location is due to reopen soon); rigatonysitalian.com. This made-to-order classic features Italian cured meats, tomatoes, hots, pickles, red onion, provolone cheese and seasoned oil on a house-baked roll.
The Garden at the Nashua Garden, 121 Main St., Nashua, 886-7363, find them on Facebook @thenashuagarden603. This vegetarian sandwich features tomato, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, pickles, onion, lettuce and sprouts.
Steak and cheese sub at Nadeau’s Subs, 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 100 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; 1095 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-4411 (the Hanover Street location is inside of the Kwik Stop Mobil; 48 Portsmouth Ave., Exeter, 580-4445; 11 Eastman St., Concord, 715-1474 (the Concord location is inside of McLaughlin’s Country Market); nadeaussubs.com. The steak and cheese sub at Nadeau’s is available with either steak tips or Philly shaved steak in several sizes. You can order it plain with American cheese on a sub roll, or customize your bread or cheese type, grilled vegetables or other add-ons like bacon or grilled salami.
Super Regular at Beefside, 106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsidenh.com. The Regular features four ounces of tender roast beef on a bulk roll, with the option to “super” it with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.
Banh mi at The Local Moose Cafe, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com. The pork banh mi features local pork patties, pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, cucumbers, Sriracha mayonnaise and honey ginger mayonnaise on a house-made baguette. You can also order a vegan tofu banh mi, or a breakfast banh mi with free-range egg.
Best Subs
Best of the best: Nadeau’s Subs, 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 100 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; 1095 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-4411 (the Hanover Street location is inside the Kwik Stop Mobil); 48 Portsmouth Ave., Exeter, 580-4445; 11 Eastman St., Concord, 715-1474 (the Concord location is inside McLaughlin’s Country Market); nadeaussubs.com
USA Subs, 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550, usasubs.com
Bill Cahill’s Super Subs, 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710, find them on Facebook @billcahills
El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria, 10 Lake Ave., Manchester, 232-4530, elrinconnh.com
B’s Tacos & More, nhtacotruck.com. Find them seasonally outside the BP Gas Station (2 Mohawk Drive, Londonderry), usually from May to December. A brick-and-mortar location is also open year-round at 372 Kelley St. in Manchester.
Restaurant That Can Make You Love Vegetables
Best of the best: Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com
Col’s Kitchen, 55 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6778, colsplantbased.com
The Republic of Campo, 969 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0256, republiccafe.com and campoenoteca.com
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro & Bar, 35 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth, 427-8344, greenelephantnh.com
Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com
Best Candy or Chocolate Shop
Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe, 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591, granitestatecandyshoppe.com
Van Otis Chocolates, 341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotis.com
Nelson’s Candy and Music, 65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com
Loon Chocolate, 252 Willow St., Manchester, loonchocolate.com. This small-batch bean-to-bar company opened its first retail storefront in February 2022 inside the The Factory on Willow complex, sharing a space with 603 Charcuterie.
Dancing Lion Chocolate, 917 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us
Most Decadent Desserts
Best of the best: Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merri vvk, 262-5929, and Buckley’s Market & Cafe, 9 Market Place, Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com
The Red Blazer Restaurant & Pub, 72 Manchester St., Concord, 224-4101, theredblazer.com
Best of the best: Concord Farmers Market, concordfarmersmarket.com, held on Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Capitol Street in Concord (near the Statehouse), from May through October. The 2022 market is set to begin on May 7.
Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market, derryhomegrown.org, held on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. at 1 W. Broadway in Derry, from June through September. The 2022 market is set to begin on June 1.
Bedford Farmers Market, bedfordfarmersmarketnh.org, held on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at 393 Route 101 in Bedford, from mid-June through mid-October. The 2022 market is set to begin June 14.
Salem Farmers Market, salemnhfarmersmarket.org, held on Sundays year-round, indoors at LaBelle Winery (14 Route 111, Derry) during the winter and early spring, and outdoors at Tuscan Market (12 Via Toscana, Salem) from late spring through fall. The market is currently indoors and runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The opening date and hours for the outdoor market are TBA.
Milford Farmers Market, milfordnhfarmersmarket.com. Indoor market runs every other Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., from November to June at the Milford Town Hall Auditorium (1 Union Square, Milford), and the outdoor market runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 300 Elm St. in Milford, across the street from the New Hampshire Antique Co-op, from June through mid-October.
Best Farm for Pick Your Own
Best of the best: Sunnycrest Farm, 59 High Range Road, Londonderry, 432-7753, sunnycrestfarmnh.com. Pick-your-own opportunities, depending on availability, include apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, grapes, cherries and flowers.
Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 434-7619, macksapples.com. Pick-your-own opportunities, depending on availability, include apples, pumpkins, peaches and pears.
Lull Farm, 65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com. Pick-your-own opportunities, depending on availability, include strawberries and apples. Lull has a seasonal farm stand in Milford and, as of last year, now also operates a satellite farm stand at Sullivan Farm in Nashua.
Carter Hill Orchard, 73 Carter Hill Road, Concord, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com. Pick-your-own opportunities, depending on availability, include blueberries, apples and peaches.
