Category: Cover Stories

On enjoying one of New England’s seafood treats

Fred Fullerton is the owner of Freddie’s Fish in Manchester. According to him, he’s sold more lobsters than anybody on the planet.

“Well, maybe …,” he said. “I’m not 100 percent sure, but it’s not that far from the truth. I’ve been dealing with lobsters since I was 10 years old. My father had a boat. My brother and I were fishing on a boat, and the boat caught fire one night, so I ended up going to work for the largest live lobster company in the world, and he ended up going fishing with my cousin….”

The point is that Fullerton has spent decades working with lobsters. Like most seafood markets, Freddie’s sells lobster meat, whole cooked lobsters and live lobsters. For lobster fans who want to make sure they get the highest possible quality of lobster Fullerton recommended buying and cooking live lobsters.

“The reason supermarkets [precook] lobsters, he said, “is because what ends up happening is they’re selling lobsters that, you know, aren’t in the best shape. … Lots of people think, ‘Oh, they’re cooking a lobster for me!’ They don’t necessarily know what they’re getting.”

Lobster shopping

Fullerton explained that all the lobsters in the Northeast — the ones with two claws — are the same species, so a consumer should look at the condition of individual live lobsters.

“You want to look for hard-shell lobsters,” he said. Because lobsters grow throughout their lives, but their shells do not, they moult once a year or so. After they’ve shed their old shells, they are referred to as “soft-shell” lobsters, until the new shell hardens up.

“Hard-shell lobsters are the best bet,” Fullerton said. “They’ve got the most meat content inside. That’s where [a customer is] going to get the best bang for their buck. You’re going to pay more money if you buy a soft-shell lobster because there’s less meat inside. You’re not eating the shell, right? You’re only going to get [each lobster] a dollar, maybe two dollars cheaper. But there’s probably half as much meat.”

(If you’re worried about how much pain a lobster will experience as it is boiled, most chefs recommend dropping the lobster into the water head-first, which they say will kill it instantly. Some chefs will quickly cut through the lobster’s head with a sharp chef’s knife before dropping it into the boiling water. The website getmainelobster.com advises chilling the lobster before cooking: “We recommend killing the lobster humanely just before cooking. Place lobster in freezer for 2 hours. Remove from freezer, making sure it is no longer moving. Push the tip of a skewer or large, sharp, heavy knife into the center of the cross on its head.” Contrary to what your brothers or cousins might have told you when you were little, the whistling sound a cooking lobster makes is not “screaming”; it is the sound of steam escaping the shell.)

Actually cooking a live lobster is easy, Fullerton said. If you’re cooking a lot of lobsters at the same time, he recommends steaming them.

“It’s a little faster,” he said. “It just takes less time for the water to heat up. And that way you don’t have water spilling out, like I did the other day. I had water spilling all over my stove.” Either boiled or steamed, he said, cooking lobsters doesn’t take long.

“Hard-shell lobsters take 16 minutes after you boil them. So as soon as the water boils, throw them in — 16 minutes. Two to three takes 18 minutes. And there’s an easy way to check … take it by the antenna. Give the antenna just a little tiny pull. If the antenna pops off, it’s done. … that’s good to know. Soft shell lobsters take way less time to cook — eight minutes,10 minutes.”

Mark Merrik is the warehouse manager for Shyer’s Lobster Pound in Salem. He’s worked there for more than 30 years. Shyer’s has a retail store that sells lobster and other seafood, but the bulk of the business is shipping lobster around the country and around the world, he said.

“We ship lobsters, primarily. Seventy to 85 percent of the business is wholesale shipping into places like Florida and Texas. We do some stuff to casinos out in Nevada, but we primarily go into Fort Lauderdale and then the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our big orders we ship basically through truck as well as via air out of Boston.”

According to Merrik, the idea of a “lobster season” is a bit of an illusion.

“Summertime prices for lobsters tend to come down a little bit — we are bringing in soft-shell lobsters now, since they do moult every year, and there’s less meat, so the prices do come down a little bit through that.” But from a wholesale perspective, he said, lobsters ship out throughout the year. “We’re generally busy during the holidays — Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July and stuff like that, but apparently lobster is a traditional present on Mother’s Day. For some people, anyway. In the old days we used to have people come in at Thanksgiving, instead of getting a turkey. We used to bring in, you know, jumbo lobsters and … it used to be a tradition with a couple of New England families who used to come here. We’d get them a 16-, 17-pound lobster and that would be their turkey dinner. But it would give you a nice look, like a roast, a roast of a lobster tail.”

Merrik said lobsters are picky about their water. It has to be very cold salt water.

“If they’re actually in water, it’ll kill them if they’re in warm water.” It has to be 40 to 45 degrees, he said. So surprisingly, lobsters are shipped dry. “As long as they’re cool and dry, they’re good for two or three days during transit.” They are packed into compartmentalized coolers that look like wine cases. “We ship them overnight to Florida. We’ve got three-pound gel packs we use to keep them cool. You keep them cool and when they get to their destination the following day some of the companies we ship through have their own tanks with refrigerated water down there where they put them.”

Lobster dinner

Andy Day, chef at Cask & Vine in Derry, described lobster as “New England soul food.”

“It’s one of those things,” Day said, “where if you’re from this area you want lobster. You want a lobster bake. You want to crack them. You want to make a mess. You want the butter. You want all of that experience. And it is fairly unique to this area. It’s our thing.”

While restaurants add lobster to a great number of dishes, Day prefers simple preparations that showcase the flavor and texture of the lobster itself.

“Personally,” he said, “one of my favorite things to do is butterfly the tail — take the tail off, butterfly that — and then if I’m feeling fancy I’ll … take some of the claw and knuckle meat and after I’ve butterflied it I’ll stuff some of that in there so it’s kind of like a double stuffed tail so you’re getting a little bit more meat, a little bit of the knuckle and a little bit of the tail. I might do something with risotto, with some sort of green sauce. But at the end of the day, I am, yes, I’m pouring some garlic butter over it, and then maybe another sauce with it. Something that complements it.”

Paul Saella, who describes himself as the “Head Bottle Washer” at Makris Lobster and Steakhouse in Concord, said that although his restaurant makes any number of lobster dishes, the most popular one is a traditional steamed whole lobster, which can be intimidating to some customers at first, but he and his staff are happy to guide them through it.

“We shuck hundreds of pounds of lobster a day,” Saella said, “and we’re more than happy to show anybody who comes in how to do it.”

“We crack off the arms first,” he said, “then the tail off of the body. Then we crack the tail in half so that we can rip it in half to get the meat out. And then we crack the claws and get the meat out of the claws. And if the lobster is big enough we even take the meat out of the body. We use rolling pins to get the meat out of the legs.” That’s more of a professional technique, he said, better suited for in the kitchen than at the table. “If you come to my establishment,” he said, “it’s even simpler. All of our placemats have a how-to guide on them. It gives the breakdown right there.”

Because of its rich taste and firm texture, lobster lends itself to a host of rich dishes, Saella said.

“We make a lobster and asparagus fettuccine; that’s with an alfredo sauce. It’s very popular. We do lazy man lobster — we take it out of the shell. And to get eight ounces of lobster meat, we’re probably looking at about three pounds of lobster in the shell. We get about a third of the weight out of the lobster. A one-pound lobster gives us about four ounces of meat.” That’s enough for a small lobster roll, he explained. “With a four-ounce lazy man’s lobster, we use a simple lemon butter and crumbs and we bake it.”

“We stuff lobster,” Saella continued. “We stuff it with sea scallops, shrimp, haddock, and crab. And our lobster stew is very popular — it’s the best. We make everything from scratch here, so we can make [the lobster stew] with stock that doesn’t have anything but lobster bodies in it.”

Saella views lobster as the perfect complement for rich foods. “I think that just the texture of it and the flavor goes well with natural fats and butters. Like with bacon, it goes wonderful. With cream, it goes wonderful. It goes great with eggs. But just as a lobster cocktail, cold is great too if you like lobster.”

Lobster roll

Perhaps the quintessential summer lobster dish is a classic New England lobster roll.

Chrysanthi’s Restaurant in Belmont is well-known for its lobster roll, co-owner Evan Gerekos said.

“We are worth traveling for, for a lobster roll, 100 percent,” he said. “We have people that come from all over the place for ours. It is a half-pound lobster roll, seasoned with a light mayo and a little bit of lemon — not overly powered — and we do it in a nice buttered roll.”

There are two schools of thought about the lobster salad that goes into a classic lobster roll, Gerekos said. “We only do one type of lobster roll here. Many do a buttered lobster roll. Our lobster salad only includes lobster and some lemon and that’s about it. And mayo of course.” The other type is butter-based, he said. “People take hot liquid butter and they pour it on top of the roll. Clarified butter, or ‘drawn butter’ as the lobster people like to call it.”

Lobster rolls at most restaurants use either a four-ounce or an eight-ounce portion of lobster.

“We use eight ounces of claw and knuckle lobster meat for our lobster roll,” Gerekos said. “There’s no cutting corners; it’s a whole lobster. And we don’t use a hot dog bun either. We use a brioche roll. We bake it in-house and then we butter the inside and then we grill it and then we fill it with a lobster. We heat the roll up, which makes the bread just easier to eat and also makes it more malleable, so it contours to the lobster meat. That way when you bite it, it doesn’t just all fall out. Have you ever had an overstuffed anything? The moment you bite it, it all comes out of the roll. So if the bread has more elasticity to it when we heat it up, it makes it possible to hold the food inside.”

While there really isn’t a season for lobster, lobster rolls definitely have one, Gerekos said.

“We only do it seasonally,” he said. “We start in May, right around Mother’s Day. And we run it till the end of August, beginning of September. It’s definitely a summertime season. And that’s pretty much the case — I’m not going to say everywhere — but that’s a rule of thumb in the industry. I think it’s one of those things that, in February, you would prefer something like beef stew in New Hampshire. In July, you wouldn’t mind a light lobster roll.” (“Light” for half a pound of lobster meat, dressed in mayonnaise, being a relative term.)

Because of its richness, Gerekos suggested something sharp-tasting to drink with a lobster roll. “Probably some sort of beer,” he suggested, “an IPA of some sort. We like one by Great North Brewing out of Manchester. For non-drinkers, such as myself, I’d suggest something carbonated — Coca-Cola is always a good choice.”

Gerekos said most restaurants in New England get their lobsters from the same sources.

“We all use a pretty similar lobster or lobster meat,” he said. “So from the coast of Maine to even here in interior New Hampshire, you’re getting a quality product as long as it’s treated with respect.”

Spend some summer at NH’s lakes, beaches and caves

New Hampshire’s summers are getting hotter, stickier and, this year especially, wetter. It’s the kind of weather that makes a person start eyeing every pond, quarry and roadside dam as a potential escape hatch. The good news is that the Granite State is, without much exaggeration, one of the best places in the country to jump into a body of water.

The state routinely ranks among the nation’s top three to five for water clarity and water quality, according to Amy Smagula, the Chief Aquatic Biologist with the state’s Department of Environmental Services, as well as Director of the Jody Connor Limnology Center.

Smagula has spent 29 years with NH DES — starting as an intern, running the Exotic Species Program for years, and now overseeing 13 staff and 22 programs that monitor lakes, ponds, rivers and beaches across New Hampshire. If anyone’s an authority on where it’s safe to swim this August, and how to know where it isn’t, it’s her.

“New Hampshire has very good water quality overall,” Smagula said by phone recently — with a caution: “However, these are natural systems, so things do happen.”

Both the National Weather Service and the Old Farmer’s Almanac expected this summer to run hotter than average, and so far that’s happened. Overall, summers here are trending warmer and more humid — which makes this less a lifestyle diversion than a genuine survival guide.

In other words, a pool membership or a $50 water park ticket isn’t required to cool off in the dog days of August. New Hampshire is stitched with public lakes, ponds and rivers. Getting wet isn’t a necessity, either, with a trio of genuinely strange and wonderfully cold cave systems left behind by the last Ice Age.

But natural water isn’t a chlorinated backyard pool, so a little bit of homework — the kind Smagula and her team at NHDES have made pretty easy — helps ensure a cool-down doesn’t turn into a rash, a stomachache, or worse.

Where to swim

Before picking a spot, begin with the NH Healthy Swimming Mapper. It monitors roughly 70 bodies of fresh water and 16 coastal beaches for bacteria. It’s updated at least once a day, and during bloom season sometimes multiple times a day, for fecal bacteria and cyanobacteria samples as they come back from the lab.

NHDES (des.nh.gov) introduced this oh-so-useful tool a few years ago, and Smagula calls the current version “the best iteration that I’ve seen of it.” It’s the closest thing New Hampshire has to a real-time weather report for water safety, and it’s free.

However, Smagula stressed that the mapper can’t cover everything.

“We can’t possibly sample 950 lakes and ponds and 11,000 miles of rivers and streams every single day in New Hampshire,” she said.

That’s why it’s essential that swimmers conduct what Smagula calls a “self-risk assessment.”

That’s a 30-second check before jumping into any body of water, mapped or not. Steps include scanning the sand for waterfowl or pet waste, then looking at the water itself. Is it clear, or does it look like a shaken snow globe, with flecks or scum floating in it?

Ask Smagula what she wishes she could correct about how people think about lake safety, and she doesn’t hesitate: the assumption that every beach is being watched.

“Anybody anywhere in the state could jump into a surface water,” she said — and plenty of people do, at ponds and river bends that appear on no list or map at all.

The other misconception is subtler: that showing up and jumping in is itself the plan.

It isn’t, in her view — the plan is showing up, looking around, and deciding.

“We have many beaches around the state that they could go to if the beach that is their first choice has something going on with it,” she said, “so they can have a plan B to go to another beach if they need to.”

Science aside, talking with Smagula reveals a sentiment that has little to do with algae counts or cell thresholds, that New Hampshire residents genuinely love their lakes. This dedication helps shape how the state agency charged with overseeing them approaches its task.

“A lot of people spend a lot of time growing up on lakes, going to camps on lakes, living on lakes, visiting lakes,” she said. “They’re meaningful to people.” Beyond that, tourism and recreation are a real economic engine for the state, one that depends on keeping the water clean enough to jump into.

All about algae
Cyanobacteria, commonly called blue-green algae, are native and normally present in trace amounts in nearly every water body in the state. However, they’re only a problem when they bloom. Even then, not every bloom is toxic, and NHDES has a reliable testing program to suss out potential danger.

“When we see a bloom, we collect a sample,” Smagula said. “Our threshold in New Hampshire is 70,000 cells per milliliter.” Above that density, the risk that toxins are present becomes significant enough to matter.

One more wrinkle is that blooms move.

“A place could be really unsafe in the morning because of high cell density, and then the wind blows,” Smagula said. “It shifts the bloom to another part of the lake.” Cyanobacteria cells can float, so a lake can look clean at 9 a.m. and develop a visible scum by afternoon, especially after hot, still weather.

Most blooms in New Hampshire last from an hour to a few days, but some lakes with heavier nutrient loads have bloomed for what amounts to an entire summer. The good news, reports Smagula, is that the algae gods have been kind so far.

