Cover Stories – Page 27

Re-Released! From their cows to your cone

This story was originally published in the July 22, 2021 issue of The Hippo. Re-released free for all to read thanks to sponsors The Big 1, Blake’s Creamery, Granite State Candy Shoppe, Hayward’s Ice Cream and Lickee’s & Chewy’s. Stay tuned to next week’s issue for our annual Great New Hampshire Ice Cream Tour map, which you will be able to find in the center of the issue and use to make your plans for finding new summer cones.

Three or four days each week, a small group of family members and friends will gather at Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm in Temple to make ice cream. Each person has multiple roles, from hand-mixing ingredients to packing the ice cream in tubs — and, of course, everyone’s willing to do some taste testing. It’s proven to be a highly successful formula for the small family-run business.

“Ice cream sales never stop,” said Mike Connolly, the middle Connolly brother and the farm’s primary ice cream maker. “We keep pumping ice cream out … even right through the winter.”

Since purchasing their own equipment to make ice cream in the early 2000s, Connolly estimates the farm is now up to around 60 flavors made over the course of each year, about 15 of which are made almost every week. All of the farm’s ice cream is produced on site in small batches, from a pasteurized sweet cream base containing its own cows’ milk.

More than just a high-quality summertime treat, homemade ice cream has proven to be one of the many effective ways for local dairy farms to diversify and add value to their product in what has been an increasingly competitive and challenging market.

“The level of intelligence on any dairy farm, when it comes to business and how to survive and make a business thrive, would blow your mind,” said Amy Hall, executive director of Granite State Dairy Promotion. “I have never met a group of individuals who are so able to quickly adapt and find solutions to any problem that gets thrown their way.”

Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm sells its ice cream in pre-packaged containers in several sizes at the farm store and has plans in the works to open its own scoop shop on site. They also work with other local businesses to create specialty custom-made flavors, from maple-infused ice creams you can get at Parker’s Maple Barn in Mason, to cherry cordial, peanut brittle, peppermint candy cane or butter pecan-flavored ice creams available at Nelson’s Candy & Music in Wilton.

Contoocook Creamery, at Bohanan Farm in Contoocook, provides Granite State Candy Shoppe with an ice cream base produced from the milk of its cows. They also supply Frisky Cow Gelato in Keene with their milk and cream, and recently began selling their base to Whippoorwill Dairy Farm in Kensington for the purposes of making ice cream as well.

In Boscawen, Richardson’s Farm — not to be confused with Richardson’s Ice Cream in Middleton, Mass., which sells its ice cream wholesale to many New Hampshire ice cream shops — makes its own pasteurized base using milk and cream sourced from Hatchland Farm in North Haverhill, according to owner and ice cream maker Jim Richardson.

So how exactly does ice cream get made? We spoke with New Hampshire dairy farmers and ice cream makers to get some answers on how this sweet treat makes the voyage from cow to cone.

The scoop on ice cream-making

A batch of ice cream starts with a base made up of milk, cream, sugars and small amounts of stabilizers to maintain its consistency and prevent crystallization. Jamie Robertson, who runs Contoocook Creamery with his wife and three adult sons, said about 110 of the more than 200 cows on the farm are milked twice a day, 365 days a year.

Cows from Contoocook Creamery at Bohanan Farm. Courtesy photo.

Three days a week, the milk is pumped from the barn to the processing plant, where it’s then pasteurized and homogenized. When making the ice cream base, Robertson said, the milk is mixed with each of the other ingredients before this step takes place.

“Pasteurizing is what we do to kill all the harmful bacteria in the milk, so we bring it up to a high temperature really fast, keep it there for a little under a minute and then drop it right back down,” he said. “It goes into the pasteurizer at 38 degrees, goes up to over 170 degrees and then comes back out at 38 degrees, and that all happens in under a minute. … Then we homogenize it, which breaks up the fat molecules so that they don’t separate out.”

Kristen May’s family has owned Hatchland Farm since 1971, beginning to make and sell their own ice cream about a decade ago. The farm produces vat pasteurized milk, or milk that is pasteurized at a slightly lower temperature for a longer period of time.

“We pasteurize at 145 degrees [for] 30 minutes,” May said. “The milk and the ingredients that we put into the ice cream are in big 300-gallon vats. … It takes a bit longer to do, but it actually makes [it] a little bit more different of a product. The flavor of the milk is a little more natural.”

Depending on his supply, Richardson said he receives regular shipments of Hatchland’s Farm raw milk and cream, which he uses to make his own ice cream base with.

“Legally, ice cream has to be at a minimum of 10 percent butterfat,” he said. “So we’re blending the milk and cream to get that butterfat level, and then obviously there are sugars involved, and a non-fat milk solid to boost the protein and add body to it.”

Some local ice cream makers will start with a pre-pasteurized base obtained from the HP Hood processing plant in Concord, to which several dairy farms in New Hampshire ship their milk through a number of cooperatives, according to Hall. This is also how Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm gets its milk pasteurized for ice cream making, Connolly said.

“Basically, we ship our milk up to Hood and then we get it back,” he said.

Mike Connolly of Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm in Temple makes a batch of black raspberry ice cream. Photo by Matt Ingersoll.

The base is poured into a batch freezer, and what ice cream makers do from there depends on the flavor they are creating.

“Sometimes it’s just a pure liquid extract or what’s called a variegate that goes into the machine,” Connolly said. “We hand-mix any of the chunky stuff, so chocolates, chocolate chips, cookies, all of that gets mixed in by hand, just because the machine will pulverize everything.”

Lisa Ilsley of Ilsley’s Ice Cream in Weare, which uses the Hood base mix, said her machine will churn out a batch of roughly five gallons of ice cream in 20 minutes, depending on the flavor.

Ilsley’s Ice Cream in Weare. Courtesy photo.

“The machine whips air into it,” she said. “That’s essentially what you’re doing when you’re making ice cream, is you’re changing it from a liquid to a whipped air solid.”

She’ll also hand-stir her ingredients as the ice cream is ready to come out of the machine. Once all of the swirls, fruits, chocolates or candy pieces are mixed in, the batch of ice cream is placed into a blast freezer designed to rapidly bring the temperature below zero.

After a hardening period, typically lasting at least 24 hours, the ice cream is moved to a holding freezer to bring the temperature back up, slightly softening it and making it scoopable at roughly 6 to 8 degrees.

Milking the opportunity

Dairy was once a dominating presence in New Hampshire’s overall agricultural landscape. There were more than 800 commercial dairy farms in the state as recently as the year 1970, according to Granite State Dairy Promotion. That number has continuously dwindled over the years, to 274 in 1990, 182 in 2000 and just 95 farms in 2020.

Slim profit margins for farmers, a worldwide surplus of milk, and the competition they face at the retail level from out of state, including through the emergence of plant-based beverages onto the market, have all been contributing factors to the industry’s gradual decline.

“Once a dairy farm goes out of business, the chances of them coming back are close to none,” Hall said. “It’s a really tough industry to survive in.”

The pandemic only exacerbated the struggles last year, as the sudden shutdowns of restaurants and public schools quickly resulted in an unprecedented oversupply of milk. Cooperatives limited the amount of product they were buying from farms, forcing dairy producers to dump any milk that could not be sold. May estimates that Hatchland Farm had to dump about 11,500 gallons of its milk off and on throughout last year. In the fall, they decided to sell 35 of their cows.

“Never in my father’s life had he worked that hard to produce a product that he had to see go down the drain, basically,” she said. “We’ve had surpluses at different times but we’ve always been able to find a place to get rid of it. We’ve never had to dump milk like that.”

Jared Johnson of Sanctuary Dairy Farm, a 10th-generation farm in Sunapee dating back to the 1700s, said that while milk prices have rebounded and restaurants are back open, input and overhead costs for farms have gone through the roof.

“It was a really dry year last year, so a lot of people had to buy a lot of feed because of the drought conditions,” he said. “Grain costs have increased probably 20 to 40 percent.”

Despite all of the ongoing challenges, dairy farms pivoted and still found unique opportunities.

Ilsley said her family’s dairy farm purchased a cream separator in October and began skimming their raw milk with it. The Ilsley Farm in Weare now sells quarts of its own heavy cream.

“We literally have a new dairy product that we sell now. I don’t think we would’ve done it if it wasn’t for Covid,” she said. “We have people come to the farm all the time to buy our raw milk, so we figured we would at least take the cream off and sell that. Our customers love it.”

Contoocook Creamery, which had been using glass bottles for its milk until the spring of 2020, quickly made the switch to plastic jugs after grocery stores stopped accepting glass bottle returns. This doubled their milk sales and increased the number of local stores you can now get their milk in. One hundred percent of their milk is also now bottled on site, Robertson said.

Supporting local dairy farmers is much easier than you may think, and does not have to involve travelling to a farm directly to purchase their product. Every bottle of milk in the dairy aisle of your local grocery store will have a code on it that specifies where it was processed. The code No. 33-08, Hall said, whether it’s on a Hood brand or a grocery store’s own brand of milk, indicates that it was processed at the HP Hood plant in Concord.

“One of the largest threats to the dairy industry is … milk that comes from outside of the region, which creates direct competition for our local farms,” she said. “If you pick up a gallon of Hood milk with the Code [No.] 33, you can feel good knowing that dairy farmers right here in New Hampshire sent their milk there, and that’s what’s in that bottle that you’re picking up off the shelves. … Not all of the milk in the dairy aisle has that.”

Ice cream for normalcy

After a season like no other last year, ice cream makers in New Hampshire are turning the page.

Christy LaRocca wrote down July 1 as a “back to normal” date for Moo’s Place Ice Cream. It marked the indoor reopenings of both the Derry and Salem shops for the first time in more than a year, and nearly all the company’s staff members were fully vaccinated by that point.

“We’re on pace to have a very, very good season,” said LaRocca, who owns Moo’s Place with her husband, Steven. “We’ve been so excited to open up and welcome everybody back indoors.”

Moo’s Place makes its own ice cream five or six days a week, producing more than 40 regular flavors as well as the occasional special, like chocolate-dipped cherry or wild blueberry crisp.

Ice cream sales have been very strong so far this summer at Granite State Candy Shoppe. Owner Jeff Bart said the Concord shop usually offers ice cream from Easter through the end of October, while in Manchester they scoop it year-round.

Granite State Candy Shoppe. Courtesy photo.

“Things are as good as they were back in the summer of 2019,” he said. “We have noticed that people are definitely interested in coming back downtown and stopping by.”

Around 30 flavors of ice cream are available at each shop at any particular time, including unique offerings like Flapjacks and Bacon, a cake batter ice cream with a swirl of maple syrup and bacon chunks, as well as a Mexican chocolate ice cream with a blend of cinnamon.

New for this year, Blake’s Creamery in Manchester has opened an ice cream window with outdoor patio seating directly in front of its restaurant on South Main Street. It’s now open every Wednesday through Sunday, from 3 to 8 p.m.

“It has been very well-received, and it’s really nice to see people just sitting outside under an umbrella and enjoying ice cream,” Blake’s Creamery co-owner Ann Mirageas said. “There were takeout windows when Blake’s opened in 1963, so it’s actually a return to its roots.”

Blake’s introduces a few new ice cream flavors to its lineup every year, some of which become permanent additions. This year, newcomers include salted caramel brownie, and Mocha Joe’s Dough, a Colombian coffee and chocolate ice cream with cookie dough and chocolate dough.

In Nashua, Hayward’s Ice Cream now has a brand new commissary space downtown where their ice cream is produced, with a kitchen three times the size. Owner Chris Ordway said ice cream is made six days a week and trucked to both Hayward’s stores in Nashua and Merrimack. A whopping 10 gallons is produced every 12 minutes from their machines.

“We’re bringing in something new every two weeks, and it may be something that you had a few years ago that we’re bringing back to get some new interest,” Ordway said of the flavors.