Brookdale Fruit Farm, 41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com. Pick-your-own opportunities, depending on availability, include strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, black raspberries, blackberries, apples and pumpkins.
Best City Park
Best of the best: White Park, 1 White St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov. Amenities include a basketball court, a seasonal pool, walking trails and an ice skating rink.
Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. Amenities include baseball and softball fields, a playground, picnic areas, walking trails and a tennis court.
Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Amenities include walking trails around Dorrs Pond, as well as a baseball diamond, a running track and two playgrounds.
Stark Park, 650 River Road, Manchester, starkpark.com. The 30-acre park dedicated to New Hampshire’s Gen. John Stark, who penned the state motto, “Live Free or Die” in 1809, includes a large equestrian statue of Stark, several models of cannons and cannonballs, a memorial bench honoring New Hampshire’s Officer Michael Briggs, and a gazebo bandstand where live music is occasionally held.
Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov. Originally a private zoo and amusement park, Benson Park reopened in 2010 as a town park for recreational use and is now a popular spot for hiking, dog walking, fishing and picnicking.
Best State Park
Best of the best: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9874, nhstatesparks.org/visit/state-parks/bear-brook-state-park. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, Bear Brook State Park is 10,000 acres and features more than 40 miles of trails. Activities include biking, hiking, swimming, camping and fishing.
Pawtuckaway State Park, 128 Mountain Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park. The park offers campers a family beach on the lake and hiking trails across a diverse landscape, where they can see wildlife and natural points of interest.
Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-7406, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/odiorne-point-state-park. The park features an extensive network of trails through 135 acres of rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, salt marsh, freshwater and salt ponds, dense forest and military and historical sites, and is home to the Seacoast Science Center.
Mount Sunapee State Park, 86 Beach Access Road, Newbury, 763-5561, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/mt-sunapee-state-park. The park is home to the alpine ski area and resort Mount Sunapee Resort, and to Mount Sunapee State Park Beach, which contains a 4,085-acre lake. Amenities include a boat launch and boat rentals, hiking trails, a playground, a picnic area, a campground and more.
Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/wellington-state-park. Wellington State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas and volleyball and horseshoe courts, and is also known for having the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system.
Best Campground
Best of the best: Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park
Branch Brook Campground, Exit 28 off I-93 to Route 49 West, Campton, 726-7001, branchbrooknh.com
White Lake State Park, 94 State Park Road, Tamworth, 323-7350, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/white-lake-state-park
Greenfield State Park, 133 Beach Road, Greenfield, 547-3497, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/greenfield-state-park
Best of the best: Franconia Notch, at Franconia Notch State Park, Exits 34A to 34C off I-93, Franconia/Lincoln, 745-8391, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park. The mountain pass, crossed by a parkway extending from Echo Lake to the Flume Gorge, once held the iconic Old Man of the Mountain.
Kancamagus Highway, kancamagushighway.com. A 34.5-mile scenic ride from Lincoln to Conway along New Hampshire’s Route 112.
Rye Coastline. Public beaches in Rye include Jenness State Beach (2280 Ocean Blvd., metered parking from 8 a.m. to midnight, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/jenness-state-beach) and Wallis Sands State Beach (1050 Ocean Blvd., parking fee between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. is $15 per vehicle and free for New Hampshire-resident seniors age 65 and over, and parking reservations can be made online in advance, nhstateparks.org/visit/seacoast-beaches/wallis-sands-state-park).
Artist’s Bluff Trail, located at Franconia Notch State Park, Exit 34C off I-93, Franconia, 745-8391, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park. The 1.5-mile loop leads hikers to a peak with scenic views of Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch.
Cathedral Ledge, located at Cathedral Ledge State Park, 579 Cathedral Ledge Road, Bartlett, 356-2672, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/cathedral-ledge-state-park. The 700-foot peak offers views across the Saco River Valley to the White Mountains.
Best of the best: Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashua. This paved trail is 12.5 miles and runs along the Nashua River, connecting Nashua to Ayer, Mass.
Londonderry Rail Trail, Londonderry, londonderrytrails.org. About 6 miles of this trail runs through North Londonderry.
Windham Rail Trail, Windham, windhamrailtrail.org. The Windham Rail Trail is 4.1 miles and is a core part of the longest paved abandoned rail bed in the Granite State, as the Windham, Derry and Salem rail trails collectively run about 11 miles.
Goffstown Rail Trail, Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org. The 7.5-mile trail runs between Goffstown and Manchester, connecting Pinardville, Grasmere and Goffstown Village.
Derry Rail Trail, Derry, derryrailtrail.org. Running several miles through Windham and into Derry’s town center, the Derry Rail Trail is part of the larger proposed Granite State Rail Trail.
Best Hike in Southern New Hampshire
Best of the best: Mount Monadnock (with particular shoutouts to the White Dot Trail), Jaffrey/Dublin, 532-8862, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/monadnock-state-park. The 3,165-foot mountain features more than 35 hiking trails of various levels of difficulty leading to the summit.
