Best of 2025

Meet the big winners!

This year’s picks for Best Ice Cream, Best Happy Hour Hangout, Best Ski Hill and Best Burger are big winners — but so are the readers who voted in the Best of 2025 readers’ poll. And so are all of us who now have a great list of fine dining restaurants, family dining restaurants and cheap date spots to check out.

In our poll, which ran from mid January through the end of February, we also asked you for your thoughts on the important issues such as when to eat dessert (a winning answer: “always to-go. Chocolate cake, if they got it.”) and “What Pet Should I Get?,” which elicited some awesome rhyming responses.

Most categories give you the top five winners. A few categories are supersized to give you even more reader favorites. All results are final for this snapshot of 2025 in southern New Hampshire.

Looking to find a place for excellent pizza, innovative cocktails or fabulous nail art? Check out these reader picks for the area’s very best.

The fine print

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 January and February. Readers typed in the names of people, events 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 advertisers play no role in the determination of the winners. All results are final.

The Best of 2025 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 to [email protected]. And, again, all results are final. Like, final final.
Hey, there’s always next year.

ARTS

Best performing arts venue

Best of the best: The Palace Theatres 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com

Capitol Center for the Arts 44 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Nashua Center for the Arts 201 Main St. in Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com

Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Best theatrical production

Best of the best: A Christmas Carol at the Palace Theatre in Manchester in November and December 2024.

Nutcrackerpresented by Ballet Misha at Dana Center in Manchester.

Jersey Boys at the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its Performing Arts Series in October and November 2024

Piano Men & Women at the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its Performing Arts Series in January and February 2025

The Nutcracker presented by Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater at the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its Performing Arts Series in November 2024

Theater company whose shows are always a hit

Best of the best: The Palace Theatres 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org. The next show in its performing arts series is Jesus Christ Superstar April 18-May 11.

Actorsingers actorsingers.org, a community theater organization based in Nashua with adult and kids productions. Next up is Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Actorsingers Youth April 11-13 and the mainstage production Legally Blonde The Musical May 2-4.

Ovation Theatre Company ovationtc.com, a Londonderry-based theater company with shows featuring actors ages kid through adult. Next up is Monty Python’s Spamalot: School Edition April 11-12 at the Derry Opera House.

Peacock Players peacockplayers.org, a Nashua-based youth theater company. Next up is Chicago Teen Edition May 9-18

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre seacoastrep.org, “is a nonprofit, professional regional theatre in historic downtown Portsmouth,” according to its website. Current offerings include The Wedding Singer The Musical Comedy running through May 4.

Majestic Theatre majestictheatre.net, “provides artistic enrichment for the community through the programming of family-oriented productions and educational opportunities,” according to the website. Next up is Jack of Diamonds April 25-27.

RB Productions Theatre Company rb-productions.com, “is a nonprofit community theater organization … [providing] experiential and educational theater opportunities for youth and young theater professionals throughout greater Concord and the state of New Hampshire,” according to the website. Next up is The Wedding Singer The Musical Comedy at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord July 11-12.

Best local place to buy art

Best of the best: League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, which will take place this year Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 10, at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. See nhcrafts.org/annual-craftsmens-fair.

To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com. In addition to craft night classes (such as Sea Glass Art on April 9), To Share held a holiday market featuring local artists in December 2024.

Green Envy 377 Elm St. in Manchester, 722-3885, greenenvywellness.com. “Our store is proud to feature local artists and offer an array of unique goods and experiences,” according to the website.

Two Villages Art Society 846 Main St. in Contoocook, twovillagesart.org. “Our gallery in Contoocook Village (part of the town of Hopkinton), is a place to experience art, whether as an exhibitor, student, shopper, or casual visitor,” according to the website.

Art 3 Gallery 44 W. Brook St. in Manchester, 668-6650, art3gallery.com. “Art 3 Gallery is a premier retail fine art gallery showcasing one of the largest collections of art in northern New England,” according to the website.

Concord Fine Craft Gallery, League of NH Craftsmen 36 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The gallery “showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary fine craft,” according to the website.

Best local studio or other venue to make art

Best of the best: Studio 550 Art Center 550 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com. “Primarily a pottery and stained glass studio, we offer fun one-day workshops for those just looking to try it out, and year-round classes for more in-depth learning,” according to the website.

Kimball Jenkins 266 N. Main St. in Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com. “Whether through art education classes and workshops for students of all ages, exhibitions, events, or the preservation of our historic campus, Kimball Jenkins continues to serve hundreds of individuals annually while playing a critical role in the community,” according to the website.

Makers Mill 23 Bay St. in Wolfeboro, 569-1500, makersmill.org. “Makers Mill is open to all levels of makers: students, hobbyists, and professionals; providing a place where people feed off one another’s interests, curiosity, enthusiasm, ideas, feedback, and projects; and facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and learning exchanges,” according to the website.

Green Envy 377 Elm St. in Manchester, 722-3885, greenenvywellness.com. “Whether you … pour a candle or learn a new craft, we hope that you’ll come back time and time again to try something new from our revolving schedule of classes,” according to the website.

Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. “The Currier Museum is committed to connecting people with art by bringing art-making to audiences of all ages and abilities,” according to the website.


Best art gallery

Best of the best: Two Villages Art Society 846 Main St. in Contoocook, twovillagesart.org. “Our gallery in Contoocook Village (part of the town of Hopkinton), is a place to experience art, whether as an exhibitor, student, shopper, or casual visitor,” according to the website.

Art 3 Gallery 44 W. Brook St. in Manchester, 668-6650,art3gallery.com. “Art 3 Gallery is a premier retail fine art gallery showcasing one of the largest collections of art in northern New England,” according to the website.

Mosaic Art Collective 66 Hanover St. in Manchester, mosaicartcollective.com. “Mosaic offers inexpensive studio spaces, public workshops, classes, camps, open studio and community events in the gallery,” according to the website.

Concord Fine Craft Gallery, League of NH Craftsmen 36 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The gallery “showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary fine craft,” according to the website.

See Saw Art 66 Hanover St. in Manchester, seesaw.gallery. “See Saw Art is a 120-square-foot exhibition space located within Mosaic Art Collective…. See Saw Art features invitational and open call exhibitions on a monthly basis,” according to the website.

ENTERTAINMENT

Best bookstore

Best of the best: Gibson’s Bookstore 45 S. Main St. in Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com

Bookery 844 Elm St. in Manchester, 836-6600, bookerymht.com

Balin Books 375 Amherst St. in Nashua, 417-7981, balinbooks.com

The Lost Page Found Bookshop 10 Church St. in Goffstown, 714-5295, find them on Facebook

Toadstool Bookshop 12 Depot Square in Peterborough, 924-3543, toadbooks.com

Best bowling alley

Best of the best: Lakeside Lanes 2171 Candia Road in Manchester, 627-7722, lakesidelanes.com

Yankee Lanes 216 Maple St. in Manchester, 625-9656, manchester.yankeelanesentertainment.com

Merrimack Ten Pin Center 698 DW Highway in Merrimack, 262-1464, merrimacktenpin.com

Boutwell’s Bowling Center 152 N. State St. in Concord, 224-0941, boutwellsbowl.com

Leda Lanes 340 Amherst St. in Nashua, 889-4884, ledalanes.com

Best local casino

Best of the best: Revo Casino and Social House 1279 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 668-6591, revocasino.com/revo-manchester. Revo Casino also has locations in Dover, Keene, Lebanon and Conway.

The Brook 319 New Zealand Road in Seabrook, 474-3065, livefreeandplay.com

Gate City Casino 55 Northeastern Blvd. in Nashua, 943-5630, thegatecitycasino.com

Lucky Moose Casino & Tavern 16 Gusabel Ave. in Nashua, 864-0175, luckymoosecasino.com

The Nash Casino 310 DW Highway in Nashua, 751-6274, thenashcasino.com

Best comic book store

Best of the best: Double Midnight Comics 252 Willow St. in Manchester, 669-9636, dmcomics.com

Jetpack Comics & Games 37 N. Main St. in Rochester, 330-XMEN (9636), jetpackcomics.com

Double Midnight Comics 341 Loudon Road in Concord, 715-2683, dmcomics.com

Merrymac Games & Comics 550 DW Highway in Merrimack, 420-8161, merrymacgc.com

The Comic Store 55 Lake St. in Nashua, 881-4855, find them on Facebook

Gorilla Games 61 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-5369, gorillagamesnh.com

Best place for games — arcade, card or board

Best of the best: Boards and Brews 941 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5184, boardsandbrewsnh.com

Fun Spot 579 Endicott St. North in Laconia, funspotnh.com, 366-4377

Tycoon Arcade 195 McGregor St., Suite 201, in Manchester, 401-4866, tabletoptycoon.com/pages/arcade

Block Party Social 51 Zapora Drive in Hooksett, 263-5419, blockpartysocial.com

Diversions Puzzles & Games 123 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 766-6220, diversionsgames.com. There are other locations in Somersworth and South Portland, Maine.

Best mini-golf

Best of the best: Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com.

Chuckster’s Ice Cream & Miniature Golf 53 Hackett Hill Road in Hooksett, 210-1415, chucksters-hooksett.com

Chuckster’s Family Fun Park 9 Bailey Road in Chichester, 798-3555, chuckstersnh.com

Mini Links at LaBelle Winery 14 Route 111 in Derry, 672-9898, labellewinery.com

Aloha Mini Glow Golf Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 606-8922, alohaminiglowgolf.com

Who or what is the G.O.A.T.?

We asked voters to prove they weren’t bots by answering the above question. Some took it quite literally, telling us what the acronym means (“greatest of all time”), some specified the animal and some answered The Goat Bar & Grill in Manchester. Of the voters that specified a person or thing as the G.O.A.T., it will surprise no one in Patriots Nation that “Tom Brady” was the overwhelming answer. Other people with multiple votes include:

Simone Biles
Taylor Swift
Cristiano Ronaldo
Michael Jordan
Lionel Messi
LeBron James
Larry Bird
Jesus
Not Tom Brady
And quite a few variations on “I am the G.O.A.T.”

As one person summed it up, “Brady, Jordan, Messi, Gretzky, Mays”

Muhammad Ali got a few votes, as did Derek Jeter, Daddy Yankee, Wayne Gretzky, Eli Manning and pizza. We also got a few “You are the GOAT,” which is nice, thank you.

Some of the fun one-off votes include:
“That iconic smell after a rainstorm”
“Tater Tots – Nature’s most perfect snack food – is the greatest iteration of potatoes, ever.”
“Probably iced lavender lattes honestly”
“Keanu Reeves is the all time GOAT”
“Mister Rogers”
“SANDLER”
“Chocolate cake”

Best record store

Best of the best: Pitchfork Records 2 S. Main St. in Concord, 224-6700, pitchforkrecordsconcord.com

Music Connection 1711 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 644-0199, musicconnection.us

The Infectious Groove 76 Route 101A in Amherst, 718-0109, theinfectiousgroove.com

Bull Moose 1981 Woodbury Ave. in Portsmouth, 422-9525, bullmoose.com

Skele-Tone Records 50L N. Main St. in Rochester, 948-1009, skeletonerecs.com

Bull Moose 34 Plaistow Road in Plaistow, 898-6254, bullmoose.com

Best smoke shop

Best of the best: Twins Smoke Shop 80 Perkins Road in Londonderry, 421-0242; 9 W Alice Ave. in Hooksett, 421-0242; twinssmokeshop.com.

Smoker’s Haven 105 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 518-8872; 4 Main St. in Manchester, 621-5293; 1092 Suncook Valley Highway in Epsom, 736-9748; 441 Amherst St. in Nashua, 402-1942; 245 Union Ave. in Laconia, 527-8311; 1176 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 606-1697; 34 Manchester Road in Derry, 404-6116; 2 E. Otterson St. in Nashua, 417-6667; 9B Ashuelot St. in Keene, 352-8320; 979 Union St. in Laconia, 527-8171; 6D Dobson Way in Merrimack, 513-1902; smokershaveninc.com

Castro’s Back Room 972 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-7854; 132 Bedford Center Road, Suite B, in Bedford, 472-3378; 5 Depot St. in Concord, 225-6522; 119 Main St. in Nashua, 881-7703; castros.com

Two Guys Cigars Smoke Shop 304 S. Broadway in Salem, 898-2221; 15 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 891-2122; 741 Lafayette Road in Seabrook, 474-8222; 2guyscigars.com

Wild Side Smoke Shop 1356 Elm St. in Manchester, 518-7249

BEAUTY

Best barber shop

Best of the best: Faded Armor Barber Co. 2075 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 854-8990, fadedarmorbarberco.com

Homegrown Barber Co. 18 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 818-8989, homegrownbarber.com

Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 178 Route 101 in Bedford, 233-7991, thepolishedman.com

Black Clover Barber Co. 604 DW Highway in Merrimack, 809-0457, blackcloverbarberco.com

Ritual Grooming 14B Broad St., Suite D, in Nashua, 365-4319, ritualgroomingnh.com

Best salon

Best of the best: Blank Canvas Salon 1F Commons Drive in Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com

Salon North 102 Bay St. in Manchester, 483-3011, 102salonnorth.com

The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com

BABE The Studio 79 S. River Road in Bedford, babethestudio.glossgenius.com

Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com

Best spa

Best of the best: Renew MediSpa 23 B Crystal Ave. in Derry, 931-4345, renewmedispa.com

Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com

Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com

Serendipity Day Spa and Float Studio 23 Sheep Davis Road in Pembroke, 229-0400, serendipitydayspa.shop

Innovations Salon and Spa 228 Naticook Road in Merrimack, 880-7499, innovationsnh.com

Where they do a good brow

Best of the best: Beauty Works 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 275-8672, beautyworksnh.com

Renew MediSpa 23 B Crystal Ave. in Derry, 931-4345, renewmedispa.com

Resilient Artistry 679 Mast Road Manchester, find them on Facebook

Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com

Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com

Where they make your nails look fabulous

Best of the best: Glossy Nails 1 S. River Road in Bedford, 935-8383, glossynails.net

Quince Nails & Spa 50 S. Willow St., Unit 8, in Manchester, 232-5699, quincenailsandspamanchester.com

Glossy Nails 655 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 518-5557 glossynails.net

Exotic 9 Nails 30 Crystal Avenue, Suite 6, in Derry, 425-7731, exotic9nails.com

Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com

Best tattoo shop

Best of the best: Arrows & Embers Tattoo 117 Manchester St., Suite 3, in Concord, 988-6067, arrowsandemberstattoo.com

River Rose Tattoo 679 Mast Road Manchester, find the business on Instagram, where you can connect directly with the artists

New Inkland Tattoo Co. 1358 Elm St. in Manchester, 518-7493, find them on Facebook

Blood Oath Tattoo 15 Pleasant St. in Concord, 227-6912, bloodoathtattoo.com

Wayne’s Tattoo World 6 West Broadway in Derry, 432-4828, waynestattooworld.com

Best car wash

Best of the best: Infinity Car Wash & Detailing 763 Second St. and 47 Elm St., Manchester, 669-3235, find them on Facebook

Royal T Car Wash 20 Folsom Road in Derry, 425-6844, royaltcarwash.com.

Golden Nozzle Car Wash 24 Loudon Road in Concord, 856-8462, and 165 London Road in Concord, 225-4757, goldennozzlecarwash.com. New Hampshire locations also include Dover, Exeter, Goffstown, Manchester, Nashua, Rochester and Hooksett.

ScrubaDub Car Wash 113 N. Broadway in Salem, 898-4243, scrubadub.com/salem-car-wash

Kerner’s Car Wash & Quick Lube 66 S. Beech St. in Manchester, 877-312-2199, and 40 S. Beech St. in Manchester, 877-312-2199, and 708 Second St. in Manchester; kernerscarcare.com.

Best workout space

Best of the best: Collective Studios 4 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 216-2345, thecollective-studios.com

Impact-X Performance 150 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 247-9334, impactxperformance.com

Strive Indoor Cycling 10 Hills Ave. in Concord, striveindoorcycling.com

Barre Life 944 Elm St. in Manchester, barrelifenh.com

2 Home Fitness 2 Home Ave. in Concord, 219-7224, 2homefitness.com

Humble Warrior Power Yoga 155 Dow St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 218-3928, humblewarriorpoweryoga.com. Other New Hampshire locations include in Bedford and Exeter.

SHOPPING

Best independent clothing or shoe shop

Best of the best: Alec’s Shoes 1617 Southwood Drive in Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com

Joe King’s Shoes 45 N. Main St. in Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com

Kelly’s Kloset online business with a pickup spot at 10 Maurais St. in Hooksett, kellysklosetllc.com

Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. 13 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-1101, gondwanaclothing.com

Alapage 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 622-0550, alapageboutique.com

Best locally made product

Best of the best: Ben’s Maple Syrup from Ben’s Sugar Shack, 8 Webster Highway in Temple, 924-3111, bensmaplesyrup.com

Chocolate from Loon Chocolate 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com

Blackwater Mustard from the Blackwater Mustard Co. blackwatermustardco.com

Chocolate at Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St. in Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St. in Manchester, granitestatecandyshoppe.com

Chocolate at Dancing Lion Chocolate 917 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us

Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies 195 McGregor St. in Manchester, laurelhilljams.com

Poll Graphic


Independent shop where the customer service keeps you coming back

Best of the best: Kelly’s Kloset online business with a pickup spot at 10 Maurais St. in Hooksett, kellysklosetllc.com

BABE The Studio 79 S. River Road in Bedford, babethestudio.glossgenius.com

The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com

The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com

Loon Chocolate 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com

Granite State Naturals 170 N. State St. in Concord, 224-9341, granitestatenaturals.com

Best local shop to get a one-of-a-kind gift

Best of the best: Manchester Craft Market Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St. in Manchester; 606-1351, manchestercraftmarket.com

The Terracotta Room 1361 Elm St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 518-8779, theterracottaroom.com

Viking House 19 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-1198, vikinghouse.com

Green Envy 377 Elm St. in Manchester, 722-3885, greenenvywellness.com.

Loon Chocolate 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com

RESTAURANTS

Best restaurant overall

Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.

Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com

Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Best new eatery

Best of the best: Dishon Bakery 915 Elm St. in Manchester, 600-1773, dishonbakery.com

Lost Cowboy Brewing Co. 546 Amherst St. in Nashua, 600-6800, lostcowboybrewing.com

La Vaka Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com

Honey Cup Cafe & Tearoom 150 Bridge St. in Manchester, 836-6008, honeycupnh.com

Republic Brewing Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com

Best fine dining restaurant

Best of the best: Hanover Street Chophouse 149 Hanover St. in Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

Buckley’s Great Steaks 438 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com

Bedford Village Inn 2 Olde Bedford Way in Bedford, 427-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com

Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com

Best eatery from which to get takeout

Best of the best: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 623-3182 for takeout.

Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.

Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com

Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

MORE STANDOUT EATERIES

Best date night restaurant

Best of the best: Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com

The Crown Tavern 99 Hanover St. in Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com

Firefly Bistro & Bar 22 Concord St. in Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com

Buckley’s Great Steaks 438 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com

Poll Graphic

Restaurant that brings the heat

Best of the best: Daw Kun Thai 93 S. Maple St., No. 4, in Manchester, 232-0699

Destination India Restaurant and Bar 14 E. Broadway, Unit A, in Derry, 552-3469, dineatdestinationindia.com. A second location is at 320 Lafayette Road in Hampton.

KS Kitchen 1105 Elm St. in Manchester, 512-5577, kskitchennh.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Curry Leaf 6 Pleasant St. in Concord, 715-5746, curryleafus.com

La Vaka Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com

Thai Food Connection 1069 Elm St. in Manchester, 935-7257, thaifoodconnection.com. There is also a location at 254 Wallace Road in Bedford, 488-1862.

Restaurant with the best outdoor seating

Best of the best: The Crown Tavern 99 Hanover St. in Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com

The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com

603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com

Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com

The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Restaurant with the best shareable plates

Best of the best: Stella Blu 70 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com

Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.

The Birch on Elm 968 Elm St. in Manchester, 826-1958, birchonelm.com

Granite Tapas & Cocktail Lounge 1461 Hooksett Road, Suite A6, in Hooksett, 232-1421, find them on Facebook

Local Street Eats 112 W. Pearl St. in Nashua, 402-4435, local-streeteats.com

Thirsty Moose Taphouse 795 Elm St. in Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com/manchester. Other locations are in Portsmouth, Dover, Merrimack and Exeter.

A WORLD OF EATS

Best Asian food

Best of the best: Asian Breeze 1328 Hooksett Road, No. 41, in Hooksett, 621-9298, asianbreezenh.com

Chen’s Garden 956 Second St. in Manchester, 836-5608, chensgardennh.com

Lilac Blossom Restaurant 385 E. Dunstable Road in Nashua, 888-9588; 650 Amherst St. in Nashua, 886-8420; lilacblossom.us

Thai Food Connection 1069 Elm St. in Manchester, 935-7257, thaifoodconnection.com. There is also a location at 254 Wallace Road in Bedford, 488-1862.

Asahi 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 437-1688, asahinh.com

North Garden Chinese Restaurant & Lounge 715 Mast Road in Manchester, 668-1668, northgardenrestaurant.com

Best Greek food

Best of the best: Amphora Restaurant & Taverna 55 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 537-0111, amphoranh.com

Fotia Greek Taverna 401 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 461-3007, fotiagreektaverna.com

The Gyro Spot 1073 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3869, thegyrospot.com

Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar 275 Rockingham Road in Salem, 635-4230, yourmythbeginsatyamas.com

Al Basha Mediterranean Grill 379 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 391-5613, albashamedgrill.com

Best Indian food

Best of the best: Curry Leaf 6 Pleasant St. in Concord, 715-5746, curryleafus.com

Destination India Restaurant and Bar 14 E. Broadway, Unit A, in Derry, 552-3469, dineatdestinationindia.com. A second location is at 320 Lafayette Road in Hampton.

Taj India 967 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-2677, tajindia.co

Kashmir Indian Cuisine 396 S. Broadway in Salem, 898-3455, kashmirindianfood.com

Kathmandu Spice 379 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 782-3911, ktmspice.com

Best Italian food

Best of the best: Villaggio Ristorante Italiano 677 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 627-2424, villaggionh.com

Lucciano’s Ristorante & Bar 4 Orchard View in Londonderry, 432-2442, luccianoscafe.com

Fratello’s Italian Grille 155 Dow St. in Manchester, 624-2022, fratellos.com. There is also a location at 799 Union Ave. in Laconia.

Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano 11 Depot St. in Concord, 228-3313, 044bc0e.netsolhost.com

Trattoria Amalfi 385 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-5773, tamalfi.com

Best Mexican food

Best of the best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill 865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182, vallartamexicannh.com

La Vaka Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Hermanos Cocina Mexicana 11 Hills Ave. in Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com.

DELICIOUS DISHES

Best barbecue

Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack 837 Second St. in Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net

Smokehaus Barbecue 278 Route 101 in Amherst, 249-5734, smokehausbbq.com. There is also a location at 13 Main St. in Dublin.

Smokeshow Barbecue 231 S. Main St. in Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbbq.com

Goody Coles Smokehouse 374 Route 125 in Brentwood, 679-8898, goodycoles.com

603 Bar-B-Q 126 Hall St., Unit A, in Concord, 333-5387, bbqnh.com

Best bowls

Best of the best: Buba Noodle Bar 36 Lowell St. in Manchester, 935-7864, bubanoodle.com. There is also a location at 148 N. Main St. in Concord, 219-0064.

Troy’s Fresh Kitchen 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, in Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com. There is also a location at 11 Manchester Road, Unit 2, in Derry, 552-3959.

Poké Spot 655 S. Willow St. in Manchester, pokespotnh.com. There is also a location at 270 Amherst St. in Nashua.

Crazy Noodle 44 Nashua Road, Unit 6, in Londonderry, 965-4914, crazynoodlehouse.wordpress.com.

Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.

Best breakfast

Best of the best: Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 DW Highway in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com. A location at 2028 Woodbury Ave. in Newington is slated to open in September, according to the website.

MaryAnn’s Diner 29 E. Broadway in Derry, 434-5785; 4 Cobbetts Pond Road in Windham, 965-3066; 3 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Salem, 893-9877; 1 Craftsman Lane in Amherst, 577-8955; maryannsdiner.com

Janie’s Uncommon Cafe 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 432-3100, janiescafe.com

Riverhouse Cafe 167 Union Square in Milford, 249-5556, damngoodgrub.com

Red Arrow Diner 61 Lowell St. in Manchester, 626-1118; 112 Loudon Road in Concord, 415-0444; 137 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 552-3091; 149 DW Highway in Nashua, 204-5088; redarrowdiner.com.

Poll Graphic

Best brunch

Best of the best: Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 DW Highway in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com. A location at 2028 Woodbury Ave. in Newington is slated to open in September, according to the website.

The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com

The Friendly Toast 4 Main St. in Bedford, 836-6238, thefriendlytoast.com

Firefly Bistro & Bar 22 Concord St. in Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com

Janie’s Uncommon Cafe 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 432-3100, janiescafe.com

The Moka Pot at City Hall Pub 889 Elm St. in Manchester, 782-7881, find them on Facebook.

Best burgers

Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

BAD BRGR 1015 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8806, bad-brgr.com

The Barley House 132 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com

River Road Tavern 193 S. River Road in Bedford, 206-5837, riverroadtavernbedford.com

T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 South Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com

Restaurant or food shop that is a cheese lover’s paradise

Best of the best: Angela’s Pasta, Cheese & Wine 815 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com

Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com

Tuscan Market 9 Via Toscana in Salem, 912-5467, tuscanbrands.com/tuscan-markets

C’est Cheese 845 Lafayette Road in Hampton, 964-2272, cestcheesenh.com

Cheese Louise 76 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 427-8615, eatcheeselouise.com. Other New Hampshire locations include North Conway and Conway.

Best chicken tenders

Best of the best: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 623-3182 for takeout.

Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com

Charlie’s of Goffstown 1 Pinard St. in Manchester,606-1835, charliesgoffstown.com

Vintage Pizza 241 Candia Road in Manchester, 518-7800, vintagepizzanh.com

T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com

Best fish and chips

Best of the best: The Lobster Boat Restaurant 453 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-5221; 273 Derry Road in Litchfield, 882-4988; lobsterboatrestaurant.com

The Peddler’s Daughter Irish Restaurant & Pub 48 Main St. in Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com

Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com

Petey’s Summertime Seafood 1323 Ocean Blvd. in Rye, 433-1937, peteys.com

The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com


Where the french fries are so good they can be the whole meal

Best of the best: Republic Brewing Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com

Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com

The Town Cabin Pub & Restaurant 285 Candia Road in Candia, 483-4888, towncabin.com

Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.

River Road Tavern 193 S. River Road in Bedford, 206-5837, riverroadtavernbedford.com

Poll Graphic

Best mac & cheese

Best of the best: Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com

The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

O Steaks & Seafood 11 S. Main St. in Concord, 856-7924, osteaksconcord.com

Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.

New England’s Tap House Grille 1292 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com

The Barley House 132 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com

Best pizza

Best of the best: Alley Cat Pizzeria 486 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com

900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria 50 Dow St. in Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com

Vintage Pizza 241 Candia Road in Manchester, 518-7800, vintagepizzanh.com

Constantly Pizza 39 S. Main St. in Concord, 224-9366, constantlypizza.net

The Pizza Man Bar & Grill 850 E. Industrial Park Drive, Suite 3, in Manchester, 623-5550; 254 W River Road in Hooksett, 626-7499; thepizzamandelivers.com

Where they make the best sandwiches

Best of the best: Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.

Nadeau’s Subs 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 110 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; 89 Fort Eddy Road in Concord, 606-4898; 49 Portsmouth Ave. in Exeter, 580-4445; nadeaussubs.com

The Bridge Cafe 1117 Elm St. in Manchester, 647-9991, thebridgecafe.net

 Patz Deli & Catering Find them on Facebook, where they announced in a Feb. 26 post that they were closing their Elm Street location and moving to a bigger space. Follow them for details.

USA Subs 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550, usasubs.com

Best steaks

Best of the best: Buckley’s Great Steaks 438 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Hanover Street Chophouse 149 Hanover St. in Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com

O Steaks & Seafood 11 S. Main St. in Concord, 856-7925, osteaksconcord.com

Best subs

Best of the best: Nadeau’s Subs 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 110 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; 89 Fort Eddy Road in Concord, 606-4898; 49 Portsmouth Ave. in Exeter, 580-4445; 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

The Pizza Man Bar & Grill 850 E. Industrial Park Drive, Suite 3, in Manchester, 623-5550; 254 W River Road in Hooksett, 626-7499; thepizzamandelivers.com

Great American Subs 44 Nashua Road, Unit 3, Londonderry, 434-9900, greatamericansubsnh.com

Best tacos

Best of the best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Los Reyes Street Tacos & More 127 Rockingham Road, Unit 15, in Derry, 845-8327, losreyesstreettacos.com

La VaKa Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com

California Burritos Mexican Grill 655 S. Willow St., Suite 103, in Manchester, 722-2084; 2 Cellu Drive in Amherst, 417-6151; 101 Factory St. in Nashua, 718-8745; 35 Lowell Road in Hudson, 402-2130; californiaburritosnh.com

Restaurant that can make you love your vegetables

Best of the best: Troy’s Fresh Kitchen 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, in Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com. There is also a location at 11 Manchester Road, Unit 2, in Derry, 552-3959.

The Green Beautiful 168 Wilson St. in Manchester, 606-1026, greenbeautifulcafe.com

Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro & Bar 35 Portwalk Place in Portsmouth, 427-8344, greenelephantnh.com

The Sleazy Vegan at Pembroke City Limits, 134 Main St. in Pembroke, thesleazyvegan.com. The Sleazy Vegan also operates a food truck.