Memories Ice Cream in Kingston is also rotating out specialty ice cream flavors. Owner Dawn Padfield said they are up to at least 50 to 60 different offerings, including not just the hard ice cream but also a selection of soft-serve, frozen yogurt and vegan options.

If you can’t find your favorite ice cream flavor on the menu, it could be because that local stand or shop simply hasn’t been able to get certain ingredients to make it, a lingering issue from the pandemic that continues to affect the industry.

“Week to week, it’s different things,” Steven LaRocca said. “Some products are in stock one week, and then they’re not in stock for the next two or three weeks. It’s a constant battle.”

The New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail

An interactive way to enjoy locally made ice cream while supporting dairy farmers, the New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail is a passport program released by Granite State Dairy Promotion every year, usually around Memorial Day weekend. Maps can be downloaded by visiting nhdairypromo.org/ice-cream-trail, or can be found at any one of the trail’s participating locations. Maps are also at the Manchester Airport and at several state highway rest areas.

There are a total of 42 “stops” on this year’s trail scattered across the state, featuring dairy farms that make their own ice cream on site or ice cream makers that use local milk. Participants can visit each stop on the map and receive a passport sticker for a chance to win prizes.

“For me, one of the most exciting parts about the Ice Cream Trail is hearing from folks who have completed it and say that not only they had a blast but they learned some things too,” said Amy Hall, executive director of Granite State Dairy Promotion. “It was developed as a way to creatively get information about the value of dairy farms into the hands of consumers.”

Completed passports will be accepted through Oct. 18 and will be entered into a grand prize drawing. The grand prize winner receives a $200 Amazon gift card and a basket of New Hampshire-made goodies, but all who complete the trail still receive a complimentary sweatshirt.

Where to get New Hampshire-made ice cream

This list includes New Hampshire restaurants, dairy farms and ice cream shops and stands that offer ice cream either made on site or, where specified, sourced locally. Some dairy farms also make proprietary flavors for New Hampshire businesses using their own products — those are included here as well. Do you know of another local business serving homemade ice cream that isn’t on this list? Let us know at [email protected].

• Arnie’s Place (164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com) offers more than 25 homemade ice cream flavors, in addition to ice cream cakes, novelties and more.

• Beech Hill Farm and Ice Cream Barn (107 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton, 223-0828, beechhillfarm.com) carries several flavors of ice cream from Blake’s Creamery.

• Blake’s Creamery (353 S. Main St., Manchester, 669-0220, blakesicecream.com) offers dozens of unique premium ice cream flavors, and, new for the 2021 season, now has an ice cream takeout window that is open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. Blake’s also has several seasonal wholesale accounts at restaurants and ice cream stands throughout New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.

• Bruster’s Ice Cream (621 Amherst St., Nashua, 881-9595, find them on Facebook @brustersnh) has more than two dozen signature and classic flavors of homemade ice cream that are made on site.

• Charlie’s Ice Cream (150 Front St., Exeter, 772-7400, find them on Facebook @charliesicecreamnh) offers more than 50 flavors of ice cream made on site in small batches, including a selection of “21+” flavors infused with premium alcohol.

• Chuckster’s Family Fun Park (9 Bailey Road, Chichester, 798-3555; 53 Hackett Hill Road, Hooksett, 210-1415; chucksters.com) carries more than two dozen ice cream flavors from Blake’s Creamery.

• The Common Man (25 Water St., Concord, 228-3463; 304 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-3463; 88 Range Road, Windham, 898-0088; 10 Pollard Road, Lincoln, 745-3463; 21 Water St., Claremont, 542-6171; 60 Main St., Ashland, 968-7030; Town Docks Restaurant, 289 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith, 279-3445; Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040; Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Road, Tilton, 286-2204; 104 Diner, 752 Route 104, New Hampton, 744-0120; thecman.com) offers its own homemade ice cream across each location’s dessert menus.

• The Common Man Roadside Market & Deli (1805 S. Willow St., Manchester, 210-2801; 530 W. River Road, Hooksett; 25 Springer Road, Hooksett, 210-5305; 484 Tenney Mountain Highway, Plymouth, 210-5815; thecmanroadside.com) offers Common Man-made ice cream across each location’s dessert menus.

• Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm (140 Webster Hwy., Temple, 924-5002, find them on Facebook) offers dozens of flavors of homemade ice cream using a base that comes from the farm’s own cows’ milk. Dozens of flavors are available at the farm store in pre-packaged containers coming in several sizes. Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm also makes proprietary ice cream flavors for other New Hampshire businesses, like Nelson’s Candy & Music in Wilton and Parker’s Maple Barn in Mason.

• Countrybrook Farms (175 Lowell Road, Hudson, 886-5200, countrybrookfarms.com) has dozens of flavors of ice cream from Blake’s Creamery.

• Cremeland Drive-In (250 Valley St., Manchester, 669-4430, find them on Facebook) offers multiple flavors of homemade hard ice cream, as well as soft-serve, frozen yogurt and sherbet.

• Dancing Lion Chocolate (917 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us) offers unique flavors of house-made small-batch ice cream during the summer, sold in cups and house-made cones as well as sundaes and frappes.

• Devriendt Farm Stand and Ice Cream Shoppe (178 S. Mast St., Goffstown, 497-2793, devriendtfarm.com) offers dozens of flavors of ice cream from Blake’s Creamery.

• Dr. Davis Ice Cream (75 Route 13, Brookline, 673-6003, drdavisicecream.com) has been in business for more than eight decades, serving up more than two dozen homemade ice cream flavors.

• Dudley’s Ice Cream (846 Route 106 N, Loudon, 783-4800, find them on Facebook) offers more than 20 flavors of homemade hard ice cream, in addition to soft-serve and ice cream cakes.

• Goldenrod Restaurant Drive-In (1681 Candia Road, Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com) has more than 30 flavors of homemade ice cream.

• Gould Hill Farm (656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook, 746-3811, gouldhillfarm.com) serves ice cream sourced from Granite State Candy Shoppe in Concord and Manchester.

• Granite State Candy Shoppe (13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St., Manchester, 218-3885; granitestatecandyshoppe.com) has around 30 homemade ice cream flavors available at both locations, with specialty and customizable make-your-own sundae options. All of its flavors are made from an ice cream base sourced from Contoocook Creamery, at Bohanan Farm in Hopkinton.

• Hatchland Farm’s “Wicked Good” Dairy Delites (3095 Dartmouth College Hwy., North Haverhill, 348-1884, find them on Facebook) is a family-owned and -operated dairy farm that offers its own milk and ice cream products, including dozens of flavors of hard ice cream and soft-serve. The farm also sells its milk and cream to Richardson’s Farm in Boscawen to make ice cream with.

• Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream (7 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua, 888-4663; Merrimack 360 Shopping Plaza, Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack; haywardsicecream.com) has been in business for more than seven decades, featuring dozens of homemade ice cream flavors on its menu out of both locations.

• Hayward’s Ice Cream of Milford (383 Elm St., Milford, 672-8383, haywardsfamilyicecream.com) is a third-generation ice cream stand that offers more than 50 homemade ice cream flavors, in addition to frozen yogurts and sherbets.

• Ilsley’s Ice Cream (33 S. Sugar Hill Road, Weare, 529-6455, find them on Facebook) offers about 10 flavors of its homemade ice cream during its season, in addition to specialty flavors of the week that are regularly rotated out.

• Jake’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Bakery (57 Palm St., Nashua, 594-2424, jakesoldfashionedicecream.com) offers homemade wholesale packaged ice cream in a variety of flavors.

• Jordan’s Ice Creamery (894 Laconia Road, Belmont, 267-1900, find them on Facebook @jordansic) has been in business for more than 25 years, serving up dozens of flavors of homemade ice cream in addition to a large selection of cakes and pies.

• Just the Wright Place for Ice Cream (95 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 775-0223, find them on Facebook @wrightplaceforicecream) offers a wide selection of homemade ice cream flavors, and also takes orders for ice cream cakes.

• Kellerhaus (259 Endicott St. N, Weirs Beach, 366-4466, kellerhaus.com) always has a rotating selection of more than a dozen homemade ice cream flavors.

• Memories Ice Cream (95 Exeter Road, Kingston, 642-3737, memoriesicecream.com) has been serving dozens of homemade ice cream flavors out of a converted dairy barn since 1992, also offering ice cream cakes and wholesaling to some local restaurants and country stores.

• Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream (27 Crystal Ave., Derry, 425-0100; 15 Ermer Road, Salem, 898-0199; moosplace.com) makes all of its own hard ice creams available in several dozen unique flavors, in addition to frozen yogurts, Italian ices and ice cream cakes.

• Nelson’s Candy & Music (65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com) offers more than a dozen flavors of ice cream produced at Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm in Temple, using the shop’s own chocolates, candies and other ingredients.

• Parker’s Maple Barn (1349 Brookline Road, Mason, 878-2308, parkersmaplebarn.com) offers several flavors of ice cream produced at Connolly Brothers Dairy Farm in Temple.

• The Puritan Backroom Restaurant (245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com) has more than two dozen traditional and unique homemade ice cream flavors.

• Richardson’s Farm (170 Water St., Boscawen, 796-2788, richardsonsfarmnh.com) has dozens of flavors of ice cream made on site, using its own pasteurized ice cream base sourced with milk and cream from Hatchland Farm in North Haverhill.

• Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream (209 Route 103 Sunapee, 863-8940, icecreamkidbeck.com) has dozens of flavors of homemade ice cream available, including many dairy-free, sugar-free, gelato and low-fat options. The farm also has wholesale accounts for businesses that carry its ice cream in quarts, including Achille Agway in Hillsborough.

• Stuart & John’s Sugarhouse (31 Route 63, Westmoreland, 399-4486, stuartandjohns.com) offers several flavors of ice cream from Blake’s Creamery.

• Sugar & Ice Creamery (146 Calef Hwy., Barrington, 888-616-8452, sugaricecreamery.com) has multiple flavors of homemade ice cream, with sundae options and freshly baked waffle cones also available.

• SuperScoops of Henniker (58 Main St., Henniker, 717-0661, superscoops.com) offers dozens of flavors of homemade hard ice cream, along with soft-serve and specialty drinks like frappes and root beer floats.

• Trombly Gardens (150 N. River Road, Milford, 673-0647, tromblygardens.net) has more than a dozen flavors of its homemade ice cream, available for sale at the farm store in quarts.

Featured photo: Isley’s Ice Cream in Weare.

A better way to zoom

Add a little action to your day with go-karts, bumper boats and laser tag.

Summer is all about breaking out of your daily routine. Put a little excitement in your weekend (or your afterwork or your staycation) by checking out some local, low-time-commitment but big-fun-payoff activities such as go-karts, bumper boats and laser tag.

Speedy fun with go-karts

Find fast(-ish) paced excitement and friendly competition at area tracks

By Katelyn Sahagian

[email protected]

Parents against kids, siblings against each other — the go-kart racetrack has a way of turning even the most devoted of couples into competitors, said Michael Accomando, the owner of Mel’s Funway Park.

“Everybody that hits the track and they get so excited. You’ve got to look at it from the point of view of a kid who wants to beat their mother or father, or their older siblings, through the eyes of people who can’t drive regular cars,” said Accomando. “You look at one big official race that’s started, but there’s always more within those little groups.”

Accomando said that his entire fleet has been tuned up and is ready for racers. His track has tight turns and a bridge for karters to go over and under. He said that his favorite part is seeing how excited the kids get while racing.

“If you’re a young young kid, you feel like you’re really zipping around a track,” Accomado said, adding that the karts don’t go faster than 20 miles per hour.

Go-karts were first created in the 1950s, and some tracks in New Hampshire have been around for 40 years, like Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track in Laconia.