“This has been a really quiet summer,” she said. “We don’t have any [active blooms] right now.”

With that in mind, here’s the list.

Per nhstateparks.org, this information is current for the 2026 season. Most beaches have no lifeguards, so it’s swim at your own risk. Costs at all parks are $2 for ages 6 to 11, $4 or $5 for ages 12 and up, free for NH residents 65 and older.

Bear Brook State Park — Beaver Pond & Catamount Pond (157 Deerfield Road, Allenstown / 485-9874)Hours: Open daily June through September

New Hampshire’s largest developed state park at over 10,000 acres offers two swimming areas: Beaver Pond, with a campground beach, and Catamount Pond, which offers a day-use area and pavilion. Canoe and rowboat rentals are available at both ponds on weekends. Pets are allowed in the campground and on trails, not on the beach. The park is also home to the NH Antique Snowmobile Museum, a cool indoor option for a break from the sun.

Clough State Park — Everett Lake (455 Clough Park Road, Weare / 529-7112) Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. (through early Sept.); 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Sept. 8–Oct. 13)

A 900-foot sandy beach on 150-acre Everett Lake, formed by a dam on the Piscataquog River. The park store rents boats, paddleboards and floats, and sells snacks and ice cream. No pets on the beach. Carry in, carry out — no trash receptacles on site. Weekend and holiday reservations are strongly recommended, as the beach can reach capacity. Note: GPS can be wonky, and it’s recommended to use Everett Dam Road in Weare as a destination.

Contoocook Lake — Lake Contoocook (Squantum Road, Jaffrey / 532-8100) Hours: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. daily (lifeguard hours); facilities open 8 a.m.–dusk

A classic small-town public beach on clear, quiet Contoocook Lake at the foot of Mount Monadnock, making it a popular post-hike cool-down destination. There’s a lifeguard on duty during posted hours, bathrooms, picnic tables, a concession stand, a covered pavilion and changing rooms. No floatation devices, alcohol, glass containers or loud music. Non-residents park at Humiston Field (31 Howard Hill Road) and walk approximately 0.8 miles to the beach.

Ellacoya State Park – Lake Winnipesaukee (280 Scenic Drive, Gilford / 293-7821) Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m., After Sept. 20, unstaffed and weekends only through Oct. 24

A 600-foot sandy beach on the southwest shore of New Hampshire’s largest lake, with views across the water to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains, one of the few state park beaches with a lake view on that scale. It offers picnic pavilions, an accessible bathhouse and a playground. Parking is limited and fills fast on nice weekends and holidays, but reservations can be made up to 30 days ahead. Pets are not allowed anywhere in the park.

Greenfield State Park – Otter Lake (52 Campground Road, Greenfield / 547-3497) Hours: Open daily late June through mid-October; generally 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Reopened last year after renovations, this 400-acre park sits on the shore of Otter Lake. Its Picnic Beach has a small sandy swim area, picnic tables with grills, restrooms, and a small store selling snacks and camping supplies. Kayak and canoe rentals available. The park is the state’s largest campground, so it sees traffic, but the lake itself remains undeveloped and peaceful. It’s close enough to Mount Monadnock to pair a morning hike with an afternoon swim.

Kingston State Park – Great Pond (124 Main St, Kingston / 642-5471) Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m., weekends 8 a.m.–7 p.m., through Labor Day

Situated in the state’s southeastern corner, its beach is flanked by two bath houses, one near the park office, another by the store, along with picnic tables, a playground, and a snack stand. On nice weekends the beach routinely fills to capacity by mid-morning, so an early arrival or an online day-use reservation (nhstateparks.org) can be worth it. No alcohol or smoking anywhere in the park; no pets on the beach or in the picnic area.

Mt. Sunapee State Park – Lake Sunapee (86 Beach Access Road, Newbury / 763-5561) Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. through Oct. 24.

The state beach sits on Lake Sunapee with a view of the mountain’s base, with a wide grassy lawn, a bathhouse, a store, a playground, and canoe/kayak rentals. Hiking trails leave from the beach area up toward Lake Solitude and the summit, making it an easy pairing of a morning hike and an afternoon swim. A restricted boat launch is on site. The beach reliably sells out by late morning on nice summer weekends and holidays, so reserve ahead if you can.

Pawtuckaway State Park — Pawtuckaway Lake (128 Mountain Road (Main Entrance) or 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham / 895-3031)Hours: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. daily

An 800-acre glacial lake with a 600-foot sandy beach, playground and new restroom building, set against a densely forested 5,500-acre park. The beach faces west and gets full afternoon sun. The beach area reaches capacity by mid-morning most summer weekend days, so arrive early. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the camp store. Alcohol and pets are prohibited in the beach area. Oh, and prepare to untether — there is limited to no cell service inside the park.

Silver Lake State Park – Silver Lake (138 Silver Lake Road, Hollis / 465-2342) Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all season long, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

An 80-acre park with a 1,000-foot beach curved along a 34-acre lake. Only open Friday through Sunday during the season, so a weekday drive out will find it closed. The park store rents canoes and kayaks, also selling snacks, ice cream and beach supplies. A short loop trail starts at the beach, with more hiking into the adjoining Spalding Town Forest. The restrooms are portable toilets rather than a bathhouse this year. No pets, no alcohol.

Wadleigh State Park – Kezar Lake (78 Wadleigh State Park Road, North Sutton / 927-4724) Hours: Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through Labor Day

Tall pines and hemlocks shade the picnic grove right up to the sandy beach on Kezar Lake. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent, and paddlers can cross to a small island loaded with wild blueberries, or follow a 3-mile loop trail around the lake with views of Mount Kearsarge. Amenities include a bathhouse, picnic tables, a playground, a baseball field across the street, and a boat ramp near the entrance. No pets.

Wellington State Park – Newfound Lake (614 West Shore Road, Bristol / 744-2197) Hours: Daily 8 a.m.–6 p.m. through Sept. 20, weekends only through Oct. 11

One of New Hampshire’s deepest, clearest lakes, Newfound is the largest freshwater swimming beach in the entire state park system. A peninsula nature trail runs along the shore with picnic areas, fishing spots, and views across to Cliff and Belle Islands; longer trails connect out to Mt. Cardigan, Welton Falls, and the Sugarloafs. The snack bar sells ice cream and beach gear, and there are volleyball and horseshoe courts. No pets.

Wentworth State Park – Wentworth Lake (297 Governor John Wentworth Hwy., Wolfeboro / 569-3699) Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. through Labor Day

Allen Albee Beach is a small, quiet 50-acre beach on the north shore of Wentworth Lake, often called the quiet sister of Lake Winnipesaukee, which it connects to. Amenities are simple, with picnic tables, flush toilets, and a group-use area, which makes it a good pick on a summer weekend when the bigger Lakes Region beaches are full with the seasonal crowds. No pets.

Where to hit the beach

New Hampshire’s ocean coastline is the shortest of any non-landlocked state. But there are still 16 beaches and a separate NHDES program monitoring them for the same bacteria that show up in the state’s lakes. Smagula’s title covers fresh water, but she’s monitoring the coastal side while the state looks for a new beach program coordinator.

She says the calculus for salt water isn’t much different: Watch for crowds and waterfowl congregating on the sand, since both can signal higher bacteria levels, check the mapper, and run the same self-risk assessment.

Hampton Beach State Park 160 Ocean Blvd., Hampton / 227-8722 Hours: Parking area 8 a.m.–midnight; lifeguards on duty 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (10:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m. Sept. 2–Oct. 5).

New Hampshire’s best-known coastal attraction, it’s also been recognized by the Natural Resources Defense Council as a “Superstar Beach” for consistently clean water. It pairs a mile of wide sand with a boardwalk full of arcades, ice cream stands, restaurants and shops. In other words, it’s a festive, resort-town beach rather than a quiet escape. Beach amenities include a bath house and food vendors, with metered parking.

Jenness State Beach 2280 Ocean Blvd, Rye / 227-8722 Hours: Parking area 8 a.m.–midnight; lifeguards on duty 10:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m. daily through late August.

A half-mile stretch of sand in Rye, Jenness is a favorite among surfers and local families who prefer it to Hampton’s larger crowds. The beach has a small bathhouse with restrooms and outdoor showers, plus a snack bar in season. Its consistent wave breaks make it one of the seacoast’s more popular surf spots outside of lifeguard hours. Street-side metered parking lines Route 1A. It offers a more laid-back, neighborhood feel while still being fully equipped for a day at the shore.

North Beach 920 Ocean Blvd, Hampton / 227-8722 Hours: Parking meters active 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; lifeguards on duty 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily through mid-to-late August.

The northern end of Hampton Beach State Park along Ocean Boulevard, North Beach is quieter than the Main Beach strip a mile south, with fewer commercial distractions. It’s a favored spot for surfers and long-boarders thanks to its more open swell. Parking is metered street-side along the seawall, with head-in-only spaces from 6th to 19th Street and no overnight parking. Facilities are limited compared to Main Beach, making it better suited to visitors who want sand and surf without the boardwalk scene.

North Hampton State Beach 27 Ocean Blvd., North Hampton / 227-8722 Hours: Parking area 8 a.m.–midnight; lifeguards on duty 10:15 a.m.–4:45 p.m. daily thru late August.

A small, low-key beach in North Hampton, this spot draws mainly local residents and surfers rather than tourists. It has minimal amenities — no boardwalk, concessions or bath house — just sand, surf, and roadside parking along Ocean Boulevard. Pets are prohibited here year-round, unlike most other state beaches. Its modest size and quieter crowds make it a good choice for visitors seeking a simpler, less commercial beach day on the seacoast.

Odiorne Point State Park (Rye) 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye / 436-7406 Hours: Typically 8 a.m.–8 p.m. in summer, shorter in spring and fall; check current schedule before visiting.

The largest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the New Hampshire coast, Odiorne Point offers tide pools, salt marsh, and a mostly rocky and pebble shoreline rather than open sand. Swimming is allowed in a designated area but unguarded, so it’s swim-at-your-own-risk. The park includes walking trails, picnic areas, WWII-era bunker remnants, and the Seacoast Science Center. It’s better suited to exploring tide pools, birdwatching and picnicking than traditional beach lounging, appealing to visitors who want nature and history alongside ocean views.

Rye Harbor State Park (Rye) 1730 Ocean Blvd, Rye / 227-8722Hours: Parking area open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.

Rye Harbor is more working harbor than swimming beach, with a boat ramp, commercial wharf, and public dock alongside picnic tables and salt-water fishing access. Whale-watching and deep-sea fishing charters depart nearby. There’s no lifeguarded swimming area, so it’s best for anglers, boaters, and anyone wanting harbor views and sea breeze rather than sand time. Its small size and working-harbor character make it a quick, scenic stop rather than a full beach-day destination.

Seabrook Beach (Seabrook) Runs along Ocean Boulevard/Route 1A in Seabrook Beach village. Call 474-3252.Hours: Open year-round; no official gate hours, though parking is restricted seasonally.

New Hampshire’s southernmost coastal beach, Seabrook Beach sits in a quiet, largely residential beach town backed by protected dunes. From Memorial Day weekend through mid-September, beachfront parking is limited to residents with a permit, so most visitors park along Route 1A and walk to public access points. The vibe is low-key and cottage-community rather than commercial, with fewer amenities than Hampton just to the north. It suits visitors looking for open sand and a quieter, small-town coastal feel.

Wallis Sands State Park 1050 Ocean Blvd., Rye / 436-9404 Hours:Parking area open 8 a.m.–midnight; lifeguards on duty 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, June 1–September 1.

Wallis Sands offers a 700-foot sandy beach that widens to about 150 feet at high tide, making it one of the more spacious swimming spots on the seacoast. It has a full bathhouse with showers and restrooms, a snack bar, a playground, and lifeguard coverage through the summer. Day-use parking reservations are available online, which helps manage the popular summer crowds. Its combination of amenities and swimmable sand makes it a solid family-friendly choice between the busier Hampton Beach and quieter Jenness Beach.

Into the Earth: NH’s caves

If checking a bacteria map before swimming sounds like too much homework for a beach day, here’s a pivot: New Hampshire has three genuinely excellent cave systems, all of them naturally, permanently, gloriously cold, no water-quality mapper needed.

All three cave systems are, geologically speaking, cousins — talus caves formed when retreating glaciers left massive granite boulders stacked against each other roughly 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. According to Dr. Simon Pendleton of Plymouth State University, a few factors keep these caves cold through summer. One is thermal mass.

“It takes them a long time to heat up or cool down, so the boulders themselves act like cold packs well after the cold winter temperatures have gone,” he wrote in an email. “The boulders also insulate the cold air pockets below them very well from the warm air temperatures.”

In nearby Polar Caves Park, boulders and trees also minimize solar radiation, which keeps the talus field shaded, he continued. “Also, the air in these boulder pockets is cold coming out of the winter and this cold air is denser than the warm summer air above it, which prevents mixing and keeps cold air trapped … in the voids between boulders.”

Asked about the effects of climate change on these geological marvels, Pendleton said warmer air will affect cold boulder pockets, “but due to all the factors keeping them cool, the impact will be muted.”

Polar Caves Park (705 Route 25, Rumney, 536-1888, polarcaves.com) is the state’s original cave attraction. Family-owned since 1922, it’s unmistakably built around a single selling point: cold. Nine glacially formed granite boulder caves sit beneath Hawk’s Cliff in the Baker River Valley, linked by a network of boardwalks and stairs.

The deepest of them, aptly named the Ice Cave, holds frozen water even while temperatures rise outside. The others have self-explanatory names like Fat Man’s Misery, Lemon Squeeze, Orange Crush and Polar Pinch. Bypass routes exist at every cave for anyone who’d rather not squeeze through granite. Wear closed-toe shoes with real traction, and bring a light layer even on a 90-degree day — the cold air is the entire point.

Open daily from mid-June through Labor Day weekend (Wednesday through Sunday in the shoulder seasons); tickets run about $24.50 for adults and $15.50 for youth ages 4-11 when booked online, with kids 3 and under free.

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves (1712 Lost River Road, North Woodstock) offers a different flavor of the same phenomenon: a place where a river literally disappears underground. A one-mile wooden boardwalk winds through Kinsman Notch past nearly a dozen glacially formed boulder caves, including Lemon Squeezer and Bear Crawl, along with cascading waterfalls and towering rock walls.

Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy a shaded gorge and dark cave interiors that create a genuine micro-climate much cooler than the surrounding forest. The site is only closed during lightning,. Thanks to bypass routes throughout, most of the trail can be walked without entering a cave — but why skip chilling? Gemstone panning, a nature garden, a gift shop and café round things out.

Open daily through October, though the current schedule runs Monday and Thursday through Sunday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday); tickets run $25 online, $29 walk-up, with kids 3 and under free.

Loon Mountain’s Glacial Caves (60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, 745-8111) Ride the White Mountain Express, New Hampshire’s longest enclosed gondola, up to the summit of Loon Peak, then walk a short distance to explore boulder caves formed by the same Ice Age geology as Polar Caves and Lost River. Cave access is included with a Skyride ticket, making this a genuine two-for-one — mountain views and underground chill in a single trip.