Mt. Uncanoonuc Trails, Mountain Road, Goffstown. The North Uncanoonuc Trail, about a 0.6-mile hike, is steep in some spots and is known for its wilderness and panoramic views of Goffstown. At about 0.8 miles, the South Uncanoonuc Trail is slightly longer, also serving as a snowmobiling and ATVing trail that features views of Mount Monadnock from a distance.
Mount Major, Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike. The mountain’s 1.5-mile Mount Major Trail and 1.6-mile Boulder Loop Trail form a loop at its 1,785-foot summit, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Winnipesaukee to the north.
Mount Kearsarge, Warner/Wilmot. At 2,397 feet, Mount Kearsarge features two state parks, Winslow State Park on the northwest slope in Wilmot and Rollins State Park on the south slope in Warner. The quickest way to the summit is a half-mile trail that starts in Rollins State Park. Other popular trails include the 1.1-mile Winslow Trail and the 1.6-mile Barlow Trail, both of which start at Winslow State Park.
Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. The park has around 8 miles of trails across 325 acres of forest, open fields and wetlands, bordering the Nashua River, Millpond and canal system on the north side.
Best Spot for a Mini Hike
Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. The park has around 8 miles of trails across 325 acres of forest, open fields and wetlands, bordering the Nashua River, Millpond and canal system on the north side.
Lake Massabesic, off the Londonderry Turnpike, Manchester, 642-6482, manchesternh.gov. Spanning 2,500 acres in Manchester and Auburn, the lake is the centerpoint for a network of dozens of trails, including a loop to the Massabesic Audubon Center, a wildlife sanctuary situated on a historic farm site in Auburn. The trails range in length from half a mile to more than 3 miles.
Mount Major, Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike. The mountain’s 1.5-mile Mount Major Trail and 1.6-mile Boulder Loop Trail form a loop at its 1,785-foot summit, which offers a panoramic view of Lake Winnipesaukee to the north.
Marjory Swope Park, Long Pond Road, Concord, 225-8515, concordnh.gov. This 77-acre park features three connecting trails, including a 1.45-mile loop trail that runs up Jerry Hill, leading to scenic views of the Penacook Lake; a 0.56-mile trail that cuts through the park; and a 0.18-mile trail that passes the large granite outcrop Gilfillan Rock.
Mount Kearsarge, Warner/Wilmot. At 2,397 feet, Mount Kearsarge features two state parks, Winslow State Park on the northwest slope in Wilmot and Rollins State Park on the south slope in Warner. The quickest way to the summit is a half-mile trail that starts in Rollins State Park. Other popular trails include the 1.1-mile Winslow Trail and the 1.6-mile Barlow Trail, both of which start at Winslow State Park.
Best Spot for a Long Run
Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. The park has around 8 miles of trails across 325 acres of forest, open fields and wetlands, bordering the Nashua River, Millpond and canal system on the north side.
Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashua. This paved trail is 12.5 miles and runs along the Nashua River, connecting Nashua to Ayer, Mass.
Windham Rail Trail, Windham, windhamrailtrail.org. The Windham Rail Trail is 4.1 miles and is a core part of the longest paved abandoned rail bed in the Granite State, as the Windham, Derry and Salem rail trails collectively run about 11 miles.
Goffstown Rail Trail, Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org. The 7.5-mile trail runs between Goffstown and Manchester, connecting Pinardville, Grasmere and Goffstown Village.
Derry Rail Trail, Derry, derryrailtrail.org. Running several miles through Windham and into Derry’s town center, the Derry Rail Trail is part of the larger proposed Granite State Rail Trail.
Best Lake to Canoe or Kayak
Best of the best: Lake Massabesic, Manchester and Auburn, 624-6482, manchesternh.gov. The 2,560-acre lake has three public boat launches: one in Auburn Village; one off Route 121 near the Manchester-Auburn town line; and one at Deer Neck Bridge off the Londonderry Turnpike in Auburn. The latter is designed for kayaks and canoes.
Pawtuckaway Lake, Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals at its camp store as well as a public boat launch for the 784-acre lake.
Lake Winnipesaukee, Belknap and Carroll counties, lakewinnipesaukee.net. With 71 square miles of surface area, the Granite State’s largest lake has 18 boat launches spanning multiple towns (some charge a launch fee). Local businesses can provide everything you need to hit the water, including boat rentals, cleaning, accessories and storage.
Newfound Lake, Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org. A boat launch is located just outside the park, providing free 24/7 access to the 4,106-acre lake.
Squam Lake, Grafton, Carroll and Belknap counties, lakesregion.org/squam-lake. Big and Little Squam lakes are naturally spring-fed and connected by a channel in Holderness. Big Squam is the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire, at 6,791 acres long with 61 miles of shoreline. The lakes are also host to 67 islands.
Best Ski Hill
Best of the best: Pats Peak Ski Area, 686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com
Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, nhahs.org. Museum dedicated to the science, technology, history and culture of aviation, with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Fun City Trampoline Park, 553 Mast Road, Goffstown, 606-8807, funcitygoffstown.com. The 60,000-square-foot indoor playground features trampolines, foam pits, laser tag, a climbing wall and more.
Krazy Kids, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, krazykids.com. The indoor playground and party venue features a trampoline, a ropes course, slides, tunnels and other structures for climbing, bouncing and jumping.