Owner Tom Hickey said that he was 14 years old when his parents bought the track. Now, he comes up every summer to open up the course.

Hickey said he loves seeing the generations that have come through, from kids racing around the track to parents sharing the experience with their children.

Go-kart fun facts
Go-karts were invented in 1956 in Glendale, California, by Art Ingels, who was a fabricator at Kurtis Kraft, a dominant manufacturer of the Indianapolis 500 race cars. He put a discarded two-cycle lawn mower motor into a tube-frame “kart” and created the world-famous miniature race car.
Source: Petrolicious.

“They know me by name and they say they used to come as a kid and it’s a generation thing,” Hickey said. “You see families come back year after year.”

While these karts are much slower, and safer, than the ones professional racers use, there are still safety parameters that all locations follow.

Drivers at most locations have to be taller than 58 inches, and all have slightly different requirements for passengers. At Chuckster’s, passengers can be as young as 3 with a licensed driver. Weirs Beach only allows passengers ages 4 to 9.

Karts are equipped with kill switches, and operators can lower the speeds of all the karts for safety purposes, like if a driver spins out or isn’t driving safely.

Throughout the years, Hickey said, he’s noticed that people will always come back to do more and more laps.

“I always say to my workers that people don’t get sick of pizza or coffee, so people won’t get sick of go-karts,” Hickey said.

Where to go karting

Chuckster’s
9 Bailey Road, Chichester
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Price: $8 for one ride, $33 for five. Passengers ride free.
Visit: chuckstersnh.com.

Daytona Fun Park
104 Endicott St. East, Laconia
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $8.75 for single ride, $24.50 for three, $75 for 10. Passengers are $2 additional for each ride and passengers must be under 54 inches tall.
Visit: daytonafunparknh.com

Mel’s Funway Park
454 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Price: $9.50 for one ride, $42.50 for five rides
Visit: melsfunwaypark.com

Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track
582 Endicott St. North, Laconia
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Price: one race is $9, six for $48
Visit: wbgokarts.com

Bump and splash

Everybody becomes a kid in a bumper boat

By Katelyn Sahagian

[email protected]

Bumper cars are one of the oldest amusement rides, dating back to the early 1920s. While bumper boats aren’t as old, they add a little bit of pizazz to the process of crashing vehicles into one another.

Like their land counterparts, bumper boats have drivers smashing into each other, but water makes everything a little more chaotic, especially when the boats are equipped with water cannons.

Sophie Genest, 7, takes aim for her grandfather, John Leblanc. photo by Katelyn Sahagin

“If you squirt the old guy on the dock he’ll take out a hose, he’ll take out a hose and take ’em down,” John Crawford, who is the owner of Daytona Fun Park and is also the old guy on the dock, joked. “There have been a few guys that I’ve squirted too much, but we all have fun.”

While Daytona has had bumper boats for years, the attraction is new to Chuckster’s Family Fun Park this year.

“We just opened them up a month ago,” said Mark Blasko, the owner of Chuckster’s. “It’s a super fun way to cool off. We’ve learned that even when it’s not hot it’s still heavily used.”

Bumper boats float on a pool called a pond and are propelled with a small motor. The circular boats are designed to be nearly impossible to capsize, said Blasko, and all of the parks had height restrictions of 44 inches.

The boats at all the locations have water cannons that shoot water approximately 30 feet in an arc, making aming and driving a bigger challenge.

Bumper boats fun fact
The first iteration of bumper boats, called Dodgem Boats, was featured at the 1933 Chicago’s World Fair. The small motorboats sat two adults and were made entirely out of wood.
Source: “A Short History of Bumper Cars Going Bump In The Night,” By Seth Gussow for Automobile Magazine.

The Chuckster’s bumper boat pool has an island in the center featuring the park’s woodchuck mascot spraying a waterfall over the boaters. Despite its being only open for a month, Blasko said that there’s been a line for the boats almost every day.

In Crawford’s eyes, bumper boats are so popular because anyone can have fun on them.

“I like to say we have kids of all ages come here,” Crawford said. “It’s great to see the 70- and 80-year-old ‘kids’ get in the boats with their kids and grandkids and have a good time.”

Where to find bumper boats

Chuckster’s
9 Bailey Road, Chichester
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Price: $7 per ride, passengers are free
Visit: chuckstersnh.com

Daytona Fun Park
104 Endicott St. East, Laconia
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Price: $9.50 for single ride, $2 additional per passenger
Visit: daytonafunparknh.com

Mel’s Funway Park
454 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Price: $9 for one ride, $40 for five rides.
Visit: melsfunwaypark.com

Pew! Pew! Pew!

Tag, you’re it, with lasers

By Hannah Turtle

hturtle@admin

Jack Walsh contributed to this story.

When asked about the draw of laser tag, Mel’s Funway Park owner Mike Accomando sums it up in one sentence: “It takes a grown-up, and it makes them a kid all over again.”

A popular activity for kids and adults alike, laser tag is exactly what it sounds like, a game in which participants use infrared-emitting light guns to “tag” targets. Or, as Accomando puts it, “people run around in the dark shooting each other, but nobody gets hurt.”

Laser tag is by no means a new activity in the area, but the many venues in which it can be played have multiplied over the years. Now, there’s outdoor laser tag at AG Paintball in Weare, and even mobile laser tag services that come to you.

One such service, offered by Next Level Tag, includes various scenarios such as “zombie apocalypse” and a hostage situation. There’s even a “bomb scenario,” in which players must defuse a laser bomb before the device “explodes.” At AG, you can play a “gold rush” game or have a similar zombie-like experience with “infection survival” (Covid not included).

Venues like Mel’s Funway Park still offer the traditional laser tag experience, perfect for groups or even lone players, and for adults and kids alike, including a robust “laser maze.” One piece of advice, though: Don’t tamper with the emergency exits.

“Once a kid thought the emergency door was an emergency room where you could hide,” Accomando said. “So, in the middle of the game, he ran through the emergency door and set off the fire alarm in the building. It was a lot of work for us, but I thought it was pretty funny.”

The thrill of the chase without the possibility of actual bodily harm is something that connects all the laser tag options in the area, but winning a game requires a sharp mind and a good battle strategy.

XTremeCraze, which opened in Londonderry in early 2019, hosts a large arena of around 10,000 square feet. Games take place hourly, sometimes every other hour, with 44 open player slots. There are a variety of different game modes, and each holds different objectives that lead to victory.

“Our game modes are super interactive,” XTremeCraze general manager Leo Batista said. “They allow you to essentially play a team style game like you would in a video game, but [you can] play it in a real-life form with your friends.”

Batista’s personal favorite game mode is “Headquarters,” a mode where players take over sectors to accumulate points, all while tagging out opponents.

For those looking to have a leg up in laser tag strategy, Accomando recommends finding cover and staying low.

“People are normally looking and aiming higher. When you find a spot and stay low, you kind of disappear in the dark,” he said. “Then, you’ll have an opportunity to shoot other people’s lasers without them even knowing what hit them.”

Where to play tag (with lasers)

AG Paintball
158 Deering Center Road, Weare
Hours: Monday to Friday, appointment only; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: $20 per person
Visit: agpaintball.com

Block Party Social
51 Zapora Drive, Hooksett
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: $22 per person
Visit: blockpartysocial.com

Fun City
553 Mast Road, Goffstown
Hours: Monday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets: $8 per game
Visit: funcitygoffstown.com

Mel’s Funway Park
454 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets: $8 for each 10-minute game
Visit: melsfunwaypark.com

Next Level Tag
Booking: packages vary, basic package $350 for 12 players
Visit: nextleveltag.com

XtremeCraze
4 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; (Thursday Junior Jumps from 10 a.m. to noon); Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed for private events on Mondays, except for school holidays. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Visit: xtremecraze.us/londonderry

Featured photo: Kristen Powers takes the lead in her go-kart race against Bruce Jache at Mel’s Funway Park. Photo by Katelyn Sahagian.

Summer of books

Put action, fantasy, science fiction and more on your summer reading list

Need some books to take on vacation or to give you a little getaway on your lunch hour? We asked local book sellers and librarians for their suggestions on what to put on your summer reading list.

Contemporary fiction

The Hospice Singer by Larry Duberstein, published May 2022
The little-known practice of hospice singing brings two unlikely characters together.
Recommended by: Willard and Holly Williams of The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough. “Full of surprising turns, this is an enjoyable read leavened by Larry’s humorous takes on life.”

Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding, published December 2021
Sonya, a single mother, struggles to make a good life for her son Tommy while her unrelenting alcohol addiction causes heartbreaking moments of darkness.
Recommended by: Brittany Overton, adult services librarian at Hooksett Library. “Readers are brought into the mind of a young woman whose alcohol addiction is spiraling out of control, providing a perspective on addiction rarely known to the depths described in this book.”

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, published May 2022
Tova, still grieving from the loss of her 18-year-old son, Erik, many years ago, and more recently her husband, is getting ready to retire from her night-shift job cleaning the local aquarium, where she has befriended the intelligent and wily giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus.
Recommended by: Maria Schroeter, adult collection development and adult programming librarian at Nesmith Library in Windham. “This heartwarming book, with a bit of mystery on the side, is ultimately about relationships. … This is perfect for anyone looking for an uplifting, but not too sweet, lovely story.”

Still the Night Call by Joshua Senter, December 2021
This story is a debut novel that takes place over 24 hours centering on the life of a Missouri dairy farmer. It dives into the plight of Midwestern farmers as they fight to hold on to their livelihoods.
Recommended by: Susan Schatvet, Director at Seabrook Library. “It’s one of those books where, from the very first page, you’re compelled to go on. It gives you a fantastic perspective of the impact on this group of people. It’s a tragic novel, but it is just so compelling and it takes place over just 24 hours.”

This Time Tomorrow, by Emma Straub, published May 2022
Alice is supposed to be turning 40, but when she wakes up on her birthday somehow back in 1996, it isn’t her 16-year-old body that is the biggest shock, or the possibility of romance with her adolescent crush. It’s the 49-year-old version of her father with whom she is reunited, giving her a new perspective on her own life and his.
Recommended by: Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “It’s a time travel tale reminiscent of Jack Finney’s Time and Again, with just a touch of Narnia.”

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult, published November 2021
Diana O’Toole’s well-ordered life is sent off course when the Covid-19 pandemic hits during her vacation to the Galapagos, closing borders, landing her in quarantine and giving her time for self-reflection.
Recommended by: Amy Lapointe, library director at Amherst Town Library. “The characters are compelling, making for a page-turner; the time period is relevant; and the Galapagos setting is the perfect backdrop for themes of resilience and evolution.”

What we’re reading:
Tracy Flick Can’t Win By Tom Perrotta (Scribner, 2022)
Perrotta revisits the central character of his 1998 Election in this story that catches up with Tracy, the one-time ambitious high school student with presidential aspirations. Now she is on the cusp of getting picked as principal at the high school where she has long served as assistant principal. She’s a lock, a shoo-in — so naturally, things start to go wrong. It’s a delight to revisit her and see how she and the world have changed (and, sigh, haven’t). The book is a quick fun read, told from multiple points of view.
— Amy Diaz

Cookbook

Baking with Dorie: Sweet, Salty & Simple by Dorie Greenspan, with photographs by Mark Weinberg, published October 2021
A creative collection of recipes that includes everything from breakfast pastries to savory treats.
Recommended by: Tammy Gross, library assistant at Goffstown Public Library. “This was a beautiful cookbook, and the cookies I made from it were delicious. I’m looking forward to making the Lemon Meringue Layer Cake next.”

Fantasy

Book of Night by Holly Black, published May 2022
When a former thief who specialized in stealing magical documents is forced back into her old habits, a story of magic, secrets and murder unfolds.
Recommended by: Liz Herold, Assistant Director at North Hampton Public Library. “The main character is definitely someone you root for. She’s one of those people who always makes the wrong choice in life. But she’s trying to turn over a new leaf. It’s very fast-paced with a thread of mystery and suspense in it.”