Athletic footwear is required, and the caves can close temporarily during or after wet weather when the rocks get slick, so check the Loon Mountain Report before heading out. The gondola can accommodate folded wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. One practical note: Missing the last gondola means a hike down, so keep an eye on the clock.

Open daily from late May through mid-October, with the gondola typically running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Window tickets are about $45 for adults (ages 13–64), purchase online a day early to drop the price to $35.

Top 10 things to keep in mind

1. Do a risk assessment, every time. Before wading in the water, look at the beach for animal or waterfowl waste, and check the water for scum, film or flecks that resemble a shaken snow globe.
2. New Hampshire’s water is genuinely excellent. The state consistently ranks in the top three to five in the country for water clarity and quality.
3. It’s not all watched. New Hampshire has roughly 950 lakes and ponds and 11,000 miles of rivers and streams; the state actively monitors about 70 freshwater beaches and 16 coastal beaches. Exercise good judgment for the rest.
4. The Healthy Swimming Mapper (des.nh.gov/water/healthy-swimming/healthy-swimming-mapper) is invaluable and is updated at least once daily for bacteria and multiple times a day during active cyanobacteria sampling.
5. Cyanobacteria are normal until they’re not. There are trace amounts almost everywhere. The concern is when they bloom and cross the state’s safety threshold of 70,000 cells per milliliter. Then toxins become a real possibility.
6. Blooms float and can move around. Within hours, wind can push a bloom from open water onto a beach, or clear a beach by blowing it elsewhere. Most blooms last from an hour to a few days; the worst last 90 to 120 days.
7. If you swim into a bloom, get out immediately, move away quickly and then shower without delay — dogs too. Watch for skin rashes, gastrointestinal upset, headache, dizziness or fatigue. Seek medical attention if symptoms escalate.
8. Rivers aren’t exempt — look below. They rarely get water-column blooms, but benthic cyanobacteria mats — fuzzy, dark green or blackish carpets on the river bottom — are a growing concern, and they can produce the same toxins.
9. Be part of the monitoring system. NHDES’s Look, Check, Report campaign relies on the public, so anyone who spots a suspected bloom can fill out a report and trigger an inspection.
10. Hold off after heavy rain. Bacteria can survive outside a human or animal for about 24 hours. Waste, runoff and sewage overflow wash downhill into the nearest body of water during a storm.

Runs, walks and other races to keep you moving

Time to take your run on the road.

From now through Thanksgiving, there are oodles of runs and run/walks to help you stay motivated. Know of one not mentioned here? Tell us all about it at adiaz@hippopress.com. Here are some of the races on the upcoming schedule.

Millennium Running

Millennium Running, which has a store at 138 Bedford Center Road in Bedford, has Millennium Running Signature Events and events it manages, according to millenniumrunning.com, where you can register (registration costs usually vary based on age) and get bib pick-up information, see race maps and get more details about each run. Here are some of the races on its schedule:

Signature events

• Delta Dental/Elliot Corporate Road Race takes place Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6:20 p.m. with a 5K “loop starting at Stark and Elm Streets, heading north on Elm, west on Thayer, south on River Road and Canal Street, then turning onto Stark and Elm Street before finishing on Elm Street, next to Veterans Park,” the website said. Solinsky Cancer Center is listed as the event’s official charity.

• The Rockland Trust and Bank Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K & Brewfest takes place Saturday, Aug. 15, with the race start time at 6:30 p.m. and a brewfest and concert that runs from 6:45 to 9 p.m. at the Londonderry Athletic Field Complex, 98 Sargent Road in Londonderry, according to the website, which describes the course as starting on Sargent Road and heading “north onto Mammoth Road before turning onto Otterson Road for an out and back loop to finish at the Londonderry Athletic Fields.” Registration for the race includes entry to the brewfest and concert; tickets to the brewfest and concert only are also available. The first 1,200 adult and youth runners to register can get a “Live Free and Run” tank top, according to the website, which listed Girls on the Run New Hampshire, Londonderry Athletics and Londonderry Lions Club as the event’s charities.

• The Autofair New Hampshire 10 Miler takes place Sunday, Aug. 23, at 8 a.m. with an out-and-back route described as a “flat & fast course along the banks of the picturesque Piscataquog River” in New Boston, the website said. This event offers 10-mile, relay and 5K options (5K has an 8:15 a.m. start time), according to the website, which lists Girls on the Run New Hampshire as the official charity.

• Two races remain in Millennium Running’s Happy Hour Hustle five-race series: Thursday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. at North Elementary School in Londonderry to benefit Wesley’s Way Foundation, and Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester to benefit NH Campaign for Legal Services, according to the website, where you can find details on the series.

• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Seafood Fest 5K takes place during the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (to which racers can receive free entry) on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. with Yoga on the Beach at 8 a.m. and Lil’ Lobster Fun Run at 8:30 a.m., according to the website. The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival runs from Friday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 13, according to seafoodfestivalnh.com, where you can find details on that event. The website describes the course as an out-and-back run “along Route 1A on New Hampshire’s beautiful seacoast” that finishes on the sand at Hampton Beach. The first 1,000 adult and youth runners to register can get a race shirt, according to the website, which listed Girls on the Run New Hampshire as the event’s charity.

• Footrace For the Fallen takes place Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m. with a 5K route that “starts at the Manchester Police Department and finishes inside Gill Stadium,” the website said. The first 1,000 adult and youth runners to register can get a Footrace for the Fallen race shirt, according to the website, which listed Manchester Police Athletic League as the event’s charity.

• Delta Dental New England Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, Oct. 18, with the race starting at 8 a.m., according to the website, which describes the 13.1-mile route as a downhill “course starting at Gould Hill Farm, a quintessential New Hampshire apple orchard with views of fall foliage and running scenic country roads to finish at the NH Statehouse.” The first 1,200 adult and youth runners to register can get a long-sleeve performance fleece, the website said. The event’s official charity is Girls on the Run New Hampshire, the website said.

• The All Star Smiles Orthodontics Trick or Trot 3K will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at Backyard Brewery and Kitchen in Manchester with an out-and-back route on South Mammoth and Lucas Roads, the website said. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. with a Kids Halloween Festival and magic show (at 10 a.m.), followed by Lil’ Pumpkin Fun Runs starting at 10:30 a.m. in age-based groups, according to the website, which encourages wearing costumes for the race. The first 1,000 registered runners can receive running gloves. The event’s official charity is Girls on the Run New Hampshire, the website said.

• The Elliot Manchester City Marathon takes place Sunday, Nov. 8, with marathon, half-marathon, relay and 5K options, according to millenniumrunning.com/marathon-2, where you can also purchase marathon merch. The event’s official charity is Run with a Mission, the website said.

Millennium Running-managed events

• The final two races of the Capital Area Race Series will take place Saturday, July 25, at 9 a.m. (the Canterbury Woodchuck Classic 5K at Canterbury Elementary School on the day of the Canterbury Fair; see www.canterburyfair.com) and Saturday, Aug. 15, at 8 a.m. (Celebrate Tom Walton 5K & 6-Miler). See runcarsnh.com for details about the series.

• Rotary Trails 2 Ales 5K, presented by the Rotary Club of Bedford, will take place Thursday, July 30, at 6 p.m. “The event is a trail race designed for individual runners of all ages on the cross-country ski trails and features an after-run event with refreshments of grilled burgers and ales from local breweries,” according to the Rotary’s website (portal.clubrunner.ca/2908).

• His Mansion Ministries Run for Recovery 5K Run/Walk will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8:30 a.m. on the New Boston Rail Trail in New Boston, according to hismansion.com/hm-5k.

• Pinkerton Academy 5K Astro Run will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. at the Pinkerton Academy campus in Derry to “support the Pinkerton Fund, with proceeds going directly back to benefit the students” according to pinkertonacademy.org/alumni/upcoming-events.

• Race to the Ledges 5K at the Granite Ledges in Concord will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at 9 a.m., according to graniteledges.com/events/granite-ledges-of-concord-annual-5k, where you can see a race route.

• Veterans Count Nashua 5K Fun Run & Walk will take place Saturday, Sept. 5, at 9 a.m. according to the website, where you can purchase race merch. See vetscount.org/events/veterans-count-nashua-5k to see a route for the race, which begins and ends at Stellos Stadium in Nashua.

• D.A.R.E. Classic 5K, presented by the New Hampshire State Police and D.A.R.E. New Hampshire, will take place Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon with options for a one-mile fun run (starting at 5:30 p.m.) and a 5K (at 6:25 p.m.), according to the website, where you can find race merch.

• The Mile for Mentoring 2026 Race and Fun Run, held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire and Vermont, is one of the few single-mile runs and it takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, according to bigsnhvt.org (look under “Events”).

• St. Gianni’s Place Family First 5K Run/Walk takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m. in Londonderry. See stgiannasplace.org for more on the organization and the Millennium Running website to register.

• The Runaway Pumpkin 10K & 5K Run/Walk presented by WOW Trail,will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. and begin and end at Smith Track at Opechee Park in Laconia, according to wowtrail.org/runawaypumpkin, which said a kids’ fun run will take place at 10 a.m. on the track. Register by Oct. 10 to receive an event shirt, the website said.

• The Salem Animal Rescue League’s Howl’ween 5K will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, at 9 a.m. in Salem. “Whether you’re a seasoned runner, casual walker, or want to bring your four-legged best friend along for the fun, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween while supporting homeless animals. Enjoy a 5K course, costume fun, vendors, music, and more,” according tosarlnh.org/events.

More runs & races

• The Christmas in July 5K Running Race takes place Sunday, July 26, at 9 a.m. (a children’s Tunnel Run takes place at 8:45 a.m.) at Two Delta Dental in Concord, according to runsignup.com/Race/NH/Concord/ChristmasInJuly5KRunningRace, where you can register.

• The Mine Falls Summer Trail Series in Nashua continues with races on Mondays, July 27, Aug. 3 and Aug. 10, all starting at 6:30 p.m. (with a 5:30 p.m. in-person registration) with 5-mile and 5K options, according to posts on the series Facebook page, where you can also find the list of themes for each week (July 27 is “We Rock Socks”). The series is an event by the Gate City Striders; see gatecity.org.

• This one is just for the athlete ages 4 to 15 years: the Kid’s Try-athlon featuring swimming, biking and running will take place on Sunday, Aug. 2, at 8 a.m. at the Bedford Town Pool and Bedford High School, according to friendsofaine.com/get-involved/events/kids-try-athlon. Kids are grouped into ages 4 to 10 and ages 11 to 15, with different distances for each, the website said. The event benefits the Friends of Aine.

• The Pittsfield Balloon Rally’s Frank H. Donovan 5K will take place Sunday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m., according to nhballoonrally.org, where you can register for the race and see the course map. “The starting line is just beyond the bridge on Barnstead Road, and the finish line is in the center of Drake Field,” the website said. The Suncook Valley Rotary’s 44th annual Hot Air Balloon Rally takes place Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2, the website said.

• The Belmont Old Home Day 10-Mile Road Race takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, at 7:30 a.m., part of a line-up of Old Home Day events, according to belmontnh.gov/old-home-day, where you can see the route map and register. The sign-up page describes the race as “one of the oldest and most challenging hilly 10-mile races in New England!”

• The Sabine Strong Foundation 33 will hold the Sabine Strong 3.3 & Kids Dash on Sunday, Aug. 9, in Newington, according to sabinestrong.org, where you can see a map of the 3.3-mile course.

• Anna’s Run 4-Miler will take place Thursday, Aug. 13, with the race starting at 5:30 p.m. (a children’s race starts at 5 p.m.) in Contoocook, according to runsignup.com/Race/NH/Contoocook/AnnaSRun, where you can register.

• The Granite Man Triathlon will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m. beginning and ending at Carry Beach on Forest Road in Wolfeboro, according to wolfeboronh.us/304/Granite-Man-Triathlon, where you can find links to register (there is no race-day registration). The event features “a ¾-mile swim, 15-mile bike ride and a 4.2-mile run,” the website said.

• The Wanakee Wilderness 5K will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m., according to wanakeewilderness5k.com. The course is described as “a challenging and exciting course traversing through the beautiful hills and woodland valleys of our 227-acre site. As a race participant you’re sure to enjoy the varied trail terrain through northern hardwoods and evergreens, running over the granite rocks and woodland paths toward Lemon Squeeze, enjoying the breathtaking view from Look Out Point, or feeling the cool breeze along the path at the Waterfront,” according to the website, where you can register for the race and find out details about the Homecoming BBQ and other events after the race.

• The Run Your Buns Off 4.2 Miler comes with a treat: a post-race sticky bun after the race on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 a.m. at Newfound Lake in Bristol, according to runyourbunsoffnh.com, where you can register for the race (there is no same-day registration).

• The Colon Cancer Coalition Get Your Rear in Gear New Hampshire 5K Run/Walk will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m. (preceded by a kids’ fun run) at Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook, according to coloncancercoalition.org/event/get-your-rear-in-gear-new-hampshire, where you can register.

• The Healthy Kids Running Series for ages kindergarten through 8th grade kicks off its fall season on Sunday, Sept. 13, according to healthykidsrunningseries.org, which lists fall information for series in Amherst, Litchfield, Manchester and Peterborough. Check back for updates.

• The Run to Fall 5K will take place on Coe-Brown Northwood Academy’s campus on Sunday, Sept. 13, according to event organizers. See runtofall5k.com for updates.

• The Hooksett Kiwanis 5K Trail Race will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, from Heads Pond Trail to the Hooksett Library with an 8:30 a.m. start time for the race (a kids’ fun run in front of the library starts at 9:15 a.m.), according to k16021.site.kiwanis.org/hooksett-kiwanis-5k-trail-race, where you can register (the first 100 registrants get T-shirts).

• The 8th Annual Rock Steady Boxing Lakes Region Parkinson’s 5K will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m. in Laconia, according to runsignup.com/Race/Events/NH/Laconia/RSBLakesRegionforParkinsons5k, where you can register for the race.

• Miles for Meals 5K, held by Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County, will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9:30 a.m. in Mine Falls Park in Nashua, according to hcmow.org/miles-for-meals, where you can register. Register before Aug. 14 to get a T-shirt, the registration website said.

• The Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire & Vermont will hold the 18th Annual Stiletto Sprint, presented by LeMay Family Goodworks, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. on Pleasant Street in Portsmouth. The race is a “40-yard sprint or strut in heels” according to give.bigsnhvt.org/event/stiletto-sprint-2026/e771570, where you can register.

• Operation Delta Dog’s 5K Run to the Rescue will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. in Mile Falls Park in Nashua, according to the registration page, which you can reach via operationdeltadog.org. “The first 200 registrants by August 16th will receive a commemorative Operation Delta Dog Run to Rescue T-shirt,” according to the race page, which explained that you can register to run with or without your dog.

• The 13th Annual Seacoast Cancer Run/Walk 5K will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. and the “festivities will be held at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at the Wentworth-Douglass Portsmouth Outpatient Center – located on the Pease Tradeport at 121 Corporate Drive, Suite 100 in Portsmouth, NH. Join us for that block-party feel while making an impact on local cancer patients and their families — and bonus — a much flatter 5K course!” according to seacoastcancer5k.org, where you can register. Register by Aug. 22 to get a race shirt, the website said.