Nuthin’ but Good Times, 746 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-2200, nuthinbutgoodtimes.com. The indoor playground and party venue has a soft two-story play structure for all ages, a separate play area for toddlers, a lounge, a cafe and more.
SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org. Museum focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and more with interactive exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs.
Best Outdoor Spot to Let Kids Run Around and Be Crazy
Best of the best: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov. Originally a private zoo and amusement park, Benson Park reopened in 2010 as a town park for recreational use and is now a popular spot for hiking, dog walking, fishing and picnicking.
White Park, 1 White St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov. Amenities include a basketball court, a seasonal pool, walking trails and an ice skating rink.
Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Amenities include walking trails around Dorrs Pond, as well as a baseball diamond, a running track and two playgrounds.
Griffin Park, 101 Range Road, Windham, 965-1208, windhamnh.gov. Amenities include a playground, basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables, walking paths and more.
Hampton Beach State Park, 160 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, 926-8990, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/hampton-beach-state-park. Activities include swimming, fishing, picnicking and RV camping.
Best Kids Summer Day Camp
Best of the best: Melody Pines Day Camp, 510 Corning Road, Manchester, 669-9414, melodypines.com
D’Tails Dog Grooming, 178 Route 101, Bedford, 703-6288, see “D’Tails Dog Grooming” on Facebook
A Paw Above the Rest Salon, located inside American K9 Country, 336 Route 101, Amherst, 472-7282, americank9country.com/grooming/a-paw-above-the-rest-salon
Best Place to Let Your Dog Off-Leash
Best of the best: Hooksett Dog Park, 101 Merrimack St., Hooksett, 485-8471, hooksett.org
Hudson Dog Park, located inside Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov
Derry Dog Park, Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry, 432-6100, derrynh.org
American K9 Country, 336 Route 101, Amherst, 672-8448, americank9country.com. The dog daycare and boarding facility offers a free dog park, which is temporarily closed for construction; a re-opening date is TBA.
Wagon Hill Farm, 156 Piscataqua Road, Durham, 868-5571, ci.durham.nh.us/boc_conservation/wagon-hill-farm. Off-leash dog walking permitted from dawn to 10 a.m.; dogs must be on a leash after 10 a.m.
Best On-Leash Dog Outing
Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Hudson Dog Park, located inside Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov
Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov
Londonderry Rail Trail, access points are located in Londonderry at the Interstate 93 Exit 5 Park & Ride, 4 Symmes Drive; at the south end of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport runway, 106 Harvey Road, Londonderry; at North Elementary School, 19 Sanborn Road; and at Independence Drive, londonderrytrails.org
Goffstown Rail Trail, access points are located in Goffstown at Goffstown Parks and Recreation Center, 155 S. Mast St.; Hillsborough County Offices complex on Mast Road; Danis Park Road; and Moose Club Park Road; and in Manchester at Sarette Recreation Complex, 2 Louis St., goffstownrailtrail.org
Scontsas Fine Jewelry & Home Decor, 169-173 Main St., Nashua, 882-3281, scontsas.com
Best Independent Eyeglass Store
Best of the best: Myoptic, 204 Main St., Nashua, 880-6700, myoptic.net
Taylor & Murphy Optical, 545 Hooksett Road, Suite 23, Manchester, 622-6333, tmoptical.com
Spindel Eye Associates, 6 Tsienneto Road, Suite 101, Derry, 434-4193, spindeleye.com. Additional locations in Windham, Londonderry and Raymond.
Concord Eye Center, 248 Pleasant St., Suite 1600, and 2 Pillsbury St., Suite 100, Concord, 224-2020, concordeyecenternh.com
MacKay Vision Center, 207 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 668-2771, visionsource-mackayvision.com
Best Secondhand Store
Best of the best: Kelly’s Kloset, sales are coordinated through the Facebook group “Kelly’s Kloset LLC,” with pick-up and drop-off based in Hooksett, [email protected]
M&C Clothing and Gifts, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 886-6727, m-c-clothing-and-goods.myshopify.com
Lilise Designer Resale, 7 N. Main St., Concord, 715-2009, liliseresale.com
Amanda Novak, Topknot Salon + Spa, 1 Nashua St., Milford, 213-6863, topknotnh.com. Topknot is currently closed due to severe water damage, but some of the stylists are working out of Escape Salon at 800 Turnpike Road in New Ipswich. Email [email protected] to book an appointment.