The Change by Kirsten Miller, published May 2022
Three women who have developed supernatural powers while going through midlife changes band together to solve the murder of a teen girl whom the police have written off as a drug addict.
Recommended by: Carolyn Tremblay, reference librarian at Dover Public Library, and Chris Savukinas, children’s library assistant at Nesmith Library in Windham. “This oddly charismatic trio will win you over in their fight against powerful men. A suspenseful plot, humor and some sharp commentary about sexism combine to create a novel you won’t want to put down,” Tremblay said. “It’s about menopause, superpowers and revenge; if you’re a woman of a certain age, you’ll love it,” Savukinas said.

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas, published February 2022
In the second installment in the Crescent City series, Bryce and Hunt are ready to settle down together and live a quiet life, but as the rebels continue fighting against the Asteri, staying on the sidelines is no longer an option.
Recommended by: Alexa Moore, circulation and reader services librarian at Amherst Town Library. “[The book] follows a lot of different threads and works to firmly establish the large cast of characters. While I loved the character-building and intrigue this story provided, it succeeded in its main goal of setting the stage for an incredible third book.”

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, published September 2021
Concubine-pilot Zetian is out for vengeance for the death of her sister, and to stop the practice of sacrificing girls once and for all.
Recommended by: Alexa Moore, circulation and reader services librarian at Amherst Town Library. “This book grabbed my attention initially because of the gender roles being challenged and other important representations within the story, but kept me reading because of the giant robot (mech) fights.”

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, published April 2022
Marra, the youngest princess of a very modest kingdom, sets out to rescue her older sisters from an abusive prince.
Recommended by: Dianne Hathaway, director at Goffstown Public Library. “It is well-written and clever and very different from what you should expect of traditional fairy tales. … If you enjoy stories of knights, strong damsels-not-in-distress and magic, then this book is for you.”

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune, published September 2021
The story of Wallace, a curmudgeonly young man who dies without really having lived, and the kind and wise ferryman, who runs a tea shop and holding room for the recently deceased, who helps him cross over.
Recommended by: Maria Schroeter, adult collection development and adult programming librarian at Nesmith Library in Windham. “The story … is filled with hope and caution and made my heart break and soar. T.J. Klune draws you in with wonderful characters, an interesting and extraordinary plot and life lessons for us all.”

When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill, published May 2022
In an alternate version of the world in the 1950s, one quarter of the female population has spontaneously and simultaneously turned into dragons, and despite the chaos that ensues, no one is allowed to talk about it.
Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, children’s book buyer at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “This book is full of righteous, suppressed rage at the patriarchy in a clever, well-mannered wrapper.”

What we’re reading:
The Priory of the Orange Tree By Samantha Shannon (Bloomsbury, 2019)
Shannon explores what happens when a divided world faces a universal threat: the ancient forces of chaos. The Western Queen, Sabran, must conceive a daughter to continue her family’s thousand-year reign and protect the world. Ead, a Southerner and outsider (and secret practitioner of forbidden magic), must convince the Western court to abate its hostility to the East. Tamé, a dragonrider in the East, needs to find a way to open the borders of her closed-off country. This high-fantasy tome is a must read for lovers of magic, dragons, kings, queens, epic battles, and strong, determined women.
– Katelyn Sahagian

Graphic novel

Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavia, published November 2021
An aging piano virtuoso must confront many uncomfortable parts of his past when a young journalist pays him an unexpected visit to conduct an interview.
Recommended by: Christopher Larochelle, patron services assistant at Hooksett Public Library. “This graphic novel will captivate readers who want to investigate the price that might come along with fame.”

Salt Magic by Hope Larson, published October 2021
This middle-grade graphic novel fairy tale follows a girl’s journey to save her family from an evil witch who has put a curse on their well, turning the town’s water supply into saltwater.
Recommended by: Chris Savukinas, children’s library assistant at Nesmith Library in Windham. “Just when I thought I’d read a bit of everything. I liked it. And there’s a twist at the end I didn’t see coming.”

Historical fiction

Horse by Geraldine Brooks, published June 2022
When civil war grips the country, it kicks off a journey between a groom, his horse and a young artist.
Recommended by: Lisa Houde, Assistant Director at Rye Public Library. “Anything this woman writes is gold.”

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, published October 2021
In 1950s America, a man recently released from prison heads to California with his brother to start a new life after the death of their father.
Recommended by: Dianne Hathaway, director at Goffstown Public Library, and Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at the Derry Public Library. “This is an unforgettable book by a talented, beautiful writer,” Hathaway said. “A sweeping story with heartfelt characters, and a fast-paced plot … and very engaging and vivid scenes,” DeLangie said.

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis, published January 2022
This novel examines the Frick Museum through the eyes of three women: a young artist’s model in the 1920s and her imperious employer and a young model at a fashion shoot in the Frick circa 1966.
Recommended by: Carolyn Tremblay, reference librarian at Dover Public Library. “A terrific behind-the-scenes look at an iconic art museum. Fiona Davis excels in bringing history alive.”

Miss Eliza’s English Kitchen: A Novel of Victorian Cookery and Friendship by Annabel Abbs, published November 2021
Two very different women in 19th-century London come together to create a cookbook.
Recommended by: Erin Robinson, genealogy and reference librarian at Derry Public Library. “Wonderful characterization, rich prose and close attention to historic cooking make this book a standout.”

Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman, published January 2022
In New England in the late 1600s, 23-year-old Ruth must escape her hometown with no warning and ends up on a ship that takes her to Stonington, Connecticut, where her problems are just beginning.
Recommended by: Virginia Hundley, bookseller at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth. “What a fascinating tale of what women had to do to survive in that era. … I loved this book. It is not on any bestseller list, but I came across it somehow and have now hand-sold many copies.”

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, published November 2021
This novella, set in a small town in Ireland in 1985, follows Bill Furlong, who delivers coal in a small Irish town and ruminates about what he uncovers along the way.
Recommended by: Dianne Hathaway, director at Goffstown Public Library. “The writing is lyrical and lovely, and while there is no deep character development, the plot is full of messages and visual pictures of a quaint Irish town at Christmas.”

Still Life by Sarah Winman, published June 2021.
An English soldier meets a middle-aged art historian in Tuscany in 1944, in the midst of bombed-out villages and advancing Allied troops.
Recommended by: Karen Dixon, assistant director at Hopkinton Town Library. “It’s a feel-good story, but in an intelligent, not-saccharine way. And there is the bonus of a parrot who quotes Shakespeare.”

The Sweetness Of Water by Nathan Harris, published June 2021
News of the Emancipation Proclamation has just arrived in a rural Georgia town, and most of the white townspeople are refusing to give freed slaves jobs or food. When two of the former slaves are hired by a local farmer, chaos erupts.
Recommended by: Willard and Holly Williams of The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough. “This is a powerful reminder of the terrors that remained as the war wound down.”

Horror

Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow, published February 2022
Farrah is a calculating, manipulative and possibly psychopathic young Black girl, who schemes her way into the lives of her Black best friend Cherish’s white, wealthy, adoptive family, and things may be even more insidious than they first appear.
Recommended by: Ryan Clark, marketing manager at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “For the folks looking for a splash of horror in their beach reads, look no further than Cherish Farrah. A brilliant, chilling, unflinching masterpiece of a novel. This is social horror at its finest, and it left me spinning.”

What we’re reading:
The Shape of Darkness by Laura Purcell (Penguin Books, 2021)
In this Victorian gothic tale, silhouette portrait artist Agnes struggles to support herself while recovering from a nervous breakdown and still plagued by the deaths of her lover and her sister. When her clients begin to be murdered after their portrait sittings, Agnes seeks the counsel of a child spirit medium in the hope of finding clues to the killer. Instead she finds that she may be haunted by something much more sinister. Purcell twists all the gothic tropes into her own unique brand of supernatural horror — creepy and deliciously bleak. Here she weaves a story of obsessive loves, secrets, and the dark side of sisterly relationships.
—Jennifer Gingras

Mystery and thriller

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager, published June 2022
A cabin on a lake, a hot cop next door, a former model who might be in danger, a drowned husband, a dubious detective, an urban legend and a whole lot of lies converge in this thriller.
Recommended by: Ryan Clark, marketing manager at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “This book made me gasp out loud on multiple occasions. This is the summer thriller you’ve been waiting for.”

The Midcoast by Adam White, published June 2022
This story follows a tragic family of lobstermen who quickly rise from poverty to wealth, and the dark secrets surrounding them.
Recommended by: Virginia Hundley, bookseller at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth. “Many plots and twists and … a must-read for anyone familiar with the midcoast of Maine.”

Ocean Prey by John Sandford, published April 2021
When the Marshal service and the Minnesota Criminal Investigation Bureau team up to investigate the murder of a Coast Guard team, the result is a gripping adventure to the bottom of the ocean.
Recommended by: Cindy Rivers, Customer Service Librarian at Wiggin Memorial Library.
“It’s just a great fun mystery read. I love the character development, and Sandford also does some great research for his stories.”

Poison for Breakfast by Lemony Snicket, published August 2021
The children’s author, writing as himself, tells the story of an ominous note found under his door, leading him to solve the mystery of his own demise.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “I love everything Lemony Snicket — the witty humor, the macabre plots, the poignant truisms. This newest story does not disappoint. … I feel this story was very appropriate for adults since it deals with accepting your own eventual demise.”

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich, published November 2021
A different kind of ghost story, this book follows a small independent bookstore that is being haunted by the ghost of its most annoying customer.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “It’s … about the power of community, connection, and learning to trust not only others, but ourselves. I’m not sure I have ever felt the growth of a character more than I did with this book.”

What we’re reading:
In Cold Blood By Truman Capote (Random House, 1969)
Capote’s now-classic In Cold Blood is the perfect antidote to the mindless thriller kept stocked in many a summer beach house. Following the true story of a shocking murder, In Cold Blood is the kind of seminal work that is as entertaining as it is important. The first of its kind, In Cold Blood reimagines how we consume true crime and how we view journalism. For those who love a true crime podcast like Serial or devoured Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, In Cold Blood is as good now as it was then — and it was pretty good then.
—Hannah Turtle

Nonfiction

52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time by Annabel Streets, published February 2022
An introduction to walking, with 52 ideas for beneficial ways to walk, backed up by scientific research.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “I walked away with many new ideas and some great factoids.”

The Boys by Ron Howard, published October 2021
Director Ron Howard’s memoir recounts a life growing up in Hollywood as a child actor, and the incredible steps his father took to protect Ron and his brother from the pitfalls of success.
Recommended by: Anne Powell, Circulation Assistant at Seabrook Library.
“I always like memoirs. Their father managed to keep them safe and keep them from getting corrupted or exploited as children and [let them] have a good experience.”

Chasing Eden: A Book Of Seekers by Howard Mansfield, published October 2021
An account of individuals and groups that made attempts to create an Edenic life here on Earth, from the Shaker Community in Canterbury to an early 20th-century Black doctor in Keene who crossed over and back between races.
Recommended by: Willard and Holly Williams of The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough.

Deep Water: Murder, Scandal, and Intrigue in a New England Town by Ken Sheldon, published June 2022
In August 1918, William Dean was murdered in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, his body dumped in a cistern. The case remains unsolved, but Ken Sheldon recounts the mystery that has surrounded the case ever since.
Recommended by: Willard and Holly Williams of The Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough. “The book reads like a thriller.”

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach, published September 2021
Mary Roach travels the world to investigate human-wildlife conflicts, from the deadly to the mischievous.
Recommended by: John LeDonne, adult book buyer at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “As in all her books, Roach combines humor and science to create an entertaining and enlightening read.”