Greenleaf 54 Nashua St. in Milford, 213-5447, greenleafmilford.com

SWEET TREATS

Best candy or chocolate shop

Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St. in Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3885; granitestatecandyshoppe.co

Van Otis Chocolates 341 Elm St. in Manchester, 627-1611; 15 S. Main St. in Wolfeboro, 515-1045, vanotis.com

Dancing Lion Chocolate 917 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us

Loon Chocolate Center Entrance, 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com

Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery 53 Washington St., Suite 100, in Dover, lickeesnchewys.com

Nelson’s Candy and Music 65 Main St. in Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com

Pearls Candy & Nuts 58 Range Road in Wilton, pearlscandy.com

Poll Graphic

Best cookies

Best of the best: Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com; also a location at 580 Lafayette Road in Hampton, 601-6878

Lighthouse Local 21 Kilton Road in Bedford, 716-6983, lighthouse-local.com

Black Forest Cafe & Bakery 212 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-0500, theblackforestnh.com

Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe 436 DW Highway in Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place in Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com

Social Club Creamery 138 N. Main St. in Concord, 333-2111; 51 Elm St., Unit 105, in Laconia, 619-5098; socialclubcreamery.com

Best locally made doughnuts

Best of the best: New Hampshire Doughnut Co. 410 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-8968; 2 Capital Plaza in Concord, 715-5097; nhdoughnutco.com

Klemm’s Bakery 29 Indian Rock Road in Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com

The Bakeshop On Kelley Street 171 Kelley St. in Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com

What the Fluff! Donuts 87 Amherst in Manchester, find them on Facebook

Brothers Donuts & Deli Shop 426 Central St. in Franklin, 934-6678, facebook.com/brothersdonuts

Best ice cream

Best of the best: Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream 27 Crystal Avenue in Derry, 425-0100; 15 Ermer Road in Salem, 898-0199, moosplace.com

Puritan 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 623-3182, puritanbackroom.com

Hayward’s Ice Cream 7 DW Highway in Nashua, 888-4663; 364 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-5915; haywardsicecream.com

The Inside Scoop 260 Wallace Road in Bedford, 471-7009, theinsidescoopnh.com

Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com

FOOD SHOPPING

Best bakery

Best of the best: Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com; also a location at 580 Lafayette Road in Hampton, 601-6878

Klemm’s Bakery 29 Indian Rock Road in Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com

The Bakeshop On Kelley Street 171 Kelley St. in Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com

Dishon Bakery 915 Elm St. in Manchester, 600-1773, dishonbakery.com

Crosby Bakery 51 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com

Best butcher or cheese shop

Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Mr Steer Meats & More Route 102 (enter via Buttrick Road) Londonderry, 434-1444, mrsteermeats.com

Angela’s Pasta, Cheese & Wine 815 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com

Wicked Good Butchah 209 Route 101 in Bedford, 488-1832, wickedgoodbutchah.com

Brother’s Butcher 8 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 809-4180; 142 Lowell Road in Hudson, 577-1130; brothers-butcher.com

Best specialty food shop

Best of the best: Angela’s Pasta, Cheese & Wine 815 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com

Loon Chocolate Center Entrance, 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com

Saigon Asian Market 476 Union St. in Manchester, 935-9597

Tuscan Market 9 Via Toscana in Salem, 912-5467, tuscanbrands.com/tuscan-markets

Concord Food Co-Op 24 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.coop

Dishon Bakery 915 Elm St. in Manchester, 600-1773, dishonbakery.com

DRINKS

Best beer selection at a retail shop

Best of the best: Bert’s Better Beers 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 413-5992, bertsnh.com

The Packie 581 Second St. in Manchester, 232-1236, thepackienh.com

East Derry General Store 50 E. Derry Road in Derry, 432-5302, eastderrygeneralstore.com

The Beer Store 433 Amherst St. in Nashua, 889-2242, thebeerstorenh.com. There is also a location in Salem.

The Packie 88 W. River Road in Hooksett, 518-8069, thepackienh.com

Best NH brewery

Best of the best: 603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com

To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, tosharebrewing.com

Republic Brewing Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com

Spyglass Brewing Co. 306 Innovative Way in Nashua, spyglassbrewing.com, 546-2965

Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com

Best NH winery

Best of the best: LaBelle Winery 345 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-9898; 14 Route 111 in Derry, 672-9898; labellewinery.com

Zorvino Vineyards 226 Main St. in Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com

Flag Hill Distillery & Winery 297 N. River Road in Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com

Fulchino Vineyard 187 Pine Hill Road in Hollis, 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com

Appolo Vineyards 49 Lawrence Road in Derry, 421-4675, appolovineyards.com

Best cocktail

Best of the best: C.R.E.A.M. at Industry East 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com. This drink is made with Mi Campo tequila, ancho verde, cucumber, lemon and jalapeño.

Mudslide at Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant. This drink is made with Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua coffee liqueur and vodka and is offered in flavor variations.

Blood Orange Cosmo at Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com. This drink is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, blood orange liqueur, cranberry juice and fresh squeezed lime.

Religion and Politics at Stashbox 866 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8109, stashboxnh.com. This drink is made with gin or mezcal, lemon, orange, carrot, honey and ancho.

Angel Dust at Industry East 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com. This drink is made with Reposado tequila, hibiscus, guava, ancho, black pepper and citrus.

Poll Graphic

Best margaritas

Best of the best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com.

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Hermanos Cocina Mexicana 11 Hills Ave. in Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com.

Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill 865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182, vallartamexicannh.com

Amigos Mexican Cantina 20 South St. in Milford, amigosmilford.com

Where they make a great bloody mary

Best of the best: Firefly Bistro & Bar 22 Concord St. in Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com

The Friendly Toast 4 Main St. in Bedford, 836-6238, thefriendlytoast.com

New England’s Tap House Grille 1292 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com

The Village Trestle 25 Main St. in Goffstown, 497-823, villagetrestle.com

The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com

Bistro 603 345 Amherst St. in Nashua, 722-6362, bistro603nashua.com

Restaurant with the most innovative cocktails

Best of the best: Industry East 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com.

Stashbox 866 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8109, stashboxnh.com

815 Cocktails & Provisions 815 Elm St. in Manchester, 782-8086, 815nh.com

Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com

The Birch on Elm 968 Elm St. in Manchester, 826-1958, birchonelm.com

Where they make your coffee perfect every time

Best of the best: Flight Coffee Co. 209 Route 101 in Bedford, 836-6228, flightcoffeeco.com. There is also a Goffstown location.

Hometown Coffee Roasters 80 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 703-2321, hometownroasters.com

O’Shea’s Caife & Tae 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 540-2971, osheasnh.com. There is also an Amherst location.

The Moka Pot at City Hall Pub 889 Elm St. in Manchester, 782-7881, find them on Facebook.

Revelstoke Coffee 100 N. Main St. in Concord, revelstokecoffee.com

NIGHTLIFE

Best happy hour hangout

Best of the best: The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com

The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

T-Bones Great American Eatery 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; t-bones.com

To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com

603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com

Best restaurant, brewery or bar for live music

Best of the best: The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com

To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, tosharebrewing.com

The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com

Strange Brew Tavern 88 Market St. in Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net

The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com

Poll Graphic

Best live music venue

Best of the best: Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com

BankNH Pavilion 72 Meadowbrook Lane in Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com

Capitol Center for the Arts 44 S. Main St. in Concord, 225- 1111, ccanh.com

The BNH Stage 16 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com

Nashua Center for the Arts 201 Main St. in Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com

Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

Pembroke City Limits 134 Main St. in Pembroke, 210-2409, pembrokecitylimits.com

The Flying Monkey 39 S. Main St. in Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com

Best bar with an outdoor deck

Best of the best: The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com

The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com

Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com

Bernie’s Beach Bar 73 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, 926-5050, berniesnh.com

603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com

Best pub or bar

Best of the best: The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com

The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com

The Wild Rover 21 Kosciuszko St. in Manchester, 669-7722, find them on Facebook

To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, tosharebrewing.com

The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com

Best spot for a cheap date

Best of the best: The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com

To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com

The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com

La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com.


Best spot for a group outing

Best of the best: Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com

The Barnyard Venue 285 Old Candia Road in Candia, 483-4888, candiabarnyardvenue.com

Boards and Brews 941 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5184, boardsandbrewsnh.com

Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com

Republic Brewery Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com

The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com

The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com

Best late night eats

Best of the best: Red Arrow Diner 61 Lowell St. in Manchester, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com.

Red Arrow Diner 112 Loudon Road in Concord, 415-0444, redarrowdiner.com.

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

KS Kitchen 1105 Elm St. in Manchester, 512-5577, kskitchennh.com

The Gyro Spot 1073 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3869, thegyrospot.com

HAPPENINGS

Best food festival

Best of the best: Taco Tour Manchester This event takes place in May — Thursday, May 8, this year — and features restaurants selling tacos at locations in downtown Manchester from 4 to 8 p.m. for $3 each. See tacotourmanchester.com.

Glendi This annual celebration of Greek food and culture at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St. in Manchester; stgeorgenh.org) is slated to take place this year Friday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Send summer offer in style with the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, a celebration of New England foods of all kinds with, of course, the spotlight on seafood. This year’s event will be held Sept. 5 through Sept. 7. See seafoodfestivalnh.com.

New Hampshire PoutineFest This celebration of poutine in all its forms was held in October 2024 at the Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack. Check back with poutinefest.com for details on this year’s event (tickets sell out fast a few months before the event).

Milford Pumpkin Festival This annual celebration of fall and pumpkins takes place at locations in downtown Milford including in the oval in October. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org.

Best farmers market

Best of the best: Concord Farmers Market The Capitol City’s outdoor summer farmers market will run on Capitol Street, next to the Statehouse, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon, May 3 through Oct. 25. See concordfarmersmarket.com.

Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market Derry’s farmers market is held at 1 West Broadway on Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., June 4 through Sept. 24. See derryhomegrown.org.

Candia Farmers Market Candia’s market takes place on the third Saturday of the month, June through October, 9 a.m. to noon, at 55 High St. in Candia. The July 19 market will include an artisan fair as will the Oct. 18 market, which will also include a mini Octoberfest. See candiafarmersmarket.org.

Bedford Farmers Market The Bedford market takes place in the parking lot of Murphy’s Taproom, 393 Route 101 in Bedford, and will run Tuesdays, from 3 to 6 p.m., May through October. See bedfordnhfarmersmarket.org.

Contoocook Farmers Market The market takes place Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, at Maple Street School during the winter (October through May) and at the Riverway Park gazebo during the summer (June through September), according to the market’s Facebook page.

Best community event

Best of the best: Market Days Festival in downtown Concord This event featuring music, food, vendors, family activities and more takes place this year June 26 through June 28. See marketdaysfestival.com.

Milford Pumpkin Festival This annual celebration of fall and pumpkins takes place at locations in downtown Milford including in the oval in October. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org.

The Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off & Regatta This event takes place each October in downtown Goffstown and includes a race of carved-pumpkin boats on the river. This year’s event is Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. See goffstownmainstreet.org/pumpkin-regatta.

Pizzastock A production of The Jason R. Flood Memorial, Pizzastock has a tagline of “Healing Through Music, Connecting With Community” and its events have been both a celebration of local music and outreach for mental health and suicide prevention. Recently the “Pizzastock — 4 Bands, 4 Generations, 4 Mental Health” show took place at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. Check with pizzastock.org for upcoming events.

Taco Tour Manchester This event takes place in May — Thursday, May 8, this year — and features restaurants selling tacos at locations in downtown Manchester from 4 to 8 p.m. for $3 each. See tacotourmanchester.com.

KIDS & FAMILY

Best place to take your kids

Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820

The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com

Fun City 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 606-8807, funcitygoffstown.com

Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com

Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com

Best historic or cultural attraction for an all-ages family crowd

Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820

Strawbery Banke Museum 4 Hancock St. in Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org

Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org.

Millyard Museum 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum-2.

SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, see-sciencecenter.org.

Best outdoor spot to let kids get out their energy

Best of the best: Benson Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark

Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, manchesternh.gov, 624-6444

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820. The museum’s parking lot and outdoor area allow views of takeoffs and arrivals at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

White Park 1 White St. in Concord, concordnh.gov, 225-8690

Hampton Beach in Hampton, hamptonbeach.org

Best playground

Best of the best: Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, manchesternh.gov, 624-6444

White Park 1 White St. in Concord, concordnh.gov, 225-8690

Benson Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark

Don Ball Park 14 Humphrey Road in Derry, 432-3136, derrynh.org

Griffin Park 111 Range Road in Windham, windham.recdesk.com

Best spot for all-ages family fun

Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820

Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com

Fun Spot 579 Endicott St. North in Laconia, funspotnh.com, 366-4377

Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com

The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com

Best restaurant for the whole family

Best of the best: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.

Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100, t-bones.com

T-Bones Great American Eatery 39 Crystal Avenue in Derry, 434-3200, t-bones.com

The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com

Poll Graphic

Best summer day camp for kids

Best of the best: “Flights of Discovery” camp at Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820

Melody Pines Day Camp 510 Corning Road Manchester, 669-9414, melodypines.com

Hooksett’s Best After School and Summer Camp 1271 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 851-3783, hooksettsbest.com

Dimensions in Dance 84 Myrtle St. in Manchester, 668-4196, dimensionsindance.com

Executive Health and Sports Center 1 Highlander Way in Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com

PETS

Best doggie day care

Best of the best: Pawquet’s Play & Stay 302 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 216-1147, pawquetsplaystay.com

All Dogs Gym & Inn 505 Sheffield Road in Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com

American K9 Country 336 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-8448, americank9country.com

The Barking Dog 208 Londonderry Turnpike in Hooksett, 833-370-1124, thebarkingdog.com/locations/hooksett

Superdogs Daycare 637 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-1515, superdogsdaycare.com

Best dog groomers

Best of the best: Sarah’s Paw Spa 16 Manning St. in Derry, 512-4539, sarahspawspa.com

Pawquet’s Play & Stay 302 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 216-1147, pawquetsplaystay.com

Pawtopia Pet Grooming Salon & Boutique 244 Sheep Davis Road in Concord, 227-6140, find them on Facebook

Poochie’s Dog Grooming 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 229-9804, poochiesspa.com

Honey Dog Salon 9 Triangle Lane in Manchester, 674-9718, salonhoneydog.com

All Dogs Gym & Inn 505 Sheffield Road in Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com

Best pet retail shop

Best of the best: Woofmeow Family Pet Center 19A Manchester Road in Derry, 965-3218, woofmeownh.com. Woofmeow also has a location in Dover.

Sandy’s Pet Food Center 141 Old Turnpike Road in Concord, 225-1177, sandyspetfood.com

The Wholistic Pet 341 Route 101 in Bedford, 472-2273, thewholisticpet.com

Pets Choice 454 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-7297,petschoicenh.com

Cat’s Kingdom 679 Mast Road in Manchester, 935-8321, catskingdomonline.com

Food for Pets 468 S. Main St. in Manchester, 647-4700, and 76 Route 101A in Amherst, 673-7387, foodforpetsnh.com.

Best place to let your dog off leash

Best of the best: Hudson Dog Park inside Benson Park 19 Kimball Hill Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov

Derry Dog Park Fordway and Transfer Lane in Derry, 432-6136, derrynh.org

Hooksett Dog Park 101 Merrimack St., Hooksett, 485-8471, hooksett.org. This park is open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk

Nashua Dog Park One Groton Road (Route 111A) in Nashua, nashuadog.org

Best on-leash dog outing

Best of the best: Benson Park 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark According to the website: “Benson Park is a 166-acre, passive recreational spot open to the general public and is the pride of the local residents.” Leashed dogs welcome.

Livingston Park 244 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov/parks According to the website: “Livingston Park spans 131 acres in Manchester’s north end. This community park serves as home to athletic leagues, hosts large events, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The park includes Dorrs Pond, which is open for fishing and ice skating (weather permitting).”

Lake Massabesic Trail a 3.7-mile loop with parking in the Massabesic Center parking lot (though dogs are not allowed on any Audubon trails), according to alltrails.com

Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, nashuanh.gov, 589-3370 According to the website: “The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands, and open fields and is bordered on the North by the Nashua River and the south by the Mill Pond canal system.”

Joppa Hill Farm Hiking Trails in Bedford and Amherst. Find a trail map online at plcnh.org, under “our properties.”

Poll Graphic

OUTDOORS

Best farm for pick-your-own

Best of the best: Sunnycrest Farm 59 High Range Road in Londonderry, 432-9652, sunnycrestfarmnh.com

Mack’s Apples 230 Mammoth Road in Londonderry, 432-3456, macksapples.com

Brookdale Fruit Farm 41 Broad St. in Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com

Lull Farm 65 Broad St. in Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com

Carter Hill Orchard 73 Carter Hill Road in Concord, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com

McQuesten Farm 330 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-9268, find them on Facebook

Best garden center

Best of the best: Demers Garden Center 656 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 625-8298

Lake Street Garden Center 37 Lake St. in Salem, 893-5858, lakestreet.com

Shady Hill Greenhouses 1 Adams Road in Londonderry, 434-2063, shadyhillgreenhouses.com

The House by the Side of the Road 370 Gibbons Highway in Wilton, 654-9888, housebyshop.com

Black Forest Nursery 209 King St. in Boscawen, 796-2756, blackforestnursery.com

Wentworth Greenhouses 141 Rollins Road in Rollinsford, 743-4919, wentworthgreenhouses.com

Best city park

Best of the best: Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov

White Park 1 White St. in Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov

Greeley Park Concord Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov

Benson Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark

Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov

Best state park

Best of the best: Bear Brook State Park 61 Deerfield Road in Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org

Pawtuckaway State Park 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org

Hampton Beach 160 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, 227-8722, nhstateparks.org

Franconia Notch State Park 260 Tramway Drive in Franconia, 823-8800, nhstateparks.org

Odiorne Point 570 Ocean Blvd. in Rye, 436-7406, nhstateparks.org

Best bike trail or spot for a bike ride

Best of the best: Goffstown Rail Trail Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org, 5.5 miles of trail

Windham Rail Trail windhamrailtrail.org, 4.1 miles of trail

Londonderry Rail Trail londonderrytrails.org, 4.5 miles of trail

Derry Rail Trail traillink.org, 3.6 miles of paved trail

Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov

Best bike shop

Best of the best: Goodale’s Bike Shop 14B Broad St. in Nashua, 882-2111, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/goodalesnashua

S&W Sports 296 S. Main St. in Concord, 228-1441, swsports.net

Bike Barn 720 Union St. in Manchester, 668-6555, bikebarnusa.com

Cycles Etc. 288 N. Broadway in Salem, 890-3212; 450 Second St. in Manchester, 669-7993; cyclesetc.com

Buchika’s Bike 166 DW Highway in Nashua, 324-1620; Buchika’s Ski & Bike, 340 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-5534; buchika.com

Best hike in southern New Hampshire

Best of the best: Mount Monadnock 169 Poole Road in Jaffrey, 532-8862, nhstateparks.org

Mt. Major in Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike

Andres Institute of Art 106 Route 13 in Brookline, 732-0216, andresinstitute.org

Pawtuckaway State Park 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org

Pulpit Rock Conservation Area New Boston Road in Bedford, plcnh.org/pulpit-rock-trails

Best trail or park for a winter hike

Best of the best: Lonesome Lake Trail in Franconia Notch State Park in Franconia, 823-8800, nhstateparks.org

Massabesic Lake area Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail 27.3 miles of trail from Auburn to Manchester, nhstateparks.org

Pulpit Rock Conservation Area New Boston Road in Bedford, plcnh.org/pulpit-rock-trails

Beaver Brook 117 Ridge Road in Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org

Goffstown Rail Trail Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org, 5.5 miles of trail

Best ski hill

Best of the best: Pats Peak Ski Area 686 Flanders Road in Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com

Loon Mountain 60 Loon Mountain Road in Lincoln, 745-8111, loonmtn.com

McIntyre Ski Area 50 Chalet Way in Manchester, 622-6159, mcintyreskiarea.com

Mt. Sunapee Ski Resort 1398 Route 103 in Newbury, 763-3500, mountsunapee.com

Bretton Woods Ski Area 99 Ski Area Road in Bretton Woods, 278-3320, brettonwoods.com

Cannon Mountain Ski Resort 260 Tramway Drive in Franconia, 823-8800, cannonmt.com

Best golf course

Best of the best: Candia Woods Golf Links 313 South Road in Candia, 483-2307, candiaoaks.com/candia-woods-course

Derryfield Country Club 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 669-0235, derryfieldgolf.com

Stonebridge Country Club 161 Gorham Pond Road in Goffstown, 497-8633, golfstonebridgecc.com

Beaver Meadow Golf Club 1 Beaver Meadow Drive in Concord, 228-8954, bmgc.golf

Hidden Creek 17 Morgan Road in Litchfield, 262-9272, hiddencreeknh.com

Pembroke Pines Country Club 45A Whittemore Road in Pembroke, 210-1365, pembrokepinescc.com

PERSONALITIES

Most inventive chef

Best of the best: Chris Viaud at Greenleaf 54 Nashua St. in Milford, 213-5447, greenleafmilford.com

Corey Fletcher at Revival Kitchen & Bar 11 Depot St. in Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com

Bobby Marcotte at The Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Jeff Martin at Stash Box 866 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8109, stashboxnh.com

Rick Korn at Rick’s Food & Spirits 143 Main St. in Kingston, 347-5287, rickskingston.com

Restaurant with the friendliest staff

Best of the best: Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com

Stash Box 866 Elm St. in Manchester, stashboxnh.com, 606-8109.

The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com

Second Brook Bar & Grill 1100 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 935-7456, secondbrook.com

The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com

Butt-kicking-est fitness instructor

Best of the best: Brianna Benoit at Brie B Fit 11 Rockingham Road, Suite 201, inWindham, briebfit.com

Laura Collins at The Collective Studios Apple Tree Shopping Center, 4 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 216-2345; 125 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-3321; thecollective-studios.com

Leah Larner at The Collective Studios Apple Tree Shopping Center, 4 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 216-2345; 125 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-3321; thecollective-studios.com

Julie Lepage of JL Fitness, a personal trainer and coach, who trains at Impact-X Performance 150 Nashua St. in Londonderry, 247-9334, impactxperformance.com. Find her at facebook.com/JLepageFit/.

Biliana Mihaylova at 2 Home Fitness 2 Home Ave. in Concord, 219-7224, 2homefitness.com.

Best barber

Best of the best: Mackenzie Maguire at Black Clover Barber Co. 604 DW Highway in Merrimack, 809-0457, blackcloverbarberco.com

Melanie Rose at Faded Armor Barber Co. 2075 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 854-8990, fadedarmorbarberco.com

Kym Lozada at Get Faded Barber Shop 282 W. Hancock St. in Manchester, 628-2867, getfadedbarbershop.co

Jake Birch at Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 178 Route 101 in Bedford, 233-7991, thepolishedman.com

Benny D’Ambrosio at Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 707 Milford Road, No. 3A, in Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedman.com

Best hair stylist

Best of the best: Katie Terrio at BABE The Studio 79 S. River Road in Bedford, babethestudio.glossgenius.com

Amy Rigo at The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com

Jake Doble at Blank Canvas Salon 1F Commons Drive in Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com

Chandell Cater at The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com

Meagan Daley at The HairHaus Salon 6 Mohawk Drive inLondonderry, 234-1799, find them on Facebook or Instagram.

New Hampshire is the best at …

1 Outdoor activities — “Mountains, trail hikes, rail trails, streams, rivers, lakes – NATURE!”

2 Having a variety of things to do — “Making you appreciate the outdoors and locally created art and food and wonderful handmade everything by super friendly and talented people”

3 Being free — “Being Income Tax FREE!!”

4 Being a great place to live — “Being a kick ass community”

5 “Everything” — “Everything, we’re perfect”

Friendliest dentist

Best of the best: Danielle London of London Family Orthodontics 502 Riverway Place in Bedford, 622-2100, londonfamilyorthodontics.com

Dr. Elizabeth Spindel and Dr. Victoria Spindel Rubin at Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry 862 Union St. in Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com

Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos at the Office of Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos, D.M.D. 103 Riverway Place in Bedford, 669-4384, drnickdmd.com

Dr. Shannon Arndt at Arndt Dental 280 Pleasant St., Suite 4, 228-4456, arndtdental.com

Dr. Andrew Albee at Suncook Dental 119 Pembroke St. in Suncook, 485-CARE (2273), suncookdental.com

Friendliest mechanic

Best of the best: Robert Brien at German Autowerks 263 S. Main St. in Concord, 228-2834, germanautonh.com

Dan Weed at Weed Family Automotive 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com

Jeff Fluet at Romie’s Auto Repair 71 W. Hollis St. in Nashua, 883-8458, romiesautorepair.com

Mike Alton at Pro-Image Automotive 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 644-8480, proimageautomotive.com

Bill Morin at Morin’s Service Station 1091 Valley St., Manchester, 624-4427, morinsservicestation.com

Best local musical act

Best of the best: Nostalgia Lane nostalgialaneband.com The band bills itself as playing the top 100 hits of the 1990s and 2000s, including rock, pop, reggae and dance music. Catch them Saturday, April 19, at Wally’s in Hampton and Friday, May 30, at The Goat in Manchester.

Justin Jordan Find him on Facebook @justinjordanmusic. Jordan, a Manchester-based singer, bassist and acoustic guitarist, is known for his country and rock stylings. He performs solo as Justin Jordan Music, in the duo 21st and 1st, and in his band Small Town Stranded. See him on Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the Copper Door in Bedford and Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. at the craft fair in the Hampshire Dome in Milford.

Recycled Percussion recycledpercussion.com. The Laconia-based band placed third on Season 4 of America’s Got Talent, the highest for a non-vocalist group. Catch them at a variety of venues including their own CAKE Theatre in Laconia.

Small Town Stranded Find them on Facebook. Catch them Saturday, May 3, at 8:30 p.m. at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester and Saturday, June 21, at 8 p.m. at Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton Beach.

Nicole Knox Murphy nkmsings4u.com. See her Friday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Auburn Pitts in Auburn and on Saturday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. Pizza Man in Manchester.


Best local comedian

Best of the best: Bob Marley Bob Marley lives in Maine and regularly performs in New Hampshire. See him at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 17, at 5:30 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. See bmarley.com.

Juston McKinney McKinney lives in New Hampshire, according to justonmckinney.com, where you can find his schedule. See him on Saturday, May 24, at 8 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia.

Matt Barry See mattbarrycomedy.com and find him on Instagram. Upcoming shows include Headliners Comedy Club in Manchester on Saturday, April 12, and Saturday, April 26, at Chunky’s in Manchester.

Jimmy Dunn See jimmydunn.com for upcoming shows and follow him on Facebook

Joe Nahme Find him on Facebook for upcoming shows. Catch him at Shaskeen in Manchester on Wednesday, April 16.

Best locally performing DJ

Best of the best: DJ Mike Benoit A DJ with Main Event DJ, amainevent.com/mike-benoit. Catch him at Bonfire Restaurant, 950 Elm St. in Manchester, 217-5600, bonfiremanch.com, on Friday, April 11, 9 p.m. Find him on Instagram.

Dan Pelletier A DJ with Main Event DJ, amainevent.com/mike-benoit. Find him on Facebook.

Chad Ardizzoni A DJ with Get Down Tonight Entertainment, getdowntonight.com. Find him on Facebook and Instagram.

DJ Keith at East Side Club, 750 Massabesic St. in Manchester. Find the club on Facebook. DJ Keith emcees the karaoke nights at East Side Club on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

DJ Swaydai regularly emcees karaoke nights at The Hop Knot, 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com.

Rick Lee A DJ with Main Event DJ, amainevent.com/rick-lee.

Nazzy of Nazzy Entertainment, nazzydjs.com. Catch Nazzy at the FIT Walk Against Hunger in Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester on Sunday, May 18; at the Concord Pride 5K at the Statehouse in Concord, and at the Market Days kickoff event in downtown Concord on Friday, June 27.

Best NH-based (or northern New England-based) visual artist

Best of the best: Karen Jerzyk Photo karenjerzykphoto.zenfolio.com.

Alma Lyons is a freelance illustrator (with work that includes fantasy/sci-fi and self expressive pieces). Find Lyons’ work on Instagram at @almahowell_ .

Jon Brooks a New Boston sculptor, jonbrooks.org.

Emily Parsons a poet and visual artist (mostly paintings) who performs at events including at Hop Knot in Manchester, where she performs at a weekly open mic. Find her on Instagram at @poetsolaire.

LIVING HERE

Coolest historic site or monument you can visit for free

Best of the best: NH Statehouse 107 N. Main St. in Concord, 271-2154, gc.nh.gov/nh_visitorcenter. Stop by between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. on weekdays to see if a docent is available for a guided tour or take a self-guided tour.

Stark Park North River Road in Manchester, starkpark.com. According to the city’s website, “The western lower 15 acres of Stark Park consists of the ‘Walk in the Woods’ trail network for walking (with or without your dog), jogging, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, and mountain bike riding. Along the trail, stop to enjoy “Molly Stark’s Wildwoods,” an outdoor nature playspace for children behind the Stark Farm Community Garden that includes the artistic work of Tom LeComte from Laurel Hill Studio.” During the summers Stark Park has hosted a “Summer Concert Series” on Sunday afternoons.

Mount Washington The Sargent’s Purchase-located 6,288.2-foot mountain is the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., according to Wikipedia. The Sherman Adams Summit Building is at the top of Mount Washington and includes a gift shop, water refilling station, shelter for hikers, Mount Washington Observatory Museum and more, which open for the season in May, according to nhstateparks.org. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is a private road; find information on tours and other experiences at mt-washington.com.

The Old Man of the Mountain Exit 34B from Interstate 93 in Franconia Notch. The rock formation on Cannon Mountain fell in 2003 but in Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza a series of steel profiler rods recreate the look of the profile, according to oldmannh.org.