Granite Stater I’d Like to Buy a Drink For
Most picked drink recipient: Chris Sununu, New Hampshire governor
Adam Sandler, Hollywood actor, comedian and a Manchester native
Fritz Wetherbee, host of “Fritz Wetherbee’s New Hampshire” on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle
Charles Keith, co-owner of The Rugged Axe, 377 S. Willow St., Manchester, 232-7846, theruggedaxe.com
John Lynch, former New Hampshire governor
Seth Meyers, late night television host, comedian and a Bedford native
Friendliest Dentist
Best of the best: Dr. Elizabeth Spindel, Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry, 862 Union St., Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com
Dr. Charles Pipilas, 280 Main St., Suite 311, Nashua, 881-8280
Dr. Ray Orzechowski, 280 Pleasant St., Suite 4, 228-4456, orzechowskiarndt.com
Dr. Shannon Arndt, 280 Pleasant St., Suite 4, 228-4456, orzechowskiarndt.com
Dr. Russell Mann, Mann Family Dental, 9 Roosevelt St., Manchester, 605-1734, mannfamilydental.com
Friendliest Mechanic
Best of the best: Ralph Brutus, Brutus Auto Repair & Service, 148 Merrimack St., Manchester, 624-8881, brutusauto.com
Bill Morin, Morin’s Service Station, 1091 Valley St., Manchester, 624-4427, morinsservicestation.com
Mike Alton, Pro-Image Automotive, 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 644-8480, proimageautomotive.com
Bret Russell, Under the Hood Auto Service, 1580 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 485-9032
Doug Johnson, Doug Johnson Auto Repair, 131 High Range Road, Londonderry, 437-1714
Best Local Musical Act
Best of the best: Jennifer Mitchell, jennifermitchellmusic.com. In addition to being an award-winning singer-songwriter, Mitchell is the owner of Jennifer Mitchell Music, a full-service entertainment company that travels all over New England. This weekend, Jennifer will be at Backyard Burgers & Wings in Seabrook on Thursday, March 31, at 6 p.m. and at Hill Top Pizza in Epsom on Friday, April 1, at 7 p.m.
Justin Jordan, find him on Facebook @justinjordanmusic. Jordan performs a combination of covers and originals encompassing multiple genres such as acoustic rock, pop, R&B and country across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. See Justin on Saturday, April 2, at the Coach Stop in Londonderry.
April Cushman, aprilcushman.com. New Hampshire country artist April Cushman performs all over New England. She released her debut album, The Long Haul,in November 2021. April will play the Village Trestle in Goffstown on Thursday, March 31, at 6 p.m.
Matt the Sax, find him on Facebook @mattthesax. Matt Beaudin, a.k.a. “Matt the Sax,” specializes in saxophone and acoustic guitar and vocals.
Recycled Percussion, recycledpercussion.com. Recycled Percussion originally formed in Goffstown, later going on to appear on Season 4 of America’s Got Talent. Today they’re a nationally touring act, known for their high-energy interactive shows blending music and comedy and incorporating all sorts of nontraditional items as instruments. Recycled Percussion is next slated to play their own CAKE Theatre in Laconia on Saturday, May 7, at 2 & 7 p.m.
Best Local (-ish) Comedian
Apologies to Adam Sandler, Seth Meyers and Sarah Silverman, who are Granite Staters in our hearts but not regulars of the local comedy scene.
Best of the best: Bob Marley, bmarley.com. Maine native Bob Marley is regularly featured on Sirius XM radio and has released more than 20 comedy CDs and DVDs. He is scheduled to perform at the Palace Theatre Thursday, April 7, through Saturday, April 9.
Juston McKinney, justonmckinney.com. A former deputy sheriff in York County, Maine, McKinney traded in his badge in the late 1990s for a microphone to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. He has gone on to appear in numerous televised shows, including his own one-hour special on Comedy Central. He will be at the Rochester Opera House on Saturday, April 2.
Jay Chanoine, find him on Facebook and Instagram @jaychanoine. Manchester-based comedian Jay Chanoine is also a contributing writer for The Hard Times. He released his most recent comedy album, The Texas Chanoinesaw Massacre,in 2019.
Matt Barry, mattbarrycomedy.com. Matt Barry has been a staple of the New England comedy scene for nearly a decade, performing in area clubs, theaters and bars and appearing on Sirius XM radio. He’s opened for national acts like Tom Green, Gilbert Gottfried and Harland Williams.
Doris Ballard, on Facebook as “Doris Ballard Comedy.” Former Concord Community TV executive director Doris Ballard is now a locally performing comedian. She’s also the creator of the Laughta in New Hampsha comedy school.
Drew Dunn, drewdunncomedy.com. Originally from New Hampshire, Drew Dunn now lives in New York and has performed stand-up comedy all over the United States and Canada. He’ll perform at the Rex Theatre in Manchester on May 20.
Granite Stater — Living, Dead or Fictional — I’d Like to Have a Drink With
Best of the best: Adam Sandler, Hollywood actor, comedian and a Manchester native
Robert Frost, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet
Fritz Wetherbee, host of “Fritz Wetherbee’s New Hampshire” on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle
John Stark, general in the Continental Army during the American Revolution
Best of the best: The Old Man of the Mountain, Franconia Notch State Park, Exit 34B off I-93, Franconia, cannonmt.com/things-to-do/activities/old-man-of-the-mountain. The series of cliff ledges resembling the profile of a man’s face was a popular tourist attraction at Franconia Notch State Park until its collapse in May 2003. The site is now home to the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, which features seven steel “profilers” that recreate the Old Man’s visage, as well as museums with history, photos and stories of the Old Man and a gift shop. The museums and gift shop are open daily, May through mid-October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to Profile Plaza will be closed Monday through Friday through late May for construction.