The Hawk’s Way: Encounters With Fierce Beauty by Sy Montgomery, May 2022
Montgomery showcases many fascinating aspects of hawk life, revealing how these amazing animals fit into nature’s “bigger picture.”
Recommended by: Christopher Larochelle, patron services assistant at Hooksett Public Library. “A quick and absorbing nonfiction read, featuring the backdrop of a New Hampshire farm.”

Patient Zero: A Curious History of the World’s Worst Diseases by Lydia Kang, published November 2021
A look at the interesting histories of the diseases that have plagued humans throughout time.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “You would think it would be macabre, yet it is fascinating and surprisingly upbeat.”

Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America by Elizabeth Letts, published June 2021
The remarkable story of a woman from Maine in the 1950s who decides to set off across the country to see California, on her horse.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “Her journey seems impossible. Told in a very engaging style, and incredibly researched, I couldn’t put the book down.”

River Man: An American Odyssey by Ben McGrath, published April 2022
Writer Ben McGrath met Dick Conant canoeing the Hudson River, and discovered Contant had crossed the country with his canoe. They exchanged numbers, so when Conant’s canoe was found empty, McGrath got the call from investigators. As he unraveled the mystery of this man’s disappearance, McGrath began to discover the lives that Conant had touched over the years.
Recommended by: Andy Richmond, Director at Rye Public Library. “It was really interesting the way this guy touched people’s memories and lives, even with these chance meetings. This was his avenue for adventure, but also his lifestyle. It’s a fascinating story.”

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl, published October 2021
The Grammy-winning rock star recounts stories from his life and career.
Recommended by: Virginia Hundley, bookseller at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth. “Well-written, with a unique and inspiring description of his experiences throughout his career. Honest, and a hard book to put down.”

What we’re reading:
Disfigured: On Fairy Tales, Disability, and Making Space By Amanda Leduc (2020, Coach House Books)
Leduc unpacks the depiction of disabilities in fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm to Disney, examining how disabilities are used as a curse to be lifted or to signal a villainous character. She demonstrates how who gets the ‘happily ever after’ in fairy tales shapes perceptions of what those with disabilities deserve or can hope for, especially when it’s internalized by those with disabilities. Leduc leaves us with suggestions about how we can write new stories with more complex princesses and superheroes. Leduc’s history of European fairy tales, and how she and others in the disabled community relate to them, is engaging without feeling preachy.
— Tristan Collins

Picture books

The Blur by Minh Le, published March 2022
One moment she’s taking her first steps and the next she’s ready to take on the world; the years fly by in this little superhero’s origin story.
Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, children’s book buyer at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “Perfect for parents seeing their babies growing quickly or new graduates.”

I’m Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley, published May 2022
Tired of having to follow his human’s rules and be on good behavior, a pup runs away, but doesn’t get far when he notices how much his human misses him.
Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, children’s book buyer at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord.

Viking In Love by Doug Cenko, published December 2021
A tale of love, the high seas, Viking ingenuity and kittens.
Recommended by: Chelsea Paige, digital literacy librarian at Nesmith Library in Windham. “Vikings? Kittens? Count me in. I love when a picture book combines multiple layers and themes and makes it look elegantly easy. This was a delightful read for an adult, without losing its appeal for kids.”

Poetry

Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong, published April 2022
The poet reimagines the past as if he is living it once again in the present time.
Recommended by: Virginia Hundley, bookseller at RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth. “This collection is intimate yet maintains a level of distance. His poetry and verse is as wonderful as ever.”

Romance

Book Lovers by Emily Henry, published May 2022
This romance novel follows Nora, a cutthroat literary agent, and Charlie, a famously difficult book editor, in an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story.
Recommended by: Ryan Clark, marketing manager at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “At times laugh-out-loud funny, and at other times heart-achingly tender. … A delightful twist on the Hallmark Movie trope.”

Love, Hate & Clickbait by Liz Bowery, published April 2022
Tom Morgan and Clay Parker are two political consultants working on a California campaign that faces a setback when their candidate is accused of being homophobic. In order to save their image and secure the liberal vote, Parker and Morgan fake a dating life that turns into a little something more.
Recommended by: Michelle Sprauge, Adult Services Librarian at Seabrook Library.
“There’s a lot of steam and the burgeoning relationship between the two of them propels the story to the end. You really want to see them get their happy ending.”

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, published September 2021
Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student, accidentally lands herself in a fake relationship with a grumpy professor to prove a point to her best friend.
Recommended by: Alexa Moore, circulation and reader services librarian at Amherst Town Library. “The fake dating trope can make romances a little predictable, but this story was able to make it relatable [and] funny. … I found it to be an accurate look at balancing graduate school with a relationship, with a little cheesiness mixed in.”

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley, published May 2021
Between being a bridesmaid for her best friend’s upcoming wedding and trying to finish her next book by the deadline, romance author Kara Sullivan has a lot going on. Things only get more complicated when her estranged first love also happens to be in the wedding party.
Recommended by: Amy Lapointe, library director at Amherst Town Library. “The story within a story will appeal to romance readers and book lovers, and the witty dialogue makes this a perfect beach read.”

Science fiction

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan, published April 2022
A tech entrepreneur looks at the long-term consequences of a technology he developed years earlier that allows people to download, access and share their memories.
Recommended by: Michael Herrmann, owner of Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “An exploration of character and authenticity that will have you up late rereading and obsessing over dozens of brilliantly written passages.”

How High We Go In the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu, published January 2022
In a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a deadly virus, humans fight to maintain their humanity and take hope wherever they can find it.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “For anyone who likes their post-apocalyptic books to have empathy, imagination and hope. Nagamatsu is an exceptional writer who knows how to pull at the heartstrings as he is weaving an incredible tale.”

A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers, published July 2021
In a future where robots have become sentient and live independently from humans, a robot and a monk embark on a journey to discover what humans need for a better future.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “A unique speculative fiction story — very positive, very inclusive, very environmentally minded. I loved living in this world and can’t wait for the next book in the series, which will be released in July 2022.”

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel, published April 2022
A mind-bending tale of time travel and characters who share a connection that transcends time and space.
Recommended by: Jessica DeLangie, head of technical services at Derry Public Library. “There are many elements and themes that could be pulled out and discussed, but it can also stand completely on its own as just a fun read.”

The Temps by Andrew DeYoung, published March 2022
Trapped in their airtight office complex after a worldwide disaster strikes outside, a group of temps must work together to survive and discover the truth about what happened.
Recommended by: Tammy Gross, library assistant at Goffstown Public Library. “The author really brought to life the young characters and each of their personalities. It’s been recently announced online that the novel will be adapted for TV, and I’m looking forward to that, too.”

Youth

Family of Liars by E. Lockheart, published May 2022
This prequel to Lockheart’s 2014 young adult novel We Were Liars dives deeper into the secrets and lies of the Sinclairs, a wealthy New England family that will do whatever it takes to keep up appearances.
Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, children’s book buyer at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “A great summer mystery. When you think you’ve revealed what they’ve been hiding, you only uncover more mysteries hidden away.”

Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill, published March 2022
In this middle-grade novel, a group of orphans set out to defend a benevolent ogress who becomes the prime suspect in the case of a missing child when the mayor fuels stereotypes and fears held by the townspeople about ogres.
Recommended by: Heather Weirich Roy, children’s book buyer at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord. “A beautiful parable about doing good where you can and creating a loving community instead of isolating out of fear or anger.”

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Berry Sweet

Load up on strawberries for sweets, savory dishes and a fresh taste of summer

By Matt Ingersoll and Jack Walsh

[email protected]

It was a warm 70-degree morning on June 15 when Apple Hill Farm in Concord opened for its first day of pick-your-own strawberries. It also marked the return of visitors to the property for the first time since last November — the strawberry patch is just down the street from the main farm stand, which is due to fully open for the season in the coming weeks.

For many area farms, strawberry picking kicks off a fruit harvest season that will continue through the summer months with cherries, blueberries and raspberries, before apples and pumpkins take over. At Apple Hill Farm there are a total of 12 strawberry varieties that ripen over a three-week period from mid-June through about July 4.

cardboard boxes of fresh strawberries at farm — Strawberries from Apple Hill Farm in Concord. Courtesy photo.

“This is perfect for us, because we usually start between about the 15th and the 20th [of June], and we usually go until July 4, or about the 6th or so,” co-owner Diane Souther said. “Right now what we have out there for berries is beautiful.”

It’s a similar story at Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry, which opened for pick-your-own on June 11. Sunnycrest-grown strawberries include two varieties that are not only available for pick-your-own but are used as ingredients in several items at the farm stand’s bakery.

“Every season is different for strawberries. It usually depends on how much rain you get and it can depend on how much sunlight you get,” said Danny Hicks IV, the farm’s fourth-generation owner. “I would say this year we’re pretty much right on the money for that.”

Down in Milford, Trombly Gardens began its strawberry picking season on June 10. This is the farm stand’s first year having a pick-your-own strawberry field, according to business manager Alicia Richardson. Because every day is different during an already short picking window, Richardson said exact times the field is open always vary and are posted to social media.

As you head out to your local farm to pick some strawberries, here’s a look at some different varieties and what they’re best used for, as well as what the ideal conditions are for a strawberry crop to thrive. Read on even more for some ideas on incorporating freshly picked strawberries into your cooking or baking.

Farmers market summer strawberry salad with spring veggies
Courtesy of Diane Souther of Apple Hill Farm in Concord

1 quart fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
2 Tablespoons fresh basil, thinly cut up
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sweetener, sugar, honey or maple syrup/sugar
2 baby cucumbers, peeled and sliced thin with the skin on
8 cherry-sized tomatoes
4 red radishes, sliced thin
juice of ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Combine basil, strawberries, balsamic vinegar and sweetener. Toss in a bowl, cover and chill for an hour. Slice the small baby cucumbers and juice from the ½ squeezed lemon and chill in the refrigerator. Quarter the cherry tomatoes just before serving and slice the radishes. Mix the chilled cucumbers with the strawberries and basil mixture, then add radishes and cherry tomatoes. Toss with fresh ground pepper. Serve immediately. Optional ingredients can include broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, Swiss chard or any other veggies you can find at the farmers market.

Strawberry varieties

Apple Hill Farm began its strawberry picking season with three varieties — Wendy, which is a typical early season strawberry, according to Souther, as well as Valley Sunset and Cavendish.

“They’re a lot like apples. They ripen at different times, and then sometimes they overlap a little bit,” Souther said. “This year, it seems like the early and the mid-season are coming in together.”

Differences in varieties can include everything from the fruit’s size and color to its water content, making some strawberries better-suited for eating and others for making jams or shortcakes. Amy Ladds-Davis, who is working her 11th season at Apple Hill Farm, said Wendys are typically smaller but sweeter strawberries, while the Cavendish variety is characterized by its larger size and deeper red color. As the weeks go on, mid- and late season varieties include Darselect, Dickens, Honeoye and Malwina — the latter of these is among the largest and is not unheard of to continue growing as the calendar flips to July, Souther said.

volunteers preparing strawberries with ice cream at tables for strawberry festival — Scenes from the Hollis Strawberry Festival. Courtesy photos.

“Sometimes if the strawberries are really big, they are a bit too watery for making jam and stuff with, so people like the more mid-sized ones,” she said. “Some are also good for freezing. … A lot of times with the bigger ones, we’ll just pop the caps off and freeze them whole … and then you can toss them into the blender like an ice cube. They cut right up.”

Sunnycrest Farm grows Cavendish and Cabot varieties, both of which are usually available for picking around the same time, Hicks said. Compared to one another, he said Cavendish strawberries tend to be slightly smaller and sweeter than Cabots — and while he can tell the difference, strawberries are strawberries to most pickers regardless of the variety.