Hannah Duston Memorial Site 298 US Route 4 in Boscawen. The “Hannah Duston Memorial was erected in 1874 and is the first publicly funded statue in New Hampshire … the statue commemorates the escape of Hannah Duston, who was captured in 1697 in Haverhill, Mass., during the French and Indian War,” according to nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/hannah-duston-memorial-historic-site.

Best local museum

Best of the best: Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, currier.org. The Currier’s permanent collection contains more than 15,000 items as well as exhibitions, which currently include “Ann Agee: Madonna of the Girl Child” (on display through June 5) and “Nicolas Party and Surrealism: An Artist’s Take on the Movement” (April 10 through Sept. 1), according to the website.The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $20 for regular admission; $15 for 65+ and students; $5 for ages 13 to 17, and free for children 12 and under. On the second Saturdays of each month New Hampshire residents are admitted free.

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org. The museum is operated by the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society and “aims to preserve and popularize the region’s rich aviation heritage,” according to the website. Located near the airport, the museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.

Millyard Museum 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum-2. Run by the Manchester Historic Association, the museum “tells the story of Manchester from its earliest inhabitants to the present day” including a look at Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. and a gallery of rotating exhibitions (such as “All Bottled Up! The History of Bottling in Manchester,” which opens on April 16). The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for 65+ and college students and $5 for ages 12 to 18, and is free for children under 12.

SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, see-sciencecenter.org. Billed as “hands-on science fun for everyone to enjoy,” SEE features a variety of exhibits with interactive elements such as “Sun, Earth, Universe,” “Physics Fun,” “Dinosaurs” and more as well as a Lego recreation of the Manchester Millyard circa 1900, according to the website. Through May 25, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open seven days a week in the summer). Admission costs $14 per person ages 3 and up.

Children’s Museum of New Hampshire 6 Washington St. in Dover, childrens-museum.org. The museum “offers two floors of … hands-on exhibits where you can explore nature, STEM, pretend play, art, world cultures, and more for ages 0 to 10,” according to the website. The museum offers play sessions Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. to noon. Admission costs $14.50 for everyone over 12 months old and $12.50 for ages 65+, and is free for children under 12 months.

Thing we forgot to ask about

Best Dance Studio: Dimensions in Dance 84 Myrtle St. in Manchester; dimensionsindance.com, 668-4196. The studio offers camps and classes for the youngest dancers (“Twos in Tutus”) through adult. Dimensions is also the home of Ballet Misha (balletmisha.com), a dance company that presents productions such as the recent Cinderella at the Concord City Auditorium.

Best consignment store: Chic Boutique Consignment 126 S. River Road in Bedford, chicboutiqueconsignments.com; 935-7295. The boutique focuses on luxury brand items, such as the Christian Louboutin pumps, Marc Jacobs micro leather tote and Lilly Pulitzer dresses listed recently. Chic Boutique also has stores in Portsmouth and in Bridgewater, Mass.

Best New Hampshire Jams and Jellies: Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies (laurelhilljams.com) offers a wide variety of flavors: fruit (such as Wicked Good Blueberry Jam), tea (Earl Grey, chamomile) and cocktails (banana rum jam, margarita jelly). See the website for all the offerings. A showroom for the company is located at 195 McGregor St. in Manchester and is open Mondays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Featured photo: Hippo Best of 2025 Badge

Best of 2021

Let’s try something new.

As with every year, the Best of 2021 Hippo Readers Poll offers lots of ideas for new things to try: a new sandwich, a new restaurant for your date night, a new spot for your morning coffee, a new hike with the family, a new park to visit with your energetic dog. If you’re looking for new and different things to do this year, readers, who voted in our online survey in February, have oodles of suggestions for you.

And this year we’re giving you readers’ picks in a slightly new way. Instead of breaking out some of the categories by geography, we’re giving you the top five winners in most categories. All these “readers bests” mean extra recommendations for places to go and things to do (and eat).

A note about the information here: It’s always a good idea to call before you head out to see if that salon is open or if that restaurant has the dish you’re craving. Even as more things are returning to normal, schedules can still be in flux and some locations have registration and reservation procedures.

Looking for a quick hike this weekend? Or a new spot to grab some takeout for dinner? Let Hippo readers give you some recommendations for all the Bests our slice of New Hampshire has to offer.

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
  • The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., and 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

Best Drive-in Venue for Live Entertainment

Best of the best: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com

  • Milford Drive-In Theater, 531 Elm St., Milford, 673-4090, milforddrivein.com
  • Northlands (formerly known as Drive-In Live), Cheshire Fairground, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey, northlandslive.com
  • Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com
  • Weirs Drive-In Theater, 76 Endicott St. N., Weirs Beach, 366-4723, weirsdrivein.com

Best Virtual Performance

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
  • Bob Marley, comedian, bmarley.com
  • Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
  • Recycled Percussion, instrumental junk rock band, New Year’s Eve show, recycledpercussion.com

Best Place to View Art

Best of the best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org

  • League of NH Craftsmen Nashua Fine Craft Gallery, 98 Main St., Nashua, 595-8233, nashua.nhcrafts.org
  • Andres Institute of Art, 98 Route 13, Brookline, 673-8441, andresinstitute.org
  • ArtHub, 107 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 405-698-1951, nashuaarts.org
  • Area 23, 254 N. State St., Concord, 552-0137, thearea23.com

Best Place to Buy Art

Best of the best: League of NH Craftsmen Nashua Fine Craft Gallery, 98 Main St., Nashua, 595-8233, nashua.nhcrafts.org

  • Craftsmen’s Fair, nhcrafts.org. The nine-day craft fair, hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, normally takes place at Mount Sunapee Resort starting the first week of August.
  • Greeley Park Art Show, nashuaarts.org. The outdoor art show, hosted by the Nashua Area Artists Association, is held every summer in Greeley Park (100 Concord St., Nashua).
  • League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Concord Gallery, 36 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org
  • Concord Arts Market, 1 Bicentennial Square, Concord, concordartsmarket.net. The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market normally runs weekly on Saturdays from June through September.

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Best Bookstore or Comic Book Store

Best of the best: Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com

  • The Bookery, 844 Elm St., Manchester, 836-6600, bookerymht.com
  • The Toadstool Bookshop, Somerset Plaza, 375 Amherst St., Nashua, 673-1734, toadbooks.com
  • Double Midnight Comics, 245 Maple St., Manchester, 669-9636, dmcomics.com
  • Water Street Bookstore, 125 Water St., Exeter, 778-9731, waterstreetbooks.com

Community Event You’re Most Looking Forward To

  • Best of the best: Market Days Festival, Concord, intownconcord.org. A three-day street festival, hosted by Intown Concord, featuring shopping, games and live entertainment on Main Street. Normally held in June.
  • Intown Taco Tour, Manchester, intownmanchester.com. An annual street festival organized by Intown Manchester in May. Restaurants create and sell their own unique tacos, and attendees vote on their favorites.
  • Winter Holiday Stroll, Nashua, downtownnashua.org. A holiday event, presented by Great American Downtown, featuring live music, food, holiday shopping, a candlelight stroll and a tree-lighting ceremony downtown. Normally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
  • Milford Pumpkin Fest, milfordpumpkinfestival.org. Features giant pumpkins, craft fairs, talent shows, fireworks and a haunted trail in downtown Milford. Normally held on Columbus Day weekend.
  • Deerfield Fair, Deerfield Fairgrounds, deerfieldfair.com. One of the largest and most well-attended agricultural fairs in New Hampshire, with carnival rides, live entertainment, food and more. Normally held in September.

Best Bar for Live Music

Best of the best: The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com

  • Area 23, 254 N. State St., Concord, 552-0137, thearea23.com
  • The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
  • The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill, 20 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
  • Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.com

Best Bar With an Outdoor Deck

Best of the best: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.com

  • Penuche’s Ale House, 4 Canal St., Nashua, 595-9831, penuchesalehouse.com
  • Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
  • Fody’s Great American Tavern, 187 Rockingham Road, Derry, 404-6946, fodystavern.com
  • The Pasta Loft Restaurant, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com.

Best Sports Bar

Best of the best: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billys-sports-bar-grill.business.site

  • The River Casino & Sports Bar, 53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060, therivercasino.com
  • The Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 360 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 670-0270, thirstymoosetaphouse.com
  • The Draft Sports Bar and Grill, 67 S. Main St., Concord, 227-1175, draftsportsbar.com
  • The Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com

Best Sports Book

Best of the best: Filotimo Casino & Restaurant, 279 S. Willow St., Manchester, 668-6591, filotimocasino.com

The Brook, 319 New Zealand Road, Seabrook, 474-3065, livefreeandplay.com

RESTAURANTS

Best Restaurant

Best of the best: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Dr., Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com (The Copper Door Restaurant also has a location in Salem.)

  • The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
  • Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com
  • The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
  • Mint Bistro, 1105 Elm St., Manchester, 625-6468, mintbistro.com

Best New Eatery

Best of the best: bluAqua Restrobar, 930 Elm St., Manchester, 836-3970, bluaquarestrobar.com. A “restrobar,” according to bluAqua owner Scott Forrester, is a downtown gastropub offering quality food and cocktails with a little Southern flair. The Lubbock, Texas, native opened this eatery in downtown Manchester in early 2020, offering Southern-inspired items like chicken and andouille gumbo, seared sesame tuna, and shrimp and grits, in addition to burgers, sandwiches, tacos and more.

  • White Birch Eatery, 571 Mast Road, Goffstown, 836-6849, whitebircheatery.com. Offering breakfast and lunch seven days a week, the White Birch Eatery features a menu of small plates, bowls, sandwiches and toasts, all with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Tomahawk Tavern & Butchery, 454 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 365-4960, tomahawktavern.com. This deli and restaurant has quickly become a favorite in Merrimack for its marinated meats, burgers, hot and cold subs, and selection of Boar’s Head meats and cheeses.
  • Col’s Kitchen, 55 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6778, colsplantbased.com. Col’s Kitchen is a plant-based restaurant that opened its doors in mid-August 2020, featuring a well-rounded menu of appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, brunch options and desserts. The eatery also makes a variety of its own vegan sauces, which owner Jordan Reynolds said he hopes to begin bottling soon.
  • Diz’s Cafe, 860 Elm St., Manchester, 606-2532, dizscafe.com. Longtime chef and Manchester native Gary “Diz” Window opened Diz’s Cafe, his first restaurant as owner, in May 2020. Diz’s Cafe offers scratch-made comfort foods and home-cooked meals, including customizable “build-your-own” menus of at least one protein and up to three fresh sides.

Best Fine Dining

Best of the best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

  • Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Dr., Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com (The Copper Door Restaurant also has a location in Salem.)
  • Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
  • Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com
  • Cotton Restaurant, 75 Arms St., Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com

Best Diner

Best of the best: The Red Arrow Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com (The Red Arrow Diner also has locations in Concord, Londonderry and Nashua.)

  • MaryAnn’s Diner, 29 E. Broadway, Derry, 434-5785, maryannsdiner.com (MaryAnn’s Diner also has locations in Windham and Salem.)
  • Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040, thecman.com/airport-diner
  • The Red Arrow Diner, 137 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 552-3651, redarrowdiner.com (The Red Arrow Diner also has locations in Manchester, Concord and Nashua.)
  • The Red Arrow Diner, 112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444, redarrowdiner.com (The Red Arrow Diner also has locations in Manchester, Londonderry and Nashua.)

Best Seafood Restaurant

Best of the best: Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com (Surf also has a location in Portsmouth.)

  • The Lobster Boat, 453 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5221, lobsterboatrestaurant.com (The Lobster Boat also has a location in Litchfield.)
  • Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar, 1323 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 433-1937, peteys.com
  • The Beach Plum, 3 Brickyard Square, Epping, 679-3200, thebeachplum.net (The Beach Plum also has locations in Portsmouth and North Hampton. A fourth location is due to open in Salem this spring.)
  • Hooked Seafood Restaurant, 110 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-1189, hookedonignite.com

Best Pub

Best of the best: The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com

  • The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
  • Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net
  • 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

DELICIOUS DISHES

Best Dish or Drink You Had in the Last Year

Best of the best: Fried Oreos at Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663. The deep-fried Oreos are among several sweet treats available at this takeout-only eatery, along with brownies, cookies and chocolate or peanut butter fudge.

  • Loaded chicken tenders at The River Casino & Sports Bar, 53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060, therivercasino.com. A customer favorite, these hand-battered chicken tenders are tossed in a sweet chili sauce and topped with cheese, bacon and scallions.
  • Chili at Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663. Chili is available on multiple menu items here, including by itself with bread and butter, as well as on a hot dog, a cheeseburger or an order of chili cheese fries.
  • Chicken Francaise at Stella Blu, 70 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com. This dish features chicken breast floured and egged, cooked in olive oil and butter, over angel hair pasta, topped with garlic butter cream sauce and served with green beans.
  • Poutine at New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com. The Tap House poutine has hand-cut fries that are topped with cheese curds, a peppercorn demi-glace, Parmesan cheese and fresh rosemary before being finished off with a spray of white truffle oil.

Best Barbecue

Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net

  • Smokehaus Barbecue, 278 Route 101, Amherst, 249-5734, smokehausbbq.com
  • Smokeshow Barbeque, 89 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbarbeque.com
  • Georgia’s Northside, 394 N. State St., Concord, 715-9189, georgiasnorthside.com
  • Goody Cole’s Smokehouse and Catering Co., 374 Route 125, Brentwood, 679-8898, goodycoles.com

Best Breakfast

Best of the best: Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Hooksett, Dover, Merrimack, New London and a sixth location that’s due to open in Bedford this summer.)

  • Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com
  • Tucker’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 206-5757, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Concord, Dover, Merrimack, New London and a sixth location that’s due to open in Bedford this summer.)
  • Tucker’s, 360 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 413-6477, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Concord, Hooksett, Dover, New London and a sixth location that’s due to open in Bedford this summer.)
  • Janie’s Uncommon Cafe, 123 Nashua Road, Londonderry, 432-3100, janiescafe.com

Best Breakfast Dish

Best of the best: Sedona skillet at Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com. The dish features three local eggs scrambled with onions, pepper jack cheese and piquante peppers over crispy hash browns, and topped with guacamole, Southwest seasoning and a chipotle aioli drizzle. (Tucker’s also has locations in Hooksett, Dover, Merrimack, New London and a sixth location that’s due to open in Bedford this summer.)

  • Banana nut bread French toast at Tucker’s, 360 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 413-6477, tuckersnh.com. This freshly baked banana nut bread is grilled in French toast batter and then topped with bananas, maple glazed walnuts, whipped cream and powdered sugar. (Tucker’s also has locations in Concord, Hooksett, Dover, New London and a sixth location that’s due to open in Bedford this summer.)
  • Crepes at Chez Vachon, 136 Kelley St., Manchester, 625-9660, find them on Facebook. Crepes are made to order at this longtime West Side staple, with a variety of sweet and savory fillings available.
  • Pancake boards at the Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find all kinds of seasonally themed pancake boards featuring eight pancakes and a variety of fun toppings per order.
  • Compost Heap at The Riverhouse Cafe, 167 Union Square, Milford, 249-5556, damngoodgrub.com/riverhousecafe. One of The Riverhouse Cafe’s many signature creations, the Compost Heap features roasted veggies, Monterey Jack cheese and tomato between two cheesy hash browns, topped with two eggs, organic pea shoots, avocado and salsa verde.

Best Burgers

Best of the best: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com

  • New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com
  • Vibes Gourmet Burgers, 25 S. Main St., Concord, 856-8671, vibesgourmetburgers.com
  • The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
  • The Crown Tavern, 99 Hanover St., Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com

Best Fish & Chips

Best of the best: The Lobster Boat, 453 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5221, lobsterboatrestaurant.com (The Lobster Boat also has a location in Litchfield.)

  • 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
  • Goldenrod Restaurant Drive-In, 1681 Candia Road, Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
  • Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar, 1323 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 433-1937, peteys.com

Best Mac & Cheese

Best of the best: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese, 497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com (Mr. Mac’s also has locations in Portsmouth and in Tyngsboro, Mass., and Westford, Mass.)

  • Pressed Cafe, 108 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road, Nashua, 402-1003 (the Cotton Road location is drive-thru only; Pressed Cafe also has locations in Burlington, Mass., and Newton, Mass.)
  • Stella Blu, 70 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com
  • The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
  • O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, osteaksconcord.com (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location in Laconia.)

Best Pizza

Best of the best: 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, 50 Dow St., Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com

  • Alley Cat Pizzeria, 486 Chestnut St., Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com
  • Constantly Pizza, 39 S. Main St., Concord, 224-9366, constantlypizza.net (Constantly Pizza also has a location in Penacook.)
  • Sal’s Pizza, 80 Storrs St., Concord, 226-0297, sals-pizza.com (Sal’s Pizza also has locations in Derry, Hampton, Hooksett, Laconia, Manchester, Merrimack and Milford and several others in Massachusetts.)
  • Vintage Pizza, 241 Candia Road, Manchester, 518-7800, vintagepizzanh.com

Best Sandwich

Best of the best: Steak and cheese special at Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663. You can get a steak and cheese sub with peppers and onions here, or order it as a special with bacon, mayonnaise and other toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and pickles.

  • 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 Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com. Featuring custom-blended shaved steak with either melted American or provolone cheese, this sub can be customized even further by adding teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
  • Roast beef sandwich at Bentley’s Roast Beef, 134 Route 101A, Amherst, 883-2020, bentleysroastbeef.com. Bentley’s uses grain-fed Midwestern beef for its sandwiches, which are available in multiple sizes on toasted sesame or onion rolls, or on Syrian bread.
  • CBC at T-Bones Great American Eatery, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100; 39 Crystal Ave., Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road, Hudson, 882-6677; t-bones.com. The CBC features fried chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. (The Bedford, Derry and Hudson T-Bones locations all received votes in this category for the CBC, but you can also get this sandwich at the locations in Concord, Laconia and Salem.)

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; nadeaus.com (Nadeau’s Subs also has a fifth location in Exeter and a sixth location that opened inside McLaughlin’s Country Market in Concord in January 2021.)

  • Bill Cahill’s Super Subs, 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710, find them on Facebook @billcahills
  • USA Subs, 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550, usasubs.com
  • Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com
  • Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663

Best Tacos

Best of the best: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com (Dos Amigos Burritos also has a location in Portsmouth, and a third location in Dover under the name “Dos Mexican Eats.”)

  • B’s Tacos, nhtacotruck.com (Find their food truck outside the BP Gas Station at 2 Mohawk Drive in Londonderry every Tuesday through Saturday, from May to October. B’s Tacos also opened a brick-and-mortar location at 372 Kelley St. in Manchester in January 2021.)
  • La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 545 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 628-6899; 1875 S. Willow St., Manchester, 623-7705; lacarretamex.com (with locations in Derry, Londonderry, Nashua and Portsmouth.)
  • La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 44 Nashua Road, Londonderry, 965-3477, lacarretamex.com (with locations in Manchester, Derry, Nashua and Portsmouth.)
  • California Burritos Mexican Grill, 101 Factory St., Nashua, 718-8745; 2 Cellu Drive, Nashua, 417-6151; californiaburritosnh.com (California Burritos Mexican Grill also has locations in Hudson and Manchester.)

Restaurant That Can Make You Love Vegetables

  • Best of the best: Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, Unit 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com
  • Col’s Kitchen, 55 S. Main St., Concord, 227-6778, colsplantbased.com
  • Republic Cafe, 969 Elm St., 666-3723, republiccafe.com (Republic Cafe is currently operating under the same roof as its sister restaurant, Campo Enoteca, at 969 Elm St. in Manchester.)
  • Stella Blu, 70 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com
  • Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro & Bar, 35 Portwalk Place, Portsmouth, 427-8344, greenelephantnh.com

SWEET TREATS

Best Bakery

Best of the best: Bearded Baking Co., 819 Union St., Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com

  • The Crust & Crumb Baking Co., 126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com
  • Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com (Buckley’s also has a second location, known as Buckley’s Market & Cafe, in Hollis.)
  • Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com
  • Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330, find them on Facebook @breadandchocolateconcordnh

Best Candy or Chocolate Shop

Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe, 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591, granitestatecandyshoppe.com (Granite State Candy Shoppe also has a location in Manchester.)

  • Van Otis Chocolates, 341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotis.com
  • Nelson’s Candy and Music, 65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com
  • Granite State Candy Shoppe, 832 Elm St., Manchester, 218-3885, granitestatecandyshoppe.com (Granite State Candy Shoppe also has a location in Concord.)
  • Dancing Lion Chocolate, 917 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us

Best Doughnuts

Best of the best: Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com

  • Brothers Donuts, 426 Central St., Franklin, 934-6678, find them on Facebook @brothersdonuts
  • New Hampshire Doughnut Co., 2 Capital Plaza, Concord, 715-5097, nhdoughnutco.com (New Hampshire Doughnut Co. also has a location in Chichester.)
  • Crosby Bakery, 51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com
  • The Local Moose Cafe, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com

Best Ice Cream

Best of the best: Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream, 7 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 888-4663, haywardsicecream.com (Hayward’s also has a location in Merrimack.)

  • Moo’s Place Ice Cream, 27 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-0100, moosplace.com (Moo’s Place also has a location in Salem.)
  • Goldenrod Restaurant Drive-In, 1681 Candia Road, Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
  • The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
  • The Inside Scoop, 260 Wallace Road, Bedford, 471-7009, theinsidescoopnh.com

DRINKS

Best Beer Selection at a Retail Store

Best of the best: Bert’s Better Beers, 545 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 413-5992, bertsbetterbeers.com

  • The Beer Store, 433 Amherst St., Nashua, 889-2242, thebeerstorenh.com
  • The Packie, 581 Second St., Manchester, 232-1236, thepackienh.com (The Packie moved from South Willow Street to its current space in the Second Street Shoppes plaza in June 2020.)
  • Local Baskit, 10 Ferry St., Suite 120A, Concord, 219-0882, localbaskit.com
  • Lazy Dog Beer Shoppe, 27 Buttrick Road, Suite B4, Londonderry, 434-2500, lazydogbeer.com

Best NH Brewery

Best of the best: 603 Brewery, 42 Main St., Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com

  • Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com
  • Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
  • Concord Craft Brewing, 117 Storrs St., Concord, 856-7625, concordcraftbrewing.com
  • Pipe Dream Brewing, 49 Harvey Road, Londonderry, 404-0751, pipedreambrewingnh.com

Best NH-made Beer Variety

Best of the best: Safe Space New England IPA (Concord Craft Brewing, 117 Storrs St., Concord, 856-7625, concordcraftbrewing.com)

  • Misguided Angel New England IPA (Lithermans Limited Brewery, 126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 219-0784, lithermans.beer)
  • Burn The Ships Cherrywood Smoked IPA (Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com)
  • Victory Nor Defeat Double IPA (Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com)
  • Winni Amber Ale (603 Brewery, 42 Main St., Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com)

Best NH-made Cider and Mead

Best of the best: Ancient Fire Mead & Cider, 8030 S. Willow St., Building 1, Unit 7-2, Manchester, 203-4223, ancientfirewines.com

  • Moonlight Meadery, 23 Londonderry Road, No. 17, Londonderry, 216-2162, moonlightmeadery.com
  • Contoocook Cider Co. (Gould Hill Farm), 656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook, 746-1175, contoocookcider.com
  • North Country Hard Cider, 3 Front St., No. 160, Rollinsford, 834-9915, northcountryhardcider.com
  • Sap House Meadery, 6 Folsom Road, Ossipee, 539-1672, saphousemeadery.com

Best NH Winery

Best of the best: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (LaBelle Winery also has a location in Portsmouth. Another location featuring an onsite restaurant and retail marketplace is due to open in Derry later this year.)

  • Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com
  • Ancient Fire Mead & Cider, 8030 S. Willow St., Building 1, Unit 7-2, Manchester, 203-4223, ancientfirewines.com
  • Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com
  • Fulchino Vineyard, 187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis, 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com

Where They Make Your Coffee Perfect Every Time

Best of the best: Revelstoke Coffee, 100 N. Main St., Concord, revelstokecoffee.com

  • Hometown Coffee Roasters, 80 Old Granite St., Manchester, 703-2321, hometownroasters.com
  • A&E Coffee & Tea, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 578-3338, aeroastery.com (A&E Coffee & Tea also has a cafe location in Manchester and a wholesale roastery in Nashua.)
  • Flight Coffee Co., 30 Harvey Road, Bedford, 836-6228, flightcoffeeco.com
  • Cafe la Reine, 915 Elm St., Manchester, 232-0332, cafe-la-reine.square.site

EATING OUTDOORS & FOOD TO-GO

Best Restaurant to Get Takeout From

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, Unit 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com
  • Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663
  • Georgia’s Northside, 394 N. State St., Concord, 715-9189, georgiasnorthside.com
  • Lilac Blossom, 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-9588; 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 886-8420; lilacblossom.us

Best Food Truck

Best of the best: B’s Tacos (nhtacotruck.com) Find them outside the BP Gas Station (2 Mohawk Drive, Londonderry) every Tuesday through Saturday, from May to October. B’s Tacos also opened a brick-and-mortar location at 372 Kelley St. in Manchester in January 2021.

  • Up In Your Grill (upinyourgrill.com) Follow them on Facebook @upinyourgrill for their most up-to-date schedule. The barbecue trailer regularly appears at Vault Motor Storage (526 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack) and also provides catering services.
  • Smoke N’ Butts BBQ (smokenbuttsbbq.com) Find them outside The Farmer’s Wife (20 Main St., Candia) on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning April 9. The barbecue trailer has also appeared at several local events and provides catering services for small parties.
  • The Hungry Caterpillar (find them on Facebook @thehungrycaterpillarnh) This plant-based food truck regularly posts its weekly schedule on social media, but is most often found every Wednesday through Saturday at 45 Danville Road in Hampstead.
  • The Food Abides (find them on Facebook) The truck is currently closed for the season, but will regularly post updates on its whereabouts on social media. Last year, it was a regular visitor of Lithermans Limited Brewery (126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord).

Restaurant with the 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
  • Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
  • 603 Brewery, 42 Main St., Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com
  • Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com (The Copper Door Restaurant also has a location in Salem.)

Best Farmers Market

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 to October. The 2021 market is tentatively set to begin on Saturday, May 1.

  • Bedford Farmers Market (bedfordfarmersmarketnh.org) Held on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of Wicked Good Butchah (formerly the Harvest Market) at 209 Route 101 in Bedford. The market is due to return on June 15 and will continue weekly after that until the middle of October.
  • Nashua Farmers Market (downtownnashua.org/local) Held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of City Hall at 229 Main St. in Nashua. The market is usually held from mid-June to mid-October. 2021 market dates TBA.
  • Salem Farmers Market (salemnhfarmersmarket.org) Held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon inside the former Rockler Woodworking building (369 S. Broadway, Salem). The year-round market, which normally operates indoors from November through about April or May, moved into its current spot in January 2021.
  • Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market (derryhomegrown.org) After taking a one-year hiatus last year due to Covid-19 concerns, the Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market will return on June 2 at 1 W. Broadway in Derry, where it will be held on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. through the end of September.

OUTDOOR FUN

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 include apples, strawberries, blueberries and cherries.

Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-3456, macksapples.com. Pick-your-own opportunities include apples and pumpkins.

Lull Farm, 65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com. Pick-your-own opportunities include strawberries, apples and pumpkins. (Lull Farm also has a seasonal farm in Milford.)

Brookdale Fruit Farm, 41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com. Pick-your-own opportunities include strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, black raspberries, blackberries, apples and pumpkins.

Carter Hill Orchard, 73 Carter Hill Road, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com. Pick-your-own opportunities include peaches, blueberries and apples.

Best City Park

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.
  • 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.
  • Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

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.

  • 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.
  • Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park. This park features more than 5,000 acres of land and trails with a variety of landscapes.
  • 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.
  • Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-7406, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/odiorne-point-state-park. This park offers gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and also features the Seacoast Science Center.

Best Campground

Best of the best: White Lake State Park, 94 State Park Road, Tamworth, 323-7350, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/white-lake-state-park

  • Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park
  • Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort, 196 Shawtown Road, Freedom, 539-2069, danforthbay.com
  • Moose Hillock Camping Resort, 96 Batchelder Brook Road, Warren, 764-5294, moosehillock.com
  • Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort, 111 Mi-Te-Jo Road, Milton, 652-9022, lakesregionjellystone.com

Best Bike Trail

Best of the best: Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashua. This 12.5-mile trail roughly follows the Nashua River, passing through Nashua and several neighboring towns in Massachusetts.

  • Goffstown Rail Trail, Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org. The trail runs for more than seven miles from Goffstown to Manchester.
  • Londonderry Rail Trail, Londonderry, londonderrytrails.org. About six 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.
  • Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features about eight miles of trails.

Best Hike in Southern New Hampshire

Best of the best: Mount Monadnock, 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.

  • Pack Monadnock, Miller State Park, 13 Miller Park Road, Peterborough, 924-3672, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/miller-state-park. The oldest state park in New Hampshire, Miller State Park features three hiking trails and a 1.3-mile paved, driveable road to the 2,290-foot summit.
  • Mount Major, Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike. This 1,785-foot peak offers panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • Mount 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. The South Uncanoonuc Trail is slightly longer (about 0.8 miles) and is a snowmobiling and ATVing trail that features views of Mount Monadnock from a distance.
  • Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

Best Spot for a Mini Hike

Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

  • Marjory Swope Park, Long Pond Road, Concord, 225-8815, concordnh.gov. Named in 2012 after Marjory Swope, longtime executive director of the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions, this 77-acre park near Long Pond in Concord features a nearly two-mile trail loop that offers great views of Penacook Lake.
  • Lake Massabesic, Manchester, 624-6482, manchesternh.gov/departments/water-works/lake-massabesic-watershed. Dozens of trails are available for walking, jogging and hiking.
  • Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org. The Beaver Brook Association features more than 35 miles of trails across more than 2,000 acres of forest, fields and wetlands within the towns of Hollis, Brookline and Milford.
  • Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Numerous trails for hiking are available in the area; one of them circles the pond, which opens for fishing in the summer months and public ice skating in the winter months.