• The 2026 5K and Family Walk for Connor’s Climb Foundation will take place Sunday, Sept. 20, at 9 a.m. at the Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter, according to connorsclimb.org/2026-5k-family-walk, where you can register for the race.

• Southern New Hampshire Health will hold its Run/Walk 5K on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m. at Holman Stadium in Nashua, according to Southern New Hampshire Health’s Facebook page. The event will also include a kids’ fun run, according to the post, which includes a link to register.

• The Dover Race Series has four more races on its schedule before the end of the year: the Frances G. Hopkins Elementary School at Horne Street 5K and Fran’s Fitness Walk on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9 a.m.; the Apple Harvest Day 5K on Saturday, Oct. 3; the Pumpkin Dash 5K at Dover Middle School on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 9:30 a.m. (a costume contest will take place at 9 a.m.), and the Dover Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26, at Garrison Elementary School, according to doverraceseries.org, where you can find links to details on each race and how to register. The Apple Harvest Day 5K will kick off at 8:30 a.m. at 32 St. Thomas St. in Dover; registration is open at dovernh.org/ahd5k.

• Gourdy’s Pumpkin Run 5K takes place on Saturday, Oct. 3, with a 9 a.m. race time, in Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester, according to gourdyspumpkinrun.com/event/manchester-5k-2026, where you can register. Registration gets you a lightweight tech hoodie, a cup of apple cider, a small pumpkin and more, the website said.

• The New Hampshire Marathon at Newfound Lake in Bristol takes place Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9 a.m., according to nhmarathon.com, where you can register for a marathon, half marathon, 10K or kids’ race. Register before Aug. 27 to get a race shirt, according to the website, where you can see the race maps. You can also buy tickets for a pasta dinner on Friday, Oct. 2, at Union Lodge in Bristol.

• The Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon and 5K will take place Sunday, Oct. 4, with an 8 a.m. start for half marathoners and an 8:40 a.m. start for 5K runners, according to hamptonrockfest.com, where you can register and purchase food and beer tickets as well as merch. The event also features a “race within a race”: “We’ve partnered with our friends at Coastal Run to bring you a race within the race. The Mile Madness is a 1-mile section of the course that is timed separately from the overall and age group categories where runners are encouraged to throw down their best mile,” the website said.

• The Second Annual New England Ostomy 5K takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, with the race starting at 10 a.m. in Wallis Sands Park in Rye Beach, according to the race registration page, which can be reached via ostomy.org/5k. The event will feature a 5K fun run and walk and a kids’ fun run, the website said. Registration includes a T-shirt.

• The Third Annual Pumpkinfest 5K & Fun Run will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, 56 Mont Vernon St. in Milford, which is hosting the event, according to svbgc.org (the event is the same weekend as the Milford Pumpkin Festival; see milfordpumpkinfestival.org). Sign up for the 5K run/walk or the Kid 1 Mile Fun Run by clicking on the “See Last Year’s Fun” button, where you can also find the course map.

• The Warner Fall Foliage Festival 5K Race takes place Saturday, Oct. 10, at 9:30 a.m., winding from Main Street to the Rail Trail toward Denny Hill Road, through a forest and then eventually headed back to the center of town, according to wfff.org/warner-5k-race, where you can find a link to register. The first 130 registrants get free race shirts, the website said. The 5K takes place during the Warner Fall Foliage Festival, which runs Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11. See wfff.org for more event details.

• Howl-O-Ween 5K to benefit the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire in Bedford will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester and is a dog-friendly 5K run/walk (you can purchase a dog bib for a participating dog), according to rescueleague.org/events. The event will include vendors, prizes and post-race refreshments, the website said. Register before Sept. 10 to receive an event T-shirt, the website said.

• The 12th annual James W. Foley Freedom Run will take place Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. in Rochester (a kids’ fun run starts at 9:15 a.m.), according to foleyrun.org, where you can register for the New Hampshire run, a Washington, D.C., run or a virtual run.

• The Great Bay 5K takes place in Stratham Hill Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 9 a.m. start for runners and walkers and an 8:45 a.m. start for wheelchair racers, according to greatbay5k.org, where you can register (register by Oct. 1 to get a shirt). The race is described as a “fun, fast, scenic, and mostly downhill event” and proceeds “go to the non-profit Great Bay Stewards, which supports conservation, education, community outreach, stewardship, and research of the Great Bay Estuary,” the website said.

• The Seacoast Half Marathon will take place Sunday, Oct. 25, with walkers starting at 8 a.m. and runners starting at 8:30 a.m., according to seacoasthalfmarathon.com, where you can register and see a map of the route, which begins and ends at Portsmouth High School. The website describes the course as “fabulous, fast, and mostly flat with rolling hills.”

• Second Annual Run to Remember Brandi will take place Sunday, Oct. 25, at 9 a.m. in Mine Falls Park in Nashua with 5K run, 5K walk and virtual options, according to runsignup.com/Race/NH/Nashua/RunToRememberBrandi, where you can register.

• Live Free Animal Rescue will hold the Franken Paws 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. at Stumble Inn in Londonderry, according to an event post on Live Free’s Facebook page, where you can register. Leashed dogs are welcome and costumes are encouraged, the post said. Register by Oct. 9 to get a T-shirt; there will be prizes for first-place finishers and for best costumes, the post said. See livefreerescue.com for more on the organization.

• The Hugs For Vets Trail 10K-ish will take place Sunday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m. “starting and finishing at Henniker Brewing Company and American Legion Post 78,” according to runsignup.com/Race/NH/Henniker/HugsForVetsTrail10kishm, where you can register. The race is described as “a fun and challenging race that combines scenic trails, country roads, community spirit, and support for our local veterans,” according to the website, which said the field is limited to 150 participants.

• The Pope Memorial SPCA will hold its Frosty Paws 5K on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 9 a.m. for a dogs-welcome running or walking race, according to pmspca.org/frosty-paws-5k-run, where you can register and see the course map. “Course begins at the Banks Humane Education Center at 95 Silk Farm Road, Concord (across from the shelter), taking you to the grounds of St Paul’s School and back,” the website said.

• The Novemberfest Race in Nashua, described as a “4-mile race through Mine Falls Park and raffle at Martha’s Exchange for the Nashua Children’s Home,” will take place on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 11:33 a.m., according to the event’s Facebook page. “The start finish area is near the Pine Street Extension Entrance into Mine Falls Park about 200 yards west of the Millyard Smokestack,” the post said. “New this year, you can purchase a Novemberfest T-shirt for $20 each. All profits go directly to Nashua Children’s Home.” For more information on the race, see gatecity.org/novemberfest.

Enjoy fresh flavors and community at area farmers markets

Change is a constant at farmers markets.

Whether it’s the seasonal change in the produce offerings — blueberries today, tomatoes in a month — or changes in the market itself, the markets are never quite the same.

Nashua’s farmers market has been growing and expanding over the past several years, said Elaina Bedio of the Downtown Nashua Association.

“For a long time the Farmers Market was managed by the City,” she said. “And then the Great American Downtown — which is what our group used to be known as — took it over. It was still over by the library, but this year we moved it to the new Riverwalk, so we’re excited about that. We’ve got lots of new vendors that people are excited about. And that has led to a lot of interest from people who want to be vendors next year. People seem to like the changes; we’re pretty excited about it.”

Bedio said the Nashua Farmers Market has about 30 vendors.

“They’re not all there every week, but some of them are seasonal vendors who are there every week. We make a priority of having farms — I would say the most represented groups would be the farms. And agricultural vendors — that would include people who are selling flowers and plants and things like that. And then we have craft beer vendors and craftspeople who are making things like jewelry and soap and fidgets and all sorts of things, art, photography. And then we have a significant number of bakeries as well.”

One of those bakeries is Crumbs on Cambridge. Amy Casella is the owner of the home-based bakery and sells her all-natural treats at three different area farmers markets: Nashua’s, Bedford’s and the Merrimack Valley Farmers Market in Milford. She said meeting her customers face to face is what she likes most about selling at market.

“I love talking to the people,” Casella said. “And every town has different types of people who come, different conversations. The flavors are different depending upon each town I go to and each market I go to.”

One of the main benefits of selling directly to customers, Casella said, is being able to answer their questions. Many food vendors have found a growing interest from customers who are curious about where their food comes from, said Amy Fecteau, who specializes in raising animals for meat at Cedartree Farm. She has found that in recent years customers have wanted to know more about where their food comes from, and that is especially true about the animals they eat.

“We raise pork, goat, chicken and lamb,” Fecteau said.

Her goat meat has gained a following, she said, but for many customers it’s been a new experience.

“I did some research [when I started my farm] and found out that there weren’t a lot of people producing meat goats and that a market was there,” she said “It took a while for me to find it. I’m still finding people that are like, ‘Oh my goodness, you have goat! I didn’t know.’ But now there are more people receptive to it and want to try it.”

“It’s a wonderful meat,” Fecteau said. “It’s very versatile. A lot of people probably think of like a curry, like goat curry, but you can do pretty much anything. I have the goat legs cut into steaks and you can cook it just like you would do a beef steak. And they’re very tender and very flavorful. And it’s grown in popularity.”

She said most of the questions she gets asked at farmers markets are about what life is like for the animals. “They live pretty good, stress-free lives,” she said.

Diane Souther of Apple Hill Farm, who sells at the Concord Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, agrees that teaching customers can be gratifying.

“If they have questions, we can answer them, and vice versa,” Souther said. “They can ask us what variety of tomatoes we have this week, and they know that they came fresh from the farm within a day or two, so that they’re the freshest possible.”

A farmers market gives Souther and her staff a chance to educate customers about the seasonality of their food, and when it is at its best, she said.

“You know, they’ll walk in now, in the middle of July, and go, ‘So where are the apples today?’ Well, it’s only July. They won’t be here till September. And then, you know, different varieties of apples as well. … And that’s part of the fun of coming to the farmers market, because you never know what you’re going to see that day that you’re there. Something that you might have got two weeks ago that was in season, like strawberries, are now done.”

That seasonality extends to what customers will find throughout a given market at different times over the season. Even though the public refers to these seasonal markets as “farmers markets,” there are times — especially early in the season — when fresh fruit and vegetables take a back seat to other locally produced foods and crafts.

“We always try to strike a balance of about 60 percent food-based vendors — that includes local farmers, fish mongers, and bakers who work with local ingredients — and about 40 percent other vendors — crafters and other people who provide services,” said Craig Cunningham of the Derry farmers market. That can even extend to businesses you might not expect.

“That includes Mr. Joe,” Cunningham said. “He’s a balloon artist from Silly Solutions. He can make a balloon version of any animal. I haven’t seen him stumped yet. He’s always swamped with kids.”

While many farmers markets are set up in parking lots, there is a lot of variety in where in a town they might be.

“We’re lucky,” Craig Cunningham said about the location of the Derry market, “in that Benson Lumber and Hardware on Broadway has a big grass lot in front of the store that they let us use, so we’re right there and easy to find.”

In Concord — at least during the summer — Capitol Street, a small side street next to the Statehouse, is blocked off for foot traffic during market hours. Selling at the market can be a very different experience than her everyday sales at her farm, said Diane Souther.

“We have a farm stand,” she said. “We also do pick-your-own at the farm. So with the farm, you can get the full farming experience. It’s quiet, it’s nice, you’re out in nature, you can sit down and watch the clouds blow over. When you go to the farmers market, it’s a different story, because it’s busy, it’s active. Last week we had the 250th celebration, so we had a cannon shooting off and muzzle loaders shooting off. We had a parade. The weekend before that, they had another event at the Statehouse. So it’s a little bit different. It’s noisy, but it’s great.”

Find your market

The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food has a list of New Hampshire farmers markets at agriculture.nh.gov (click on “Find NH Agriculture” under “Consumers,” where you can also find farm stands and CSAs), which lists markets (as reported by their managers) throughout the state.

Here are some area farmers markets, with information according to the markets’ own websites and social media.

Tuesdays

• The Bedford Farmers Market is located in the parking lot of Murphy’s Taproom, 393 Route 101 in Bedford, Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. through Oct. 13. This year’s vendors include Arbor Grove Scents (small-batch soy candles, goat milk soaps and clean skin care), Bee the Buzz (ecological planting and design services as well as organic program services ), Berkshire Gold (maple syrup), Cedartree Farm, Crumbs on Cambridge, Delicious Alternatives, DJ’s Pure Natural Honey, Familia Baking Co. (Latin bakery), Flour Garden Bakery, Fresh Start Farms, Galomine Farm Too, Granite State Flower Farm, Holy Moly Snacks, Jack’s Crackers, Jajabelles Coffee and Bakeshop, Junie Bee Designs (pottery, jewelry and wearables), Rich Bro Salmon, Lakonian Olive Oil, Ledge Top Farms, Live Free and Bark, Mind Body Snack, My Country Mushrooms, New England Wagyu, Pet Education Technologies, Pup’s Cider, Real Soap, Spiczka Farm, Stoykovich Designs, The Potting Shed and Woodman Artisan Bakery, according to bedfordnhfarmersmarket.org.

• The Tilton Farmers Market takes place Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. through Sept. 29 at the 321 Ballfield/Tilton Police Department at 45 Sanborn Road (Route 132) in Tilton, according to tiltonfarmersmarketnh.com, where you can find a list of each week’s vendors. July 14, for example, included vendors offering chicken, pork, eggs, baked goods, flowers, photography, seedlings, gluten-free baked goods and bread, chocolate-dipped sweets as well as cookies and cupcakes, pet treats, tarot readings and decks, vegetables, bread, maple syrup, nut-free baked goods, produce, plants, pickles, salsa, veggies, herbs, fruit, berries, honey, woodworking and Taylor’s Sizzle and Serve with burgers, tenders, hot dogs, fries and more, the website said.

Wednesdays

• The Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market takes place Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 30 at 1 West Broadway, according to derryhomegrown.org. Find a list of the coming week’s vendors and musical performer on the market’s Facebook page. The 2026 vendors include Country Dreams (veggies and fruits), Food & Blooms Farm (cut flowers an plants), Forest Fed Farmstead (vegetables), Fresh Start Farms (veggies), Meta Microgreens, DJ’s Pure Natural Honey, New England Wagyu, New England Fish Mongers, Pepper & Row Co. (hot pepper products and seasonal harvests), Singing Pond Farm (produce, pottery), The Laurels Farm, 603 Perfect Blend (loose leaf tea), Debbie D’s (jams, jellies, pickles, relishes), Holy Moly Snacks (similar to beef jerky), Cucina Aurora (cooking products), Ken’s Corn (popcorn), KRM Chocolates, La’Peony Desserts (baked goods, French-inspired desserts), Lush Confections, Mimi Rae’s Gluten Free Bakery, Nomad Bakery (bread), The Stand “Shaken Not Stirred” (Lemonade), Sweet Dreams Confection (sourdough), Roy’s Empanadas, Kerry’s Katering, Wood Shack Juices of New England, 603 Candle, Burnham Woods (wood, fiber arts, houseplants), Sheila’s Essentials (goats milk soap, salves, balms, sprays), Royal Tallow (tallow items, soap trays), Live Free and Bark (dog chews), Yellow Shed Pottery, On a Roll Blankets, Full Sun Ceramics, Cathedral Ledge Distillery, Doire Distilling/Daydreaming Brewery/ Meadow Vineyards and Rockingham Brewery Co., the website said.