New Hampshire Statehouse, 107 N. Main St., Concord, 271-2154, gencourt.state.nh.us/nh_visitorcenter. The Statehouse is the oldest state capital in the country in which both houses of the legislature meet in their original chambers. Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the building; view permanent and rotating exhibits about New Hampshire history, government, state agencies and tourism; and browse the gift shop, which sells a variety of New Hampshire gifts as well as state and federal flags. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Robert Frost Farm, 122 Rockingham Road, Derry, 432-3091, robertfrostfarm.org. The National Historic Landmark includes a two-story white clapboard farmhouse built in 1884 that was home to New England poet Robert Frost from 1900 to 1911. The grounds and trails around the house are open to the public daily, year-round, from dawn to dusk. Guided tours of the house are offered May through October and are free for all children age 5 and under, New Hampshire-resident children age 17 and under, New Hampshire-resident seniors age 65 and over, all active military, New Hampshire National Guard and New Hampshire-resident disabled veterans. The cost for paying visitors ranges from $3 to $5.
Fort Constitution, located off Route 1B at the U.S. Coast Guard Station, 25 Wentworth Road, New Castle, 271-3556, nhstateparks.org/visit/historic-sites/fort-constitution-historic-site. The site was once a military defense fortification built in 1631 and used by British colonialists until it was taken by the rebels during the American Revolution. It is also home to the Portsmouth Harbor Light lighthouse, which was built in 1878. The site is free to visit and open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, 139 St. Gaudens Road, Cornish, 675-2175, nps.gov/saga. The 190-acre park features the preserved home, gardens, studios and works of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and was the site of Saint-Gaudens’ summer residence from 1885 to 1897. The park grounds, outdoor monuments and sculptures, gardens and wooded trails are free to visit and open to the public year-round, from dusk to dawn. The visitors center and museum buildings are open seasonally, with guided tours available, from late May through October. Admission is free for children age 15 and under and for all visitors on Entrance Fee-Free Days (2022 dates TBA). Regular admission for adults costs $10 and secures a seven-day pass.
Weirdest NH Attraction or Historic Site
Best of the best: America’s Stonehenge, 105 Haverhill Road, Salem, 893-8300, stonehengeusa.com. The 4,000-year-old stone construction, likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States, was built by an ancient people as an astronomical calendar to determine solar and lunar events of the year. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entrance at 4 p.m.). Admission rates are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $8 for children ages 5 through 12 and free for children age 4 and under.
The Old Man of the Mountain, Franconia Notch State Park, Exit 34B off I-93, Franconia, cannonmt.com/things-to-do/activities/old-man-of-the-mountain. The series of cliff ledges resembling the profile of a man’s face was a popular tourist attraction at Franconia Notch State Park until its collapse in May 2003. The site is now home to the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, which features seven steel “profilers” that recreate the Old Man’s visage, as well as museums with history, photos and stories of the Old Man and a gift shop.
Site of the reported alien abduction of Portsmouth couple Barney and Betty Hill on September 19, 1961. The event is memorialized by a state marker outside the entrance to Indian Head Resort (664 Route 3, Lincoln), and by a mural and memorabilia at the nearby Irving gas station (off Exit 33 of Route 3). Alien-themed souvenirs are sold at the gas station and at the Indian Head Resort gift shop.
NH is #1 at ___
Live Free or Die!
Drinking, which you could interpret as “Drinking Beer, having a good time, working hard,” as one reader puts it, or “Drinking iced coffee during a snowstorm,” as another reader says.
Everything!
Everything to do with our outdoors: “Beautiful landscapes, mountains, ocean, lakes,” as one reader says.
Fall, its foliage and its foliage-related excursions.
Best NH Food Product: Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies (47 Birchwood Circle, Bedford, 472-5388, laurelhilljams.com) was established in 1960 by Sue Stretch, who first started making jams and jellies with her mother as a young girl. The product list includes gourmet fruit jams and jellies like strawberry rhubarb and raspberry lavender; red, white, rose and New Hampshire-made wine jellies; spirits-inspired jellies like margarita and pina colada; and tea jellies. Each batch is made by hand using as many local ingredients as possible and with no artificial colors or flavors. Visit the Laurel Hill website to order products online or see a list of local stores that carry Laurel Hill products.
Best Massage Therapist: Bethany J. Chabot is a licensed massage therapist and the founder and owner of 444 Hands Innately Integrative Massage & Energy Therapy (36 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, 834-2758, 444hands.com). She received her certificate for Massage Therapy and Bodywork from MacIntosh College in Dover in 2004 and her national and state license in 2005. Her services include focused massage, body work and energy therapy; focused recovery sports massage for athletes; reiki, meditation and Tibetan sound bath; aroma touch technique; and prenatal and pregnancy massage and may incorporate chakra work and essential oils. There is normally a waitlist for new clients, and referrals are required.