Best Spot for a Long Run

Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

  • Goffstown Rail Trail, Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org. The trail runs for more than seven miles from Goffstown to Manchester.
  • Londonderry Rail Trail, Londonderry, londonderrytrails.org. About six miles of this trail runs through North Londonderry.
  • Nashua River Rail Trail, Nashua. This 12.5-mile trail roughly follows the Nashua River, passing through Nashua and several neighboring towns in Massachusetts.
  • Lake Massabesic, Manchester, 624-6482, manchesternh.gov/departments/water-works/lake-massabesic-watershed. Dozens of trails are available for running and jogging.

Best Lake to Canoe or Kayak

Best of the best: Lake Massabesic, Manchester, 624-6482, manchesternh.gov/departments/water-works/lake-massabesic-watershed

  • Newfound Lake, Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/wellington-state-park
  • Lake Winnipesaukee, lakewinnipesaukee.net
  • Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park
  • Lake Sunapee, Mount Sunapee State Park, 86 Beach Access Road, Newbury, 763-5561, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/mt-sunapee-state-park

Best Route for a Motorcycle Ride

Best of the best: Kancamagus Highway, kancamagushighway.com. A 34.5-mile scenic ride from Lincoln to Conway along New Hampshire’s Route 112.

  • New Hampshire Route 31. A 56-mile state highway crossing several towns in southwestern New Hampshire.
  • New Hampshire Route 107. A 69-mile state highway connecting Laconia in the Lakes Region with Seabrook on the coast, its northernmost area near Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • New Hampshire Route 1A on the Seacoast, or the Coastal Byway, visit-newhampshire.com/seacoast/scenic drives. An 18.4-mile drive along New Hampshire’s coast through Portsmouth, Rye and Seabrook.
  • New Hampshire Route 13. A 43-mile state highway running from Brookline to Concord.

Best Off-Roading Trail

Best of the best: Jericho Mountain State Park, 298 Jericho Lake Road, Berlin, 752-4758, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/jericho-mountain-state-park. The trails at Jericho Mountain State Park are currently closed to OHRV use for mud season but may reopen in late May, depending on the weather and trail conditions

  • Pittsburg, greatnorthwoodsridersatv.org. Most of the Great North Woods Riders ATV Club’s trails are located on 8,000 acres of the Perry Stream Land and Timber Co. property in Pittsburg. The only allowed travel on Route 3 is from Cheese Factory Road to the Murphy Dam.
  • The state’s trails (visit nhstateparks.org for a map of permitted OHRV trails)

Best Ski Hill

Best of the best: Pats Peak Ski Area, 686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com

  • Loon Mountain, 60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, 800-229-5666, loonmtn.com
  • Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, 293-4341, gunstock.com
  • Bretton Woods, 99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, 278-3320, brettonwoods.com
  • Cannon Mountain Ski Area, 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, 823-8800, cannonmt.com

Best Spot for Cross-Country Skiing

Best of the best: Jackson XC, 153 Main St., Jackson, 383-9355, jacksonxc.org

  • Beaver Meadow Golf Course, 1 Beaver Meadow Drive, Concord, 228-8954, concordnh.gov
  • White Farm, 144 Clinton St., Concord, 271-3241, concordnh.gov
  • Bretton Woods, 99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, 278-3320, brettonwoods.com
  • Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, 293-4341, gunstock.com

Best Snowmobile Trail

Best of the best: Pittsburg, pittsburgridgerunners.org. Trail reports in Pittsburg are posted on the Pittsburg Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club’s website.

  • Lake Massabesic, Manchester, snowmobile-nh.com. The Southern New Hampshire Snow Slickers posts information on trail status in this area on its website.
  • Belmont, belmontbogiebusters.org. Trail reports in Belmont are posted on the Belmont Bogie Busters Snowmobile Club’s website.
  • Bow, bowpioneers.org. Trail conditions and maps are available on the Bow Pioneers Snowmobile Club’s website.

Home & Garden

Best Car Repair

Best of the best: Merrimack Auto Center, 9 Webb Drive, Merrimack, 216-9596; 150 Amherst St., Nashua, 546-0157, merrimackautocenterllc.com

  • Duncan’s European Automotive, 3 Liberty Drive, Londonderry, 434-5796, duncansauto.com
  • Weed Family Automotive, 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com
  • Gurney’s Automotive Repair, 83 Broad St., Nashua, 886-5800, gurneysautomotive.com
  • Ron’s Toy Shop, 235 Elm St., Manchester, 669-9682, ronstoyshop.com

Best Garden Center or Nursery

Best of the best: House by the Side of the Road, 370 Gibbons Highway, Wilton, 654-9888, housebythesideoftheroad.com

  • Demers Garden Center, 656 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 625-8298, demersgardencenter.com
  • Cole Gardens, 430 Loudon Road, Concord, 229-0655, colegardens.com
  • Lake Street Garden Center, 37 Lake St., Salem, 893-5858, lakestreet.com
  • Bedford Fields Home & Garden Center, 331 Route 101, Bedford, 472-8880, bedfordfields.com

BEAUTY, WELLNESS & FASHION

Best Barbershop

Best of the best: South Mane Barbershop, 28 S Main St., 1B, Concord, 952-2202, southmanebarbershop.com

  • The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedman.com
  • Lucky’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz.
  • HomeGrown Barber Co., 18 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, 818-8989, homegrownbarber.com
  • Blank Canvas Salon, 1F Commons Drive, No. 38, Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com

Best Independent Clothing and/or Shoe Store

Best of the best: Alec’s Shoes, 1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com

  • Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co., 13 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1101, clothingnh.com
  • Joe King’s Shoe Shop, 45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com
  • Alapage, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 622-0550, alapageboutique.com
  • Camaraderie Boutique, 175 Main St., Nashua, 402-1908, camaraderiestyle.com

Best Jewelry Shop

Best of the best: Bellman Jewelers, 1650 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4653, bellmans.com

  • Capitol Craftsman Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com
  • Scontsas Fine Jewelry & Home Decor, 169-173 Main St., Nashua, 882-3281, scontsas.com
  • Jonathan’s Jewelers, 460 Route 101, Bedford, 471-2828, jonathansjewelers.com
  • Princess Jewelers, 55 Crystal Ave., Derry, 537-9605, princessnh.com

Best Second Hand Shop

Best of the best: Mother & Child Clothing and Gifts, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 886-6727, mothersays.shoprw.com

  • Lilise Designer Resale, 7 N. Main St., Concord, 715-2009, liliseresale.com
  • OutFITters Thrift Store, 394 Second St., Manchester, 641-6691, outfittersnh.org
  • Hilltop Consignment Gallery, 56 N. Main St., Concord, 856-0110, hilltopconsignmentgallery.com
  • Corey’s Closet, 1329 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 722-2712, coreyscloset.org

Best Salon

Best of the best: Blank Canvas Salon, 1F Commons Drive, No. 38, Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com

  • 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com
  • Color Trends Hair Salon, 25 Merrit Parkway, Nashua, 880-7504, colortrendshairsalon.com
  • Salon North, 102 Bay St., Manchester, 483-3011, 102salonnorth.com
  • Advanced Hair Etc., 61 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-2262, advancedhairderry.com

Best Spa

Best of the best: Renew MediSpa, 23 B Crystal Ave., Derry, 932-4701, renewmedispa.com

  • Pellé Medical Spa, 159 Frontage Road, Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com
  • Serendipity Day Spa & Float Studio, 23 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 229-0400, serendipitydayspa.com
  • Innovations Salon & Spa, 228 Naticook Road, Merrimack, 880-7499, innovationsnh.com
  • The Skin & Body Spa, 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-7900, theskinandbodyspa.com

Best Workout Space

Best of the best: Get Fit NH, 41 Terrill Park Drive, Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com

  • SPENGA, 493 Amherst St., Nashua, 324-0355, spenganashua.com
  • Strive Indoor Cycling, 10 Hills Ave., Concord, 513-9464, striveindoorcycling.com
  • Executive Health & Sports Center, 1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com
  • New Hampshire Power Yoga, 704 Milford Road, Merrimack, 594-2494, nhpoweryoga.com

KIDS

Best Place to Take Kids

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.

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.

  • Cowabunga’s, 725 Huse Road, Manchester, 935-9659, mycowabungas.com. Indoor inflatable playground and party venue.
  • Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov
  • Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov

Best Outdoor Spot to Let Kids Run Around and Be Crazy

Best of the best: Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov

  • White Park, 1 White St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov
  • Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov
  • Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
  • Hampton Beach, Hampton, hamptonbeach.org

Best Kids Summer Day Camp

Best of the best: YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Camp Sargent, 141 Camp Sargent Road, Merrimack, 880-4845, campsargent.org

  • Melody Pines Day Camp, 510 Corning Road, Manchester, 669-9414, melodypines.com
  • Granite YMCA, Allard Center of Goffstown, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, 497-4663, graniteymca.org/locations/allard-center-of-goffstown
  • Boys & Girls Club of Manchester’s Camp Foster, 36 Camp Allen Road, Bedford, 625-5031, begreatmanchester.org
  • Executive Health & Sports Center, 1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com

Pets

Best Doggie Day Care

Best of the best: Woof Woof Daycare & Boarding, 47 Rockingham Road, Windham, 890-6239, woofwoof.net. In addition to day care, boarding and grooming services for dogs of all breeds, this family-owned and -operated company offers classes in pet first aid and CPR, as well as in basic or intermediate obedience training.

  • All Dogs Gym & Inn, 505 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com. Founded in 1993 by dog trainer, behavioral consultant and author Gail Fisher, All Dogs Gym & Inn is a full-service training center and activity center for dogs, with services that include boarding, day care, grooming, training and dog sports classes.
  • American K9 Country, 336 Route 101, Amherst, 672-8448, americank9country.com. American K9 Country, which celebrated its 18th year in business last month, offers a doggie day care center, a full-service grooming salon, boarding for both dogs and cats, a dog park and more.
  • Chewie’s Playland, 472 Amherst St., Nashua, 921-1875; 217 W. Hollis St., Nashua, 921-0745; chewiesplayland.com. With two locations in the Gate City, Chewie’s Playland offers a variety of services for dogs, including day care, boarding, grooming and both indoor and outdoor play areas with plenty of toys.
  • Bark City, 259 Hanover St., Manchester, 227-5248, barkcitynh.com. Bark City, which opened in 2017, features a day care facility with grooming services and a boutique retail store carrying top toy brands, all-natural snacks and treats.

Best Dog Groomer

Best of the best: Grooming at Tiffany’s, 127 Rockingham Road, Derry, 432-8000, groomingattiffanys.com. Grooming at Tiffany’s offers a variety of crate-free appointment or walk-in services for both dogs and cats.

  • Sarah’s Paw Spa, 16 Manning St., Derry, 512-4539, sarahspawspa.com. Established in 2017, Sarah’s Paw Spa offers a variety of grooming services for dogs, with several special add-on services ranging from flea and tick shampoos to teeth brushing and nail painting.
  • WAG Grooming Salon & Spa, 15 Ermer Road, Suite 108, Salem, 328-5530, wagplace.com. WAG arrived in early 2019 and continues to provide a variety of grooming and styling services for both dogs and cats.
  • Ruff to Fluff Dog Grrrooming, 1238 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 669-1955, rufftofluff.com. Ruff to Fluff offers both quick-fix and full-service grooms, which include bath, brush and blow dry services.
  • Hollywood Hounds Pet Spa, 250 Wallace Road, Bedford, 472-7387, hollywoodhoundsnh.com. Hollywood Hounds, which opened in 2006, offers grooming services to dogs and cats of all breeds, as well as hydrosurge bathing, flea and tick removal and emergency de-skunking.

Best Place to Let Your Dog Go Off Leash

  • Hudson Dog Park at Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark/page/dog-park. The Hudson Dog Park, which opened on the grounds of Benson Park in Hudson in the fall of 2012, features two separate areas for large and small dogs. Dog waste bags are available.
  • Concord Dog Park at Terrill Park, Old Turnpike Road, Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov/facilities/facility/details/Terrill-Park-28. This 21-acre park is maintained by the Pope Memorial SPCA and features groomed trails and fenced in areas for dogs of all breeds.
  • Derry Dog Park, Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry, 432-6136, derrynh.org/animal-control/pages/derry-dog-park. This dog park is completely fenced in with a double gate to enter, featuring separate areas for larger and smaller dogs.
  • Merrimack Dog Park at Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org/merrimack-dog-park. This ¾-acre-sized dog park is divided into separate sections for larger and smaller dogs.

Best On-Leash Dog Outing

Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org. The Beaver Brook Association features more than 35 miles of trails across more than 2,000 acres of forest, fields and wetlands within the towns of Hollis, Brookline and Milford.

PERSONALITIES

Most Innovative Chef

Best of the best: Troy Ward Jr., Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, Unit 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com

  • Bobby Marcotte, The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
  • Nicki Leavitt, Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com
  • Michael Buckley, Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com (Surf also has a location in Portsmouth.)
  • Corey Fletcher, Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com

Restaurant with the Friendliest Staff

Best of the best: Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, Unit 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com

  • Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663
  • Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com
  • The River Casino & Sports Bar, 53 High St., Nashua, 881-9060, therivercasino.com
  • Stella Blu, 70 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com

Butt-kicking-est Fitness Instructor

Best of the best: Meagan Sbat, Get Fit NH, 41 Terrill Park Drive, Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com

  • Mary Peace, SPENGA, 493 Amherst St., Nashua, 324-0355, spenganashua.com
  • Lauren Pino, SPENGA, 493 Amherst St., Nashua, 324-0355, spenganashua.com
  • Meagan Ferns, Strive Indoor Cycling, 10 Hills Ave., Concord, 513-9464, striveindoorcycling.com
  • Courtney Giddis, Strive Indoor Cycling, 10 Hills Ave., Concord, 513-9464, striveindoorcycling.com

Best Barber

Best of the best: AJ Caron, South Mane Barbershop, 28 S Main St., 1B, Concord, 952-2202, southmanebarbershop.com

  • Joey Daniels, South Mane Barbershop, 28 S Main St., 1B, Concord, 952-2202, southmanebarbershop.com
  • Traci Pettengill Tooky, Village Barber Shop, 12 Maple St., Contoocook, 746-2170, tookyvillagebarbershop.business.site
  • Rick Lindof, The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedman.com
  • Rafael Robles, Lineup Barbershop, 1271 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 218-3294, lineupbarbershop.com

Best Hair Stylist

Best of the best: Samantha Courtois, 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com

  • Kate Kwasniak, Blank Canvas Salon, 1F Commons Drive, No. 38, Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com
  • Tashia Landry, Salon North, 102 Bay St., Manchester, 483-3011, 102salonnorth.com
  • Ashley Hastings, Blank Canvas Salon, 1F Commons Drive, No. 38, Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com
  • Corrie Thayer, Color Trends Hair Salon, 25 Merrit Parkway, Nashua, 880-7504, colortrendshairsalon.com

Friendliest Dentist

Best of the best: Dr. Elizabeth & Victoria Spindel Rubin, Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry, 862 Union St., Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com

  • Dr. John Patrick Ahern, Ahern, Nichols, Hersey & Butterfield Family & Preventive Dentistry, 30 Pinkerton St., Derry, 432-5039, ahern-nichols.com
  • Dr. Ray Orzechowski, 280 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-4456, rayorzechowski.com
  • Dr. Charles Pipilas, 280 Main St., Suite 311, Nashua, 881-8280
  • Dr. Joseph Sheehan, 155 Dow St., Suite 401, Manchester, 623-0641

Friendliest Mechanic

Best of the best: Chad Tanguay, Merrimack Auto Center, 9 Webb Drive, Merrimack, 216-9596; 150 Amherst St., Nashua, 546-0157, merrimackautocenterllc.com

  • Ralph Brutus, Brutus Auto Repair & Service, 148 Merrimack St., Manchester, 624-8881, brutusauto.com
  • Dan Weed, Weed Family Automotive, 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com
  • Chuck Nelson, P&N Automotive Services, 140 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-4313, pandnauto.com
  • Justin Lemay, Bandit OffRoad, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, banditoffroad.com

Best Local Music Act

Best of the best: Chad LaMarsh, chadlamarsh.com. Chicago born and Berklee trained, the singer-guitarist calls Boston home, but he’s a Granite State favorite and perennial opener for Recycled Percussion whenever they’re in town.

  • Alli Beaudry, allibeaudry.com. She’s a Manchester native and Berklee alum (and instructor) whose bedazzled keyboard, infectious smile and sweet singing voice make Beaudry a local treasure.
  • Lucas Gallo, lucasgallomusic.com. Along with his talents as a singer, songwriter and guitarist, Gallo is a Concord booster, booking as well as playing shows in his hometown.
  • Brad Bosse, facebook.com/bradbossemusic. A ubiquitous presence on the music scene, Milford native Bosse possesses a voluminous catalog of cover songs and boundless energy.
  • Kevin Horan, kevinhoranmusic.com. The talented guitarist and drummer lives in Manchester and also performs with the Stone Road Band.

Best Comedian Who Lives Local-ishly

Best of the best: Bob Marley, bmarley.com. Marley is a Maine native who went west to seek fame many years ago, only to return quickly and find it at home riffing on the region’s many funny foibles.

  • Juston McKinney, justonmckinney.com. Having spent time as a Portsmouth police officer before he became a comic, one of the state’s most beloved, McKinney still lives on the Seacoast.
  • Nick Lavallee. Manchester’s own polymath, Lavallee does standup, plays in power pop rock band Donaher, and makes custom action figures under his Wicked Joyful brand.
  • Paul Landwehr, paullandwehr.com. He’s a Manchester native who cut his teeth at the weekly comedy gathering in Shaskeen Pub’s backroom, graduating to bigger stages and a solid regional reputation.
  • Jimmy Dunn, jimmydunn.com. Dunn made a name for himself in Boston and on enough cruise ships to write a book called Boat Hack. He now lives in Hampton Beach, where he hosts a must-see comedy festival every summer.

LIVING HERE

Coolest Free Historic Site or Monument

Best of the best: Stark Park, 650 River Road, Manchester, starkpark.com. Dedicated to New Hampshire’s Gen. John Stark, who penned the state motto, “Live Free or Die,” in 1809. The 30-acre plot was once the Stark Family farm and contains the original Stark Family burial plot.

  • New Hampshire Statehouse, 107 N. Main St., Concord, 271-2154, gencourt.state.nh.us/nh_visitorcenter/default.htm. The oldest state capitol in the country in which both houses of the legislature meet in their original chambers. Features tours, exhibits and a gift shop.
  • The Old Man of the Mountain. A series of cliff ledges resembling the profile of a man’s face that was a popular tourist attraction at Franconia Notch State Park until its collapse in May 2003. In 2011, the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund created The Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, with seven steel “profilers” that recreate the Old Man’s visage. Also at the State Park are museums with history, photos and stories of the Old Man. Visit cannonmt.com/things-to-do/activities/old-man-of-the-mountain.
  • Amoskeag Millyard, between Commercial and Bedford streets, Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org. Site of Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. from 1831 to 1936. The textile factory complex was the largest in New England.
  • Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, 139 St. Gaudens Road, Cornish, 675-2175, nps.gov/saga. Features the preserved home, gardens, studios and works of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The plot was Saint-Gaudens’ summer residence from 1885 to 1897. The park grounds, gardens, outdoor monuments and trails are open now during daylight hours for no cost. The Visitor Center and all historic buildings are currently closed for the season and will reopen in May.

Thing NH Does Better Than Anyone Else

Best of the best: Live free or die.

  • Everything!
  • No sales tax.
  • Maple syrup.
  • Outdoor activities.

Best Thing We Forgot to Ask About

Best of the best: Best Jams and Jellies: Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies, 47 Birchwood Circle, Bedford, 472-5388, laurelhilljams.com. A producer of dozens of jams and jellies made by hand in small batches from local fruits, wines and teas, Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies gets its name from the area of Bedford where owner and founder Sue Stretch lives. Formerly the president of the Bedford Farmers Market, Stretch was also a teacher for 41 years before retiring in the mid-2000s to focus on her business. She makes fruit jams like strawberry rhubarb, blueberry and red raspberry, plus jellies like apple cider, Asian pear, Concord grape and heirloom apple, and tea jellies, like chamomile tea and chai tea. You can order her products online or find them at several local stores, like Lull Farm in Hollis, Trombly Gardens in Milford, Grasshoppers Garden Center in New Boston and Bedford Fields Home & Garden Center.

  • Best Distillery: Steadfast Spirits Distilling Co., 134 Hall St., Unit H, Concord, 333-2162, steadfastspiritsdistilling.square.site. Steadfast Spirits officially opened its doors in early 2020 as the first licensed liquor manufacturer in the city of Concord. Its signature moonshine — Trouble’s Moonshine, named after owner and head distiller Charles “CJ” Lundergan, who is known by some as “Trouble” — is made with all natural ingredients and comes in a variety of flavors, like maple, vanilla, honey and cinnamon. Moonshine-mixed Trouble’s cocktails are also available, like Strawberry Smash, Citrus Squeeze and Apple Pie.
  • Best Gourmet Food to Go/Specialty Food Service: Local Baskit, 10 Ferry St., Suite 120A, Concord, 219-0882, localbaskit.com. Local Baskit was born when owner Beth Richards, an early adopter of the meal kit concept around the year 2013, began working toward creating a business plan integrating New Hampshire farms and other local businesses. In late 2016 she started working out of Genuine Local, a shared commercial kitchen in Meredith, and appeared at local farmers markets to gauge public feedback for the concept. She opened a storefront in Concord early the following year. Local Baskit has since expanded into offering craft beer and small gourmet food items, as well its meal kit delivery radius across southern New Hampshire.
  • Best Physical Therapist: Elite Rehab & Sports Therapy, 380 Daniel Webster Hwy., Suite H, Merrimack, 262-3305, eliterehabsports.com. Elite is a therapist-owned outpatient physical therapy practice, providing individual treatment plans to clients based on their own goals. It’s affiliated with several local universities and youth sports leagues, and offers a variety of services, from home exercise programs to injury prevention and wellness.
  • Best Massage Therapist: Bethany Chabot, LMT, 444 Hands, 36 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack, 834-2758, 444hands.com. Certified massage therapist Bethany Chabot has been working out of Family Chiropractic of Merrimack and Wellness Center in Merrimack since 2007 — in 2020, her practice was rebranded under the name 444 Hands. She is a 1999 Keene State College graduate, later going on to attend McIntosh College in Dover and completing her certificate for Massage Therapy and Bodywork.

This story was possible with the generous financial support of Hippo readers. Hippo is very grateful to have the support of its readers. If you haven’t contributed yet, please consider a small contribution. Your contributions allow Hippo to write more stories and gets you access to additional stories and columns. 

The Fine Print
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 2021 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.

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.

Hippo Best Of 2020 – The results are in!

It’s finally time to reveal the results from the poll that readers took way back in February, plus results from a quickie poll we created post-quarantine. Find out where your fellow readers go for their favorite dishes, where they bring their kids on rainy days and what events you can look forward to (mostly for next year, probably).

Also on the cover, the Mahrajan Middle Eastern Food Festival is on, this weekend in Manchester, p. 29. If all the choices in the beer cooler or at the bar overwhelm you, we’ve got some suggestions, p. 32. And if you’re looking for live music, check out our Music This Week listings, starting on p. 38.
INSIDE: Mahrajan food fest

Read the results!

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My Morning Jacket, The Waterfall II (ATO Records) I tend to associate this Louisville band with their neighbors to their ...
Film Reviews by Amy Diaz Seth Rogen is a turn-of-the-last-century immigrant to America and a modern app-developer in An American ...
*Black Is King (TV-14) Beyonce writes, co-directs and stars in this visual album whose music and story are based on ...
Midnight Sun, by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown and Co., 658 pages) Twilight aficionados read the first pages of Midnight Sun ...
We’re very happy and a bit relieved to present Hippo’s Best of 2020 in this week’s issue. It’s been a ...
The results are (finally) in! Remember February? Way way back then, before, well, just, before, you voted for your favorite ...
Edwin Ward of Candia is a manager and cook at the Union Street Takeout (90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663), a ...
Will Noonan on doing comedy post-quarantine Perspective is one big thing that comic Will Noonan took from his time in ...
Tinker Bell & the Fairy Godmother The 2020 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series wraps up next week at ...
Annual Middle Eastern food festival returns The Mahrajan Middle Eastern Food Festival might look and feel different this year, but ...
Covid-19 updateAs of August 3As of August 10Total cases statewide6,6606,840Total current infections statewide395326Total deaths statewide417419New cases219 (July 28 to Aug ...
UNH alumni help tech companies find diverse talent with Shtudy Shtudy (shtudy.co) is a career advancement startup that matches talented ...
Saving ValleyEfforts to take back and clean up Valley Cemetery in Manchester are being relaunched as a group of volunteers ...
Why tomatoes rule If I could only bring the seeds of one plant with me when exiled to a distant ...
All quotes are from Climbing the Mango Trees, by Madhur Jaffrey, born Aug. 13, 1933. Leo (July 23 – Aug ...
• Visit the Currier: The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) announced on its website that it will ...
• Park it: Traverse across music of the early 20th century as Tall Granite Big Band performs a free show ...
With news coming fast and furious in the restart of three major sports along with more from NFL camps and ...
• Assumption’s Greekfest canceled: Greekfest, a popular two-day Greek food festival normally held in late August at Assumption Greek Orthodox ...
Thursday, Aug. 13The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org, 669-6144) inches closer to opening by holding ...
Dear Donna, This is a hanging ceramic plaque that belonged to my grandmother and I have always loved looking at ...

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Best Of 2017

The results are in! Throughout February, you voted for your favorite things about southern New Hampshire, from your favorite breakfast to your favorite place to take visiting relatives.

After hand-counting your votes, we now present you with the results, which include return champions as well as first-time winners.

Put them all together and you have a great resource of the best things to see and do right where you live. (Descriptions of the locations mentioned here are based on information available on their websites. Call ahead to verify they have the dish, salon service or fitness class you’re looking for.)

You also came up with some fantastic responses to “Best thing we forgot to ask about” — you’ll find stories about the Top 3 in these pages.

Once you’re done perusing this list, keep an eye out for our annual magazine, coming out in May, where we’ll expand on some of the people and places that make southern New Hampshire a great place to live.

The Arts

Best Performing Arts Venue

Best of the Best: The Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org (The 890-seat venue is more than 100 years old and is best known for its mainstage professional productions and Palace Youth Theatre company. In addition, it hosts musical and comedy acts and film screenings. The next mainstage musical is Saturday Night Fever April 14 through May 6.)

Best of Concord: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com (The arts venue contains the 1,304-seat Chubb Theatre, Governor’s Hall and the adjacent Kimball House. The venue sees Broadway national shows; concerts; and HD screenings of the Met, the National Theatre and Bolshoi Ballet. The next big production is Pippin Thursday, May 11.)

Best of Manchester: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com (The recent move from Londonderry enables tiered seating but with dancing and tables on the lowest level. It sees concerts and comedy events every weekend. Melissa Etheridge performs April 26.)

Best of Nashua: The Amato Center for the Performing Arts, 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 672-1002, svbgc.org (Built in 2005 around the former home of the American Stage Festival, the 460-seat theater houses the Riverbend Youth Company and the Riverbend School of Theater Arts plus productions by the Milford Area Players; the next big one is Seussical May 4 through May 7.)

Best Art Gallery

Best of the Best: McGowan Fine Art, 10 Hills Ave., Concord, 225-2515, mcgowanfineart.com (The contemporary gallery features work by New England artists of various media, styles and price ranges. Owner and director Sarah Chaffee celebrates her 20th year as the gallery director with a show, “Twenty Years of a Singular Vision,” on view through April 28 and a reception Friday, March 31, from 5 to 7 p.m.)

Best of Concord: Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 236 Hopkinton Road, Concord, 226-2046, themillbrookgallery.com (It’s perhaps best known for its summer outdoor sculpture exhibit, but owner Pam Tarbell also curates several indoor exhibitions each year with work by New England artists in all media, including sculpture, paintings, jewelry, etc. It opens for the season May 4.)

Best of Manchester: Studio 550 Art Center, 550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com (It’s primarily a ceramics studio for beginner and advanced artists, but the space sees monthly rotating curated or non-curated shows. On view now through April 25 is “Upcycled Art: A New Life for Old Things.”)

Best of Nashua: Wild Salamander Creative Arts Center, 30 Ash St., Hollis, 465-9453, wildsalamander.com (The art center is primarily for classes, workshops and summer camps but also hosts art shows almost every month. On view April 1 through April 22 is “Dueling Landscapes: Traditional vs. Industrial” with work by Stephen L. Previte.)

Best Art in a Public Space

Best of the Best: Downtown Concord (The newest pieces include the sculpture of a boy with a turtle by Beverly Benson Seamans on South Main St. Other downtown art includes the Eagle Square gateway tree sculpture, the new Haley Rae Martin mural created by local high school students, located on the CVS on Main Street, and the statues and memorials on the State House lawn, including Gen. John Stark, Daniel Webster and Franklin Pierce, among others.)

Best of Concord: Concord Arts Market, Bicentennial Square, concordartsmarket.net (It happens almost every Saturday from June 3 through Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bicentennial Square, hosting local artists selling art, crafts, jewelry and more.)