“It’s funny, actually, I don’t ever have anybody asking if we have this variety or that variety of strawberry,” Hicks said. “That’s all [during] apple season. … The two varieties we have are relatively easy to grow and maintain, especially the Cavendish, which are one of my favorites.”

Kimball Fruit Farm, which has property on the state line between Hollis and Pepperell, Mass., features six strawberry varieties throughout its peak growing season. The farm originally used to only grow apples, but it’s now known for corn, peaches, kale and of course strawberries. It’s the first strawberry picking season for new owners David Wadleigh and his wife, Amanda — Brunswick, Darselect, Wendy and Allstar are a few of the popular varieties grown on the farm, and they are planted at separate times for them to be consistently ready for picking.

Strawberry festivals
Check out these events happening across the state this weekend for a chance to enjoy some locally grown strawberries and strawberry-flavored desserts and treats.

• Litchfield Community Church (259 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield) will host a drive-thru version of its annual strawberry festival on Saturday, June 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is expected to feature fresh handmade strawberry shortcakes and strawberry rhubarb pies, as well as sausage grinders, all prepared by church congregants. All items are cash only. Local vendors, courtesy of the Litchfield Historical Society, will also be set up on the other side of the church parking lot on the day of the festival. Visit lccpnh.org.
• Join Beans and Greens Farm (245 Intervale Road, Gilford) for a strawberry festival to be held all day long on both Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26 — the celebration will include a selection of various homemade strawberry treats, along with games, face painting, a craft fair and live music under the farm’s pavilion. Admission is free. Visit beansandgreensfarm.com.
• A local tradition for more than seven decades, the Hollis Strawberry Festival will return for the first time since 2019 on Sunday, June 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. on the town common (2 Monument Square, Hollis). The festival is co-sponsored by the Hollis Woman’s Club and the Hollis Town Band — fresh, local strawberry shortcakes, with or without hand-whipped cream and homemade ice cream, will be available for sale. Local artisan and craft vendors, children’s games, strawberry-themed storytimes at the Hollis Social Library, and a live performance by the Hollis Town Band are also included. In the event of rain, the festival will take place inside Hollis-Brookline Middle School (25 Main St.). Visit holliswomansclub.org.

A short harvest season

Timing is everything when it comes to weather patterns that directly affect strawberry ripening.

“Last year, it was too dry in the beginning and then too wet at the end, so the plants struggled,” Souther said. “We like to have a little bit of rain at night, every couple of days or three days or so, and then bright sunshine. Strawberries really like the sun.”

Ladds-Davis said warm summer days of 70 to 80 degrees are usually the most ideal.

“You don’t want it to be up to 90 or 95 degrees because they will literally cook in the field,” she said, “but then you don’t want it to be cold either, because the sun really helps them ripen.”

Occasional rain is always welcome, but too much is also harmful to a strawberry crop.

picked strawberries on ground beside bushes — Strawberries from Trombly Gardens in Milford. Courtesy photo.

“Rain will plump the berries up, but you also don’t want too much rain,” Wadleigh said. “All berries, including strawberries, are prone to mold and mildew, and anything that reproduces with spores likes heat and moisture to propagate itself.”

Strawberries are perennial plants, or single crops that carry over multiple seasons, depending on the variety. Some strawberry beds can last two or three seasons, while others will continue to produce fruit even longer if the farmer is lucky. Hicks said they’re typically planted between April and May a whole year before being ready for picking by that June.

“You still have to take care of them the whole year, even though you’re not going to get a crop,” he said. “You’ve got to make sure they are properly irrigated and that they are winterized.”

To prepare for the winter, the beds are covered in layers of straw (hence the berry’s name).

“In late November or early December, we take a tractor with a mulcher and we drive over each row of strawberries and cover every single one of them in straw,” Hicks said. “It goes on thick, and then once it’s on there, especially when a nice snowfall comes, they’ll be nice and preserved.”

After the snow melts, Hicks said, the straw is removed in the spring, typically around early May. Another month or so of maintenance, which includes frost protection, is then required for the strawberries to fully ripen in time for peak picking season.

“The best time to start strawberry picking season is obviously when you see a reddish hue, but also when you see a little bit of white on them,” Hicks said. “They can still ripen when you bring them home, so if you pick them when they’re, say, 80 percent red, and you bring them home and they sit on your counter or in the fridge for a couple of days, they’ll actually darken up and still taste good. … If you pick the ones that are dark, dark red, you’ve got to eat them right away.”

It’s hard to predict more than a day or two out when strawberries are ripe enough for picking. If the beds are picked out, for instance, the farm may need to temporarily close — but all it takes is a nice sunny day or two for new fruit to ripen. That’s why Hicks said it’s always a good idea to check the farm’s social media pages for continuous updates. Some farms, including Sunnycrest, also have a pre-recorded phone hotline message that’s regularly updated with details on pick-your-own.

Treat yourself

strawberry frappe with whipped cream topping, beside container of strawberries on table outside — Trombly Gardens in Milford is currently offering specialty strawberry frappes. Courtesy photo.

From homemade shortcake to other strawberry-featuring baked goods and indulgences, local farm stands are offering all kinds of inspired treats to celebrate the season.

Trombly Gardens, for instance, is currently serving a specialty strawberry frappe out of its ice cream window — they’re also producing all kinds of sweets out of their bakery and kitchen, like strawberry shortcake sundaes, strawberry cake-flavored whoopie pies and, on Saturday and Sunday mornings, homemade strawberry doughnuts.

At Sunnycrest Farm, strawberries are the very first crops that Bonne Cavanagh, the farm stand’s in-house baker, receives. She uses them to bake fresh muffins — flavors include strawberry lemonade and strawberry rhubarb — as well as strawberry rhubarb crumb bars, and even a homemade strawberry cream cheese, all of which are currently available at the farm stand.

“The cream cheese is so good. It tastes like a cheesecake,” said Cavanagh, who’s been baking at Sunnycrest Farm for 10 years. “They go great with a jalapeno bagel because of the [contrast of] the hot and the sweet. The bagels are a huge hit. We get them in from New Jersey.”

Cavanagh also partners with Troy Ward Jr. of Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar in Londonderry. There, you’ll find her vegan gluten-free strawberry lemonade muffins, and she’s also baked strawberry rhubarb doughnuts. Once the season ends, Cavanaugh moves on to the next fruit.

rhubarb stalks in jar, with bowl of biscuits and box of strawberries on counter — Photo courtesy of Sunnycrest Farm in Londonderry.

“When I have no more strawberries, I’m done. I will not go buy strawberries or use frozen strawberries,” she said.

If you want to make a whole day of celebrating peak strawberry picking season, the Hollis Strawberry Festival is returning on Sunday, June 26, for the first time since 2019 — it’s co-sponsored by the Hollis Woman’s Club and the Hollis Town Band. A “hulling party” is scheduled to take place at the town’s Congregational Church on June 24, when Woman’s Club members, family and friends will be preparing the fruit to serve during the event.

According to festival chair Cathy Gast, the festival started out more than 70 years ago as a band concert before they soon began selling strawberry shortcake as a way to improve attendance. After two years off, the longtime tradition continues — as with previous festivals, attendees will have the option to order a strawberry shortcake with or without whipped cream, shortcake with or without Dr. Davis homemade vanilla ice cream, a bowl of ice cream with strawberries, or just a bowl of strawberries with or without sugar. Prices will vary depending on which item you choose, and the festival also features local artisan and craft vendors, children’s games, strawberry-themed storytimes in the town’s library, and a live performance by the Town Band.

Strawberry-rhubarb pudding
Courtesy of Diane Souther of Apple Hill Farm in Concord

Sauce:
3 cups rhubarb (fresh or frozen), cut up into small pieces
2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2 teaspoons butter
¾ cup maple syrup
¼ cup water

Cake batter:
½ cup granulated sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
1 cup whole milk
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Streusel topping:
½ cup flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
½ stick of butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a quart saucepan on low heat, stew the sauce ingredients until tender (about seven minutes). To make the cake batter, cream together the sugar and butter in a small bowl, then add one cup of whole milk and stir until blended. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together in a bowl, then blend with the creamed mixture of sugar, butter and milk. To make the streusel topping, cream together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon with a fork or with your fingers. Take the strawberry-rhubarb sauce and pour into an ungreased casserole dish, leaving ¾-inch to one inch of headspace around the top. Pour the cake batter over the top and sprinkle last with the streusel topping. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.

Where to get local strawberries

Here’s a list of local farms and farm stands offering fresh strawberries — where specified, it includes those that have them pre-picked as well as pick-your-own. For those that offer pick-your-own, be sure to contact each spot directly for the most up-to-date information on picking conditions and availability. Did we miss a southern New Hampshire-area farm stand offering strawberries that’s not on this list? Let us know at [email protected].

Apple Hill Farm
580 Mountain Road, Concord, 224-8862, applehillfarmnh.com
Cost: $3.75 per pound for pick-your-own, or $8 per pre-picked quart
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon

Applecrest Farm Orchards
133 Exeter Road, North Hampton, 926-3721, applecrest.com
Cost: $6.25 per pound for pick-your-own; $5.75 per pound if picking eight pounds or more
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Barrett Hill Farm
450 Fitchburg Road, Mason, 878-2848, barretthillfarm.com
Cost: Starts at $4.50 per pound for pick-your-own; price gradually decreases the more pounds you pick
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beans & Greens Farm
245 Intervale Road, Gilford, 293-2853, beansandgreensfarm.com
Cost: $11.49 per quart (pre-picked only)
Hours: Daily, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Brookdale Fruit Farm
41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com
Cost: $4.50 per pound for pick-your-own
Hours: Most days, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; call or visit the website for the most up-to-date details on picking conditions and times

Butternut Farm
195 Meaderboro Road, Farmington, 335-4705, butternutfarm.net
Cost: $4.29 per pound for pick-your-own; $3.99 per pound if picking 10 pounds or greater
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Devriendt Farm Products
47 Story Road, Goffstown, 497-2793, devriendtfarm.com
Cost: $3.99 per pound for pick-your-own
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fitch’s Corner Farm Stand
499 N. River Road, Milford, find them on Facebook
Cost: $4.75 per pint, or $8.99 per quart (pre-picked only; cash or check only)
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Heron Pond Farm
299 Main Ave., South Hampton, 394-0129, heronpondfarm.com
Cost: $4.75 per pint, or $9 per quart (pre-picked only; pick-your-own likely coming soon)
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

J&F Farms
124 Chester Road, Derry, 437-0535, jandffarmsnh.com
Cost: $8 per quart or four quarts for $30 for pick-your-own; $10 per pre-picked quart
Hours: Days and times vary for pick-your-own and are regularly posted to social media. The farm’s hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to its website.

Johnson Golden Harvest
412 W. River Road, Hooksett, 210-2031, johnsongoldenharvest.com
Cost: $5.99 per pint, or $9.99 per quart (pre-picked only)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kimball Fruit Farm
Route 122, on the Hollis and Pepperell, Mass., border, 978-433-9751
Cost: $3 per pound for pick-your-own
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Lavoie’s Farm
172 Nartoff Road, Hollis, 882-0072, lavoiesfarm.com
Cost: $3.99 per pound for pick-your-own, or $8.49 per pre-picked quart
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lull Farm
65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079; 615 Route 13, Milford, 673-3119; livefreeandfarm.com
Cost: $9 per quart (pre-picked only)
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Hollis, and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Milford

McKenzie’s Farm
71 Northeast Pond Road, Milton, 652-9400, mckenziesfarm.com
Cost: $4.29 per pound for pick-your-own; $3.99 per pound if picking 10 pounds or greater
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

McQuesten Farm
330 Charles Bancroft Hwy., Litchfield, 424-9268, find them on Facebook @mcquesten.farm
Cost: $3.99 per pound for pick-your-own, or $7.50 per pre-picked pint
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., for pick-your-own; the farm stand remains open until 5 p.m.