Best Dog Training Company: New England Dog Training Co. (978-350-6274, newenglanddtc.com) consists of a network of seven professional dog trainers throughout New England, including Manchester-based husband-and-wife team Nikki and Nick Wolak. With over eight years of experience between the two of them, the Wolaks utilize a variety of training methods to work with dogs with all kinds of learning styles in both rural and urban environments. NEDTC uses a “board-and-train” system in which the dog being trained stays at the trainer’s personal home for two consecutive weeks. Trainers commit to providing daily updates and communication with dog owners during their dog’s training session.
Get music and the art of Andy Warhol at Art After Work today from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester. Admission is free (as it is all Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.) and Joel Cage (pictured) will be performing live. The Currier’s new exhibit, “Warhol Screen Tests,” opens today with 20 silent, black and white screen test films, according to currier.org. Other exhibits on display include “The Appeal of the Real: 19th Century Photographs of the Ancient World” and “WPA in NH: Philip Guston and Musa McKim.”
Thursday, March 31
Get nearly a month of movies when the New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival begins today with a screening of The Automat at the Rex Theatre in Manchester at 7 p.m. The festival runs through Sunday, April 10, with 16 films in all — 11 features, five shorts and four in-person screenings. Most of the movies will also be available virtually, either during the festival itself or during a bonus week, April 11 through April 24. Tickets start at $12 for individual screenings, or you can buy packages for screenings of all movies, virtual only ($118) or in-person and virtual ($130 for one person, $180 for two). See nhjewishfilmfestival.com for details and check out Meghan Siegler’s story on page 10 of the March 24 (last week’s) issue of the Hippo (which you can find at hippopress.com). Amy Diaz reviews a few of the films in this week’s film section, which starts on page 44.
Friday, April 1
The Palace Theatre’s production of Bye Bye Birdie kicks off its final weekend of performances. See the musical today at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 2, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 3, at noon at the Palace in Manchester. See palacetheatre.org.
Friday, April 1
Meanwhile, continuing its run tonight is the drama Places You Go presented by New World Theatre at the Hatbox Theatre in Concord. The play, which opened March 25, will run the next two weekends: Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $22 for adults, $19 for students and seniors. See hatboxnh.com.
Saturday, April 2
Get some smooth jazz with Andrew Emmauel at Liquid Therapy in Nashua today at 6 p.m. Find more music at area bars, restaurants, breweries and more in the Music This Week listing, which starts on page 47.
Sunday, April 3
The Strathspey and Reel Society of NH, described as “New Hampshire’s own Scottish orchestra” according to a press release, will perform a Scottish Concert in honor of Tartan Day today at 2 p.m. at the Wilton Collaborative Space (25 Gregg St. in Wilton). The event is free but reservations are required; call the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library at 654-2581 or email [email protected].
Save the Date! Saturday, May 7 Enjoy “The Music of James Bond” from Symphony NH on Saturday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Keefe Center for the Arts in Nashua. In addition to music from the decades of Bond movies, the program will include music from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Mission Impossible and more. Tickets cost $20 to $60 for adults (children are free with an adult ticket, seniors get a discount). See symphonynh.org.
Featured photo. Joel Cage will be performing live at the Currier Museum of Art. Courtesy photo.
New Hampshire is the 9th most innovative state, according to a new report on the country’s most and least innovative states from personal-finance website WalletHub. According to the report, the Granite State ranks 5th in eighth-grade math and science performance, 7th in projected STEM-job demand by 2028, 8th in share of STEM professionals, 9th in share of tech companies, and 10th in share of science and engineering graduates ages 25 and older.
Score: +1
Comment: District of Columbia, Massachusetts and Washington ranked highest in the report, while North Dakota, Louisiana and Mississippi were at the bottom of the list.
Donor milk needed
The Dartmouth-Hitchcock Women’s Health Resource Center has been providing pasteurized donor human milk for babies whose mothers might be having challenges producing a reliable milk supply since it opened in the summer of 2020. According to a press release, that milk supply is now running low, and the center is looking for donors. “When the donor milk depot and dispensary first opened, we were averaging 150 bottles of donor milk,” Krista Duval, women’s health manager of the WHRC and the Milk Depot, said in the release. “Today, the number has dropped to 50, which limits the number of bottles a family can receive and, in some cases, we are turning families away.” Pasteurized donor milk can be lifesaving for preterm infants, the release said.
Score: -1
Comment:Mothers interested in donating milk can contact the WHRC to arrange for free testing, which includes a phone screening, application and blood test. Call 650-2600 or email [email protected].
Help for small businesses
The first round of grants through the Manchester Small Business Grant & Program Assistance has been distributed: Barre Life, Café la Reine, Jumpp Chiropractic, Caesario’s Pizza, Blackwood Law, Manchester Acupuncture Studio, Willows Florist, Hospitality Sports Club, Zapata Trucking Express, Studio Verne, and Patz Deli each received a $10,000 grant, according to a press release. The program is designed to help Queen City small business owners recover from the negative economic effects of the pandemic, using funds from the American Rescue Plan. Grants can be used for other fixed business costs as well, like transitioning to e-commerce business platforms and outdoor space upgrades, the release said.
Score: +1
Comment:“This grant program not only gives [these small businesses] the boost they need right now, but helps them plan for the future,” Mayor Joyce Craig said in the release.