• The Canterbury Community Farmers Market runs Wednesdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. through Sept. 30 next to the Elkins Public Library with special programing each week of the month: a kids’ activity the first Wednesday, NH Master Gardeners the second Wednesday, “Fruit & Jam SLAMS” the third Wednesday and “Fill Mary Ellen’s Basket” (a charitable giving program) on the fourth Wednesday of each month, according to canterburyfarmersmarket.com, where you can also find the lineup of live music (scheduled for July 22 is 2nd Time Around). Vendors for 2026 include Auntie B’s Greek Pastries, Big Trees Bread Co., Brookford Farm (cheeses, dairy, cured meats, eggs, veggies), Cathedral Ledge Distillery, Crock & Scythe Farm (greens, veggies, root crops, eggs, coffee), Fen Ridge Farm (wine-based jams and jellies), Fresh Start Farms (vegetables and flowers), Just Like Lydia’s (sweets and baked goods), Lakonian Olive Oil, North Family Farm (maple syrup and maple products, honey, cut flowers) Peace Ledge Baking Co. (baked goods, bagels, bialys), Roy’s Empanadas (empanadas and medialunas), Schrock Farm (lamb, yarn and wool, wool items), Someday Farm (animal fiber products, baked and preserved items, eggs, cheese), Sugar Bones Farm (maple syrup & products, ground beef), Terra Basics (culinary and medicinal herbs and edible flowers, seasoning blends, teas), The Blossom Shed (veggies, herbs, cut flowers), The Burstin’ Kernel (kettle corn), The Late Bird Baked Goods (gluten-free and organic, with some dairy-free options), Warner River Produce (greens, herbs, apples, fruit, tomatoes, honey, mushrooms, chicken and more), Zulip Farms (mushrooms, berries, jam, honey), Dragonfly West Design (seasoning blends, note cards, paper flower earrings), Miss Catherine’s Threads (wool yard and knitted items), Old Ways Traditions and Petals in the Pines (flowers, bird baths, planters, Swedish almond cakes, eggs, and more), the website said.

• Sandown Farmers Market takes place Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 23 at Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St. in Sandown, according to sandown.us/1342/Sandown-Farmers-Market and the Sandown Recreation Commission’s Facebook page, where you can find updates about vendors coming to the upcoming market. For example Bookish Bliss (a mobile bookstore) and Scattergood Farmstand (baked goods and sourdough bread) were listed as attending in a July 7 post.

• The Manchester Farmers and Makers Market describes itself on its Facebook page as ”a vibrant, face-to-face community that fosters health, wealth, and a strong sense of belonging through providing high-quality, locally produced goods, engaging performances, & a network of tangible value trade.” Another post said the market features “live music, activities, hot food, and performances, too! We believe in freedom, free trade, and great, local food and products.” The market runs Wednesdays, 4 to 7, until September in Arms Park, according to the Facebook page, where you can find upcoming vendors and performers.

• The Lee Farmers’ and Artisans Market is located at Little River Park, 28 North River Road, Lee, and will run on upcoming Wednesdays (July 22, Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 9 and Sept. 23) from 3 to 6:30 p.m., according to facebook.com/LeeFarmersMarket. “Fresh fruits and veggies, baked goodies, handcrafted candles, jewelry, wooden kitchenware, plus live local music sponsored by the Rotary Club of Durham-Great Bay,” according to a post on the page.

Thursdays

• The Merrimack Valley Farmers Market runs Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. through Nov. 5 in the parking lot of the St. John Neumann Parish Catholic Church at 708 Milford Road in Merrimack, according to merrimackvalleymarket.com and the market’s Facebook page, where you can find a map and parking information as well as information about upcoming markets. Vendors at the June 25 market, for example, included The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, Rich Bro Salmon Co., On a Roll Handmade Chunky Knit Blankets, DJ’s Pure Natural Honey, Fresh Start Farms, MolaFoods, Crumbs on Cambridge, Pup’s Cider, Real Soap and Blackeyed Susan Sheep Dairy.

Fridays

• Fried Fridays Community Market held weekly at the Tractor Supply Co. at 307 Dover Road, Chichester, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.-ish, according to a post on the Facebook page for Normans FoodTruck, which is one of the regular vendors at the event, based on their posts. See the page for upcoming vendors.

• The 2nd Annual Dunbarton Farmers Market will run at Stark Farm, 30 Stark Lane in Dunbarton, Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. through Aug. 28, according to starkfarmblueberries.com/farmers-market. See the farm’s Facebook page for updates. According to the farm’s website, vendors will include Bela Brook Farm (beef and chicken), Bizzy Bee Books, Blakeney’s Bread, Bunny Bee Cotton Candy, Clapp Family Farm (veggies, fruit, eggs), Clayton Soaps, Four Legged World, Generation Farm (salad greens), Jacqui’s Glassicles, Log Home Herbs and Crafts, Maeve + Enya LaMarque (crocheted items, bracelets), Matt Forrest Esenwine (children’s books), Niamh Stevin with a lemonade stand, Southern Charm Cheese, Nature’s Dreamscape (isopods and plants), Trusted Essential Services and Stark Farm itself, which offers blueberries, honey, jams, doughnuts, whoopie pies, maple syrup and Amish popcorn.

Saturdays

• The Concord Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon through Oct. 31, on Capitol Street next to the New Hampshire Statehouse in downtown Concord and “is one of the oldest markets in … New Hampshire. During the peak season we have 40+ vendors at the market,” according to concordfarmersmarket.com, where you can find a map of vendor spots as well as parking in the area. Vendors include Abbot Creamery (cheese), Auntie B’s Greek Pastry, Apple Hill Farm, Bardo Farm (dried meats), Blakeney’s Bakery, Blasdell Body Care, Birch Rise Farm (chicken, pork, turkeys, eggs), Bread Peddler, Celeste Oliva (oils, balsamic vinegars, spices), Chichester Country Store (doughnuts, baked goods), Clayton’s Way Farm (soaps), Coffin Cellars Winery, Concord Bee Co. (honey, bee products), Community Supported Cold Brew, Down Home with Dee (mushrooms), East Coast Sales (dog chews and bones), Fresh Start Farms, Garrison City Nut Co., Grand View Farm (cut flowers), Granite Ledge Coffee, Hickory Nut Farm (goat milk products), Hop N Hen Farm (vegetables, fruits, eggs, poultry), Kearsarge Gore Farm (vegetables, flowers, lamb, beef, pork), KYS Food For Dogs, Lindon Garlic Farm, Live Free and Bark, Meadowview Farm (lamb, chicken, beef, honey, maple, pickles, jellies & jams, eggs, fruit), Meta Micro Greens, Morrill Farm Dairy (beef, flours), Mt. Dearborn Farm (pork, chicken lamb, eggs, soaps and shampoo, alpaca yard and balls), New England Fish Mongers, NOK Vino, Potter Beef Farm, Potter’s Farm (maple, vegetables, berries), Prodigal Brewing, Rocky Ole Farm (vegetables, berries, farm crafts, eggs), Sun Fox Farm (sunflower oils, herbs, spices), Twisted Mallow Co., Savvy Sweets & Treats, Sayde & Georges (Middle Eastern dips), Southern Charm Farm (cheese), Swallow Ridge Farm (cheese), Sound Roots Farm (vegetables, mushrooms, flowers), Tamworth Distillery, TerraBasics (herbs and herbal items, seasonings, edible flowers), Tilton Hill Goat Farm, Wiggle Butt Bites (pet treats), Wild Berry Farm (maple syrup and products, fiber products), Woodman’s Bakery and Yakum Hill Farm (soy products), according to the website.

• The Contoocook Farmers Market is open in summer on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through October at the Riverway Park Gazebo, 896 Main St. in Contoocook, according to facebook.com/ContoocookFarmersMarket, where you can find updates on vendors and events.

• The Warner Area Farmers Market is located at 5 E. Main St. in Warner and runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 3, according to facebook.com/warnerareafarmersmarket, where you can find updates on vendors and special events, such as Kid’s Day featuring a kids’ craft fair on Aug. 8, and musical performers. Vendors include KGF, Kate’s Wicked Bakes, Alyssa Kreilick, Liberty Bakes, Bella Wilson, Good Rhubarb Soap, Lesvia de King, Horner Hollows Homestead and Blaisdell Hill Farm, according to warnerfarmersmarket.org.

• The Milford NH Farmers Market takes place Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 31, at Blue Seal, 351 Elm St. in Milford, according to milfordnhfarmersmarket.com. Vendors include Fresh Start Farm, Hungry Bear Farm (vegetables, herbs, berries, salsa), Begin Family Farm, Ledge Top Farm (vegetables, fruits, eggs), Liberty Fish, G3 Bakery, Hulda’s Swedish Baked Goods, Les Bonnes Miches, Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, Berkshire Gold, Highland Apiaries, Lone Wolf Cheese, Maple Lane Farm (pies, nut brittles, cookies, whoopie pies, jams, pickles), Old Ivy Farm (cut flowers, preserves, pies), Mola Foods, Joyberry Farms (mushrooms and mushroom products), Lakonian Olive Oil, Miss Judy’s Salsa, Nonnies Bolognese, Lux Lifestyle (skin care products), Bubble Factory (goats milk soaps and lotions), Lavender FIelds, Kawa Roasters, Pup’s Cider, 603 Perfect Blends (loose leaf teas), Averill House Vineyard, Cooper & Sophie’s Kitchen (pet treats), Lissa Malloy Art, Everything Alpaca, Grammy’s Needles & Threats, TH Custom Woodwork, The Pearl Shop and Claudia’s Jewelry, the website said. See the market’s Facebook page for updates on vendors and musicians for a specific week.

• New Boston Farmers Market is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the Town Common in New Boston through Oct. 10, according to facebook.com/NewBostonFarmersMarket, which says that “All products are made/grown in NH by local farmers and artisans.” Vendors listed for the July 11 market included Charmed, Fresh Start Farms, Wildflour Breads & Bakes, Clearly Balance Days, Caleb’s Cookies, Sweet Pumpkins Farm, DJ’s Pure Natural Honey, 2 Good 2 Be Baked, Juniper & Joy Collective, The Cupcake Porium, Karen’s Touch, Meadowgate Farm, C. Paige Creations, La Brioche Gourmande, Little Dumpling House, Bunny Bee Cotton Candy, KC’s Enchanted and Joe English Grange No. 53, according to a post.

• Pelham NH Farmers Market is located at 3 Main St. in Pelham and runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. into October, according to facebook.com/PelhamNHFarmersMarket. Saturday, July 18, is the market’s blueberry festival: “Come enjoy farm fresh blueberries and other blueberry goodies from our vendors,” a post said. Other upcoming events include a Children’s Day Aug. 22 and Apple Pie Day on Oct. 3, according to posts. See the Facebook page for updates on vendors each week; the July 4 vendors included Darlene’s Dinners, Doherty Farm, Kahn Landscaping, CT Jitters, Black Sheed Craft Ice Cream, Breaking Bread, Sewing by Jessica, Motherland Olive Oil, Spring Pepper Design and Nassamat, the post said.

• The Market at the Weirs takes place in Weirs Community Park, 49 Lucerne Ave. in Laconia, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 3, according to themarketatweirs.com, where you can find the upcoming week’s vendor list. The Saturday, July 18, vendor list includes Arándano Farm (chicken, pork, eggs), Canterbury Soapworks, Gluten Free or Die Bakery, Goodies 4 Good (cupcakes and cookies, chocolate tipped treats, pet treats), Little Moose Crafts, Maggi’s Menu (sourdough, baked goods), Mel’s Sweet Treats (coffee, boba drinks, cupcakes), Papa’s Kitchen (hamburgers, hotdogs, tenders, fries and more), Still Seeking Farm (vegetables, bread, maple syrup, jam), Stockla’s Farm (produce, plants, maple products, pickles, salsa, baked goods), Warner River Produce and WildLore Studio (herbal products, jewelry, prints and photos), the website said.

• Blooms Market takes place at Deerfield Community Church, 15 Church St. in Deerfield, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on upcoming Saturdays including July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24, according to bloomsandbrewscafe.com/bloomsmarket. Vendors include Baked by Elizabeth, Batchelder Farm (beef, chicken, pork), Bee Thankful Farm (vegetables, fruits), Crook and Scythe (greens, vegetables, flowers, coffee), Dill Family Farm (maple syrup and maple products, eggs), Epoch Prints, K Taylor Co (cookies, brownies, lemonade), Kind Goat Soap, The Late Bird Baked Goods (gluten free), North Road Bread Box, Patten Hill Wild (honey, honey products, herbs), Stay Golden Tallow, Sunfox Farm and Sweet Escape Doughnuts and Bakery, the website said.

• The Candia Farmers Market runs on the third Saturday of each month through October from 9 a.m. to noon, at 55 High St. in Candia, according to candiafarmersmarket.org, where you can see the dates for upcoming fairs and special events planned. The July 18 fair is a July Farmers Market and Artisan Fair, the website said. According to the market’s Facebook page, the July market will be “our biggest market of the summer! With 60+ local vendors, you’ll discover everything from farm-fresh foods and handmade artisan goods to delicious prepared foods, local wine, beer, spirits, and so much more.” July attractions will include “living history with the Royal Irish Artillery, featuring historical reenactments and exciting cannon demonstrations”; the music and stories of Papa Joe, “Kids can plant and take home their own microgreens at our free Young Farmers Club, plus enjoy our monthly scavenger hunt and a visit with our animal guests (as long as they cooperate!),” and more, according to a post for the event.

• The Francestown Community Market is located at the Francestown Recreation Fields on Old Country Road in Francestown and is open every other Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to facebook.com/francestowncommunitymarket, where you can find updates on market dates. “Experience a convergence of artisanal vendors, our new REC sponsored food tent, and live music,” a post said about the market.

Sundays

• The Nashua Farmers Market runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Oct. 18 at the Nashua Riverwalk in Renaissance Park, according to downtownnashua.org/nashua-farmers-market. Find updates about each week’s vendors and musical performances on the Downtown Nashua Association Facebook page. Seasonal vendors include Bee Wild Flowers, Casa Arreyto, Crumbs on Cambridge, DJ’s Purnatural Honey, Donna Issa, Fresh Start Farms, Jajabelles Coffee & Bake Show, Nestxpressions, Real Soap, Realm of Media Possibilities, Spiczka Farm, Sunfox Farm and Wildpower Botanical, according to the website.