Paradise Farm
468 Center Road, Lyndeborough, 345-0860, paradisefarmnh.com
Cost: $8.49 per quart (pre-picked only)
Hours: Available at the Milford Farmers Market (milfordnhfarmersmarket.com) on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 300 Elm St. in Milford (across from the New Hampshire Antique Co-op)

Rossview Farm
85 District 5 Road, Concord, 228-4872, rossviewfarm.com
Cost: $3.50 per pound for pick-your-own, or $8 per pre-picked quart
Hours: Sunday and Monday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Smith Farm Stand
131 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-4032, smithfarmhudson.com
Cost: $8.50 per quart (pre-picked only)
Hours: Most weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spring Ledge Farm
37 Main St., New London, 526-6253, springledgefarm.com
Cost: $7 per quart (cash or check only)
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pick-your-own. The farm stand is openMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunnycrest Farm
59 High Range Road, Londonderry, 432-7753, sunnycrestfarmnh.com
Cost: $4.50 per pound for pick-your-own, or $8.99 per pre-picked quart
Hours: Most days, 7 a.m. to noon, for pick-your-own; call or visit the website for the most up-to-date details on picking conditions and times. The farm stand is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Trombly Gardens
150 N. River Road, Milford, 673-0647, tromblygardens.net
Cost: $3.99 per pound for pick-your-own, or $8.50 per pre-picked quart
Hours: Days and times vary for pick-your-own and are regularly posted to social media. The farm stand’s summer hours are Sunday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Featured photo: Photo courtesy of Trombly Gardens in Milford.

Kids Guide to Summer

Fairs, shows, outdoor adventure and more sunny fun for your chill kids

Fairs and festivals

Catch a town fair, a specialty expo or a local old home day celebration this summer — here’s a list of all those happenings and more set to take place across the Granite State over the next few months. Be sure to visit each event’s or organization’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date details.

• The Nashua Parks and Recreation department kicks off its Summer Fun schedule of events on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m.. to 1 p.m. with Celebrating DPW Day in Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua), featuring live music (including Joe Birch at 10:15 a.m.), BJ Hickman Magic Show at 11:15 a.m., local stage acts, a bounce house, vendors and more. SummerFun highlights include a Silver Knights baseball game on Monday, July 4, at 11 a.m. when kids 12 and under get in free, and the evening includes the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corp and fireworks; family field day at the library on Thursday, July 14, at 2 p.m.; a Fairy Tale Festival in Greeley Park on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring a costume parade, and Wheels & Wings at the Nashua Airport on Saturday, Sept. 17. Nashua also will host several Pics in the Park at Greeley Park (100 Concord St. in Nashua): Jurassic Park (PG-13, 1993) on Friday, July 15, at dusk; Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG-13, 1981) on Friday, Aug. 12, at dusk, and Shrek (PG, 2001) on Friday, Sept. 16, at dusk. And the city hosts several outdoor concerts throughout the summer. See nashuanh.gov.

• The 40th annual Somersworth International Children’s Festival is happening on Main Street and Noble Pines Park in Somersworth on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy live music, food, local vendors, rides, wildlife encounters and a variety of other children’s activities, including — new this year — a Touch-A-Truck area. A pre-festival celebration will take place the night before, on Friday, June 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Somersworth High School (11 Memorial Drive), and will include a fireworks display. Visit nhfestivals.org.

• Plaistow’s Old Home Day will be held on Saturday, June 18 — activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Hall green (145 Main St., Plaistow) and will include demonstrations, contests, a parade, a road race, raffles, fireworks and more. Find them on Facebook @plaistowoldhomeday for updates.

• Intown Concord’s annual Market Days Festival, a three-day free street festival, is set to return to Main Street in downtown Concord from Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25. Visit marketdaysfestival.com for the full list of happenings, which will include live music, a beer tent, participating local vendors, children’s activities and giveaways. The “KidZone” will be open each day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Statehouse lawn and will feature two bounce houses this year, as well as hula hoops, cornhole, jenga and other games.

• The Wilton Main Street Association will present its annual SummerFest on Saturday, June 25 — a full day of festivities is planned across town, including a pancake breakfast, live music, street vendors, an arts market and fireworks in the evening on Carnival Hill. See visitwilton.com/summerfest for the full schedule.

• The next New England Reptile Expo is scheduled for Sunday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St., Manchester). The event features thousands of reptiles on display and for sale as pets, plus vendors selling cages, supplies, frozen feeder rodents and other reptile-related items. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7 to 12 and free for kids under 7. Visit reptileexpo.com.

• Fathom Events (Fathomevents.com) and GKids present Studio Ghibli Fest 2022 kicks off with The Cat Returns (G, 2002) screening Sunday, June 26 (Cinemark Rockingham Park om Salem) and Monday, June 27 (Cinemark Rockingham Park and O’neil Cinemas Brickyard Square in Epping). Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service (G, 1989) will screen at Cinemark Rockingham Park on Sunday, July 31; Monday, Aug. 1, and Wednesday, Aug. 3. Only Yesterday (PG, 1991) will screen Sunday, Aug. 28 (Cinemark Rockingham Park) and Monday, Aug. 29 (Cinemark Rockingham Park and O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square).

• O’neil Cinemas at Brickyard Square (24 Calef Hwy. in Epping; 679-3529, oneilcinemas.com) will feature family-friendly films on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. starting on Monday, July 4. According to the website, the lineup includes Trolls World Tour (PG, 2020) on July 4 and July 6; Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (PG, 2022) on July 11 and July 13; The Croods: A New Age (PG, 2020) on July 18 and July 20); Minions (PG, 2015) on July 25 and July 27, and The Boss Baby: Family Business (PG, 2021) on Aug. 1 and Aug. 3, and Sing 2 (PG 2021) on Aug. 8 and Aug. 10.

• The Hillsborough Summer Festival, returning to Grimes Field (29 Preston St., Hillsborough) from Thursday, July 7, through Sunday, July 10, features live entertainment, midway and carnival rides, a fireworks show, a 5K road race, a parade, a car and truck show and more. Festival hours are from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free — go to hillsborosummerfest.com for the full schedule of happenings.

• The Raymond Town Fair returns from Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, at the Raymond Town Common. Enjoy a firemen’s parade, sack races, pie eating, live music, a fireworks display and more. Fair hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Visit raymondareanews.com.

• In lieu of the Stratham Fair, which was canceled earlier this year, a new one-day community event known as the Stratham 4-H Summerfest is being planned for Saturday, July 16, at the Stratham Hill Park Fairgrounds (270 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham). The smaller event will feature a single-day family experience, showcasing several 4-H programs and livestock, along with forestry and tractor driving contests, club displays, a teen talent fair and a limited menu of food offerings. Email [email protected] for more details.

• Save the date for the 32nd annual American Independence Festival, happening at the American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter) on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features several historical reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations and children’s activities. Visit independencemuseum.org.

• Don’t miss the Canterbury Fair, returning on Saturday, July 30, at Canterbury Center (Baptist and Center roads). A full day of festivities is planned, from hands-on demonstrations from local artisan and antique vendors to live music, children’s activities and more. Visit canterburyfair.com.

• Concord’s National Night Out Against Crime is on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Rollins Park (33 Bow St. in Concord) and will feature food, prizes, K-9 demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck, a zoo exhibit, a rock climbing wall and more according to concordnh.gov.

• The Suncook Valley Rotary’s Hot Air Balloon Rally will take place Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7, in Pittsfield with a craft fair, a 5K, helicopter rides, a regatta and more. See suncookvalleyrotary.org.

• The Belknap County Fair is scheduled to return on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, at 174 Mile Hill Road in Belmont. The fair features animal shows, demonstrations, live entertainment, exhibits and food. Admission at the gate is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors over 65 and for police, fire and EMS personnel, and free for kids under 10 and for military service members. Visit bcfairnh.org.

• Hudson’s Old Home Days return to the grounds outside the Hills House (211 Derry Road, Hudson) from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Sunday, Aug. 14 — hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Festivities include free children’s games, live music, carnival games, a fireworks display, fair food and more. Visit hudsonoldhomedays.com.

• The Great New England BBQ & Food Truck Festival returns to the Hampshire Dome (34 Emerson Road, Milford) for its fifth year on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature a variety of local food trucks, plus artisan vendors, a beer tent, a cornhole tournament, a kids zone, live music and more. Advance tickets are $5 and are available now. Kids ages 14 and under are free. Visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

• Windham High School (64 London Bridge Road) is scheduled to host a food truck festival on Sunday, Aug. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit windhamnh.gov.

• Catch the 15th annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival, happening during the week of Monday, Aug. 15, through Friday, Aug. 19, during which there will be magic shows, a costume parade, dancing, storytellers, balloons, ice cream and more. All activities are free and open to the public. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• Londonderry’s Old Home Days, set for Wednesday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 22, are coinciding with the town’s 300th anniversary celebration this year. Several days’ worth of happenings are planned, including a parade, local vendor booths, games, food and much more. Follow the Facebook page @townoflondonderryoldhomeday for updates.

• Formerly known as the Living History event, History Alive will return to various locations in Hillsborough, rain or shine, on Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also coinciding with the town’s 250th anniversary celebration this year, History Alive will feature several historical reenactments throughout the weekend, plus children’s activities, crafts, speakers, musicians and much more. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids under 16. Visit historyalivenh.org.

• Don’t miss the annual Candia Old Home Day celebration, happening on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moore Park (74 High St., Candia) and featuring a parade, local vendors and live entertainment. Visit candiaoldhomeday.com.

• Join Field of Dreams Community Park (48 Geremonty Drive, Salem) for its annual family fun day event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when there will be local vendors, children’s games, face painting, a touch-a-truck, live music, food trucks and — new this year — a rock climbing wall. Visit fieldofdreamsnh.org.

• A Labor Day weekend tradition, the Hopkinton State Fair will return to the fairgrounds (392 Kearsarge Ave., Contoocook) from Thursday, Sept. 1, through Sunday, Sept. 5. Fair hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday — the multi-day event features everything from local vendors and classic fair food to live music, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits and demonstrations and more. One-day admission passes are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors over 60, $8 for kids ages 3 to 12 and free for kids ages 3 and under. Five-day passes are also available at a rate of $39 for both kids and adults. Visit hsfair.org.

Live entertainment

• The Palace Teen Apprentice Company presents Seussical Jr. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) on Wednesday, June 15, and Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• See Blippi The Musical at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, June 17, at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $39.50 to $59.50. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

• The North Country Center for the Arts presents its IMPACT series, a six-week tour of performances by a children’s theater troupe, at the Bank of NH Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., from July 5 through Aug. 9. It kicks off with Sleeping Beautyon July 5, followed by Lost in Wonderlandon July 12, Neverland on July 19, Little Red Riding Hoodon July 26, Return to Oz on Aug. 2 and Jack & the Beanstalkon Aug. 9. Tickets are free. Visit ccanh.com.

• The 2022 Bank of New Hampshire Children’s Summer Series presents a series of shows at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester) with a Tuesday-through-Friday run every week in July and August. Shows include magician BJ Hickman July 5 through July 8; Wizard of OzJuly 12 through July 15; RapunzelJuly 19 through July 22; Peter PanJuly 26 through July 29; Cinderella Aug. 2 through Aug. 5; Beauty and the Beast Aug. 9 through Aug. 12; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Aug. 16 through Aug. 19; and Disney’s Frozen Kids Aug 23 through Aug. 26. Showtimes are at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursday, and at 10 a.m. on Friday. Tickets cost $10. Visit palacetheatre.org or call 668-5588.

• The Majestic Theatre presents Big The Musical at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway, Derry) from July 8 through July 17, with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors. Visit majestictheatre.net or call 669-7649.