Best of Manchester: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org (Outside are four sculptures: “Fusion II,” a stainless steel piece by George Sherwood, “Thank You Silence” and “Bench #XIII,” both by Gary Haven Smith, and “Origins,” a bright red and black piece by Mark di Suvero. Inside are permanent and rotating art exhibitions; on view now are “Deep Cuts: Contemporary Paper Cutting” and “Soo Sunny Park: BioLath.”)

Best of Nashua: Downtown Nashua (Downtown contains a variety of murals and sculptures courtesy of Positive Street Art, City Arts Nashua and the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium. The most recent addition is a mural on Main St. honoring famous Hollywood flicks, like It’s A Wonderful Life and The Blob; you can find all the city’s downtown murals and sculptures at downtownnashua.org/live/cultural-groups/. Three artfully-decorated downtown pianos will also be installed for the spring season starting May 6, one confirmed for Bicentennial Park, the other locations TBD.)

Shopping

Best Florist

Best of the Best: Cobblestone Design Company, 89 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 228-5980, cobblestoneflorist.com

Best of Concord: D. McLeod Florist, 49 S. State St., Concord, 225-3721, dmflowers.com

Best of Manchester: Chalifour’s Flowers, 46 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8844, chalifours.com

Best of Nashua: Fortin Gage Flowers & Gifts, 86 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-3371, fortingage.com

Best Independent Clothing Store

Best of the Best: Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co., 13 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1101, clothingnh.com (More than 100 lines of women’s clothes, jewelry and accessories, made in the U.S. or purchased fair trade.)

Best of Concord: Indigo Blues & Co., 902 Main St., Contoocook, 660-9290, indigobluesandco.com (Women’s jeans boutique with other clothes, jewelry and accessories.)

Best of Manchester: Alapage, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 622-0550, alapageboutique.com (Contemporary upscale women’s boutique with clothing, jewelry, accessories and a “jeans bar,” with an extensive denim selection.)

Best of Nashua: Fresh of Nashua, 178 Main St., Nashua, 821-9888, freshofnashua.com (Upscale women’s fashion apparel and accessory boutique.)

Best Independent Jewelry Store

Best of the Best: Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com

Best of Concord: Speer’s Fine Jewelry, 24 N. Main St., Concord, 224-1582, speersfinejewelry.com

Best of Manchester: Bellman Jewelers, 1650 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4653, bellmans.com

Best of Nashua: Scontsas Fine Jewelry & Home Decor, 169-173 Main St., Nashua, 882-3281, scontsas.com

Best Independent Shoe Store

Best of the Best: Alec’s Shoes, 1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com

Best of Concord: Joe King’s Shoe Shop, 45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com

Best of Manchester: Benton Shoe Co., 814 Elm St., Suite 102, Manchester, 644-2550, bentonshoeco.com

Best of Nashua: The Shoebox, 17 Route 101A, Amherst, 672-6570, shoeboxnh.com

Best Secondhand Store

Best of the Best: Mother & Child Clothing and Gifts, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 886-6727, mothersays.shoprw.com

Best of Concord: OutFITters Thrift Store Boutique, 20 S. Main St., Concord, 219-0027, outfittersnh.org (Its second OutFITters Thrift Store is in Manchester at 394 Second St.)

Best of Manchester: Deja Boutique, 553 Mast Road, Goffstown, 222-7000, dejaboutiquenh.simpl.com

Best of Nashua: Dress 2 Impress Consignment, 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 589-9536, dress2impressconsignment.com

Fitness

Best Gym

Best of the Best: Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com (In addition to its coached workouts, the gym offers nutrition coaching, sport-specific training and small group training. Its second location is in Epsom at 167 New Orchard Road.)

Best of Concord: Concord YMCA, 15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622, concordymca.org (Membership comes with classes like spinning, yoga, pilates and Zumba, water exercise courses for adults and seniors and exercise machinery.)

Best of Manchester: Executive Health & Sports Center, 1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com (It has a second location in Hooksett at 1328 Hooksett Road.)

Best of Nashua: Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com (Private group training facility aimed at training everyone from beginners to athletes, with everything from fitness to nutritional training.)

Best Workout Class

Best of the Best: “Small Group Training” at Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com (One-hour class occurs most mornings and evenings during the week and comprises strength and metabolic training.)

Best of Concord: “Jeremy’s Boot Camp” atJeremy’s Boot Camp, 153 Manchester St., Suite 3 and 4, Concord, 721-2830, jeremysbootcamp.com (Combination of strength and high-intensity interval training.)

Best of Manchester: “Jazzercise” at Jazzercise Manchester Fitness Center, 32 Hayward St., Manchester, 624-9122, jcls.jazzercise.com/facility/jazzercise-manchester-fitness-center (Jazzercise classes are based in jazz and aerobics and occur early- and mid-morning and most evenings during the week.)

Best of Nashua: “Adult Group Training” at Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com (The one-hour sessions occur Monday through Friday in the early morning, mid-day and evening, plus Saturday mornings, and focus on all aspects of fitness, from mobility to strength training.)

Best Yoga Studio

Best of the Best: YogaBalance, 135 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 625-4000, yogabalance.info

Best of Concord: Ohana Yoga, 44 Cedar St., Contoocook, 748-1539, ohanayoganh.com

Best of Manchester: Mountain Base Yoga, 3 Church St., Goffstown, 660-0823, mountainbaseyoga.com

Best of Nashua: NH Power Yoga, 704 Milford Road, Merrimack, 594-2494, nhpoweryoga.com

Fix It

Best Car Repair Shop

Best of the Best: Duncan’s European Automotive, 3 Liberty Drive, Londonderry, 434-5769, duncansauto.com

Best of Concord: Weed Family Automotive, 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com

Best of Manchester: Black Widow Customs, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, blackwidowcustoms.com

Best of Nashua: Gurney’s Automotive Repair, 83 Broad St., Nashua, 886-5800, gurneysautomotive.com (Gurney’s Automotive has a second location in Milford at 419 Elm St.)

Beauty

Best Barbershop

Best of the Best: The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, Merrimack, 233-8685, thepolishedmannh.com

Best of Concord: Lucky’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz (Its second location is in Portsmouth at 801 Islington St., Suite 28.)

Best of Manchester: Handsome Devil’s Barber Shop & Shave, 1100 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 232-7024, handsomedevilsnh.com

Best of Nashua: Wilfred’s Barbershop, 90 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 880-8805, wilfredsbarbershop.com

Best Salon

Best of the Best: Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Concord: Creative Color & Cuts Salon and Day Spa, 259 S. Main St., Concord, 228-1158, creativecolorandcuts.com

Best of Manchester: 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave. Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com

Best of Nashua: Fancy Nancy’s Elite Hair Designers Salon & Day Spa, 295 DW Highway, Nashua, 891-0202, fancynancyssalon.com

Best Spa

Best of the Best: Serendipity Day Spa, 23 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 229-0400, serendipitydayspa.com

Best of Concord: Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Manchester: Renew MediSpa, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 894-0070, renewmedispa.com

Best of Nashua: Innovations The Salon & Spa, 228 Naticook Road, Merrimack, 880-7499, innovationsnh.com

Best Tattoo Shop

Best of the Best: Spider-Bite Tattoo & Body Piercing, 179 Elm St., Manchester, 645-1449, spider-bite.com

Best of Concord: Arrows & Embers Tattoo, 117 Manchester St., Concord, 988-6067, arrowsandemberstattoo.com

Best of Manchester: Tattoo Angus, 1279 S. Willow St., Manchester, 935-9398, tattooangus.com

Best of Nashua: Precision Body Arts, 3 Elm St., Nashua, 889-5788, precisionbodyarts.com

Best restaurants

Best Restaurant Overall

Best of the Best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery,58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com. The menu features traditional American pub fare with a modern twist and a focus on fresh ingredients. Favorites include their burgers, mac and cheese and steak tips.

Best of Concord: The Barley House, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com. Known for their burgers and french fries, The Barley House offers upscale pub cuisine and comfort food favorites with a wide selection of craft beer and whiskeys. (The Barley House also has a location at 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton.)

Best of Manchester: Republic, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com. The cafe features eclectic Mediterranean cuisine with a farm-to-table, seasonal focus. Menu items include paninis and flatbreads, unique vegan and vegetarian dishes, creative cocktails and more.

Best of Nashua: MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, 212 Main St., Nashua, 595-9334, mtslocal.com. MT’s offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere and features a menu of New American cuisine with a variety of entrees, wood-grilled pizzas and wines.

Best New Eatery

Best of the Best: Gale Motor Co. Eatery, 36 Lowell St., Manchester, 232-7059, galemotoreatery.com. Opened April 2016. The menu features culinary fusion cuisine with tapas and shareable plates and inventive craft cocktails. (A new Gale Motor Co. “Pit Stop” location is set to open at Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield in early April.)

Best of Concord: Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com. Opened January 2017. Revival presents reimagined New England and Old World classic dishes with a farm-to-table focus.

Best of Manchester: The Birch on Elm, 931 Elm St., Manchester, 782-5365, facebook.com/thebirchonelm. Opened September 2016. Serves globally inspired small- and medium-sized plates and handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist.

Best of Nashua: Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, facebook.com/baronenh. Opened June 2016. The gastropub features New American and elevated tavern cuisine centered around unique craft cocktails.

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Best of the Best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

Best of Concord: Granite Restaurant & Bar, located at The Centennial Hotel, 96 Pleasant St., Concord, 227-9000, graniterestaurant.com

Best of Manchester: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoorrestaurant.com (a second Copper Door location is set to open later this year at 41 South Broadway in Salem)

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Best Pub

Best of the Best: The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location at 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: The Wild Rover, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com

Best of Nashua: The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com

International cuisine

Best Asian Restaurant

Best of the Best: Lilac Blossom, 650 Amherst St., Unit 22, Nashua, 886-8420; 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-9588, lilacblossomrestaurant.com

Best of Concord: Siam Orchid Thai Bistro, 12 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1529, siamorchid.net

Best of Manchester: Asian Breeze, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 621-9298, asianbreezenh.com

Best of Nashua: Sweet Ginger, 6 Dobson Way, Merrimack, 424-8035, sweetgingerthai.com

Best Italian Restaurant

Best of the Best: Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano, 11 Depot St., Concord, 228-3313, angelinasrestaurant.com

Best of Concord: Fratello’s Italian Grille, 799 Union Ave., Laconia, 528-2022, fratellos.com (Fratello’s also has locations in Manchester and Nashua)

Best of Manchester: Fratello’s Italian Grille, 155 Dow St., Manchester, 624-2022, fratellos.com

Best of Nashua: Fratello’s Italian Grille, 194 Main St., Nashua, 889-2022, fratellos.com

Best Mexican/Latin American

Best of the Best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 1875 S. Willow St., Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Daniel Webster Highway, Manchester, 628-6899, lacarretamex.com (La Carreta also has locations in Derry, Nashua and Londonderry)

Best of Concord: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana,11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com

Best of Manchester: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, Derry, 421-0091, lacarretamex.com

Best of Nashua: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 139 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 891-0055, lacarretamex.com

More eateries

Best Barbecue

Best of the Best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net

Best of Concord: Smokeshow Barbeque, 89 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbbq.com

Best of Manchester: Goody Cole’s Smokehouse, 374 Route 125, Brentwood, 679-8898, facebook.com/goodcoles

Best of Nashua: Riverside Barbeque Co.,53 Main St., Nashua, 204-5110,riversidebarbeque.com

Best Diner

Best of the Best: Red Arrow Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com (Red Arrow also has locations in Milford and Londonderry; a new location in Concord is set to open this year)

Best of Concord: Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Road, Tilton, 286-2204, thecman.com/restaurants/tilton-diner

Best of Manchester: Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040, thecman.com/restaurants/airport-diner

Best of Nashua: Red Arrow Diner, 63 Union Square, Milford, 249-9222, redarrowdiner.com

Best Restaurant for Kids

Best of the Best: Tucker’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 206-5757, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Concord and New London)

Best of Concord: Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com

Best of Manchester: Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Nashua: Tiebreakers Family Grille/Wickets on the Green, located at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com (Wickets is outdoor dining open May through September)

Best Seafood Restaurant

Best of the Best: Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com (Surf also has a location at 99 Bow St. in Portsmouth)

Best of Concord: Makris Lobster & Steak House, 354 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, 225-7665, eatalobster.com

Best of Manchester: Hooked Seafood Restaurant, 110 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-1189, hookedonignite.com

Best of Nashua: The Lobster Boat Restaurant, 453 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-5221, lobsterboatrestaurant.com (Lobster Boat also has locations at 273 Derry Road in Litchfield and 75 Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter)

Best Steakhouse

Best of the Best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

Best of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location at 62 Doris Ray Court in Laconia)

Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery,58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Drinks

Best Beer Selection

Best of the Best: New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (There’s another location at 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com (Also has locations at 21 Congress St. in Portsmouth and 83 Washington St. in Dover)

Best of Nashua: The Flight Center, 97 Main St., Nashua, 417-6184, flightcenterbc.com

Best Beer Shop

Best of the Best: Bert’s Better Beers, 1100 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 413-5992, bertsbetterbeers.com

Best of Concord: Concord Craft Brewing Co.,117 Storrs St., Concord, 856-7625,concordcraftbrewing.com

Best of Manchester: Lazy Dog Beer Shoppe, 27 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-2500, lazydogbeer.com

Best of Nashua: The Beer Store, 433 Amherst St., Nashua, 889-2242, thebeerstorenh.com

Best NH Brewery

Best: Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com. The Ale Room is open for tasting and tours Monday through Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Beers are offered at numerous southern New Hampshire restaurants and bars and at select specialty beer stores.

Runner-up: 603 Brewery, 12 Liberty Drive, Londonderry, 630-7745, 603brewery.com. The brewery has an on-site tasting bar with a view of the brewing area open Thursday and Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Tours are offered on Saturdays. Beers are available at select food markets, convenience stores and specialty beer shops in Derry, Londonderry and Manchester.

Honorable Mention: Henniker Brewing Co.,129 Centervale Road, Henniker, 428-3579, hennikerbrewing.com. The tap room is open Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Tours are offered on Saturdays. Beers are available at many bars and restaurants, specialty beer shops, food markets and convenience stores in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine.

Best Cocktail

Best of the Best: Mudslide, Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com. The original Mudslide has Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur and vodka. Variations include mudslides with other flavors (Almond Joy, cherry, churro/cinnamon, espresso, Milky Way and Snickers) and ones highlighting other liquors (Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and Jack Daniel’s Honey Whiskey).

Best of Concord: Margarita, Hermanos Cocina Mexicana,11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com. The original Hermanos Margarita has white tequila and triple sec. Variations include margaritas with different flavors (pomegranate, amaretto, raspberry, orange) and ones highlighting different brands of tequila (Cuervo, 1800, Horni, Patron, Sauza). There are also specialty margaritas substituting other liquors for tequila, including the citrus vodka-based Citrita (with triple sec) and Aligarita (with Alize), the limon rum-based Limonrita and the Key Lime, which has vanilla vodka and a splash of club soda.

Best of Manchester: Moroccan Old-Fashioned, Republic, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com. The drink has straight rye, Berber spiced syrup and orange oil.

Best of Nashua: Espresso Martini, Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar, 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 883-7333, giorgios.com. (Giorgio’s also has locations at 524 Nashua St. in Milford and 270 Granite St. in Manchester.) The drink is made with Giorgio’s secret blend.

Best Cup of Coffee

Best of the Best: True Brew Barista and Cafe, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776; 45 S. Main St., Concord, 715-5833, truebrewbarista.com

Best of Concord: Schoodacs Coffee & Tea, 1 E. Main St , Warner, 456-3400, schoodacs.com

Best of Manchester: Cafe la Reine,915 Elm St., Manchester, 232-0332, cafelareine.com

Best of Nashua: A&E Coffee Roastery & Tea, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 578-3338, aeroastery.com (A&E also has a cafe location at 1000 Elm St. in Manchester)

Best NH Hard Liquor

Best: Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com. Visiting and tasting hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Flag Hill spirits include General John Stark Vodka, Karner Blue Gin, Flag Hill White Rum, Flag Hill Spiced Rum, Sugar Maple Liqueur, Cranberry Liqueur, Blueberry Liqueur, Raspberry Liqueur, White Mountain Moonshine, Graham’s Grappa and Josiah Bartlett Barrel Aged Apple Brandy. Liquor is available at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlet locations and New Hampshire restaurants and bars.

Runner-up: Stark Vodka by Stark Brewing Co., 500 Commercial St., Manchester, 625-4444, starkbrewingcompany.com. Tours are offered by appointment. Vodka is available at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlet locations and New Hampshire restaurants and bars. Stark is also currently aging a bourbon which will be released later this year.

Honorable Mention: Djinn Spirits, 2 Townsend West, Suite 9, Nashua, 262-1812, djinnspirits.com. Visiting hours and tours are held Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Djinn liquors include Krupnik Spiced Honey Liqueur, Single Malt Whiskey, Beat 3 White Whiskey, Beat 3 Reserve Whiskey and Distilled Gin. Liquor is available at select NH Liquor & Wine Outlet locations and New Hampshire restaurants and bars.

Best NH Tasting Room

Best: Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com. The Ale Room is open for tasting and tours Monday through Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Runner-up: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com. Visiting and tasting hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours offered on Saturday and Sunday.

Honorable Mention: Great North Aleworks, 1050 Holt Ave., Unit 14, Manchester, 858-5789, greatnorthaleworks.com. The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday, 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., with tours offered on Saturdays.

Best Restaurant Wine List

Best of the Best: Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com

Best of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location at 62 Doris Ray Court in Laconia)

Best of Manchester: Cask and Vine, 1.5 E. Broadway, Derry, 965-3454, caskandvine.com

Best of Nashua: MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, 212 Main St., Nashua, 595-9334, mtslocal.com

Best NH Winery

Best: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com. Visiting and tasting hours are Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours offered on Saturday and Sunday. Wines are available at NH Liquor & Wine Outlet, Hannaford, Shaw’s and Market Basket stores as well as independent food markets and wine shops throughout the state.

Runner-up: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com. Tastings and tours are offered daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wines are available at NH Liquor & Wine Outlet, Hannaford, Shaw’s and Market Basket stores as well as independent food markets and wine shops throughout the state.

Honorable Mention: Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com. Visiting and tasting hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Wines are available at NH Liquor & Wine Outlet stores and select New Hampshire food markets, bars and restaurants.

Delicious dishes

Best Bagels

Best of the Best: Bagel Cafe, 373 Hanover St., Manchester, 647-2233, nhbagelcafe.com (Bagel Cafe also has a location at 19 S. River Road in Bedford)

Best of Concord: The Works Bakery Cafe, 42 N. Main St., Concord, 226-1827, worksbakerycafe.com (The Works also has locations at 5A Mill Road Plaza in Durham and 9 Congress St. in Portsmouth)

Best of Manchester: Brooklyn Bagel House, 11 Manchester Road, Derry, 432-3300, brooklynbagelrestaurant.com

Best of Nashua: Bagel Alley, 1 Eldridge St., Nashua, 882-9343, find them on Facebook

Best Breakfast

Best of the Best: Tucker’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 206-5757, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Concord and New London)

Best of Concord: Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com

Best of Manchester: Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1953, purplefinchcafe.com

Best of Nashua: The Riverhouse Cafe, 123 Union Square, Milford, 249-5556, theriverhousecafe.com (The Riverhouse also has a location at 4 Slip Road in Greenfield)

Best Burgers

Best of the Best: The Barley House, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location at 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Concord: Vibes Gourmet Burgers, 25 S. Main St., Concord, 856-8671, vibesgourmetburgers.com

Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery,58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Nashua: Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen, 237 South St., Milford, 672-9130, papajoeshumblekitchen.com

Best Burrito

Best of the Best: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com (Dos Amigos also has locations at 286 Central Ave. in Dover and 107 State St. in Portsmouth)

Best of Concord: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana,11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com

Best of Manchester: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 1875 S. Willow St., Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Daniel Webster Highway, Manchester, 628-6899, lacarretamex.com (La Carreta also has locations in Derry, Nashua and Londonderry)

Best of Nashua: California Burritos,101 Factory St., Nashua, 718-8745, facebook.com/californiaburritosnh

Best Clam Chowder

Best of the Best: Collins Brothers Chowder Co.,59 Temple St., Nashua, 883-2347, collinsbrotherschowder.com

Best of Concord: Newick’s Lobster House, 317 Loudon Road, Concord, 225-2424, newicks.com (Newick’s also has a location at 431 Dover Point Road in Dover)

Best of Manchester: Lobster Tail Restaurant,4 Cobbetts Pond Road, Unit 2, Windham, 890-5555, facebook.com/lobstertail

Best of Nashua: Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com (Surf also has a location at 99 Bow St. in Portsmouth)

Best French Fries

Best of the Best: Republic, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location at 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: Caesario’s, 1057 Elm St., Manchester, 669-8383, caesariospizza.com

Best of Nashua: Tiebreakers Family Grille/Wickets on the Green, located at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com

Best Menu Item

Best of the Best: Chicken Tenders, Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Concord: Garlic Chicken Nachos, Hermanos Cocina Mexicana,11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com

Best of Manchester: Fat Boy Steak Tips, The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery,58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Nashua: Carmen Fries, Tiebreakers Family Grille/Wickets on the Green, located at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com

Best Mac & Cheese

Best of the Best: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese, 497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com (Mr. Mac’s also has a location at 2600 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth)

Best of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location at 62 Doris Ray Court in Laconia)

Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery,58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Nashua: The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern, 641 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 429-2022, homesteadnh.com (The Homestead also has a location at 1567 Summer St. in Bristol)

Best Pizza, Takeout

Best of the Best: Alley Cat Pizzeria, 486 Chestnut St., Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com. Delivery available.

Best of Concord: Constantly Pizza, 39 S. Main St., Concord, 224-9366; 108 Fisherville Road, Penacook, 227-1117, constantlypizza.net. Delivery available.

Best of Manchester: The Pizza Man, 254 W. River Road, Hooksett, 626-7499, thepizzamandelivers.com. Delivery available. (The Pizza Man also has a location at 850 E. Industrial Park Drive in Manchester)

Best of Nashua: Espresso Pizza, 85 Main St., Nashua, 889-9826, find them on Facebook. Delivery available.

Best Pizza, Dine-In

Best of the Best: 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, 50 Dow St., Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com (900 Degrees also has a location in Brickyard Square at 24 Calef Highway in Epping)

Best of Concord: Tilton House of Pizza, 298 Main St., Tilton, 286-7181, find them on Facebook

Best of Manchester: The Pizza Man, 254 W. River Road, Hooksett, 626-7499, thepizzamandelivers.com. Delivery available. (The Pizza Man also has a location at 850 E. Industrial Park Drive in Manchester)

Best of Nashua: Pig Tale Restaurant, 449 Amherst St., Nashua, 864-8740, pigtalerestaurant.com

Best Salads

Best of the Best: Live Juice, 5 S. Main St., Concord, 226-3024, livejuicenh.com

Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com

Best of Manchester: Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Nashua: Pressed Cafe, 108 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 718-1250, pressedcafe.com

Best Sandwich

Best of the Best: Korean Pork Tenderloin Burrito, Wellington’s Marketplace, 124 N. Main St., Concord, 715-1191, wellingtonsmarketplace.com

Best of Concord: Roast Beef, Beefside Restaurant, 106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsidenh.com

Best of Manchester: Steak and Cheese Sub, Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com

Best of Nashua: Big Poppy, Nashua Garden, 121 Main St., Nashua, 886-7363, facebook.com/thenashuagarden603. Hot sandwich includes turkey, pepperoni and Muenster cheese.

Best Subs

Best of the Best: Nadeau’s Subs, 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 100 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 805 Canal St., Manchester, 644-8888; 1095 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-4411, nadeaussubs.com (Nadeau’s also has locations at 81 S. Main St. in Concord and 48 Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter)

Best of Concord: Cimo’s South End Deli, 250 South St., Concord, 856-8020, find them on Facebook

Best of Manchester: Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com

Best of Nashua: Bill Cahill’s Super Subs, 8 Kimball Road, Hudson, 882-7710

Food shops

Best Bakery

Best of the Best: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330, find them on Facebook.

Best of Concord: Crust & Crumb, 126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com

Best of Manchester: Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com

Best Butcher Shop

Best of the Best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 224-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Concord: Concord Beef & Seafood, 75 S. Main St., Concord, 226-3474, find them on Facebook.

Best of Manchester: Mr. Steer, 27 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-1444, mrsteermeats.com

Best of Nashua: The Flying Butcher, 124 Route 101A, Amherst, 598-6328, theflyingbutcher.com

Best Neighborhood Market

Best of the Best: Sully’s Superette, 10 N. Mast Road, Goffstown, 497-8176, sullyssuperette.com

Best of Concord: Quality Cash Market, 11 Eastman St., Concord, 225-9661, qualitycashmarket.com

Best of Manchester: Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop, 815 Chestnut St., Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com

Best of Nashua: Jeannotte’s Market, 2 Courtland St., Nashua, 882-0161, find them on Facebook.

Sweets

Best Candy/Chocolate Shop

Best of the Best: Granite State Candy Shoppe, 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591, granitestatecandyshoppe.com

Best of Concord: Kellerhaus, 259 Endicott St. North, Weirs Beach, 366-4466, kellerhaus.com

Best of Manchester: Van Otis Chocolates, 341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotischocolates.com

Best of Nashua: Nelson’s Candies, 65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandieswilton.com

Best Cupcakes

Best of the Best: Queen City Cupcakes, 790 Elm St., Manchester, 624-4999, qccupcakes.com

Best of Concord: Concord Food Co-op, 24 S. Main St., Concord, 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.coop

Best of Manchester: Carina’s Cakes, 38 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-9620, find them on Facebook.

Best of Nashua: Frederick’s Pastries, 109 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-7725, pastry.net

Best Desserts

Best of the Best: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330, find them on Facebook.

Best of Concord: Crust & Crumb, 126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com

Best of Manchester: Carina’s Cakes, 38 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-9620, find them on Facebook.

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com

Best Locally Made Donuts

Best of the Best: Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com

Best of Concord: Brothers Donuts & Deli, 426 Central St., Franklin, 934-6678, find them on Facebook.

Best of Manchester: The Local Moose Cafe, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com

Best of Nashua: Crosby Bakery, 51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com

Best Ice Cream

Best of the Best: Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream, 7 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 888-4663, haywardsicecream.com

Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com

Best of Manchester: Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 666-9893, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Nashua: King Kone, 336 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 420-8312, find them on Facebook.

Best Whoopie Pies

Best of the Best: Crust & Crumb, 126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com

Best of Concord: Gould Hill Farm, 656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook, 746-3811, gouldhillfarm.com

Best of Manchester: Carina’s Cakes, 38 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-9620, find them on Facebook.

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com

Locally grown

Best Farm Stand

Best of the Best: Lull Farm, 65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com

Best of Concord: Dimond Hill Farm, 315 Hopkinton Road, Concord, 496-8218, dimondhillfarm.com

Best of Manchester: LaValley Farms, 1801 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 485-3541, lavalleyfarms.com

Best of Nashua: Fitch’s Corner, 182 Center Road, Milford, 801-8368, find them on Facebook.

Best Farmers Market

Best: Concord Farmers Market. It begins Saturday, May 6 and is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Capitol Street, Concord

Runner-up: Salem Farmers Market. It is open year-round every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 14 Main St., Salem, until Sunday, May 7, when it moves to 224 N. Broadway, Salem.

Honorable Mention: Bedford Farmers Market. It begins June 6 and is open every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford.

Best NH-Made Food Product

Best: Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies of Bedford, available at their home address at 47 Birchwood Circle, Bedford, Bedford Fields Garden Center & Home Decor, the Farm & Flower Market in Manchester, several other stores and online at laurelhilljams.com. Check the website for more locations and call 472-5388 for more info.

Runner-up: Blackwater Mustard of Contoocook, available at local farm stands, small markets and delis around southern New Hampshire. You can also purchase at blackwatermustardco.com. Contact [email protected] or call 746-2349 for more info.

Honorable Mention: Parker’s Maple Barn of Mason maple syrup, available at their gift shop at 1316 Brookline Road, Mason, or online at parkersmaplebarn.com.

Entertainment

Best Radio Show

Best: Greg and the Morning Buzz, Rock 101 WGIR-FM/100.3 WHEB-FM, airs weekdays from 5:30 to 10 a.m., hosted by Greg Kretschmar, morningbuzz.com

Runner-up: The Exchange, New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), 89.1 FM Concord/Manchester, 88.3 FM Nasua, airs weekdays live from 9 to 10 a.m. and re-airs at 8 p.m., hosted by Laura Knoy, nhpr.org.

Honorable Mention: New Hampshire in the Morning, 95.7 WZID-FM, airs mornings from 5 to 10 a.m., hosted by Neal White and Marga Bessette, wzid.com

Best Radio Station

Best: 95.7 WZID-FM, today’s variety, wzid.com

Runner-up: New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), airs local and national news and programming from NPR and other public radio stations on various frequencies around the state, including 89.1 FM Concord/Manchester and 88.3 FM Nashua. Visit nhpr.org.

Honorable Mention: Rock 101 WGIR-FM, Manchester’s rock station, rock101fm.com

Best Local Movie Theater

Best: Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 224-4600, redrivertheatres.org. A three-screen cinema that shows independent films, classics, foreign films, cult favorites and local projects.

Runner-up: Chunky’s Cinema Pub, 151 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 880-8055, chunkys.com. A unique movie-viewing experience offering leather reclining seats from Lincoln Town Cars with food and drink table service during first-run major motion pictures.

Honorable Mention: Wilton Town Hall Theatre, 40 Main St., Wilton, 654-3456, wiltontownhalltheatre.com. An arthouse theater located in an old town hall building that shows a combination of modern indie flicks and classics.