• Salem NH Summer Farmers Market is located next to The Field near Dick’s House of Sport at the Mall at Rockingham Park, 77 Rockingham Park Blvd. in Salem, and is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to salemnhfarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for a newsletter to get updates on what vendors will be at the market each week. Year-round and summer market vendors include Abbott Hill Creamery (cheese), Farmer Dave’s (fruits, vegetables, flowers), New England Fish Mongers, Anderson Mini Maples, Fresh Start Farms, Orazio’s Family Dinners (frozen pot pies), Baked Bliss Cookies, Flying M Farm (poultry, rabbit, eggs), Root & Bloom Flower Farm, Big Rich’s Gourmet Hot Sauce & Marinade, Graze and Go NH, Roy’s Empanadas, Bookworms Bakery, Holy Moly Snacks, Sayde & Georges, Brookford Farm (veggies, meats, dairy, kraut and kimchi), September Farm (baked goods, including gluten free and dairy free), Cathedral Ledge Distillery, Hurd Farm (beef, turkey, chicken, pork), Slipper Soap Co., Coffin Cellars Winery, Coffee and Biscotti, Joyberry Farm (mushrooms), Sweets by Shannon (gluten-free), Cosmic Happiness (jewelry), Terra d’Amuri (Sicilian arancine and desserts), Cucina Aurora (olive oils), Kirasole Studio (jewelry, wearables, home decor), Tewksbury Honey, Curtis Fontaine and Ali Cafaro Ceramics, KRM Chocolates, The Good Llama Co. (soy candles), Live Free & Bark, The Lemon Babe (Lemonade), Earth Cut Pottery, Meatball King, The Prodigal Brewing Co., Meta Microgreens, Tummy Full (Indian food), F-Word Farm (vinegars), Middle Sister Candle Co., Twisted Mallow Co. and Woodman’s Artisan Bakery, according to the website.

A look at the creations that take ice cream to another level

There is, of course, no single surefire guaranteed way to put somebody in a good mood. But ice cream comes close and an ice cream sundae adds even more deliciousness.

Perhaps a sundae even helps sell the idea that ice cream is a meal unto itself? Karissa Grey, a scooper at Cremeland Drive In in Manchester said that while scooped ice cream and sundaes sell about equally well, as the day gets later customers are more likely to order sundaes. “Some days it’s just scoops, other days I get a lot of orders for sundaes, but we definitely sell more sundaes in the afternoon than we do in the morning.”

How to sundae? Here are some ideas from some area sundae purveyors.

• Rhubarb Sundae

$4.35 from Richardson’s Farm (170 Water St., Boscawen, 796-2788, richardsonsfarmnh.com)

“It’s a standard sundae,” owner Jim Richardson said, “two scoops of ice cream, whatever kind of sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and cherry. But in this case the sauce is our homemade rhubarb. Several years ago a woman came running up to the front door, pointing at our rhubarb, going, ‘Is that rhubarb?’ I wondered what was wrong with her — it’s obviously rhubarb, but she said she’d never seen it before. I asked her where the heck she came from, and she said, Maryland. I just shook my head.”

Richardson admitted that rhubarb is a bit old-fashioned.

“When I was a little kid,” he said, “my grandmother always had a rhubarb sauce on the stove in the springtime. And you had to have it to thin your blood. If you didn’t thin your blood in the springtime, you’d overheat in the summertime. So anyway, after the Maryland lady left, I thought, ‘Geez, I haven’t done that in years,’ so I made a big pot of rhubarb sauce.”

The rhubarb sauce was popular enough that Richardson added strawberry-rhubarb and blueberry-rhubarb ice creams into his rotation. “It sells better than plain strawberry does,” he said. “We have a constant demand for it.”

• Strawberry sundae

$6.75 for a small at King Kone (366 DW Highway in Merrimack, kingkonenh.com)

Known for their massive soft-serve ice cream cone, which you can get dipped or with toppings, King Kone also offers banana splits and sundaes, which are equally generous in size. Sundae offerings include hot fudge, peanut butter, pineapple, hot butterscotch, brownie and, for your berry cravings, a Strawberry Sundae, which you can get with your choice of soft-serve. At a recent visit, options included vanilla, chocolate, peanut butter, blueberry and, for maximum flavor, strawberry. The strawberry soft-serve was topped with syrupy strawberries, whipped cream, nuts and cherry.

• The Dudley Special

$7.98 at Dudley’s Ice Cream (846 Route 106, Loudon, 783-4800, facebook.com/dudleysicecreamshop)

“It’s like a banana split, without the banana,” said scooper Damaris Gilbert. “There’s three scoops of ice cream, and three — all of the toppings match up to the flavors, so there are strawberries on the strawberry [ice cream] and hot fudge on the chocolate ice cream, but what kind of topping matches up to vanilla? Well, pineapples are kind of the same color.”

Gilbert said that in her professional opinion the Dudley’s Special should be split between two or more people. “If I was going to eat a banana split or a Dudley’s Special or either of them, I would bring a team, personally,” she said, “but loads of people eat it by themselves. The Dudley’s Special is one of those mysterious types of things with aura where you remember when someone orders one. You remember the specific person who ordered it.”

• Ice Cream Sundae (bespoke)

A small for $6.50 at Granite State Candy Shoppe (13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St., Manchester, 218-3885, granitestatecandyshoppe.com)

“I wanted to make you happy today,” said scooper Tasha Ross, “so I made you a lovely small sundae which consists of two scoops. I added one scoop of fudge brownie and another scoop of our peanut butter cup ice cream. On top, I put a little bit of chocolate fudge, and peanut butter sauce. The toppings I added were mini peanut butter cups and I also added some almonds since how can you have fudge brownies without almonds? And then I finished it off with some rainbow sprinkles and topped it with whipped cream and cherries.”

Granite State Candy sells more than 25 flavors of hard ice cream at any given time, Ross said. “If you order a large [sundae], you can add an extra flavor. We have four vegan flavors that are available in kinder, small, large, pint, or quart-sized. And our sundaes come in micro, small, and large sizes.”

“Because,” she repeated, “we want you to be happy.”

• Medium Three-Topping Sundae

$9.76 at Social Club Creamery (138 N. Main St., Concord, 333-2111, socialclubcreamery.com)

At the Social Club Creamery there are two ice cream menus. One menu is permanent, featuring always-there, familiar flavors, like double chocolate, maple latte, honeycomb or gooey butter cake. Additionally there is a second, smaller menu of seasonal flavors that changes each month. In July, for instance, it’s possible to order black raspberry chip, blueberry cheesecake, raspberry-brownie batter, or strawberry lemonade sorbet, which is vegan.

Asked to make a “very good sundae,” scoopers Maddie Dwyer and Chloe MacNevin consulted briefly and made a medium sundae with three toppings — a scoop each of Patty’s peppermint and double chocolate ice cream, with hot fudge, whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. This particular sundae has not been named yet, they said, but if it were, it would be a staff favorite.

• Happy Cake Bowl

$6.51 from Sweet Bel’s Ice Cream & Dessert Creations (608 DW Highway, Merrimack, 670-2161, sweetbels.com)

A Happy Cake Bowl is a sort of hybrid sundae, said Sweet Bel’s owner Jennifer Belmore.

“We cut cake up into cubes, and we put it in the bottom of a bowl and then you get to pick your ice cream. You get to pick your hot topping and then it’s covered in whipped cream and sprinkles and a cherry. It’s kind of like a throwback to your younger days when you had a birthday and you had your cake and ice cream. We’ve got away from that for some reason. And who doesn’t love cake and ice cream?”

• Fried Dough Sundae

$10.95 at Cremeland Drive In (250 Valley St., Manchester, 669-4430, see page on Facebook)

“The Fried Dough Sundae is pretty popular,” said Cremeland scooper Karissa Grey, “but not as much as the banana split, which is the favorite, especially in the afternoon. But the Fried Dough Sundae is literally just exactly what it says. It’s a piece of fried dough with ice cream, liquid topping, with cream and a cherry.”

The number of flavors of ice cream Cremeland carries depends on the time of year, Grey said. “It really depends on the time of the season, because we’re seasonal. So sometimes we have just our bare-bones flavors, like at the beginning of the season, at the end of the season. And other times, like right now, I think there’s 27 on the board.”

The secret to making a good sundae, Grey said, is attention to details.

“It’s my favorite thing to do,” she said, “making them look nice. It’s important not to rush, honestly. A lot of people, when it gets busy, will just rush to get things out. But you eat with your eyes first, not your mouth, and that plays a big part in — I feel like, that’s one of the things that make people want to come here or not.”

• Large Hot Fudge Sundae

$9.95 at The Big 1 (185 Concord St., Nashua, thebig1icecream.com)

Jeanne Marquis, the owner of The Big 1, said a traditional hot fudge sundae is far and away the most popular of her treats.

“The classic vanilla hard ice cream with hot fudge is the most popular,” she said. “Our parfaits run second to that. We have hot caramel and hot butterscotch sauces as well. They all sell extremely well. And they’re all kind of classics, really.”

• Brownie Sundae

$7.83 at The Inside Scoop (260 Wallace Road, Bedford, 471-7009, theinsidescoopnh.com)

According to scooper Courtney Winands, the brownie sundae is the most popular enhanced ice cream dish at the Inside Scoop.

“It’s a fudge brownie on the bottom, with ice cream and a topping,” she said. While you can get any flavor ice cream, she recommends Maine blackberry: “It’s a red raspberry base, with chocolate raspberry truffles. That goes really well with hot fudge, whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.” She said that when ordering for themselves most customers order a single scoop of ice cream or a kid’s size ice cream. Full-sized sundaes are generally a team effort, she observed.

• Classic Banana Split

$11.94 at Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream (27 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-0100, moosplace.com)

Moo’s has more than 30 flavors of ice cream — not counting soft-serve, frozen yogurt, sorbets and other frozen treats — all made on the premises. One of its most popular sundaes is a classic banana split, with three scoops of ice cream, a banana, three toppings, whipped cream, chopped walnuts and a cherry, according to its website.

• Small Banana Boat

$12 at Hayward’s Ice Cream (364 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-5915; 7 DW Highway in Nashua, 888-4663; haywardsicecream.com)

You are pretty much spoiled for choice with ice cream flavors at Hayward’s in Merrimack and Nashua. There are always at least 45 flavors of hard ice cream, which is made in house. A small banana boat has two scoops of ice cream, two types of sauce, a banana, whipped cream, chopped walnuts and a cherry. Like the ice cream, the sauces can be customized. The choices include strawberry, hot fudge, marshmallow and pineapple.

• Banana Float Sundae

$10 at Trombly Gardens (150 N. River Road, Milford, 673-0647, tromblygardens.net)

Trombly Gardens is better known as a farm stand and garden nursery but has a steady stream of ice cream customers, said scooper Mackenzie Burke. One of the most popular sundaes is Trobley’s Banana Float Sundae.

“It has three scoops of strawberry ice cream,” she said, “hot fudge, caramel, and butterscotch toppings, with walnuts on it, whipped cream and cherries. Strawberry is our most popular flavor for our banana float sundaes, especially now, during strawberry season.”

Burke said her personal favorite is “chocolate with chocolate on chocolate.”

• Cookie Monster Sundae

$9.75 at Hayward’s Family Ice Cream of Milford (383 Elm St., Milford, 672-8383, haywardsfamilyicecream.com)

A Cookie Monster Sundae is made with bright blue Cookie Monster ice cream, marshmallow sauce, and frozen nuggets of cookie dough, topped with more Cookie Monster ice cream, more marshmallow, and even more frozen cookie dough.

• King Shake

$12.95 at Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candy and Creamery (53 Washington St., Dover, 343-1799, lickeesnchewys.com)

Meaka Cruz is one of the managers at Lickee’s & Chewy’s. She said the store focuses on King Shakes, though the two are very similar.

“We offer a lot of creative sundaes, I suppose,” she said, “but we’re probably more about the King Shakes, which can be made as sundaes. They have chocolate rims on the side and fun toppings to mix with the ice cream, like Nutella, hot fudge, and then nuts and sprinkles. They all have kind of intricate toppings and themes that we typically strive for. A new one that we have right now … [has] Nutella and strawberries. Our chocolatiers decorate the cups with hard chocolate syrup on the side [and] top it with frozen strawberries and a Kinder Bueno bar.”

Cruz has a theory about why ice cream places develop such elaborate desserts with their ice creams.

“I think it’s to be creative and draw people in,” she said. “Everywhere else does something cool and unique, so I feel like each store wants to express themselves and tries to put something great out.”

SUNDAE PANEL
The Big 1 185 Concord St., Nashua, thebig1icecream.com
Cremeland Drive In 250 Valley St., Manchester, 669-4430, see page on Facebook
Dudley’s Ice Cream 846 Route 106, Loudon, 783-4800, facebook.com/dudleysicecreamshop
Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St., Manchester, 218-3885, granitestatecandyshoppe.com
Hayward’s Ice Cream 364 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-5915; 7 DW Highway, Nashua, 888-4663; haywardsicecream.com
Hayward’s Family Ice Cream of Milford 383 Elm St., Milford, 672-8383, haywardsfamilyicecream.com
The Inside Scoop 260 Wallace Road, Bedford, 471-7009, theinsidescoopnh.com
King Kone 366 DW Highway in Merrimack, kingkonenh.com
Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candy and Creamery 53 Washington St., Dover, 343-1799, lickeesnchewys.com
Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream 27 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-0100, moosplace.com
Richardson’s Farm 170 Water St., Boscawen, 796-2788, richardsonsfarmnh.com
Social Club Creamery 138 N. Main St., Concord, 333-2111, socialclubcreamery.com
Sweet Bel’s Ice Cream & Dessert Creations 608 DW Highway, Merrimack, 670-2161, sweetbels.com
Trombly Gardens 150 N. River Road, Milford, 673-0647, tromblygardens.net

Book recommendations for your lazy summer days

We asked local booksellers, librarians and others to recommend some good reads for this summer. They offered mysteries, thrillers, romances and romantasies, science fiction and historical fiction and literary fiction and nonfiction.

Fiction

Loops by Jashar Awan “is a humorous and relatable picture book about a child who is learning to tie his shoes. Readers of all ages will enjoy this charmingly illustrated and narrated story, as the trials and triumphs of this new ‘big kid’ responsibility unfold,” said Children’s Librarian Katie S. at Manchester City Library.

Contrapposto by Dave Eggers “I have such enormous affection for these characters, and for the world of this novel,” said Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “It’s a story about Art with a capital A, vividly told. It would be too much to say that Contrapposto reveals the mysteries of creation, but I’ve only rarely seen a novel capture so well the temperament of the artist, and the history of American art over the last 50 years. People don’t always mention Dave Eggers when the conversation turns to ‘the best novelists working today,’ but they should.”

The Searcher by Tana French “I recommend this book to all my fiction readers at the library,” said Lara B., Director at Langdon Public Library in Newington. “The Searcher and its sequels, The Hunter and The Keeper, are set in rural Ireland, centering on an expatriate American cop who reluctantly gets roped into investigating the disappearance of a local teen. These books appeal to murder mystery fans as well as those who prefer character-driven narratives. Everyone who read the first got hooked and eagerly awaited the second and third!”

Elizabeth W. of Seabrook Library also recommends this trilogy: “The characters and personalities who populate the novels will be recognizable to any person who lives in a small town, and French’s prose is rich and inimitable.”