Newman Civic Fellows
Students from five colleges and universities in New Hampshire have been named Newman Civic Fellows public problem solvers: Jonathan Cacatian of Hellenic American University, Emily Infinger of Plymouth State University, Jillian Barrett of Saint Anselm College, Kate Matthews of UNH and Aditi Gupta of Dartmouth College. The fellowship “recognizes students who stand out for their commitment to creating positive change in communities locally and around the world,” according to a press release, and provides recipients with a year of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional and civic growth that helps prepare them to create large-scale positive change.
Score: +1
Comment: “Our state has a long history of community service and giving back to others. This fellowship advances our collective mission to work in areas of need to improve the lives of Granite Staters,” Debby Scire, executive director of Campus Compact for New Hampshire, which runs the fellowship program, said in the release.
QOL score: 68
Net change: +2
QOL this week: 70
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire? Let us know at [email protected].
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.
Covid-19 news
State health officials reported 76 new cases of Covid-19 on March 28. The state averaged 126 new cases per day over the most recent seven-day period, a 5 percent increase compared to the week before. As of March 28 there were 1,020 active infections and just 26 hospitalizations.
State of Manchester
On March 23, Mayor Joyce Craig gave her State of the City speech, during which she announced the launch of The Manchester Promise Program, which would enable some Manchester public school students — those who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity — to attend college debt-free. According to a press release, the program will start in the coming weeks as the city partners with Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester Community College and Duet.
Other speech highlights, the release said, included:
The formation of an exploratory committee to bring hockey back to Manchester.
In the past two years, the city has exceeded its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent, with current reductions at 58.4 percent, in large part because of the city’s solar array.
The Manchester Police Department is focused on reducing gun crimes and has formed a community-focused gun crime problem-solving team and has deployed additional walking patrols to increase police presence and community engagement in neighborhoods, according to the release, and in 2021 the department seized 81 illegal guns off the streets.
Manchester was named a finalist for the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge Phase 1 and submitted its Phase 2 application March 15; if awarded, the grant would provide more than $100 million in federal dollars to accelerate job creation in tissue engineering and advanced aerial mobility — potentially creating more than 20,000 jobs — and fund a pedestrian bridge over the Merrimack River connecting the Millyard to the West Side.
The Manchester Transit Authority is in the process of piloting a program for an on-demand bus service that it hopes to launch in FY23.
Manchester allocated $8 million in federal funds to develop new affordable housing and established the Manchester Housing Commission to assist in that process. Proposals for 450+ new mixed-income apartments to be built on underutilized city-owned parking lot are currently being finalized. The city has also hired its first Director of Homeless Initiatives, is working with outreach teams to address the needs of the chronically homeless, and is establishing new relationships with recovery service providers to help people enter treatment.
Redistricting
Gov. Chris Sununu has submitted a draft Congressional redistricting map that he said in his letter to legislative leaders he would sign if it reaches his desk. Sununu has said he will veto the redistricting map put forth by Republicans in the New Hampshire House and Senate, according to a report form WMUR, and his own map “includes adjustments to the current districts that would likely create a more competitive first district and a second district that still leans Democratic.” Sununu wrote in his letter that his proposed map “keeps our districts competitive, passes the smell test, and holds our incumbents accountable so that no one elected official is immune from challengers or constituent services.”
LNA training
The New Hampshire Veterans Home is accepting applications for its new Licensed Nursing Assistant course that will allow students to earn hourly wages while learning in the expense-paid course. According to a press release, the salary includes a 15-percent enhancement of the base pay available for all Veterans Home nursing positions. Students who commit to providing care at the Veterans Home will receive education in a classroom setting and through clinical hours. Successful completion of the course prepares students for the Board of Nursing license exam, the release said, and after completing training and passing the exam, students will apply for full- or part-time positions at the home. The 10-week LNA Course begins April 19 at the New Hampshire Veterans Home campus, 139 Winter St. in Tilton. Applications are due by April 7 and are available at nh.gov; click on “careers,” then “NH State Government Job Opportunities,” then type “Tilton” in the location box when searching for jobs.
The N.H. Division of Historical Resources’ State Conservation and Rescue Archaeology Program is accepting applications for its field school at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown. According to a press release, participants will continue the excavation of a pre-contact archaeological deposit that was identified last year and will focus on additional areas that might contain pre-contact deposits. Sessions are June 6 to June 17 and June 20 to July 1. The program is open to ages 16 and up (16- and 17-year-olds must participate with a parent or guardian), and registration closes April 30. Visit nh.gov/nhdhr/SCRAP.htm or contact the NHDHR at 271-6433.
New England College in Henniker has announced that Gov. Chris Sununu will be the Commencement Speaker at its 2022 graduation ceremony in May. According to a press release, Sununu will also be awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his years of public service to New Hampshire.
Schools across the Manchester School District were recipients of picnic tables built by Hillside Middle School students and donated by Girls at Work. According to a press release, more than 100 middle school girls participated in the Team Build Program, building 10 picnic tables that were then painted by students in the art department. The tables were donated to Manchester schools as well as local businesses, the release said.