Best Bookstore/Comic Book Store

Best of the Best: Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com

Best of Concord: Main Street BookEnds of Warner, 16 E. Main St., Warner, 456-2700, mainstreetbookends.com

Best of Manchester: Double Midnight Comics, 245 Maple St., Manchester, 669-9636, dmcomics.com

Best of Nashua: The Toadstool Bookshop, 614 Nashua St., Lorden Plaza, Milford, 673-1734, roadbooks.com

Best Community Event

Best: Market Days Festival, held in downtown Concord every summer, features food, shopping and free entertainment. This year’s festival is Thursday, June 22, through Saturday, June 24. Hosted by Intown Concord, intownconcord.org.

Best of Concord: Warner Fall Foliage Festival, held in downtown Warner every fall, is a free, family-friendly event that highlights rural life and colorful foliage. The Festival features live entertainment, parades, a 5K, amusement rides and food. This year’s event goes from Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, wfff.org.

Best of Manchester: Hippo de Mayo Taco Challenge, held in downtown Manchester, is the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in New England. Dozens of restaurants create their own unique tacos that visitors can try for $2 each. This year’s event will be on Thursday, May 4 (always the first Thursday of May). Hosted by the Hippo, hippodemayo.com.

Best of Nashua: Winter Holiday Stroll, held in downtown Nashua, features music, food, shopping, live entertainment and a candlelight stroll down Main Street. This year’s stroll is on Saturday, Nov. 25. Hosted by Great American Downtown Nashua, downtownnashua.org.

Best Food Event

Best of the Best: Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. With more than 150,000 annual attendees, it’s the largest seaside festival in New England and features seafood from more than 60 restaurants, plus family activities. This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 8, through Sunday, Sept. 10, at Ocean Boulevard on Hampton Beach, hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com.

Best of Concord: Market Days Festival, held in downtown Concord every summer, features food, shopping and free entertainment. This year’s festival is Thursday, June 22, through Saturday, June 24. Hosted by Intown Concord, intownconcord.org.

Best of Manchester: Hippo de Mayo Taco Challenge, held in downtown Manchester, is the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in New England. Dozens of restaurants create their own unique tacos that visitors can try for $2 each. This year’s event will be on Thursday, May 4. Hosted by the Hippo, hippodemayo.com.

Best of Nashua: Rock’n Ribfest. A celebration of ribs and barbecue food made by nationally renowned smokers and local restaurants. The festival, put on by Rotary Club of Nashua West, also features live concerts, a road race, hot air balloon rides and more. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, June 16, through Sunday, June 18, at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, ribfestnh.com, rotarynashuawest.com.

Best Place to Take Your Kids

Best of the Best: Cowabungas, an indoor inflatable playground. 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-8008, mycowabungas.com

Best of Concord: Krazy Kids, an indoor play center and party venue, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com

Best of Manchester: SEE Science Center, an interactive science museum modeled after the Exploratorium in San Francisco, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org

Best of Nashua: Nuthin’ But Good Times!, an indoor playground and party venue, 746 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 429-2200, nuthinbutgoodtimes.com

Best Place to Take Kids on a Rainy/Snowy Day

Best of the Best: Cowabungas, an indoor inflatable playground, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-8008, mycowabungas.com

Best of Concord: Krazy Kids, an indoor play center and party venue, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com

Best of Manchester: SEE Science Center, an interactive science museum modeled after the Exploratorium in San Francisco, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org

Best of Nashua: Nuthin’ But Good Times!, an indoor playground and party venue, 746 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 429-2200, nuthinbutgoodtimes.com

Best Place to Take Visiting Relatives

Best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. An art museum founded in 1929 that features European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculptures, including works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe and other notable artists.

Runner-up: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 595-1202, budweisertours.com. The center of Northeast operations for beer production and distribution for brands like Budweiser and the home of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Tours are available Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., after April 14, tours are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and between September and December tours are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Biergarten is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Honorable Mention: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org. A museum preserving an original Shaker village built in 1792 that includes 25 restored and four reconstructed buildings where visitors can learn about Shaker life. Museum exhibit and tours open this year on May 6 and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 27. Guided tours are available on Oct. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends in November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including Friday Nov. 24). The museum store is open April 1 through May 5 Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May 6 through Oct. 27, the store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and between Oct. 28 and Dec. 23 it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving.

Pets

Best Pet Store

Best of the Best: Woof Meow Family Pet Center, 19A Manchester Road, Derry, 965-3218, woofmeownh.com

Best of Concord: Sandy’s Pet Food Center, 141 Old Turnpike Road, Concord, 225-1177, sandyspetfood.com

Best of Manchester: Friendly Pets, 40 Concord Road, Lee, 868-1800, friendlypets.com (Its second location in Exeter at 81 Portsmouth Ave. at is set to open later this spring.)

Best of Nashua: Pet’s Choice, 454 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-7297, petschoicenh.com

Best Doggie Day Care

Best of the Best: Woof Woof Doggie Daycare Boarding & Training, 47 Rockingham Road, Windham, 890-6239, woofwoof.net

Best of Concord: Paws on Pine, 913 Pine St., Contoocook, 568-4022, pawsonpinenh.com

Best of Manchester: The Barking Dog Ltd., 208 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett, 222-2275, thebarkingdog.com (There are also locations in Derry at 210 Rockingham Road and Exeter at 7 Beech Hill Road.)

Best of Nashua: Superdogs Daycare, 637 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-1515, superdogsdaycare.com

Best Place to Walk Your Dog

Best of the Best: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson (Formerly the site of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, it’s a 166-acre municipal park in Hudson housing trails, a 9/11 memorial, dog park and Little Free Library.)

Best of Concord: White Park, 1 White St., Concord (In the winter, the 20-acre park houses a sledding hill and skating rink, and in the summer, visitors come for its baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelter, playground equipment, pool, soccer field and walking trails.)

Best of Manchester: Livingston Park, Hooksett Road, Manchester (It houses a baseball diamond, playground, pool, soccer field, running track, picnic shelter and Dorr’s Pond, which you can fish in during the summer and skate on during the winter.)

Best of Nashua: Mine Falls Park, Whipple St., Nashua (The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands and open fields and is bordered on the north by the Nashua River.)

Nightlife

Best Bar For Live Music

Best of the Best: TheShaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com

Best of Concord: True Brew Barista, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776, truebrewbarista.com (It also has a location inside Concord’s Gibson’s Bookstore at 45 S. Main St.)

Best of Manchester: Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net

Best of Nashua: Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar, 35 Railroad Square, Nashua, 578-0200, riverwalknashua.com

Best Bar With Outside Deck

Best of the Best: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com (The deck opens when the adjacent golf course is open — typically in April, when the ground is dry.)

Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com (It opens when the weather warms up.)

Best of Manchester: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.com (The deck opens when the weather is consistently warm.)

Best of Nashua: The Pasta Loft, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com (Its deck will open once the snow has melted. Pasta Loft also has another location in Hampstead at 220 E. Main St.)

Best Sports Bar

Best of the Best: Billy’s Sports Bar and Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com

Best of Concord: The Draft Sports Bar and Grill, 67 S. Main St., Concord, 227-1175, draftsportsbar.com

Best of Manchester: Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337 (Thirsty Moose Taphouse also has locations in Portsmouth at 21 Congress St. and Dover at 83 Washington St.)

Best of Nashua: Tilted Kilt Pub, 345 Amherst St., Nashua, 204-5531, tiltedkilt.com

Best Pub Trivia Night

Best of the Best: Monday nights at TheShaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com (Trivia starts at 7:30 p.m., with a maximum of six to a team.)

Best of Concord: Tuesday nights at Area 23, 254 N. State St., Concord, 552-0137, thearea23.com (Trivia starts at 7 p.m., no team size limit.)

Best of Manchester: Wednesday nights at The Farm Bar & Grille, 1181 Elm St., Manchester 641-3276, farmbargrille.com (Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m., with a maximum of six people per team.)

Best of Nashua: Tuesday nights at The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com (Trivia starts at 8:30 p.m.; there’s no team size limit, and you can sign up the night of.)

Best Karaoke Night

Best of the Best: Yee Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, 830 S. Willow St., Manchester, 625-5500, yeedynasty.com (Karaoke is seven nights a week from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; sign up is at the door.)

Best of Concord: Beijing & Tokyo, 61 S. Main St., Concord, 228-0888, beijingtokyoconcordnh.com (Karaoke is Friday and Saturday night at 9 p.m.)

Best of Manchester: McGarvey’s Saloon, 1097 Elm St., Manchester, 627-2721, mcgarveysnh.com (Karaoke is every day except Monday night at 9:30 p.m.)

Best of Nashua: Grand Buffet, 350 Amherst St., Nashua, 881-9799, 350grandbuffet.com (Karoake is Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)

Best Date Place

Best of the Best: 815 Cocktails and Provisions, 815 Elm St., Manchester, 782-8086, ivotewet.com

Best of Concord: Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano, 11 Depot St., Concord, 228-3313, angelinasrestaurant.com

Best of Manchester: Mint Bistro, 1105 Elm St., Manchester, 625-6468, mintbistronh.com

Best of Nashua: Stella Blu, 70 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com

Outdoors

Best Local Hiking Trail

Best of the Best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3400, ext. 5005, nashuanh.gov. A 325-acre park that includes about eight miles of walking trails in the forest, as well as wetlands and open fields, in the heart of the Gate City, near the Nashua River.

Best of Concord: Marjory Swope Park, Long Pond Road, Concord, 225-8515, concordnh.gov. A two-mile loop near Penacook Lake.

Best of Manchester: Lake Massabesic, Route 101, Exit 2, Bypass 28, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Several marked trails that range in length from a half mile to more than three miles.

Best of Nashua: Beaver Brook, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org. Features 35 miles of trails along more than 2,000 acres of forest, wetlands and fields.

Best City Park

Best of the Best: White Park, 1 White St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov. A 20-acre park with features that include White Park Pond, an ice skating rink during the winter months, and the Monkey Around Playground, the largest playground in the Capital City.

Best of Concord: Rollins Park, 116 Broadway St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov (parking is at 33 Bow St., Concord). Features walking trails, a full-sized playground, baseball, softball and field hockey fields, and the city’s largest public pool, open during the summer months.

Best of Manchester: Livingston Park, Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-4444, manchesternh.gov. The park features a baseball diamond, a soccer field, walking paths, a running track and two playgrounds. A recently constructed swimming pool is also available during the summer months.

Best of Nashua: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 880-1600, hudsonnh.gov. Features more than 150 acres of land and includes ponds, walking trails in the woods, a playground and a dog park.

Best State Park

Best: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with more than 10,000 acres of land and 40 miles of trails.

Runner-up: Pawtuckaway State Park, 128 Mountain Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org. Features more than 5,000 acres of land and hiking trails.

Honorable Mention: Wellington State Park, 614 West Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org. Features volleyball and horseshoe courts, and a peninsula nature trail with picnic areas, fishing areas and more.

Best Sledding Hill

Best of the Best: Derryfield Country Club, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 669-0235, derryfieldgolf.com. A popular hill for sledding next to the golf course.

Best of Concord: White Park, 1 White St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov. A sledding hill is located within the park.

Best of Manchester: Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 434-7619, macksapples.com. Multiple hills around the property are available for sledding.

Best of Nashua: Roby Park, Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. A large hill behind the park is often used for sledding.

Best Local Ski Hill

Best: Pats Peak Ski Area, 686 Flanders Road, Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com. Features 28 trails and slopes, 11 chair lifts, and one of the highest capacity computer-controlled snowmaking systems in the Northeast.

Runner-up: McIntyre Ski Area, 50 Chalet Court, Manchester, 622-6159, mcintyreskiarea.com. Features 200 vertical feet of terrain, nine skiing trails and an eight-lane snow tubing park.

Honorable Mention: Crotched Mountain, 615 Francestown Road, Bennington, 588-3668, crotchedmountain.com. Features 100 acres of skiing terrain, with 25 trails and three terrain parks.

Best Golf Course

Best: Derryfield Country Club, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 669-0235, derryfieldgolf.com. Derryfield is a public golf course. Rates are $43 for 18 holes everyday and $27 for 9 holes. Additional fees apply for golf carts.

Runner-up: Beaver Meadow Golf Course, 1 Beaver Meadow Drive, Concord, 228-8954, beavermeadowgolfcourse.com. Beaver Meadow is open to the public and offers walk-in rates and seasonal memberships. 2017 rate information TBA.

Honorable Mention: Manchester Country Club, 180 S. River Road, Bedford, 624-4096, manchestercountryclub.com. Manchester Country Club is open to the public but requires memberships to use the facilities. A variety of memberships are available that include access to golf courses and events, player development and indoor simulator and more.

Favorite Farm

Best: Lull Farm, 65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com, grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, like apples, kiwi, potatoes, carrots, zucchini and more.

Runner-up: Sunnycrest Farm, 59 High Range Road, Londonderry, 432-7753, sunnycrestfarmnh.com, has pick-your-own apples, strawberries, blueberries and cherries, as well as a farmers market with fruits, vegetables, milk, honey, syrup and more.

Honorable Mention: J&F Farms, 108 Chester Road, Derry, 437-0535, jandffarms.com, produces fruits, vegetables, beef, eggs and more.

Food Personalities

Best Bartender

Best of the Best: Jack Wholey, Republic, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com

Best of Concord: Jonathan Emmons, The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com

Best of Manchester: Patrick Graham, Romano’s Pizza, 27 Colby Road, Litchfield, 424-0500, romanosnh.com

Best of Nashua: Michael Day, Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar, 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 883-7333, giorgios.com

Best Chef

Best of the Best: Bobby Marcotte, The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Concord: Corey Fletcher, Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best of Manchester: Edward Aloise, Republic, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com

Best of Nashua: Kimmy Lavoie, Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/baronenh

Best Waiter/Waitress

Best of the Best: Josee Bilodeau, Republic, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com

Best of Concord: Bill Wishart, Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best of Manchester: Sarah Archambault, The Wild Rover, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com
Best of Nashua: Amanda Hudon, Tiebreakers Family Grille, Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, ext. 232, hampshirehills.com

Health & Beauty Personalities

Best Fitness Instructor

Best of the Best: Nancy Carlson (who coaches Athlete Academy), Get Fit New Hampshire, 287 S. Main St., Concord, and 167 New Orchard Road, Epsom, 344-2651, getfitnh.com

Best of Concord: Jeremy Woodward (who coaches boot camp), Jeremy’s Boot Camp, 153 Manchester St., Concord, 721-2830, jeremysbootcamp.com

Best of Manchester: Nancy Brodeur, Jazzercise Manchester Fitness Center, 32 Hayward St., Manchester, 624-9122, jcls.jazzercise.com/facility/jazzercise-manchester-fitness-center

Best of Nashua: Matt Skeffington, Dynamic Strength & Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com

Best Hair Stylist

Best of the Best: Kae Mason, Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Concord: Denise Jewell, Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Manchester: Samantha Courtois, 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., No. 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com

Best of Nashua: Erin Crowley, Fancy Nancy’s Elite Hair Designers, 295 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 891-0202, fancynancyssalon.com

Best Barber

Best of the Best: Rick Lindof, The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, Merrimack, 233-8685, thepolishedmannh.com

Best of Concord: Josh Craggy, Lucky’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz

Best of Manchester: Josh Smith, Handsome Devil’s Barbershop & Shave, 1100 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 232-7024, handsomedevilsnh.com

Best of Nashua: Hannah Coleman, The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, Merrimack, 233-8685, rlcuts.com

Friendliest Dentist

Best of the Best: Dr. Elizabeth Spindel (Elizabeth Spindel, D.M.D.), 862 Union St., Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com

Best of Concord: Dr. Ray Orzechowski (R. Orzechowski Jr. D.M.D. General Dentistry) 280 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-4456

Best of Manchester: Dr. John J. Ahern (Ahern, Nichols, Ahern, Hersey & Butterfield Family Dentistry), 30 Pinkerton St., Derry, 432-5039, ahearn-nichols.com

Best of Nashua: Dr. Harvey Weener (Landmark Dental Care), 283 Broad St., Nashua, 882-7312, landmarkdentalnashua.com

Notable Locals

Best Mechanic

Best of the Best: Justin Lemay, Black Widow Customs, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, blackwidowcustoms.com

Best of Concord: Ryan Arsenault, Pellerin Motorsports, 219 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 210-1637, pellerinmotorsports.com

Best of Manchester: Ralph Brutus, Brutus Auto Repair & Service, 148 Merrimack St., Manchester, 624-8881, brutusauto.com

Best of Nashua: Nathan Fogg, Nathan Fogg’s Auto, 475 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 670-4986, nathanfoggsauto.com

Best Teacher

Best of the Best: Carole Bilodeau (first grade), Epping Elementary School, 17 Prospect St., Epping

Best of Concord: Emily Crompton (physical education), Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, 907 1st New Hampshire Turnpike, Northwood

Best of Manchester: Jeffrey Normandin (English), Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester

Best of Nashua: Amanda Eaton (first grade), Clark-Wilkins Elementary School, 80 Boston Post Road, Amherst

Entertainers

Best Local Band

Best: Miketon & The Night Blinders (folk-country), miketon.net

Runner-up: Pat & the Hats (rock-pop), patandthehats.com

Honorable Mention: enCircle (alternative-progressive rock), encircleband.com

Best Local Solo Performer

Best: Brad Bosse of Milford (acoustic-rock), facebook.com/bradbossemusic. Next local show is at Fratello’s in Nashua on Friday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m.

Runner-up: Ryan Williamson of Concord (acoustic-rock), rwilliamsonmusic.com. Next local show is at Telly’s in Epping on Friday, March 31, at 7 p.m.

Honorable Mention: Tristan Omand of Manchester (Americana), tristanomand.com. Next local show is at The Country Spirit in Henniker on Friday, March 31, at 8:30 p.m.

Best Local Comedian

Best: Nick Lavallee, theotherdude.com. Next local show is at the Shaskeen in Manchester on Wednesday, April 26, at 9 p.m.

Runner-up: Juston McKinney, justonmckinney.com. Next local show is at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord on Saturday, May 6, at 8 p.m.

Honorable Mention: Greg Boggis of Milford, facebook.com/GBoggis. Boggis is the host of The Boggis Hour, which airs on Access Nashua (Channel 96 in the Nashua area). He also appears at the Thursday Comedy Nights at Fody’s in Nashua; the next one is Thursday, March 30, at 8 p.m..

Best Local Radio Show Host

Best: Greg Kretschmar from Greg and the Morning Buzz, Rock 101 WGIR-FM/100.3 WHEB-FM, morningbuzz.com. Show airs weekdays from 5:30 to 10 a.m.

Runner-up: Laura Knoy from The Exchange, New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR), 89.1 FM Concord/Manchester/88.3 FM Nashua, nhpr.org. Show airs weekdays from 9 to 10 a.m. and re-airs at 7 p.m.

Honorable Mention: Nazzy from Morning Wake Up, 98.3 WLNH-FM, wlnh.nh1media.com. Show airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.

Best Local NH Sports Team

Best: New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Manchester-based AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team, miilb.com. The 2017 season home opener is Thursday, April 6, against the Binghamton Mets. Home field is Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive, Manchester.

Runner-up: Manchester Monarchs, Manchester-based East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, manchestermonarchs.com. The next and final two home games of the season are Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, against the Elmira Jackals. Home ice is at the SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester.

Honorable Mention: Nashua Silver Knights, Nashua-based Futures Collegiate Baseball League team, nashuasilverknights.com. The 2017 season home opener is Friday, June 2, against the Pittsfield Suns. Home field is Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst St., Nashua.

Local Attractions

Best Historical Site or Museum

Best of the Best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. An internationally renowned art museum founded in 1929 that features American and European paintings, sculptures, photographs and more.

Best of Concord: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org. One of the original Shaker museums that has since turned into a museum preserving several of the original buildings.

Best of Manchester: Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum. This museum is operated by the Manchester Historic Association and features exhibits pertaining to the Queen City’s history.

Best of Nashua: Monson Center, Federal Hill Road, Milford, 224-9945, forestsociety.org/property/monson-center. The site of an early colonial settlement in the mid-1700s that has since been preserved.

Coolest-looking Building

Best of the Best: New Hampshire Statehouse, 107 N. Main St., Concord, nh.gov. The oldest statehouse in the United States in which the state legislature still sits in its original chambers, the capitol building first opened in 1814. Tours for the NH State house can be booked online at gencourt.nh.state.us or by calling the Visitor Center at 271-2154.

Best of Concord: Gasholder House, South Main St., Concord, concordnh.gov. One of 11 known gasholder houses in the United States built in the 1800s to store gas surrounded by an iron gasholder, the Gasholder House is a round brick building that was used from 1888 to 1952 and is the last structure of its kind in the U.S. still containing its original gasholder. It has not been in service for decades.

Best of Manchester: Black Widow Customs, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, blackwidowcustoms.com. A family-owned company selling Jeep and off-road parts, the brick building features the back of a car jutting out from above the garage door entry.

Best of Nashua: Hunt Memorial Building, 6 Main St., Nashua, nashuanh.gov, is a former library that was recently renovated for office space and event rentals.

Best Thing About Living in NH

Best: Natural beauty and splendor. The beauty of New Hampshire and its lakes, mountains and coast ranked high on why people love living here. “Breathtaking views,” “Beautiful state for camping, hiking, skiing,” “Clean air and open spaces,” “Mountains, ocean, city, farmland all within an hour or so,” were some of the raves.

Runner-up: Seasons, yes all four of them. Even winter had its supporters — “winter and snow,” said one reader specifically. (Here’s another recipe for winter contentment: “Snow, fireplace, birds, wildlife, reading.”) “The scenery of the four seasons,” and comments praising not just the seasons themselves but the transition of seasons were common. Of the individual seasons, fall and the fall foliage probably received the most praise.

Honorable mention: Quality of Life. “Live free or die, baby!” and “Freedom” were popular answers, as were variations on “awesome friggin people.”

This story was possible with the generous financial support of Hippo readers. Hippo is very grateful to have the support of its readers. If you haven’t contributed yet, please consider a small contribution. Your contributions allow Hippo to write more stories and gets you access to additional stories and columns.

Best Of 2018

And finally, the results!

In February, you voted for your favorite things about southern New Hampshire — your favorite barista, family restaurant, spa, farm and so much more.

After hand-counting your votes (and after a bit of a delay due to all of those nor’easters that showed up in early March to remind us that winter wasn’t over yet), we now present you with the results.

As always, the votes include first-time winners and brand new categories along with returning champions and classic categories.

Looking for places to go and things to do now that winter is finally (hopefully) behind us? Here are some suggestions for food, shopping, arts events, nightlife, community happenings, outdoor spots and more along with some short stories about some of the “Best Things We Forgot to Ask About.”

Keep an eye out for our annual magazine, coming out later this spring with even more on places to go and things to do that make life in southern New Hampshire great — yes, even in winter.

And now, the winners are…

ARTS

Best Performing Arts Venue

Best of the best: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org. The 890-seat theater opened in 1915 and is home to its own professional, youth and teen performing companies and hosts visiting theater, music, dance and comedy acts. Its current mainstage production, Mamma Mia!, continues through May 6.

Best of Concord: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com. The 1,304-seat theater opened in 1927 and hosts traveling theater shows, dance performances, musical and comedy acts, film screenings and more. Its next event is comedian Demetri Martin on Friday, April 13.

Best of Manchester: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com. The 700-seat venue moved from Londonderry to Derry in the spring of 2017. It hosts primarily music and comedy events, including its monthly Tupelo Night of Comedy Series, which returns on Friday, April 13.

Best of Nashua: The Amato Center for the Performing Arts, 56 Mont Vernon St., Milford, 672-1002, svbgc.org. The 460-seat theater built in 2005 is home to the Riverbend Youth Company and productions by the Milford Area Players. The next show is 42nd Street by RYC May 3 through May 6.

Best Art Gallery

Best of the best: McGowan Fine Art, 2 Phenix Ave., Concord, 225-2515, mcgowanfineart.com. The contemporary gallery features art in a variety of media, styles and price ranges by New England artists. Its next exhibition, “Impressed,” runs April 17 through May 25 and highlights contemporary printmaking.

Best of Concord: Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden, 236 Hopkinton Road, Concord, 226-2046, themillbrookgallery.com. The indoor and outdoor gallery has seasonal exhibitions May through December featuring paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more by New England artists. Its spring and summer exhibit runs May 3 through Sept. 2.

Best of Manchester: Kelley Stelling Contemporary, 221 Hanover St., Manchester, 345-1779, kelleystellingcontemporary.com. The contemporary art gallery opened in October 2017 and features a variety of 2-D and 3-D art by emerging artists from New England and beyond. Its current exhibit, “Minute Particulars,” is on view through April 29 and highlights realist and surrealist art.

Best of Nashua: ArtHub, 30 Temple St., Nashua, 401-698-1951, naaa-arthub.org. The gallery and workspace is a collaboration between the Nashua Area Artists Association and artists of all backgrounds and interests in the greater Nashua area.

Best Art in a Public Space

Best of the best: Downtown Concord. Notable art pieces include a sculpture of a boy with a turtle on the corner of Pleasant and South Main streets, a modern granite gate sculpture near the Works Bakery Cafe on North Main Street and a colorful mural on the side of the CVS building on North Main Street. The city will install five new art pieces in downtown in May.

Best of Concord: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com. An art display featuring a different local artist each month hangs on the bar side of the restaurant.

Best of Manchester: Outside the Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. There are four sculptures on the museum grounds: “Origins,” a red and black steel piece by Mark di Suvero; “Fusion II,” a stainless steel piece by George Sherwood; and two granite pieces, “Thank You Silence” and “Bench #XIII,” by Gary Haven Smith.

Best of Nashua: Downtown Nashua. Positive Street Art and City Arts Nashua have installed a number of murals, such as “Nostalgia” on Main Street, which pays tribute to classic films, and “Vivian’s Dream” behind TD Bank on West Pearl and Main streets, which depicts West Pearl Street in 1909. There are also a number of sculptures installed through the Nashua International Sculpture Symposium, an annual event in which artists from around the world spend three weeks in Nashua creating sculptures for the city. This year’s symposium starts on May 10, and the public is invited to watch the sculptors work at MakeIt Labs (25 Crown St.) May 14 through May 30.

Best Arts Markets

Best: Concord Arts Market, 1 Bicentennial Square, Concord, concordartsmarket.net. The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market runs weekly on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June through September.

Runner-up: Craftsmen’s Fair, nhcrafts.org. The nine-day craft fair is hosted by the League of NH Craftsmen at Mount Sunapee Resort (1398 Route 103, Newbury) every summer. This year it will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 12.

Honorable mention: The Craftworkers’ Guild, 5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-8109, thecraftworkersguild.org. The next fair is May 4 through May 12.

The Fine Print
The vote
The results of Hippos’ 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 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 make 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.
This survey is for entertainment purposes only and is meant to serve as a snapshot of the people and places in southern New Hampshire at the moment the survey is conducted. Details about business, events and people listed may change between the time of the vote and publication.

Bests
The Best of 2018 is a celebration of all things local. Large national and international chains are, for the most part, not included in the count. Smaller chains with at least two-thirds of their locations in New Hampshire are eligible, as are businesses with two locations with one in New Hampshire. The “Best of the Best” designation goes to the person, place or thing that receives the most votes in the category. “Best of Manchester,” “Best of Nashua” and “Best of Concord” are awarded to the next top entries located in those areas. In categories with a “Best,” “Runner-up” and “Honorable Mention,” those are the top vote-getters in that category.

Geography
Here, roughly, is the designation of “Manchester,” “Concord” and “Nashua” areas:
• Manchester area includes Manchester, Goffstown, Auburn, Candia, Bedford, Hooksett, Raymond, Litchfield, Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Salem, New Boston, Francestown and towns to the east along Route 101 to include towns on Route 125.
• Concord area includes Concord as well as Bow, Pembroke, Contoocook, Dunbarton, Hopkinton, Loudon, Boscawen, Chichester, Weare, Henniker, Suncook and some towns in the Lakes Region.
• Nashua area includes Nashua as well as Merrimack, Amherst, Milford, Hollis, Brookline, Hudson, Mason and Wilton.

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 page 4 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 along. And, again, all results are final.

Best Visual Arts Event

Best: Greeley Park Art Show, nashuaareaartistsassoc.org. The art show is hosted by the Nashua Area Artists Association in Greeley Park (100 Concord St., Nashua) every summer. This year it will be held on Saturday, Aug. 18, and Sunday, Aug. 19.

Runner-up: Craftsmen’s Fair, nhcrafts.org. The nine-day craft fair is hosted by the League of NH Craftsmen at Mount Sunapee Resort (1398 Route 103, Newbury) every summer. This year it will be held Saturday, Aug. 4, through Sunday, Aug. 12.

Honorable mention: ArtFront, artfrontnh.com. The pop-up multimedia arts show celebrates Manchester’s culturally diverse community through visual art, music and dance.

Best Live Theatrical Performance

Best of the best: Rock of Ages, Palace Theatre professional production, palacetheatre.org. The show ran at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) Jan. 12 through Feb. 3, 2018.

Best of Concord: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Community Players of Concord, communityplayersofconcord.org. The show ran at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) Nov. 17 through Nov. 19, 2017.

Best of Manchester: A Christmas Carol, Palace Theatre professional production, palacetheatre.org. The show ran at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) Dec. 1 through Dec. 23, 2017.

Best of Nashua: Annie, Peacock Players, peacockplayers.org. The show ran at the Janice B. Streeter Theater (14 Court St., Nashua) Dec. 8 through Dec. 17, 2017.