Heartwood by Amity Gaige “Beautiful prose and building suspense make this a great read,” said Janet A., Head of Circulation at Hampstead Public Library. “The story is set largely in Maine, where an Appalachian Trail hiker disappears. Alternating perspectives between the lost woman, the Maine State Game Warden in charge of the search, and a 76-year-old bird watcher in Connecticut come together to build the tension. Will the hiker be found in time?”

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman “For anyone looking for an easy read that’s funny, crude, and overall just ridiculous this is your summer read,” said Ryan O’Hora, Director of Pembroke Library. “Imagine aliens hosting a reality game show with Earth and the humans being the test dummies for their game show. I’ve read the first in the series and am looking to read more this summer.”

“If you haven’t fallen into this series yet, summer is your excuse. It’s wildly funny, action-packed, and genuinely hard to put down. Perfect for readers who want something completely different,” said Brianna at Bookish Bliss mobile bookshop.

“When the Earth is conquered by aliens, humans are invited into a video-game-like dungeon, which is also an intergalactic reality show. Carl, who entered the dungeon with his ex-girlfriend’s cat, had no idea what he was in for, especially when she — award-winning show-cat Princess Donut — took a magic pet biscuit and gained the ability to speak. The premise is silly, but the books are well-written, funny, and action-packed. I couldn’t put this series down; I read all eight of them in the last few months!,” said Katrina L. of Concord Public Library

Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick “While I’m not normally a romance reader, this is not your typical romance. The main character is awkward, insecure, and very relatable. It’s the perfect summer beach read that will make you laugh out loud,” said Jaime at Bookery Manchester

“For those of us who are eagerly awaiting the movie The Summer I Turned Pretty, rewatching the XO, Kitty series, or reading all things from the Jenny Han book universe, there is a teen graphic novel I can’t wait to get a hold of (as soon as it is returned). To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before has been turned into a graphic novel adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez and illustrated by Akimaro and Li Lu and is available at a library or bookstore near you!” said librarian Jennifer T. at Goffstown Public Library.

“If you are looking for a swoon-worthy sports romance, Lynn Painter’s Fake Skating is at the top of my list for teens and adults. Painter excels at the fake dating trope through her flawed, multi-dimensional characters and her smart, seamless mix of humor, hope and heart in this young adult hockey romance,” said Goffstown Public Library’s Jennifer T.

The Shopkeeper of Alsace by Laura Knoy “Based on a true story, Knoy’s novel follows a remarkable woman and her family through two World Wars. A gripping and important read,” said Mathew B., Assistant Director of Concord Public Library.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore “is the perfect combination of mystery, family drama, and nostalgia to add to your summer reading list,” said Faithe L. of Concord Public Library. “When teenager Barbara Van Laar goes missing from a summer camp in the Adirondacks in 1975, all is not as it appears. Is this related to the disappearance of Barbara’s brother, Bear, 14 years earlier? Everyone is a suspect, as the plot unravels over decades.”

“I am eager to read Green City Wars by sci-fi maestro Adrian Tchaikovsky, about a raccoon living in a solarpunk city investigating the disappearance of a mouse. That’s right, genetically engineered pests solving crimes – how could I pass this up?” said Lex H., library tech at Manchester City Library.

Janet A. of Hampstead Public Library is looking forward to reading Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore.“Massachusetts author Meg Mitchell Moore’s 2025 suspenseful drama Mansion Beach was a great summer read, so I look forward to her new novel,” she said. In Down with the Shipmans, the Shipman sisters are heading to a family reunion at their New Hampshire summer home and drama ensues.

Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson “If you missed this in high school literature, have no fear, you can start today on the best journey ever written,” said Ryan O. of Pembroke Library. “I wanted to read this before the movie came out this summer. It was such an easy read and sure to enthuse any adventure seeker.”

“Those of you anticipating Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film of the Odyssey hitting theaters this summer can prepare by reading the celebrated 2023 Emily Wilson translation of the Iliad, ‘that other epic poem by Homer.’ Wilson’s language and use of a rhyme scheme more friendly to English speakers makes her translation approachable for those new to the classic tale of war, gods, and wrath. Those familiar with earlier translations will appreciate Wilson’s version for its immediacy and propulsive style,” said Michael Haley Goldman of NH Humanities.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint by singNsong “This is both a novel and a webtoon (and maybe an animation soon?) and can best be described as Percy Jackson for adults. A lot of the historical legends and figures that bestow powers are Korean, as the main story takes place in Seoul, but the apocalypse is world-spanning and so are the players,” said Yvonne F., Teen Librarian at Manchester City Library.

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana “It can be challenging to find romantasy that features people of color, so finding this cottage-core duology was like finding a personal goldmine. If you love the idea of being trapped in a library, running a small business in a quaint village, magic, or romance you’d love this book,” said Adanna at Bookery Manchester.

When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén “This heartfelt book [is] one I have been thinking about ever since finishing earlier this year. Simply put, it is about a man, his beloved dog, and the people and relationships surrounding the two. A must-read for its dialogue on the complexity of aging, dignity, dying, and grief. Truly beautifully written, and a book that feels like it could be about any of us or a parent,” said Leah M. at Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Trilogy, consisting of Harlem Shuffle, Crook Manifesto and Cool Machine, is recommended by Elizabeth W., Director of Seabrook Library. “These books explore the adventures of Ray Carney, a furniture store owner who moonlights as a fence. Each book is set in a different decade, the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. This trilogy puts its readers in the center of a criminal underworld wrapped in wry humor, with characters whose voices are so unique and real that they will reverberate in your head long after you’ve finished the book,” she said.

The Fetishist by Katherine Min is recommended by Lara B. of Langdon Public Library in Newington: “I encountered this book because its brilliant author was a professor of mine at Plymouth State University, before her passing in 2019. This novel … is part thriller, part farce, part cultural commentary, and, as one would expect from the winner of the Pushcart Prize, always masterfully and elegantly written. The Fetishist is loosely inspired by Lolita but focuses on the traumatic effects and intergenerational impact of predation, its title a skewering indictment of white men who fetishize Asian women. I enjoyed Min’s first novel, Secondhand World, while feeling it appealed more to young adult audiences — this one speaks to all ages….”

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow “It would have been enough for me that this thrilling, thought-provoking fantasy is a time-looping re-imagining of the Arthurian legend featuring a woman knight … and the scholarly historian chronicling her story. What struck me most about this book, though, is its focus on the role of stories in society, particularly who has the power to tell the stories, who benefits from these stories, and whose stories get left out,” said Tricia R., librarian at Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham. “This book kept me on the edge of my seat straight through….”

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros “Rebecca Yarros never misses, and this one wrecked me in the best way. It’s emotional, it’s romantic, and it’s the kind of book you’ll want to read in one sitting with a box of tissues nearby,” said Brianna at Bookish Bliss.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman “I really could mention any book by Backman as I love his writing style and his story telling ability,” said Denise of Book Bound. “He has the beautiful ability to make the reader care about his characters so deeply even when they are flawed. … Beartown focuses on a small town … junior ice hockey team (you don’t have to be a hockey fan to enjoy this) competing and winning the national semi-finals. These young boys greatly feel the pressure and a violent act … throws the town into turmoil … and we see secrets, hope and courage come into play.”

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin “is, at its heart, a story about love — but not about romance,” said Faithe L. of Concord Public Library. “Sam Masur and Sadie Green strike up a childhood friendship in a hospital waiting room, never imagining how their relationship will bloom and be threatened throughout their lives. As Sam and Sadie become business partners, video game designers, and best friends, they navigate challenges of the heart, mind, and body.”

Gibson’s Bookstore staffer Fal recommends The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell, out July 14. “Garrodigh has three heads and a stump, but we don’t talk about Lefty. Never mind him, the rest of the heads can enact a grand scheme of their own, thank you very much!” Fal said. “Stitches-in-your-side hilarious, this book will have you on the floor, cackling at the many woes of a dragon who yearns for revenge but gets head scritches instead.”

What Came West by Josh Weil “Set in 1849, before the gold rush, Silas is traveling west in a propulsive thriller. I’m excited to read this book because I’ve not read many westerns and the author’s writing is amazing. On my initial read I couldn’t put it down because the story was intriguing and mysterious. Adventure awaits!” said Ryan O. of Pembroke Library

Wreck by Catherine Newman “Like her book Sandwich, Newman’s Wreck is beautifully written. It’s a slice-of-life story with both heartbreak and humor. … You’ll enjoy the wit and wisdom of Rocky as her family comes together for a holiday … and a local tragedy raises questions that affect them all. (Sandwich is also a fantastic summer read with Rocky and her family on vacation on Cape Cod.),” said Janet A. of Hampstead Public Library.

Dorothy H., Head of Adult Services at Seabrook Library, recommends Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty (releasing Aug. 25) “With their kids now in high school, the women of Big Little Lies again are joining forces to figure out why a mysterious package was sent to the school’s principal,” she said. “And who is the stranger asking questions at the school?”

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti “This is Vasti’s latest regency romance romp and to convince you to read it, I have just one word. Pirates. This one release[d] on June 23,” said Brooke K., library technician at Manchester City Library.

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page “Tilly Nightingale, a young widow, gets a call from a local bookstore. There’s a book waiting there for her, chosen by her recently deceased husband, Joe. There are 12 carefully chosen books for her, one for each month of the year, to help her through the first year without him. A little bit of romance and a lot of great books – a charming read!” said Robbin B. of Concord Public Library.

Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston is “a gripping mystery that keeps you guessing — perfect for a beach bag or a rainy summer afternoon,” said Brianna at Bookish Bliss.

The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow “A lovely, engaging book told from the perspective of Mary Bennet, the much maligned middle sisterin Pride & Prejudice. In Jane Austen’s book, Mary is considered the unattractive, bookish, and socially awkward sister who either annoys or embarrasses the rest of her family. In this book we learn of the toll that her family’s dim view of her has taken on Mary…. The book traces Mary’s attempts to gain some control over her life and her happiness…. If you enjoy this book, check out the wonderful new BBC TV adaptation,” said Tricia R. of Wiggin Memorial Library.

“Platform Decay by Martha Wells is the latest of the Murderbot books and as a fan of the series it’s a joy to read. This entry echoes a previous book, Exit Strategy, in the plot of SecUnit (aka Murderbot, but that’s private) rescuing its clients from corporate hell — but this time, we see how much SecUnit has grown and flourished in freedom,” said Lex H. of Manchester City Library.

The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bellis “binge-worthy historical fiction,” said Erin R. of Derry Public Library. “When Lily Delaney (apprentice bookbinder) finds a love note in the binding of a partially burned book, she doesn’t anticipate that it will push her headlong into uncovering a mysterious and forbidden love story from 50 years earlier — or that her life will be in danger if she digs too deep.”

Seabrook Library’s Elizabeth W. recommends the Essex Dogs Trilogy by Dan Jones, consisting of Essex Dogs, Wolves of Winter and Lion Hearts, saying, “These books, set in 14th-century England, explore the experience of a group of ordinary foot soldiers in the 100 Years’ War. Not for those who abhor rough language, but endlessly fascinating to students of military history.”

The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August “Two siblings and their cat on a quest through space, scavenging dead planets to learn about an entity that has been destroying civilizations throughout the Universe before their home planet faces a similar fate. I haven’t stopped talking about this book since I read it two years ago!” said Alex of Bookery Manchester. “Plus the author has a new book coming out this July called A Planet Called Happy that I’m really looking forward to reading!”

Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer “I know everyone is reading Yesteryear (including me!), but Trad Wife might be my favorite book of the year so far. It’s a horror twist on the burgeoning ‘trad wife realizes her life isn’t so perfect’ genre, and has a great ‘good for her’ ending,” said Liz R., reference librarian at Derry Public Library.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke “was a wonderfully wild ride,” said Jaime at Bookery Manchester. “I chose to read it since it’s so hot in fiction right now and I’m SO glad I did. It’s punchy, unique, and very fitting for the world we live in right now.”

Yesteryear“is thought provoking and helps you to appreciate the freedoms we women have these days versus the way things were in the 1800s,” said Michelle at Bound Together used book store in Nashua.

And Denise of Book Bound, the wandering bookshop in the Seacoast area, said, “Yesteryear … was a hands-down favorite of mine … because of the author’s talent for crafting a story. It centers on Natalie, a ‘trad wife’ influencer. We quickly learn she is no traditional wife at all, however. She has nannies taking care of her children and helping with the house and makes a lot of money off of her ‘brand.’ … Until one day, Natalie wakes up in the harsh reality of the year 1855…. What the author does after this is a wild ride and I won’t spoil it.”

“Angel Down by Daniel Kraus was awarded the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. It’s also a real page-turner! Five World War I soldiers rescue an angel from No Man’s Land. This fast-paced story is told in a single sentence using beautiful vocabulary paired with vivid descriptions and tense moral dilemmas. It’s the best book I’ve read in a very long time. Even if you don’t read historical fiction, this one is worth seeking out!” said librarian Sarah F. at Laconia Public Library.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett is 656 pages of historical fiction from the author of 2009’s The Help. “Although we haven’t read this one yet, we are interested in the theme of loyalty, community and courage that the book promises to offer,” said Michelle at Bound Together in Nashua.

“And for our fantasy friends we would recommend Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman for the high-stakes fantasy of friends to lovers and strong female roles, said Michelle at Bound Together. “It is full of twists and turns that will have you waiting for the next book, Night Prince.”

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson was a finalist for several fantasy awards and was recommended by Katrina L. of Concord Public Library: “Neema Kraa never intended to be part of the trials to pick the new emperor of Orrun. But when one of the eight contestants dies mysteriously, she has no choice — she’s in, as the representative of the Raven god. And now, she’ll either become emperor or die trying.”

Kin by Tayari Jones “Beautifully written historical fiction that follows … two young Black women coming of age in a small town in Louisiana in the 1950s … on their separate paths as they struggle to find security and connection, while navigating the restrictive roles and expectations placed upon … Black women specifically, in the Jim Crow South,” said Tricia R. of Wiggin Memorial Library.

We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune “is a heart-wrenching novella reckoning with every kind of grief imaginable. Reading it was hard but cleansing and left me feeling weepy, triumphant, and determined to enjoy my life as it comes,” said Lex H. of Manchester City Library.

You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Eddings “This wonderfully sweet and angsty sapphic romance about two bandmembers who happen to be childhood friends is a perfect way to start the summer. With a viral fake triangle and road trip chaos, what’s not to love?” said Brooke K. of Manchester City Library.

The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten “A short story about a dying ferryman revisiting moments of his life through the different passengers he’s connected with. I’d recommend this book to anyone that loved I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman or Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar,” said Adanna of Bookery Manchester.