BEAUTY & HEALTH

Best Salon

Best of the best: Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Concord: Creative Color & Cuts, 259 S. Main St., Concord, 228-1158, creativecolorandcuts.com

Best of Manchester: 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com

Best of Nashua: Fancy Nancy’s Elite Hair Designers, 295 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 891-0202, fancynancyssalon.com

Best Barbershop

Best of the best: The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedmannh.com

Best of Concord: Lucky’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz (second location at 801 Islington St., Suite 28, Portsmouth)

Best of Manchester: Dude’s Barber Shop, 1311 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 626-0533, dudesbarbershop.us

Best of Nashua: Wilfred’s Barber Shop, 90 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 880-8805, wilfredsbarbershop.com

Best Wig Shop

Best: AJ’s Wigs, 1100 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 666-4555, ajswigs.com

Runner-up: Amanda Thomas Women’s Boutique, Harris Pond Plaza, 30 Daniel Webster Highway, Suite 1, Merrimack, 595-9447, amandathomasboutiquenh.com

Honorable mention: A Wig Center & Hair Replacement, 83 S. Main St., Concord, 225-4620, awigcenter.com

Best Tattoo Shop

Best of the best: Spider Bite Body Piercing/Tattoo Angus, 179 Elm St., Manchester, 935-9398, tattooangus.com. (As of November 2017, Spider Bite does piercings only and has transferred its tattoo business to Tattoo Angus, which is located in the same building.)

Best of Concord: Arrows & Embers Tattoo, 117 Manchester St., Suite 3, Concord, 988-6067, arrowsandemberstattoo.com

Best of Manchester: Bulletproof Tiger Tattoo, 28 Amherst St., Manchester, 232-2115, bulletprooftigertattoo.com

Best of Nashua: Precision Body Arts, 3 Elm St., Nashua, 889-5788, precisionbodyarts.com

Best Spa

Best of the best: Renew MediSpa, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 894-0070, renewmedispa.com

Best of Concord: Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Manchester: Chill Spa, 1224 Hanover St., Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com

Best of Nashua: The Skin & Body Spa, 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-7900, theskinandbodyspa.com

Best Gym

Best of the best: Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Boulevard, Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com

Best of Concord: Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com (second location at 167 New Orchard Road, Epsom)

Best of Manchester: Executive Health & Sports Center, 1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com (second location at 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett)

Best of Nashua: Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com

Best Workout Class

Best of the best: “Smart Group Training” at Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com. Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, at 5, 6:15, 7:25 and 8:30 a.m., and 4:15, 5:30 and 6:45 p.m.)

Best of Concord: “All Level Barre” at Studio 603, 48 S. Main St., Concord, 998-6753, pilatesstudio603.com. Classes are held on Monday at 7, 8 and 9:15 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Tuesday at 8 and 9:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday at 7, 8 and 9:15 a.m.; Thursday at 8 and 9:15 a.m., and Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Best of Manchester: “Barre” with Maryjean Kimball at YMCA of Downtown Manchester, 30 Mechanic St., Manchester, 232-8670, graniteymca.org. Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday from 12:05 to 1 p.m.

Best of Nashua: “Adult Group Training” at Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Boulevard, Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com. Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 a.m., noon, and 4:30, 5:30, 6:30 p.m. (no 6:30 p.m. on Friday); Tuesday and Thursday at 5, 6 and 9 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m., and Saturday at 7, 8 and 9 a.m.

Best Yoga Studio

Best of the best: New Hampshire Power Yoga, 704 Milford Road, Merrimack, 594-2494, nhpoweryoga.com

Best of Concord: Sharing Yoga, 64 N. Main St., Concord, 630-5576, sharingyoga.com

Best of Manchester: YogaBalance, 135 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 625-4000, yogabalance.info

Best of Nashua: Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com

Best Dance Studio

Best of the best: Dimensions in Dance, 84 Myrtle St., Manchester, 668-4196, dimensionsindance.com

Best of Concord: Concord Dance Academy, 26 Commercial St., Concord, 226-0200, concorddanceacademy.com

Best of Manchester: Bedford Dance Center, 172 Route 101, Bedford, 472-5141, bedforddancecenter.com

Best of Nashua: The Dance Company, 141 Route 101A, Amherst, 864-8374, thedancecompanyonline.com

BEAUTY/WELLNESS EXPERTS

Best Fitness Instructor

Best of the best: Nancy Carlson (co-owner, runs Smart Group Training for adults), Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, and 167 New Orchard Road, Epsom, 344-2651, getfitnh.com

Best of Concord: Adam Gray (coaches Athlete Academy), Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, and 167 New Orchard Road, Epsom, 344-2651, getfitnh.com

Best of Manchester: Kate White (studio manager), Yoga Balance, 135 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 625-4000, yogabalance.info

Best of Nashua: Matt Skeffington (owner), Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Boulevard, Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com

Best Barber

Best of the best: Jason Drapeau, 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com

Best of Concord: Josh Craggy (owner), Lucky’s Barbershop & Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz

Best of Manchester: Joshua Smith, Handsome Devils Barbershop and Shave, 1100 Hooksett Road., Hooksett, 232-7024, find them on Facebook.

Best of Nashua: Hannah Coleman, The Polished Man, 707 Milford Road, Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedman.com

Best Hair Stylist

Best of the best: Erin Crowley, Fancy Nancy’s Elite Hair Designers, 295 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 891-0202, fancynancyssalon.com

Best of Concord: Kae Mason (owner), Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com

Best of Manchester: Samatha Courtois, 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com

Best of Nashua: Corrie Thayer (owner), Color Trends Hair Salon, 25 Merrit Parkway, Nashua, 880-7504, colortrendshairsalon.com

Friendliest Dentist

Best of the best: Elizabeth Spindel (owner), Spindel General & Cosmetic Dentistry, 862 Union St., Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com

Best of Concord: Ray Orzechowski Jr., 280 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-4456, rayorzechowski.com

Best of Manchester: John J. Ahern, Ahern, Nichols, Ahern, Hersey & Butterfield Family Dentistry, 30 Pinkerton St., Derry, 432-5039, ahern-nichols.com

Best of Nashua: Charles Pipilas, 280 Main St., Suite 311, Nashua, 881-8280

WHAT TO WEAR

Best Independent Clothing Store

Best of the best: Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co., 13 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1101, clothingnh.com

Best of Concord: Indigo Blues & Co., 902 Main St., Contoocook, 660-9290, indigobluesandco.com

Best of Manchester: Alapage Boutique, 25 S. River Road, Suite 301, Bedford, 622-0550, alapageboutique.com

Best of Nashua: Camaraderie Boutique, 175 Main St., Nashua, 402-1908, camaraderiestyle.com

Best Independent Jewelry Store

Best of the best: Bellman’s Jewelers, 1650 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4653, bellmans.com

Best of Concord: Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com

Best of Manchester: Jonathan’s Jewelers, 460 Route 101, Bedford, 471-2828, jonathansjewelers.com

Best of Nashua: Scontsas Fine Jewelry & Home Decor, 169-173 Main St., Nashua, 882-3281, scontsas.com

Best Independent Shoe Store

Best of the best: Alec’s Shoes, 1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com

Best of Concord: Joe King’s Shoe Shop, 45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com

Best of Manchester: Benton Shoe Co., 814 Elm St., Manchester, 644-2550, bentonshoeco.com

Best of Nashua: The Shoebox, 17 Route 101A, Amherst, 672-6570, shoeboxnh.com

Best Second Hand Store

Best of the best: Mother & Child Clothing and Gifts, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 886-6727, m-c-clothing-and-goods.myshopify.com

Best of Concord: OutFITters Thrift Store Boutique, 20 S. Main St., Concord, 641-6691, outfittersnh.org

Best of Manchester: OutFITters Thrift Store, 394 Second St., Manchester, 641-6691, outfittersnh.org

Best of Nashua: Dress 2 Impress Consignment Boutique, 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 589-9536, dress2impressconsignment.com

MORE SHOPPING

Best Bookstore/Comic Book Store

Best of the best: Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com

Best of Concord: Main Street BookEnds of Warner, 16 E. Main St., Warner, 456-2700, mainstreetbookends.com

Best of Manchester: Double Midnight Comics, 245 Maple St., Manchester, 669-9636, dmcomics.com (second location at 67 S. Main St., Concord)

Best of Nashua: The Toadstool Bookshop, 614 Nashua St., Lorden Plaza, Milford, 673-1734, toadbooks.com (Toadstool has two other locations, in Peterborough and Keene)

Best Retail Shop

Best of the best: Black Widow Customs, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, blackwidowcustoms.com (automotive products)

Best of Concord: Viking House, 19 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1198, vikinghouse.com (Scandinavian and European gifts)

Best of Manchester: Pop of Color, 816 Elm St., Manchester, 624-5999, popofcolornh.com (home decor and gifts)

Best of Nashua: Casual Cat Picture Framing & Unique Gifts, 141 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-1443, casualcat.com

Best Place to Buy a Unique Gift

Best of the best: League of NH Craftsmen Concord Gallery, 36 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8171, nhcrafts.org

Best of Concord: Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com

Best of Manchester: The Craftworkers’ Guild, 5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-8109, thecraftworkersguild.org. The next fair is May 4 through May 12.

Best of Nashua: J.M. Princewell, 127 Union Square, Milford, 673-0611, jmprincewell.com

HOME & CAR

Best Car Repair Shop

Best of the best: Pro-Image Automotive, 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 644-8480, autorepaircentermanchester.com

Best of Concord: Weed Family Automotive, 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com

Best of Manchester: Brutus Auto Repair & Service, 148 Merrimack St., Manchester, 624-8881, brutusauto.com

Best of Nashua: Gurney’s Automotive Repair, 83 Broad St., Nashua, 886-5800, gurneysautomotive.com (second location at 419 Elm St., Milford)

Best Garden Center or Nursery

Best of the best: Demers Garden Center, 656 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 625-8298, demersgardencenter.com

Best of Concord: Cole Gardens, 430 Loudon Road, Concord, 229-0655, colegardens.com

Best of Manchester: Lake Street Garden Center, 37 Lake St., Salem, 893-5858, lakestreet.com

Best of Nashua: House by the Side of the Road, 370 Gibbons Highway, Wilton, 654-9888, housebythesideoftheroad.com

Best Florist

Best of the best: Cobblestone Design Co., 81 N. Main St., One Capital Plaza, Concord, 228-5980, cobblestoneflorist.com

Best of Concord: D. McLeod Florist, 49 S. State St., Concord, 225-3721, dmflowers.com

Best of Manchester: Chalifour’s Flowers, 46 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8844, chalifours.com

Best of Nashua: Fortin Gage Flowers & Gifts, 86 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-3371, fortingage.com

NOTABLE LOCALS

Best Mechanic

Best of the best: Mike Alton (owner), Pro Image Automotive, 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 644-8480, proimageautomotive.com

Best of Concord: Chuck Nelson (owner), P&N Automotive Services, 140 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-4313.

Best of Manchester: Ralph Brutus (owner), Brutus Auto Repair and Service, 148 Merrimack St., Manchester, 624-8881, brutusauto.com

Best of Nashua: Craig Pettus (co-owner), Amherst Autoworks, 86 Merrimack Road, Amherst, 673-9900, amherstautoworks.com

Best Teacher

Best of the best: Brianne Biastoff (music), Nashua High School North, 8 Titan Way, Nashua, nashua.edu

Best of Concord: Leah Murphy (art), Chichester Central School, 219 Main St., Chichester, ccs.sau53.org

Best of Manchester: Selma Naccach-Hoff (English), Manchester Central High School, 207 Lowell St., Manchester, central.mansd.org

Best of Nashua: Michael Vetack (sixth grade), Hollis Upper Elementary School, 12 Drury Lane, Hollis, hollisnh.org/schools/schools.htm

BEST RESTAURANTS

Best Restaurant Overall

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location at 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoorrestaurant.com (The Copper Door also has a location at 41 S. Broadway in Salem)

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Best New Eatery

Best of the best: The Crown Tavern, 99 Hanover St., Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com (The Crown Tavern opened in August 2017 under the direction of the same ownership as the Hanover Street Chophouse. This new restaurant is just about a block away and offers a menu of wood-fired oven pizzas, burgers, seafood, craft cocktails and more.)

Best of Concord: Gale Motor Co. Whiskey & Wine, 148 N. Main St., Concord, 715-8575, find them on Facebook (Whiskey & Wine opened in November 2017 by the same people who brought you the former Gale Motor Co. Eatery in Manchester, now known as Noodle Bar. Whiskey & Wine features a tapas-style menu of options like pulled pork tacos, ramen noodles and steak and cheese egg rolls, as well as more than 30 different whiskeys and bourbons from around the world.)

Best of Manchester: Mel’s Diner, 454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, 424-6357, find them on Facebook (Mel’s Diner opened in February 2018 adjacent to Mel’s Funway Park. The diner features a menu inspired by the original diners of the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas, with rib-eye Philly cheesesteaks, loaded flat-top omelets, double cheeseburgers, and “breakfast as dessert” options like deep-fried cinnamon buns, and mini waffles with ice cream.)

Best of Nashua: Mangia Sano, 321 Nashua St., Milford, 554-8534, mangia-sano.business.site (This Italian restaurant opened in July 2017 and features a little bit of everything, from appetizers and salads to flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and pasta dishes.)

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Best of the best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

Best of Concord: Granite Restaurant & Bar, The Centennial Hotel, 96 Pleasant St., Concord, 227-9005, graniterestaurant.com

Best of Manchester: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoorrestaurant.com (The Copper Door also has a location at 41 S. Broadway in Salem)

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Best Family Restaurant

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Concord: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com (Dos Amigos Burritos also has locations at 107 State St. in Portsmouth, 286 Central Ave. in Dover and 24 Pleasant St. in Newburyport, Mass.)

Best of Manchester: T-Bones Great American Eatery, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100, t-bones.com (T-Bones also has locations at 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia and 311 S. Broadway in Salem)

Best of Nashua: T-Bones Great American Eatery, 77 Lowell Road, Hudson, 882-6677, t-bones.com (T-Bones also has locations at 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia and 311 S. Broadway in Salem)

Best Diner

Best of the best: Red Arrow Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com (The Red Arrow Diner also has locations at 112 Loudon Road in Concord, 137 Rockingham Road in Londonderry and 63 Union Square in Milford)

Best of Concord: Red Arrow Diner, 112 Loudon Road, Concord, 415-0444, redarrowdiner.com (The Red Arrow Diner also has locations at 61 Lowell St. in Manchester, 137 Rockingham Road in Londonderry and 63 Union Square in Milford)

Best of Manchester: Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040, thecman.com

Best of Nashua: Joey’s Diner, 1 Craftsman Lane, Amherst, 577-8955, joeysdiner.com

Best Seafood Restaurant

Best of the best: Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com/nashua (Surf also has a location at 99 Bow St. in Portsmouth)

Best of Concord: Makris Lobster & Steak House, 354 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, 225-7665, eatalobster.com

Best of Manchester: Hooked Seafood Restaurant, 110 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-1189, hookedonignite.com

Best of Nashua: The Lobster Boat Restaurant, 453 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-5221, lobsterboatrestaurant.com (The Lobster Boat also has locations at 273 Derry Road in Litchfield and 75 Portsmouth Ave. in Exeter)

Best Steakhouse

Best of the best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com

Best of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location at 62 Doris Ray Court in Laconia)

Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

FOOD SHOPPING

Best Bakery

Best of the best: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330

Best of Concord: The Crust and Crumb Baking Co., 126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com

Best of Manchester: Michelle’s Gourmet Pastries & Deli, 819 Union St., Manchester, 647-7150, michellespastries.com

Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com

Best Butcher Shop

Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Concord: Concord Beef & Seafood, 79 S. Main St., Concord, 226-3474, concordbeefandseafood.com

Best of Manchester: Mr. Steer Meats & More, 27 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-1444, mrsteermeats.com

Best of Nashua: The Flying Butcher, 124 Route 101A, Amherst, 598-6328, theflyingbutcher.com

Best New Hampshire-made Food Product

Best: Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies, 47 Birchwood Circle, Bedford, 472-5388, laurellhilljams.com (This business offers handmade jams and jellies using locally grown fruits and wines; popular flavors include strawberry rhubarb jam, Concord grape jelly, pomegranate jelly, apple-cranberry wine jelly and more. Visit the website for a list of local stores where the products are available for purchase.)

Runner-up: Ben’s Sugar Shack, 83 Webster Highway, Temple, 924-3111, bensmaplesyrup.com (Ben’s Sugar Shack offers a wide variety of homemade pure maple products like syrups, creams, candies, coffees, jams, jellies, relishes and more. Visit the website for a full list of products and for special recipes.)

Honorable mention: Blackwater Mustard Co., 120 Tyler Road, Contoocook, 746-2349, blackwatermustardco.com (Blackwater Mustard Co. owner Steve Cybulski produces more than 15 different flavors of gourmet mustards, including several in conjunction with local breweries. There’s the chocolate stout mustard with Kettlehead Brewery in Tilton, a porter mustard with Henniker Brewing Co., and a smoked salt and double seed mustard at Lithermans Limited Brewery in Concord.)

DELICIOUS DISHES

Best Barbecue

Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net

Best of Concord: Smokeshow Barbeque, 89 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbbq.com

Best of Manchester: Goody Cole’s Smokehouse and Catering Co., 374 Route 125, Brentwood, 679-8898, goodycoles.com

Best of Nashua: Riverside Barbeque Co., 53 Main St., Nashua, 204-5110, riversidebarbeque.com

Best Breakfast

Best of the best: Tucker’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 206-5757, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations at 207 Main St. in New London, 80 South St. in Concord and 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover.)

Best of Concord: Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations at 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 207 Main St. in New London and 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover)

Best of Manchester: Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1958, purplefinchcafe.com

Best of Nashua: The Riverhouse Cafe, 123 Union Square, Milford, 249-5556, theriverhousecafe.com

Best Burgers

Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com

Best of Nashua: Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen, 237 South St., Milford, 672-9130, papajoeshumblekitchen.com

Best French Fries

Best of the best: Caesario’s, 1057 Elm St., Manchester, 669-8383, caesariospizza.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: Republic Cafe, 1069 Elm St., Manchester, 666-3723, republiccafe.com

Best of Nashua: Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, find them on Facebook

Best Place for Gluten-Free Eats

Best of the best: Bite Me Kupcakez, 4 Mound Court, Merrimack, 674-4459, bitemekupcakez.com (Bite Me Kupcakez is a gluten-free bakery and cafe offering items like cupcakes, sweet breads, donuts, muffins, scones, breakfast sandwiches and more.)

Best of Concord: Patrick’s Pub & Eatery, 18 Weirs Road, Gilford, 293-0841, patrickspub.com (This Irish pub has several gluten-free appetizers and entrees to choose from; options include spinach and artichoke dip, chicken fingers baked with rice breading, gluten-free pizzas and the new Southwestern quinoa bowl.)

Best of Manchester: Tucker’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 206-5757, tuckersnh.com (The menu at Tucker’s includes several omelets, skillet and scrambled egg dishes served with gluten-free toast, and any sandwich available on the lunch menu can be made with gluten-free bread; Tucker’s also has locations at 207 Main St. in New London, 80 South St. in Concord and 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover.)

Best of Nashua: Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, find them on Facebook (Bar One offers a wide variety of gluten-free options, like soups, salads, sandwiches with gluten-free buns and more.)

Best Greek Cuisine

Best of the best: Amphora Restaurant, 55 Crystal Ave., Derry, 537-0111, amphoranh.com

Best of Concord: Gyro House, 58 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0559, find them on Facebook

Best of Manchester: Athens Restaurant, 31 Central St., Manchester, 623-9317, athensnh.com

Best of Nashua: Main Street Gyro, 215 Main St., Nashua, 579-0666, mainstreetgyro.com

Best International Cuisine

Best of the best: Siam Orchid Thai Bistro, 12 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1529, siamorchid.net (This Thai restaurant offers stir-fried noodle dishes, soups, salads, appetizers, fried rice, curry dishes and more.)

Best of Concord: Mediterrano Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine, 24 Henniker St., Hillsborough, 680-4337, mediterranoo.com (Options at Mediterrano include appetizers like stuffed grape leaves, baba ganoush and falafel; soups and salads; skewered kebab dishes like chicken and lamb doner, shrimp and eggplant; and desserts like baklava and sutlac.)

Best of Manchester: Matbah Mediterranean Cuisine, 866 Elm St., Manchester, 232-4066, matbahcuisine.com (This Ottoman-Turkish restaurant offers kebabs, sandwiches, wraps, salads, cold and hot appetizers, Turkish coffee, baklava and more.)

Best of Nashua: Lilac Blossom Restaurant, 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-9588; 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 886-8420; lilacblossom.us (The Lilac Blossom Chinese restaurants offer appetizers like steamed dumplings, crab rangoons and Peking ravioli; house specials like General Tso’s chicken, Peking duck and crispy sesame beef; various noodle and rice dishes, soups, salads and more.)

Best Macaroni & Cheese

Best of the best: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese, 497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com (Mr. Mac’s also has locations at 2600 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth and 440 Middlesex Road in Tyngsboro, Mass.)

Best of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location at 62 Doris Ray Court in Laconia)

Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com

Best of Nashua: Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, find them on Facebook

Best Noodle Bowl

Best of the best: Pho Golden Bowl, 12 Lake Ave., Manchester, 622-2000, phogoldenbowlnh.com

Best of Concord: Gale Motor Co. Whiskey & Wine, 148 N. Main St., Concord, 715-8575, find them on Facebook

Best of Manchester: Crazy Noodle House, 44 Nashua Road, Unit 6, Londonderry, 965-3291, crazynoodlehouse.wordpress.com

Best of Nashua: You You Japanese Bistro, 150 Broad St., No. 4, Nashua, 882-8337, youyoubistro.com

Best Pizza

Best of the best: 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, 50 Dow St., Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com (900 Degrees also has a location at 24 Brickyard Square in Epping and a third location due to open at 2454 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth later this spring)

Best of Concord: Constantly Pizza, 39 S. Main St., Concord, 224-9366, constantlypizza.net (Constantly Pizza also has a location at 108 Fisherville Road in Penacook)

Best of Manchester: Alley Cat Pizzeria, 486 Chestnut St., Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com

Best of Nashua: Pig Tale Restaurant, 449 Amherst St., Nashua, 864-8740, pigtalerestaurant.com

Best Sandwich

Best of the best: Steak & Cheese sub at Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Suite H, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com (Shaved steak with your choice of melted American or provolone cheese; subs can also be customized with teriyaki or barbecue sauce)

Best of Concord: Roast Beef sandwiches at Beefside Restaurant, 106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsiderestaurant.net

Best of Manchester: Nitro Chicken sandwich at Harold Square, 226 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 432-7144, haroldsquarenh.com (Fried chicken tenders, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, homemade ranch and the restaurant’s famous nitro sauce on a grilled roll)

Best of Nashua: Cubano sandwich at Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, find them on Facebook

Best Subs

Best of the best: Nadeau’s, 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315, nadeaussubs.com (original location; Nadeau’s also has locations at 100 Cahill Ave., 805 Canal St. and 1095 Hanover St., all in Manchester; 48 Portsmouth Ave. in Exeter, and 81 S. Main St. in Concord)

Best of Concord: Cimo’s South End Deli, 250 South St., Concord, 856-8020, find them on Facebook

Best of Manchester: Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Suite H, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com

Best of Nashua: Bill Cahill’s Super Subs, 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710

Best Tacos

Best of the best: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com (Dos Amigos Burritos also has locations at 107 State St. in Portsmouth, 286 Central Ave. in Dover and 24 Pleasant St. in Newburyport, Mass.)

Best of Concord: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com

Best of Manchester: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, 545 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 628-6899; 1875 S. Willow St., Manchester, 623-7705; lacarettamex.com (La Carreta also has locations at 139 Daniel Webster Highway in Nashua, 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A in Derry, 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, and a sixth location opening at 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth later this year.)

Best of Nashua: California Burritos Mexican Grill, 101 Factory St., Nashua, 718-8745, californiaburritosnh.com (California Burritos Mexican Grill also has a location at 35 Lowell Road in Hudson that opened last fall.)

Best Takeout

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com (The Puritan Backroom’s takeout menu includes various chicken tender dishes and fried seafood plates like haddock, clams and scallops, as well as burgers, sandwiches and pizzas)

Best of Concord: Tea Garden Restaurant, 184 N. Main St., Concord, 228-4420, teagarden-nh.com (This Chinese restaurant offers a variety of chicken, beef, pork and seafood options, and house specials like lemon chicken, Peking duck and Mongolian beef.)

Best of Manchester: The Pizza Man of Hooksett, 254 W. River Road, Hooksett, 626-7499, thepizzamandelivers.com (The menu includes pizzas, calzones, hot and cold subs, pasta dishes, quesadillas and more; The Pizza Man also has locations at 850 E. Industrial Park Drive, No. 3, in Manchester, 469 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield and 663 Broad St. in Lyndonville, Vt.)

Best of Nashua: Lilac Blossom Restaurant, 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-9588; 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 886-8420; lilacblossom.us (Lilac Blossom has take-out options like lo mein, fried rice, General Tso’s chicken and steamed dumplings.)

Best Example of NH Cuisine

Best of the best: Chicken tenders at The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com (Options include regular, Buffalo, coconut, spicy or broiled, and all chicken tenders plates are served with french fries and coleslaw)

Best of Concord: Roast beef sandwiches at Beefside Restaurant, 106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsiderestaurant.net (There are six different sizes to choose from, and you can customize your own with toppings like mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese)

Best of Manchester: Poutine atChez Vachon, 136 Kelley St., Manchester, 625-9660, find them on Facebook (In addition to the cheese curds and gravy, other topping options include the vegetable poutine, which can feature any combination of veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, peppers, spinach, olives, jalapenos, broccoli or peas; or the meat poutine, which can feature combinations of meats like hamburger, hot dog, Italian sausage, turkey, bacon, kielbasa, chicken tender or steak tips)

Best of Nashua: Pancakes at Parker’s Maple Barn, 1316 Brookline Road, Mason, 878-2308, parkersmaplebarn.com (The restaurant serves six-inch pancakes all day, featuring flavors like buttermilk, blueberry, buckwheat and a special “Pancake of the Month” each month)

SWEET TREATS

Best Candy/Chocolate Shop

Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe, 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591, granitestatecandyshoppe.com (Granite State Candy Shoppe also has a location at 832 Elm St. in Manchester)

Best of Concord: Kellerhaus, 259 Endicott St. N, Laconia, 366-4466, kellerhaus.com

Best of Manchester: Van Otis Chocolates, 341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotischocolates.com

Best of Nashua: Nelson’s Candies, 65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandieswilton.com

Best Desserts

Best of the best: Frederick’s Pastries, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 647-2253, pastry.net (Frederick’s Pastries also has locations at 109 Route 101A, Suite 4, in Amherst and 119 Main St. in North Andover, Mass.)

Best of Concord: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330

Best of Manchester: Queen City Cupcakes, 790 Elm St., Manchester, 624-4999, qccupcakes.com
Best of Nashua: The Black Forest Cafe & Bakery, 212 Route 101, Amherst, 672-0500, theblackforestcafe.com

Best Locally Made Donuts

Best of the best: Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com

Best of Concord: Brothers Donuts, 426 Central St., Franklin, 934-6678, find them on Facebook

Best of Manchester: The Local Moose Cafe, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com

Best of Nashua: Crosby Bakery, 51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com

Best Ice Cream

Best of the best: Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream, 7 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 888-4663, haywardsicecream.com (Hayward’s also has a location at 383 Elm St. in Milford)

Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com

Best of Manchester: The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

Best of Nashua: The Big 1, 185 Concord St., Nashua, thebig1icecream.com

DRINK LIST

Best Beer Selection (at bar/restaurant)

Best of the best: New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in 43 Lafayette Road in North Hampton)

Best of Manchester: The Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com (The Thirsty Moose also has locations at 21 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 83 Washington St. in Dover and 72 Portsmouth Ave. in Exeter.)

Best of Nashua: The Flight Center Beer Cafe, 97 Main St., Nashua, 417-6184, flightcenterbc.com

Best Beer Shop

Best of the best: Bert’s Better Beers, 1100 Hooksett Road, Suite 105, Hooksett, 413-5992, bertsbetterbeers.com

Best of Concord: Capital Beverages, 75 S. Main St., Concord, 856-8138, capitalbeverages.comcastbiz.net

Best of Manchester: Lazy Dog Beer Shoppe, 27 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-2500, lazydogbeer.com

Best of Nashua: The Beer Store, 433 Amherst St., Nashua, 889-2242, thebeerstorenh.com

Best NH Brewery

Best: Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com

Runner-up: 603 Brewery, 12 Liberty Drive, Londonderry, 630-7745, 603brewery.com

Honorable mention: Pipe Dream Brewing, 49 Harvey Road, Londonderry, 404-0751, pipedreambrewingnh.com

Best Cup of Coffee

Best of the best: True Brew Barista & Cafe, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776; 45 S. Main St., Concord, 715-5833; truebrewbarista.com

Best of Concord: White Mountain Gourmet Coffee, 15 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-3317, whitemountaingourmetcoffee.com

Best of Manchester: Cafe la Reine, 915 Elm St., Manchester, 232-0332, cafelareine.com

Best of Nashua: Union Coffee Co., 42 South St., Milford, unioncoffee.co

Best NH Distillery

Best: Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com

Runner-up: Tamworth Distilling, 15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, 323-7196, tamworthdistilling.com

Honorable mention: Djinn Spirits, 2 Townsend West, Suite 9, Nashua, 262-1812, djinnspirits.com

Best NH Tasting Room

Best: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (LaBelle Winery also has a location at 104 Congress St. in Portsmouth)

Runner-up: Lithermans Limited Brewery, 126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 818-9102, lithermans.beer

Honorable mention: Great North Aleworks, 1050 Holt Ave., No. 14, Manchester, 858-5789, greatnorthaleworks.com

Best NH Winery

Best: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (LaBelle Winery also has a location at 104 Congress St. in Portsmouth)

Runner-up: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com

Honorable mention: Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com

FOOD EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Best Farmers Market

Best: Concord Farmers Market, concordfarmersmarket.com; dates are usually from the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Capitol Street in downtown Concord. 2018 market dates TBA.