“If summer makes you SAD, cozy up with The Pelican Child by Joy Williams (longlisted for the National Book Award). Williams is darkly funny and this collection of short stories introduces you to misfits and dreamers navigating the minefields of living in a caustic world that wears you away. These stories are strange, haunting, and wonderful!,” said Larissa Striga of NH Humanities.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir “is another fantastic, highly engaging book from Andy Weir that brings the reader on a science-focused journey through multiple solar systems. Not only does it solve big problems with science, it changes the way we see life, the universe and everything,” said Melissa Edwards of McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein “I AM FILLED WITH MEDIEVAL LEVELS OF FIRE RAGE AND BLOOD AND NOTHING BUT SAINT MONICA LEWINSKI CAN SOOTHE THIS SAVAGE BEAST,” said Cait of Gibson’s Bookstore.

“I plan to read this before summer is over. The concept of processing trauma through praying to a living person as if they were a saint sounds right up my alley for weirdly enjoyable fiction,” said Jaime of Bookery Manchester.

Good Luck, Babe! by Erin Baldwin “Coming out June 23, the author has described this young adult romance as Heated Rivalry meets the The Amazing Race. Need I say more?” said Brooke K. of Manchester City Library.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver “A southern Appalachian retelling of Dickens’ David Copperfield, this fast-paced story is nuanced, clever, hilarious, and heartbreaking. A favorite of the Goffstown Library’s Evening Book Discussion group this year,” said Jen W., Adult Services Librarian at Goffstown Public Library

The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch “This is the book I recommend to anyone who’s chasing the high they got from reading/watching Heated Rivalry. I stumbled upon this author while visiting a small bookstore on vacation, and have read and loved many of her stories since,” said Adanna of Bookery Manchester.

No One Leaves the Castle by Christopher Healy “A book I cannot recommend enough. This story reads like a game of Dungeons and Dragons where the player keeps rolling really low numbers. It is funny, mysterious, and fantastical, all of my favorite things in a novel,” said Sammy Davis, Teen Services Librarian at Nashua Public Library.

Twelve Months by Jim Butcher “is the 18th (!) book in the Dresden Files urban fantasy series, and it really proves that Butcher has yet to run out of steam,” said librarian Christopher L. of Hooksett Library. “Wizard Harry Dresden is picking up the pieces from the events that took place in the previous book, but anyone can jump in here and appreciate Dresden’s unflagging perseverance against his ever-growing list of threats.”

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo “In San Francisco in 1954, there are many reasons Lily has to be concerned about her identity, the first being she is Chinese American and this takes place during the height of the second Red Scare in America, and the second being that she starts to realize she is attracted to women. This is a journey of self-discovery that is beautifully told,” said Sammy D. of Nashua Public Library.

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, a debut novel told in the voice of a young Nigerian servant woman determined to get an education, was recommended by Jen W. of Goffstown Public Library, who said, “I came away from reading this with a sense of hope for the future. There were moments of levity, moments of heartbreak, and ultimately, she triumphs.”

Timeline by Michael Crichton features a time-traveling history professor who gets stuck in 15th-century France. “If you enjoy time travel and fast-paced ’90s adventure stories, this is for you. … I couldn’t put it down,” said Jen W. of Goffstown Public Library

I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney is recommended by Shane P. of Concord Public Library, who summarized it this way: “A jaded obituary writer pens his own obituary, then accidentally publishes it in the newspaper. In the aftermath, he and a friend attend strangers’ funerals, giving him an oddly new lease on life.”

The book also got a shoutout from Heather W. at Derry Public Library, who called it “a witty dark comedy that had me laughing out loud, nearly crying at times, and reflecting on what it means to be truly alive. One of my favorite reads so far this year!”

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi “Word-of-mouth has made this title a recent ‘it’ book, despite being published three years ago,” said Heather W. of Derry Public Library. “Mysterious Theo seems to be a polarizing character among readers, but I happened to love him and the overarching themes of kindness, empathy, and forgiveness that permeate the novel. I enjoy hearing others’ take on the book, too,”

When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams “A young widow returns to her father’s New England estate determined to discover the truth about the rumor of pirate treasure buried on the property,” said Dorothy H. of Seabrook Library.

Seascraper by Benjamin Wood “If you’re looking for a moody book that makes you feel like you are actually on the shores of the foggy English coast as you root for a young man’s hunger to become a musician and escape his occupation as a shrimper, this one is for you. You’ll feel all the feels,” said Concord Public Library’s Jennifer N.

The Mark of the Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson is one of my all-time favorite books,” said Arianna L. of Concord Public Library. “Filled with adventure, friendship, and a steampunk twist, this young adult book was an amazing first installment of the World of Solace series.”

Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher “Absolutely delightful, surprisingly heartfelt, and as offbeat as the title suggests, this is a wonderful little romp of a book,” said Sarah of Gibson’s.

I fell in love with Nessilka and her misfit band of goblins immediately,” Sarah said.

Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild “A debut novel that hooked me from the very beginning, this love story with a twist leaves you thinking about what happens when things don’t go according to plan, how our past can haunt us, and the value of second chances,” said Heather W. of Derry Public Library.

The Great Houses of Pill Hill by Diane Josefowicz “I just love ‘Cookie’ Cook, art school grad who runs her own interior design business and builds crime dioramas on the side! Subtle wit abounds — New Hampshire settings a bonus!” said Jan L. of Balin Books.

The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend “Big-boned, eccentric Margaret Finch has never really fit in at the lab where she works, or anywhere, really. But when she finds her beloved Professor Deaver dead in his office, her world is turned upside down and she’s certain that it’s murder! Margaret must turn detective and discover the killer. Full of interesting tidbits about flowers, plants and poisons, this is a delightful, unusual mystery with terrific characters,” said Robbin B. of Concord Public Library.

The Dentist by Tim Sullivan is the “first in a new series featuring a neurodivergent detective — he has a 97% conviction rate because of his extraordinary attention to detail! New titles in this series are being released each month, so get hooked!” said Jan L. of Balin Books in Nashua.

The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler is “a fascinating exploration of marine life, intelligence, and humanity’s connection to the ocean,” said Breanna B., Marine Educator and Project Assistant at Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. “I appreciate how The Mountain in the Sea inspires deeper curiosity and respect for the creatures that share our ocean.”

Villains Are Destined to Die by Gyeoeul Gwon “This series follows in the now well-established tradition of an isekaied (transported from another world) main character stuck in a dating simulator/video game that they used to play. But I really enjoyed how the backstory of both the original villainess and our ‘real world’ protagonist mirror each other and provide context that is sometimes glossed over in this genre. … Just be warned that the series is ongoing, so you will have to wait for the conclusion!” said Yvonne F. of Manchester City Library.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson “When Jet is bludgeoned nearly to death on Halloween night the doctors tell her she will be lucky to survive through the next week. Jet is determined that with the time she has left she will solve her own murder. Warning: Happy ending not guaranteed,” said Sammy D. of Nashua Public Library.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher is “a retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher that brings a new and unique perspective,” said Arianna L. of Concord Public Library. “Fascinating worldbuilding enhances Poe’s classic gothic stage while also adding Kingfisher’s distinctive wit.”

The Night Hunter by Natalie Moss is “due July 28, but I read the advanced copy!” said Jan L. of Balin Books. “Lions and tigers but no bears, oh my! This South African family tale is both breathtaking and terrifying — you are there, running from bush predators both animal and human. Visceral!”

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett “A genetically enhanced Sherlock-and-Watson type duo solve a murder mystery — and discover the larger, disastrous machinations lurking in the Empire’s periphery. A great book for lovers of eco-horror and fantasy, with a third installment on the way,” said Shane P., Concord Public Library.

The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones by Lex Croucher “This book is marvelous. Messy, atmospheric, and vividly written — at points it made my stomach turn. The characters are young and imperfect and so so real. Thaumaturgy is a brilliant way to explore how far we’re willing to go for power (and what we lose in the process), and Croucher does a fantastic job walking the line between exposing the toxicity of elitism and acknowledging the poisonous allure of being one of the elites. I loved it,” said bookseller Sarah at Gibson’s.

Headlights by CJ Leede “Gorgeous. Wild. Heartbreaking. Grotesque. A meditation on pain, grief, death, nature, and the beyond, all wrapped up in a thrilling narrative of serial murder investigation and horrors of humanity. This book is stunning,” said Ryan of Gibson’s Bookstore. “I never knew what was coming next, and I loved every second.”

The Duke by Anna Cowan “Sapphic regency where a duke infamous for their cold demeanor is reduced to a pathetic yearning mess when faced with the wiles of a beautiful courtesan? Excellent, give me more. A fantastic read,” said bookseller Fal at Gibson’s.

I Know A Place by Nat Cassidy “All of Nat Cassidy’s stories simmer with a quiet brilliance. Some are a slow burn, some strike immediately, all of them slither under your skin and leave you feeling twitchy and unsettled. I still hate going into gas station rest stops, and not just because they’re usually gross, but because of Nat Cassidy’s story ‘Rest Stop.’ This collection is brilliant and scary and you need it, you need it, you need it,” said bookseller Ryan at Gibson’s.

The Body by Bethany C. Morrow “The Body seethes with rage and religious trauma. It is haunting and sinister and deeply horrific. I loved it, as I love all of Bethany C. Morrow’s books,” said Ryan of Gibson’s.

The Bone Door by Frances White “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. That’s it. That’s the review. Read it,” said Fal of Gibson’s.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews “Romantic tension, high stakes, a world on the brink of war, this book will have you gripping your book until your knuckles turn white, and you won’t realize you stopped breathing until you’re gasping for breath, whether from relief or something else entirely,” said Fal of Gibson’s Bookstore.

Endless Blue Beneath by Shannon English “Outcast for daring to have feelings for a girl on land, yet encouraged to love as she wants below the surface — this book explores the complex feelings of wanting to be accepted as you are, and the sacrifices some are forced to choose, just to have a chance at a happy ending. Dark, haunting, and addicting, this book will leave you desperately hungering for the next one,” said Fal of Gibson’s.

The Children by Melissa Albert “If you were one of those kids who spent hours reading fantasy series, wishing desperately for your own chance to fall into a magical world, this book is for you,” said bookseller Kat of Gibson’s Bookstore. “This is a story that looms over you as you read. It is layer upon layer of meaning and language and images so vibrant you can taste them. It’s a fairy tale, a family drama, a gothic horror, and so much more. … I think it’s one I’ll be thinking about for many, many years.”

Milkteeth by Caitlin Starling “What if vampires had wet nurses, and what if one of those wet nurses was undergoing her own rebirth into something … other? Milkteeth takes us from the dark, wet walls of the womb out into a violent, gory afterbirth,” said Kat of Gibson’s.

“I recommend The Mad Wife by Meagan Church,” said Shana Hawrylchak, Executive Director of SEE Science Center in Manchester. “It is a fascinating look into 1950s domestic culture, mental health and medical misdiagnoses so common for many women even today. While the narrative is compelling, I definitely recommend that readers spend the time to read the author’s note, which provides some important historical context with modern relevance.”

Nonfiction

The Captain’s Dinner: A Shipwreck, An Act of Cannibalism and a Murder Trial That Changed Legal History by Adam Cohen “This look at a murder/survival story in Victorian-era England will have you on the edge of your seat. You just might finish it in one swallow,” said Erin R. of Derry Public Library.

Total Garbage by Edward Humes “highlights the environmental costs of our throwaway culture and challenges readers to think more critically about consumption, waste, and sustainability,” said Breanna B. of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. “Total Garbage reinforces the connection between everyday choices and the health of our oceans….”

Sarah Chaffee, Director of Development at New Hampshire Humanities, recommended The Banker Who Made America: Thomas Willing and the Rise of the American Financial Aristocracy, 1731-1821, by William Vague. “As a confirmed reader of nonfiction, I have gone all in on the American Revolution this year,” said Chaffee, “and this book presents a unique perspective. It shines a light on … Thomas Willing, whose firm financed Caribbean trade, and legal but unethical privateering. The author underscores deep class divisions that predicted which side of the rebellion one might fall on, but also how class divisions shaped differing solutions to post-war government debt. These are divisions that still reverberate in our country — who should benefit from the wealth built through a system supported by all?”

Ocean Outbreak by Drew Harvell offers “a look at how disease outbreaks are affecting marine ecosystems worldwide, highlighting the importance of ocean research and conservation. Ocean Outbreak helps readers better understand the challenges facing the species and habitats we work to protect,” said Breanna B. of the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation.

Vagabond by Tim Curry The English actor and singer known for his stage work and many voice acting roles “explores his vagabond spirit in this memoir that looks back on decades of entertaining,” said Erin R. of Derry Public Library, calling it “an open-hearted delight.”

The Common Uncommon by Bernd Heinrich “A renowned scientist elegantly shares his observations and knowledge of nature from having lived in a cabin in the northern forest (Maine) for the past 40 years. I immediately added Heinrich’s other books to my TBR list!,” said Mathew B. of Concord Public Library.

The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest That Changed America by Eric Moskowitz is “the riveting true story of the first coast-to-coast automobile race in U.S. history. This Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist sets the record straight,” said Seabrook Library’s Dorothy H.

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel “is the fascinating, true story of Christopher Knight, who they call ‘the last true hermit.’ At age 20, he walked into the Maine woods and disappeared for 27 years, not having a conversation with another human being for 3 decades. He lived in a tent and broke into local camps/cabins when no one was around and took food, clothing and books but only what he really needed. He hurt no one and just wanted to be alone living his own life and bothering no one. I am fascinated by human nature and psychology and why people do what they do and live how they live. This was very moving,” said Denise of Book Bound.

“If you’re curious about the competition between China and the United States, read Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future by Dan Wang,” said Larissa S. of NH Humanities. “It’s a riveting book that blends technology, politics, philosophy, and economics with excellent storytelling. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of China’s meteoric rise, the United States’ building stagnation, and the implications for both countries.”

Rebugging the Planet by Vicki Hird “Insects, mollusks, and more feed other wildlife, support and defend our food crops, and work to clean our water systems. Vicki’s passion for the little creatures all around us comes through in these pages, marveling at their beauty and championing us to make changes and help them,” said Anita F. of NH Audubon, where this book will be the focus of an online discussion in November.

A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 by Bill Bryson is “not short in page length,” but “Bill shares information about science topics you have heard of (the big bang) [and] multiple topics you never learned in school with humor and insightful connections to today,” said Melissa Edwards of McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.

Super Nintendo: the Game-Changing Company that Unlocked the Power of Play by Keza MacDonald is “a really fun history of a really fun company,” said Christopher L., librarian at Hooksett Library. “MacDonald … enhances the storytelling by also making sure to include some of her own experiences.”

The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price “is a great tool for kids to use to become aware of what’s going on behind the scenes with technology companies and social media,” said Christopher L. of Hooksett Library. “It builds off the ideas Haidt expressed to an adult audience in The Anxious Generation, but the angle here skews more positive.”

“For our tween and teen baseball fans and history buffs, check out Baseball’s Shining Season: America’s Pastime on the Brink of War by Martin W. Sandler and Craig Sandler. This nonfiction title, rich with photographs, recounts America’s love of baseball and need for a diversion during World War II,” said Goffstown Public Library’s Jennifer T.

“Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur? by Bonnie Worth, illustrated by Steve Haefele, is a fun way to learn about dinosaurs. Kids get excited to follow along and learn how to pronounce tricky dinosaur names!” said Amanda G., Educator at SEE Science Center.