Runner-up: Bedford Farmers Market, bedfordfarmersmarket.org; 2018 market dates will be Tuesdays, 3 to 6 p.m., from June 12 through Oct. 9, at St. Elizabeth Seton Church (190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford).

Honorable mention: Nashua Farmers Market, downtownnashua.org/farmers-market; 2018 market dates will be Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from June 17 through Oct. 14, at 65 Main St. in Nashua.

Best Summer-Only Eats

Best of the best: Cremeland Drive In, 250 Valley St., Manchester, 669-4430, find them on Facebook (Cremeland Drive In opened for the season on March 10. The menu includes homemade ice creams, fried clam, haddock and scallop plates, burgers, hot dogs, coffees, teas and more.)

Best of Concord: Town Docks Restaurant, 289 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 279-3445, find them on Facebook (This restaurant is a member of The Common Man family and offers outdoor seating overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. The menu features lobster dinners, homemade ice cream, fried seafood plates, hamburgers, hot dogs and more. They hope to start the 2018 season on April 14 with just ice cream on weekends, weather permitting, before expanding their hours during the summer months.)

Best of Manchester: Clam Haven, 94 Rockingham Road, Derry, 434-4679, clamhaven.com (Clam Haven opened for the season on March 15. The menu includes fried seafood plates like clams, haddock, shrimp, scallops, lobster tails, calamari and more, as well as salads, sandwiches and burgers.)

Best of Nashua: Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream, 7 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 888-4663, haywardsicecream.com (Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream opened for the season on Feb. 24 and has more than 60 flavors of hard and soft ice creams and frozen yogurts available to order. Hayward’s also has a location at 383 Elm St. in Milford.)

Best Food Festival or Event

Best of the best: Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, hamptonbeachseafoodfestival.com; 2018 festival is Friday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 9, along Ocean Boulevard at Hampton Beach

Best of Concord: Market Days Festival, intownconcord.org; 2018 festival is Thursday, June 21, through Saturday, June 23, on Main Street in downtown Concord

Best of Manchester: Glendi, stgeorgeglendi.com; 2018 festival is Friday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 16, at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St., Manchester)

Best of Nashua: Rock’n Ribfest, ribfestnh.com; 2018 festival is Friday, June 15, through Sunday, June 17, at Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours (221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack)

Best Wine-Related Event

Best: Easterseals Winter Wine Spectacular, held during New Hampshire Wine Week in January. This year’s event was Jan. 25 at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester.

Runner-up: Barrel tastings at Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com; Zorvino is open for tastings every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for some holidays, for $5 per person.

Honorable mention: National Drink Wine Weekend; 2018 event was held Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 and featured free wine tastings, door prizes and more. This year’s participating wineries were Winnipesaukee Winery (458 Center St., Wolfeboro), Copper Beech Winery (146 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett), Fulchino Vineyard (187 Pine Hill Road, Hollis), Moonlight Meadery (23 Londonderry Road, Londonderry), Appolo Vineyards (49 Lawrence Road, Derry) and Averill House Vineyard (21 Averill Road, Brookline).

Best Beer-Related Event

Best: Derry After Dark, derryafterdark.com; 2018 event is Saturday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Derry

Runner-up: Rock’n Ribfest, ribfestnh.com; 2018 festival is Friday, June 15, through Sunday, June 17, at Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours (221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack)

Honorable mention: Gate City Brewfest & Wing Competition, gatecitybrewfestnh.com; 2018 festival is Saturday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua)

FOOD PERSONALITIES

Best Bartender

Best of the best: Jim Gilbert, Wild Rover Pub, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com (an Irish pub offering lunch and dinner options like burgers, sandwiches, soups, wraps, pub entrees and more, as well as dozens of beers and wines on tap)

Best of Concord: Corey Garland, The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (a downtown restaurant that focuses on tavern-style eats, craft beer, whiskey and cocktails)

Best of Manchester: Patrick Graham, Romano’s Pizza of Litchfield, 27 Colby Road, Litchfield, 424-0500, romanosnh.com (Romano’s has been a staple of Litchfield for more than 20 years, offering a menu of Italian and American dinners, appetizers, salad and its renowned thin-crust pizzas, as well as a rotating seasonal menu)

Best of Nashua: Dave Bourgault, Tiebreakers Family Grille (at Hampshire Hills Athletic Club), 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, ext. 232, hampshirehills.com (open at the Hampshire Hills Athletic Club in Milford every Wednesday through Saturday, with a menu featuring salads, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches and more)

Best Chef

Best of the best: Nicole Leavitt, Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1958, purplefinchcafe.com (features a menu of salads, soups, chilis, chowders, sandwiches and more, as well as shareable plates like Bavarian pretzel sticks, vegetable hummus and fiesta nachos)

Best of Concord: Corey Fletcher, Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com (a farm-to-table fine dining restaurant with menu options like cheese plates, small and large plates, and desserts)

Best of Manchester: Stuart Cameron, Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com (a steakhouse offering fine dining options like steaks, chops, fish, shellfish and a selection of more than 200 bottled wines)

Best of Nashua: Michael Buckley, Michael Timothy’s Dining Group (Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com; Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com; MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar, 212 Main St., Nashua, 595-9334, mtslocal.com; Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com)

Friendliest Barista

Best of the best: Caleb Parsons, Schoodac’s Coffee & Tea, 1 E. Main St., Warner, facebook.com/schoodacs (serves coffees and breakfast and lunch options).

Best of Concord: Natalie Witmer, Schoodac’s Coffee & Tea, 1 E. Main St., Warner, facebook.com/schoodacs

Best of Manchester: Jordan Tillery, The Local Moose Cafe, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com (offers coffees, espresso drinks and lattes, as well as a menu of sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients)

Best of Nashua: Lauren Morrow, Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar, Nashua, 578-0200, riverwalknashua.com (offers live music, craft cocktails, coffees, sandwiches and more)

Best Waiter/Waitress

Best of the best: Crystal Cyr, The Pizza Man of Hooksett, 254 W. River Road, Hooksett, 626-7499, thepizzamandelivers.com (features a menu of pizzas, calzones, hot and cold subs, pasta dinners and more; also has locations in Manchester and Litchfield)

Best of Concord: Jonna Gaskell, Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com (a Mexican restaurant offering a menu of appetizers, nachos, soups and a la carte options like burritos, chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas and more)

Best of Manchester: Tiffany Plagenza, The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com (offers a menu of fried plates, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizzas and more)

Best of Nashua: Camden Kallfelz, Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, facebook.com/baronenh (a women-run restaurant and bar with signature comfort food creations like truffle fries, duck confit poutine, chicken and waffles and flatbread pizzas)

EVENTS

Best Pop Culture Event

Best: Granite State Comicon, Saturday, Sept. 8, and Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Manchester Downtown Hotel (formerly the Radisson), 700 Elm St., Manchester. The event is New Hampshire’s largest comic convention, and 2018 will be its 16th year. Saturday admission is $25, Sunday is $20 and a weekend pass is $40. VIP tickets are $65. Visit granitecon.com.

Runner-up: Vinyl Night, every two months at Pipe Dream Brewing, 49 Harvey Road, Londonderry, and Romano’s, 27 Colby Road, Litchfield. It’s organized by local vinyl enthusiasts who have over 1,000 records. The last event was on April 8 at Pipe Dream. Find them on Facebook.

Honorable mention: ArtFront, at various locations in Manchester. There were two events in 2017 that lasted two or three days each. More events are being planned for 2018, dates TBD. They combine 2-D and 3-D works of art with modern dance. Find them on Facebook or at artfrontnh.com.

Best Film Event or Series

Best: SNOB Film Festival, Thursday, Nov. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 11, at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St., Concord. SNOB stands for Somewhat North of Boston. It’s one of the largest film festivals in the state with a long list of short narrative films, documentaries and independent feature-length films screened at the event. Visit snobfilmfestival.com.

Runner-up: Red Carpet Oscar Party at Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main St., Concord. This annual event is one of Red River’s biggest fundraisers. Attendees are given the red carpet treatment as they view the Academy Awards live at the cinema with catering provided by O Steaks & Seafood. The next event is scheduled to take place on Feb. 24, 2019. Tickets range between $55 and $65.

Honorable mention: New Hampshire Film Festival, Thursday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 14, at various locations in downtown Portsmouth. Tickets for individual screening are $15, day passes range from $25 ro $40, weekend passes are $100 and VIP tickets are $225. Visit nhfilmfestival.com.

Best Community Event

Best of the best: Market Days Festival, held in downtown Concord every summer. This year will be the 44th annual festival on Thursday, June 21, through Saturday, June 23. Most of Main Street is closed off from vehicle traffic, and tents and booths are set up with food, shopping and free entertainment. It’s organized by Intown Concord and free to attend. Visit intownconcord.org.

Best of Concord: Fall Foliage Festival, held in downtown Warner every fall. The 71st annual festival will be held Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 7. It features a 5K, vendors, carnival rides and food. Visit wfff.org.

Best of Manchester: Hippo de Mayo Taco Challenge (Taco Tour), held in downtown Manchester, is the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in New England. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, May 3, from 4 to 9 p.m. Dozens of downtown restaurants will serve their own taco creations available for $2 each. It’s hosted by the Hippo. Visit hippodemayo.com.

Best of Nashua: Nashua Holiday Stroll, held in downtown Nashua, features music, food, shopping and live entertainment. It kicks off with a candlelight stroll down Main Street to a tree-lighting ceremony. This year’s 25th annual event is on Saturday, Nov. 24. The stroll begins at 5 p.m. and lasts until 10 p.m. but there will also be daytime activities from noon to 4 p.m.

Best Parade

Best: Fourth of July Parade in Amherst. Scheduled every July 4 at 10 a.m., it’s a festive and well-attended display of patriotism and civic engagement set in the picturesque center of Amherst. It’s a particularly big event during election years, when candidates for public office and their supporters make an appearance in the parade. Visit amherstnh.gov.

Runner-up: Christmas Parade in downtown Manchester. Usually scheduled for the first Saturday of every December, the Queen City’s Christmas Parade is the only parade in the state that takes place in the evening. It starts at 4 p.m. after the Santa Claus Shuffle kicks off, with various floats heading south along Elm Street. Visit intownmanchester.com.

Honorable mention: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, held in downtown Manchester. The largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the state, the parade runs along Elm Street every year. The next parade, which will be the 24th annual event, is scheduled for Sunday, March 24, 2019 at noon. The last event boasted pipe bands, gymnasts, clowns and monster trucks. Visit saintpatsnh.com.

Best Family/Kids Event

Best: Milford Pumpkin Fest, on Columbus Day Weekend in downtown Milford. See the giant pumpkins and enjoy craft fairs, talent shows, fireworks and a haunted trail. Contact the Granite Town Festivities Committee for more info at 508-954-2786.

Runner-up: Deerfield Fair, on Thursday, Sept. 27, through Sunday, Sept. 30, at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, 34 Stage Road, Deerfield. It’s one of the largest and most well-attended agricultural fairs in New Hampshire, with carnival rides, live entertainment, food and more. Visit deerfieldfair.com.

Honorable mention: Market Days Festival, held in downtown Concord every summer. This year will be the 44th annual festival, Thursday, June 21, through Saturday, June 23. Most of Main Street is closed off from vehicle traffic, and tents and booths are set up with food, shopping and free entertainment. It’s organized by Intown Concord and free to attend. Visit intownconcord.org.

ENTERTAINMENT & OUTINGS

Best Self-Guided Tour

Best: Andres Institute of Art, 98 Route 13, Brookline, 673-8441, andresinstitute.org

Runner-up: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org

Honorable mention: Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org

Best Place to Take Your Kids

Best of the best: Canobie Lake Park, a permanent amusement park, 85 N. Policy St., Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com

Best of Concord: Krazy Kids, an indoor play center and party venue, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 288-7529, krazykids.com

Best of Manchester: Cowabungas, an indoor inflatable playground, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-8008, 725 Huse Road, Manchester, 935-9659, mycowabungas.com

Bests of Nashua: Launch Trampoline Park, 17 Tanguay Ave., Nashua, 318-7600, launchnashua.com

Best Place to Take Visiting Relatives

Best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. An art museum founded in 1929 that features European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculptures, including works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe and other notable artists.

Runner-up: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 595-1202, budweisertours.com. The center of Northeast operations for beer production and distribution for brands like Budweiser and the home of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Honorable mention: Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, 783-9511, shakers.org. A museum preserving an original Shaker village built in 1792 that includes 25 restored and four reconstructed buildings where visitors can learn about Shaker life. It opens to the public on May 5, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From Sept. 3 to Oct. 28 it’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Best Place to Kill an Hour

Best: Downtown Concord, settled in 1725 and named Concord 40 years later, the current state capital has a quaint New England-style Main Street with many shops and restaurants and the home of the country’s largest state legislature, the New Hampshire Statehouse. The downtown area was recently redesigned with wider sidewalks, lamp posts and several outdoor sculptures.

Runner-up: Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com. Founded in 1898, Gibson’s is the oldest continuously running retailer in Concord. In 2013 it moved to its current location and increased in size. It partners with True Brew Barista to provide café services.

Honorable mention: Downtown Portsmouth, an historic seaport and a popular summer tourist destination. The downtown area is characterized by its old brick buildings and sidewalks. It also has a vibrant restaurant and brewery scene.

THE ENTERTAINERS

Best Local Band

Best: Hunter, alternative rock, huntertheband.com. The band has a new album release concert on Friday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at The Bounty in Nashua.

Runner-up: Miketon and The Night Blinders, folk rock, miketon.net. The band’s next show is on Tuesday, April 17, at 8:30 p.m. at Great Scott in Allston, Mass.

Honorable mention: Brooks Young Band, blues rock, brooksyoungband.com. The band’s next local show is on Friday, June 8, at 8 p.m. at The Colonial Theatre in Keene, opening for Three Dog Night.

Best Local Solo Performer

Best: Brad Bosse of Hooksett, acoustic/rock, facebook.com/BradBosseMusic. His next local show is on Friday, April 13, at 8 p.m. at Stumble Inn in Londonderry.

Runner-up: Ryan Williamson of Concord, acoustic singer-songwriter, rwilliamsonmusic.com. His next local show is on Tuesday, April 17, at 5 p.m. at Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook.

Honorable mention: Tristan Omand of Manchester, Americana, tristanomand.com. His next local show is on Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m. at the Common Man in Windham.

Best Local Comedian

Best: Nick Lavallee, theotherdude.com. His next local show is on Saturday, April 21, at 9 p.m. at Chunky’s Cinema Pub in Nashua.

Runner-up: Juston McKinney, justonmckinney.com. His next local show is on Saturday, April 28, at 8 p.m. at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.

Honorable mention: Paul Landwehr, paullandwehr.com. His next local show is on Wednesday, April 25, at 9 p.m., at The Shaskeen in Manchester.

Media Personality Who Gets You Through Your Morning

Best: Greg Kretschmar, host of Greg and the Morning Buzz, Rock 101 WGIR-FM/100.3 WHEB-FM, morningbuzz.com. Show airs weekdays from 5:30 to 10 a.m.

Runner-up: Erin Fehlau, weekday morning and afternoon news anchor for WMUR Channel 9 news, wmur.com. Newscasts are live at 5 a.m., 6 a.m. and noon.

Honorable mention: Nazzy, host of The Morning Wake Up, 98.3 WLNH-FM, wlnh.nh1media.com. Show airs weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.

Best Local Sports Team

Best: New Hampshire Fisher Cats, AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team, nhfishercats.com. The 2018 season home opener is on Friday, April 13, at 6:35 p.m. against the Hartford Yard Goats. Home field is at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester.

Runner-up: Manchester Monarchs, East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, manchestermonarchs.com. The next season begins in the fall. Home ice is at the SNHU Arena in Manchester.

Honorable mention: University of New Hampshire Wildcats men’s hockey team, NCAA Division I, nhwildcats.com. Home ice is at the Whittemore Center Arena at UNH in Durham.

Local Celebrity You Most Want to Have a Beer with

Best: Fritz Wetherbee, author and television personality, best known for his segment Fritz Wetherbee’s New Hampshire on WMUR’s N.H. Chronicle

Runner-up: Chris Sununu, Governor of New Hampshire

Honorable mention: Dean Kamen, inventor and entrepreneur best known for inventing the Segway

PETS

Best Doggie Day Care

Best of the best: American K9 Country, 336 Route 101, Amherst, 672-8448, americank9country.com

Best of Concord: Pembroke Animal Hospital, 13 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-0019, pembroke-animal-hospital.com

Best of Manchester: All Dogs Gym & Inn, 505 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com

Best of Nashua: Superdogs Daycare, 637 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-1515, superdogsdaycare.com

Best Dog Groomers

Best of the best: Sarah’s Paw Spa, 8 Birch St., Derry, 512-4539, sarahspawspa.com

Best of Concord: Bark Now! Dog & Cat Grooming, 237 S. Main St., Concord, 229-3700, barknow.com

Best of Manchester: Ruff to Fluff Dog Grrrooming, 1238 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 669-1955, rufftofluff.com

Best of Nashua: Cloud K9, 385 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-6166, cloudk9.net

Best Place to Walk Your Dog

Best of the best: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson. Formerly the site of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, it’s a 166-acre municipal park in Hudson with trails, a 9/11 memorial, dog park and Little Free Library.

Best of Concord: White Park, 1 White St., Concord. In the winter, the 20-acre park offers a sledding hill and skating rink. In the summer, visitors come for its baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelter, playground, pool, soccer field and walking trails.

Best of Manchester: Livingston Park, Hooksett Road, Manchester. It offers a baseball diamond, playground, pool, soccer field, running track, picnic shelter and Dorrs Pond, which you can fish during the summer and skate during the winter.

Best of Nashua: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands and open fields. It’s bordered on the north side by the Nashua River.

NIGHTLIFE

Best Bar for Live Music

Best of the best: The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com. They offer live music on Tuesday nights at 9 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30. The Not Fade Away Band is playing on Friday, April 13.

Best of Concord: Area 23, 254 N. State St., Concord, 552-0137, thearea23.com. They have live music every Friday and Saturday night at about 8:20 p.m. with no cover charge. Good Lord the Liftin’ is playing on Friday, April 13 and three bands are playing 60 minute sets at Night of the Hooligans on Saturday, April 14.

Best of Manchester: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, derryfieldrestaurant.com. Live music is offered every Friday and Saturday night. Last Kid Picked is playing Friday, April 13 and Chad LaMarsh Band is on Saturday, April 14.

Best of Nashua: Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar, 35 Railroad Square, Nashua, 578-0200, riverwalknashua.com. They offer live music every Thursday through Sunday. On Thursday, April 12, the Ali McGuirk Band is playing at 8 p.m., on Friday, April 13, The A-Beez is performing at 8 p.m., on Saturday, April 14, Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks are playing at 8 p.m., and on Sunday, April 15, the Squeezebox Stompers are performing at 7 p.m. Cover charges vary.

Best Bar with an Outdoor Deck

Best of the best: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, derryfieldrestaurant.com (the deck opens when the golf course opens, usually around April, when the ground is dry).

Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0181, cheersnh.com (the deck opens when the weather warms up).

Best of Manchester: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.com (the deck opens when the weather is consistently warm).

Best of Nashua: The Pasta Loft, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com (the deck will open once the snow has melted. Pasta Loft also has a location in Hampstead at 220 E. Main St.).

Best Pub

Best of the best: The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com

Best of Concord: The Barley House, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com

Best of Manchester: Wild Rover Pub, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com

Best of Nashua: The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com

Best Sports Bar

Best of the best: Billy’s Sports Bar and Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com

Best of Concord: The Draft Sports Bar and Grill, 67 S. Main St., Concord, 227-1175, draftsportsbar.com

Best of Manchester: Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com (Thirsty Moose Taphouse also has locations in Portsmouth at 21 Congress St., in Dover at 83 Washington St. and in Exeter at 72 Portsmouth Ave.).

Best of Nashua: O’Brien’s Sports Bar, 118 Main St., Nashua, 718-8604, obrienssportsbar.com

Best Pub Trivia Night

Best of the best: Every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. with Steve Erdody at The Pasta Loft, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com

Best of Concord: Every Friday at 9 p.m. at Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0181, cheersnh.com

Best of Manchester: Every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. The Farm Bar & Grille, 1181 Elm St., Manchester, 641-3276, farmbargrille.com

Best of Nashua: Every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. (arrive at 8 to get a spot) at The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com

Best Karaoke Night

Best of the best: Yee Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, 830 S. Willow St., Manchester, 625-5500, yeedynasty.com (karaoke is seven nights a week at 9:30 p.m.)

Best of Concord: Beijing & Tokyo, 61 S. Main St., Concord, 228-0888, beijingtokyoconcordnh.com (karaoke is Friday and Saturday night at 9 p.m.)

Best of Manchester: McGarvey’s Saloon, 1097 Elm St., Manchester, 627-2721, mcgarveysnh.com (karaoke is every night at 9:30 p.m.)

Best of Nashua: Fody’s Great American Tavern, 9 Clinton St., Nashua, 577-9015, fodystavern.com (karaoke is on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 p.m.)

Best Comedy Night

Best: Wednesday nights at The Shaskeen, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com

Runner-up: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com. National acts, booked by comic Mike Smith, appear on the second Friday of the month. The next one’s April 13, starring Christine Hurley, Mitch Stinson and Brian Higginbottom.

Honorable mention: Thursday nights at 8:45 p.m. at Strange Brew, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net

Best Date Place

Best of the best: Mint Bistro, 1105 Elm St., Manchester, 625-6468, mintbistronh.com

Best of Concord: Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano, 11 Depot St., Concord, 228-3313, angelinasrestaurant.com

Best of Manchester: Bedford Village Inn & Restaurant, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com

Best of Nashua: Bar One, 40 Nashua St., Milford, 249-5327, find them on Facebook.

Best Place to Go Dancing

Best: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, derryfieldrestaurant.com

Runner-up: Club Manchvegas Bar and Grill, 50 Old Granite St., Manchester, 222-1677, clubmanchvegas.com

Honorable mention: Whiskey’s 20, 20 Old Granite St., Manchester, 836-5251, whiskeys20.com

OUTDOORS

Best Local Hiking Trail

Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands and open fields. It’s bordered on the north side by the Nashua River. There are about eight miles of walking trails in the forest.

Best of Concord: Oak Hill Trails of Shaker Road, Concord. There are approximately seven miles of trails north of Turtle Pond.

Best of Manchester: Lake Massabesic, Route 101, Exit 2, Bypass 28, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. There are several marked trails that range in length from half a mile to over three miles.

Best of Nashua: Beaver Brook, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org. It features 35 miles of trails along more than 2,000 acres of forest, wetlands and fields.

Best Farm for Pick-Your-Own

Best of the best: Lull Farm, 65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com. They have apples and pumpkins available for picking, as well as strawberries.

Best of Concord: Carter Hill Orchard, 73 Carter Hill Road, Concord, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com. Visitors can pick apples, peaches, blueberries and raspberries.

Best of Manchester: Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 800-479-6225, macksapples.com. They have pumpkins and apples available for picking.

Best of Nashua: Brookdale Fruit Farm, 41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com. Visitors can pick apples, pumpkins, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries and strawberries.

Best City Park

Best of the best: White Park, 1 White St., Concord. In the winter, the 20-acre park offers a sledding hill and skating rink. In the summer, visitors come for its baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelter, playground, pool, soccer field and walking trails.

Best of Concord: Rollins Park, 116 Broadway St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov (parking is at 33 Bow St., Concord). It features walking trails, a full-sized playground, baseball, softball and field hockey fields, and the city’s largest public pool, which is open during the summer.

Best of Manchester: Livingston Park, Hooksett Road, Manchester. It offers a baseball diamond, playground, pool, soccer field, running track, picnic shelter and Dorrs Pond, where you can fish during the summer and skate during the winter. There’s also a 1-mile trail around the pond.

Best of Nashua: Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. A 125-acre park that extends from the Merrimack River to Manchester Street. Aside from hills for sledding, there are also sports fields for playing baseball, softball, as well as a tennis court and other features.

Best State Park

Best: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with more than 10,000 acres of land and 40 miles of trails.

Runner-up: Pawtuckaway State Park, 128 Mammoth Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org. It features more than 5,000 acres of land and hiking trails.

Honorable mention: Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org. It features volleyball and horseshoe courts, and a peninsula nature trail with picnic areas, fishing areas and more.

Best Sledding Hill

Best of the best: Derryfield Country Club, 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, (derryfieldgolf.com, 669-0235). A hill at the course off Mammoth Road is a popular sledding destination. (Note: Derryfield Park, not far away on Bridge Street in Manchester, also has a large hill with sledding potential.)

Best of Concord: White Park, 1 White St., Concord. In the winter, the 20-acre park offers a sledding hill and skating rink. In the summer, visitors come for its baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelter, playground, pool, soccer field and walking trails. A sledding hill is located in the park.

Best of Manchester: Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 800-479-6225, macksapples.com. Multiple hills around the property are available for sledding.

Best of Nashua: Roby Park, Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. A large hill behind the park is often used for sledding.

Best Bike Trail/Spot for a Bike Ride

Best of the best: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands and open fields. It’s bordered on the north side by the Nashua River. There are about eight miles of trails in the forest.

Best of Concord: WOW Trail, can be accessed behind the train station in downtown Laconia. WOW stands for Winnipesaukee, Opechee, Winnisquam, the three lakes connected by the paved 10-foot-wide rail trail.

Best of Manchester: Windham Rail Trail, accessed at the Windham Depot in Windham. This 4.1-mile trail is the anchor section of the Granite State Rail Trail.

Best of Nashua: Nashua River Rail Trail, in Nashua. It connects the Gate City to Ayer, Massachusetts, with over 12 miles of paved rail trail.

Best Annual Footrace

Best of the best: The Payson Center for Cancer Care Rock‘N Race, a 5K starting at the Statehouse Plaza on Main Street, Concord. The race is on Thursday, May 17, this year. Proceeds benefit the Concord Hospital Trust. Visit giveto.concordhospital.org.

Best of Concord: Wicked FIT 5K Runs in Concord and Wolfeboro. The races benefit Families in Transition. The Concord race is on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 9:30 a.m. at Rollins Park. The Wolfeboro race is on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the Abenaki Ski Area.

Best of Manchester: The 26th Annual Cigna/Elliot Corporate Road Race in downtown Manchester. Scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 9, this 5K race along Elm and Canal streets is the largest 5K in the state, with more than 6,000 registrants each year. Visit elliothospital.org/website/cigna.

Best of Nashua: The 13th Annual Hollis Fast 5K in Hollis. The race is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at Hollis Brookline Middle School, 25 Main St., Hollis. The proceeds help fund local educational scholarships. Visit hollisfast5k.com.

LIFE IN NH

Best Community Service Non-Profit

Best: Families In Transition, 122 Market St., Manchester, 641-9441, fitnh.org. It provides safe, affordable housing and social services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, enabling them on a path of self-sufficiency.

Runner-up: SHARE Outreach, 1 Columbus Ave., Milford, 673-9898, sharenh.org. It provides emergency and ongoing support in the form of food, clothing, financial assistance and local resources to individuals and families in need in Milford, Amherst, Brookline and Mont Vernon.

Honorable mention: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire, 138 Coolidge Ave., Manchester, 626-4600, casanh.org. It recruits, trains and supervises volunteers who serve as advocates for abused and neglected children in the state court system, helping the children find safe and permanent homes.

Best Historical Site or Museum

Best of the best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. The internationally renowned art museum was founded in 1929 and features American and European paintings, sculptures, photographs and more by notable artists.

Best of Manchester: Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum. This museum, operated by the Manchester Historic Association, features permanent and rotating exhibits pertaining to Manchester history.

Best of Concord: New Hampshire Historical Society, 30 Park St., Concord, 228-6688, nhhistory.org. The museum features an extensive collection of archives and objects related to New Hampshire history.

Best of Nashua: Monson Center, Federal Hill Road, Milford, 224-9945, forestsociety.org/property/monson-center. The historical site features preserved remnants of a colonial settlement that existed from 1737 to 1770.

Coolest-looking Building

Best of the best: New Hampshire Statehouse, 107 N. Main St., Concord, nh.gov. The building is distinguished by its iconic golden dome.

Best of Concord: Gasholder House, South Main Street, Concord, concordnh.gov. The round brick building used from 1888 to 1952 to store gas is one of the last structures of its kind in the country.

Best of Manchester: Black Widow Customs, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, blackwidowcustoms.com. The brick building which houses the automotive shop features the back of a car jutting out from above the garage door entry.

Best of Nashua: Hunt Memorial Building, 6 Main St., Nashua, nashuanh.gov. The Gothic style building, formerly used as a library, was built in 1903 by New Hampshire architect Ralph Adams Cram.

Best thing about living in NH

Best: Our seasons! All of them, even winter (though winter by itself did not get so many votes; perhaps winter was what the person was thinking of when they voted “seasons, even if the worst is the longest.”) Fall got the most votes of any individual season.

Runner-up: The state’s landscape and natural beauty. Readers sang the praises of our beaches, mountains, forests, hiking trails and lakes. “The most beautiful sites in the world,” is how one voter put it.

Honorable mention: The people and community. As one voter said “They are passionate about sports and politics, love the outdoors, and they will always lend a hand to their neighbor. Live free or die!”

This story was possible with the generous financial support of Hippo readers. Hippo is very grateful to have the support of its readers. If you haven’t contributed yet, please consider a small contribution. Your contributions allow Hippo to write more stories and gets you access to additional stories and columns. 

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