. • Camp ENCORE presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Prescott Park Arts Festival (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth) on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10, at 10 a.m. Reserved seating tickets cost $40. Visit prescottpark.org or call 436-2848.

• The Peterborough Players (55 Hadley Road, Peterborough) second company presents an outdoor performance of The Emperor’s New Clothes on Fridays, July 15, July 29, and Aug. 12; Saturdays, July 16 through Aug. 13; and Wednesdays, July 27 and Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Visit peterboroughplayers.org.

• Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix, a slapstick comedy act with more than a dozen performing dogs, comes to the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Sunday, July 17, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• The Franklin Area Children’s Theatre presents a theatrical adaptation of The Rainbow Fish at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) on Thursday, July 21, with showtimes at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for children, $9 for seniors and students and $10 for adults. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• The Sound of Music will run at the Rochester Opera House (31 Wakefield St., Rochester) from July 29 through Aug. 21. Visit rochesteroperahouse.com or call 335-1992.

• Disney cover band The Little Mermen comes to the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Sunday, July 31, at 3 p.m. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character for a chance to win a prize. Tickets start at $30. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• Chinese acrobatics group The Peking Acrobats will perform at the Lakeport Opera House (781 Union Ave., Laconia) on Thursday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Visit lakeportopera.com or call 519-7506.

• The Northeastern Ballet Theatre presents Swan Lake at the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $42. Visit ccanh.com or call 225-1111.

• The Peacock Players youth theater company presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the Court Street Theatre (14 Court St., Nashua) from Aug. 5 through Aug. 14, with showtimes on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit peacockplayers.org.

• Children’s musician Laurie Berkner will perform a “Greatest Hits Show” at the Tupelo Music Hall, (10 A St., Derry) on Saturday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $25 to $35. VIP tickets, which include counter seats, an after-show meet-and-greet and a photo op, cost $100. Visit tupelomusichall.com.

• Seussical the Musical comes to the Colonial Theatre (609 Main St., Laconia), with showtimes on Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m. Tickets purchased before Aug. 7 cost $16 for youth age 18 and under, $18 for seniors and $20 for adults. Tickets purchased Aug. 7 and after cost $18 for youth, $20 for seniors and $22 for adults. Visit coloniallaconia.com.

• The Winnipesaukee Playhouse (33 Footlight Circle, Meredith) presents Oliver! from Aug. 18 through Sept. 3, with showtimes Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus matinees on Saturday, Aug. 20; Thursdays, Aug. 25 and Sept. 1; and Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $25 to $42. Visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org.

• The Franklin Area Children’s Theatre presents The Lion King Experience Jr. at the Franklin Opera House (316 Central St., Franklin) on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students, children and seniors. Call 934-1901 or visit franklinoperahouse.org.

• The Riverbend Youth Company presents Shrek the Musical at the Amato Center for the Performing Arts (56 Mont Vernon St., Milford) from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28. More information is TBA. Visit svbgc.org/amato-center.

Outdoor fun

See a baseball game, attend a car show, or find other fun ways to get outside this summer on this list below.

• The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A minor-league affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, are in the middle of a homestand against the Somerset Patriots. Catch them at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester) on Thursday, June 16, at 6:35 p.m.; on Friday, June 17, (Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond night) or Saturday, June 18, (featuring post game fireworks) at 7:05 p.m.; or on Sunday, June 19, at 1:35 p.m. Then, after a day off on Monday, the Fisher Cats will host a six-game series against the Altoona Curve from Tuesday, June 21, through Sunday, June 26. The team’s final home game of the season will be on Sunday, Sept. 18, against the Harrisburg Senators. In addition to post game fireworks on some nights, other special events to look out for include North Woods Law night (July 8), Christmas in July (July 22), Star Wars Night (July 23), Cats-Con Night (Aug. 6), Princesses in the Park (Aug. 7) and Wizards & Wands night (Sept. 3). Visit nhfishercats.com.

• The Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League recently kicked off their 2022 season and will next play at Holman Stadium (67 Amherst St., Nashua) on Thursday, June 16, at 6 p.m. against the Brockton Rox. Upcoming theme days include Kids Club Sunday on Sunday, June 19, and Scout Night on Friday, June 24. The team’s last home game is on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. against the Worcester Bravehearts. Visit nashuasilverknights.com.

• Don’t miss the 22nd annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic, happening from Thursday, June 16, through Saturday, June 18. The event features multiple award ceremonies, with prizes given out for the best sand sculptures, along with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The sculptures will then be lighted for nightly viewing through June 26. Visit hamptonbeach.org.

• The Merrimack Parks & Recreation Movies in the Park series kicks off Saturday, June 18, with a screening of Encanto (PG, 2021) at 8:30 p.m. The lineup also includes Spider-Man: No Way Home (PG-13, 2021) on Saturday, July 23, at 8:15 p.m. and Sing 2 (PG, 2021) on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to Merrimack residents and non-residents. Screenings are held in Wasserman Park (116 Naticook Road in Merrimack). See merrimackparksandrec.org.

• Join the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) for its annual “Welcome Summer” Fly-In BBQ on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boire Field, at the hangar of Nashua Jet Aviation (83 Perimeter Road, Nashua). Pilots are invited to fly in, and vintage airplanes and home-built aircraft are especially welcome. A barbecue buffet will be served at noon — the meal will include chicken, pulled pork, baked beans, salad, pasta, desserts and drinks. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for museum members, $10 for kids ages 6 to 12 and free for kids ages 5 and under. Visit nhahs.org.

• The second annual Chandler’s Ball 3-on-3 Kids Basketball Tournament is happening on Saturday, June 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Emmett-Sheridan Park (324 Beech St., Manchester). The cost is $15 per team, and players will be divided into age groups of 8 to 12, 13 to 16 and 17 to 21 years old. Visit chandlersangels.org.

• Beaver Brook Association is hosting Strawberry Station: A Family Event at Brown Lane Barn (52 Brown Lane, Hollis) on Sunday, June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn to spot wild strawberries and make strawberry shortcake. The cost is $45; children are free, but attendees must register in advance. Visit beaverbrook.org.

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (Curry Place, 846 Route 3, Holderness) will hold its StoryWalk Kickoff Reception: The Bugliest Bug, on Friday, June 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Stroll along the path that surrounds the Holderness Town Gazebo while reading The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields, posted one page at a time along the trail. The story is about the news of a big contest taking place in the land of insects. After the kickoff reception, the trail will be open daily through Sept. 6.

• Dozens of high school football players from across the state will participate in this year’s CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game, scheduled for Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at Saint Anselm College (100 St. Anselm Drive, Manchester). General admission tickets are $15, with all proceeds benefiting Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD). Visit chadkids.org.

• The Prescott Park Arts Festival has movies on the schedule for screening in Prescott Park in Portsmouth (prescottpark.org). A $5 per person donation is suggested to make a reservation (with other options for a table or blanket). The Monday Night Movie Series kicks off on Monday, June 27, at 8:30 p.m. with a screening of The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13, 2012). The rest of the lineup includes Encanto (PG, 2021) on Monday, July 11, at 8:30 p.m.; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (PG, 1980) on Monday, July 18, at 8:30 p.m.; Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13, 2012) on Monday, July 25, at 8:30 p.m.; Clue (PG, 1985) on Monday, Aug. 1, at 8:30 p.m.; Grease: Sing-Along (1978) on Monday Aug. 8, at 8:30 p.m.; Hook (PG, 1991) on Monday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 p.m., and The Wizard of Oz (1939) on Monday, Aug. 29, at 8:30 p.m.

• Join the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) for Fourth on the Farm, happening on Saturday, July 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which there will be historical reenactments, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, lawn games, tractor rides, strawberry shortcake and more. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• If you spend a summer Monday at the beach, finish your day at the coast with Movie Night Mondays on Hampton Beach (next to the playground) starting July 11 at dusk (approximately 8:22 p.m. for that first movie and then a few minutes earlier for each subsequent film). The films run weekly through Aug. 29, admission is free, bring a chair or blanket. The lineup of family-friendly films kicks off with Paw Patrol (G, 2021) on July 11. See hamptonbeach.org for the full schedule and the approximate dusk times; rain days are Tuesdays.

• It’s NASCAR Weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1122 Route 106, Loudon) from Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17 — weekend happenings include Friday Night Dirt Duels on Friday, a 200-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series race at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the Whelen Manufactured in America 100 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at 6 p.m. on Sunday, the Ambetter 301 will kick off at 3 p.m. Adult tickets start at $49 while kids ages 12 and under are $10. Visit nhms.com.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) will hold its annual classic car show on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See a wide variety of cars on display, along with restored antique fire trucks courtesy of Amoskeag Reserve Engine Co. Trophies will be given out for the People’s Choice and Museum awards, and the show will also include a 50/50 raffle, food trucks and more. Admission to participate in the show is $10 per vehicle, while for spectators it’s $5 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under (admission is cash only). Visit nhahs.org.

• Old Stage & Tavern Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton). Experience what it was like to travel by stagecoach in the 1800s, then tour the museum’s historic Jones farmhouse with guides in period dress. There will also be tractor rides, and candle making and basket making demonstrations, along with a scavenger hunt with prizes awarded. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• The New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Hwy., Milton) will host a special Truck and Tractor Day on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which there will be a large display of trucks, tractors, wagons and antique cars dating back to the mid-1900s. Tractor rides will be available around the farm for attendees to visit with the resident cows, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits and chickens. Museum admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over 65, $5 for kids and teens ages 4 to 17 and free for kids under 4 and for members and active military servicemen and women. Visit nhfarmmuseum.org.

• Firefighters and police officers from across the Granite State will renew their friendly rivalry during the annual Battle of the Badges Baseball Classic, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester). Visit chadkids.org.

• One of the largest car shows in the area, Cruising Downtown is scheduled to return to the streets of downtown Manchester for its 21st year on Saturday, Sept. 3. Visit manchesterrotary.com for updates.

Art & Museums

• The American Independence Museum (1 Governors Lane, Exeter, 772-2622, independencemuseum.org) is a place for people of all ages to learn about America’s revolutionary history. It provides access to historic buildings and interactive, historically accurate depictions of what life was like during the American revolution. Museum tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students, educators and first responders, and $4 for children ages 6 to 18. Tickets are free for children under age 6 and for active or retired military veterans. Save the date for the museum’s 32nd annual American Independence Festival on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature several historical reenactments, colonial artisan demonstrations and children’s activities.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org) is dedicated to the science, technology, history and culture of aviation and features interactive exhibits and educational programs. It’s open Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for seniors age 65 and over, veterans, active duty and kids ages 6 through 12, and is free for kids age 5 and under, with a $30 maximum for families.

• Travel back to a simpler time at Canterbury Shaker Village (288 Shaker Road, Canterbury), a restored Shaker village and history museum with historic buildings, interactive exhibits and activities, educational programs and more. The Village grounds and trails are open every day from dawn to dusk with no admission fee. Guided indoor and outdoor tours with different themes are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tour tickets cost $20 to $25 for adults, depending on the tour, and are free for visitors age 25 and under. Call 783-9511 or visit shakers.org.

• Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (6 Washington St., Dover, 742-2002, childrens-museum.org) is a family museum featuring unique interactive exhibits with a focus on art, science and culture. Summer hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon, with an additional session from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Masks are required on Tuesday and Sunday, but optional Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are available for either the morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (1 to 4 p.m.) sessions and cost $11 for adults and children over age 1 and $9 for seniors over age 65. Participants must register online. This summer the museum is providing concert seats from its patio, directly across from the main stage where Dover’s Cochecho Arts Festival performances will be taking place on Fridays, July 22, Aug. 5 and Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 per person.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) offers Creative Studio, a themed art-making project for families, every second Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free for New Hampshire residents. On the third Saturday of every month it hosts Art for Vets Family Days, where veterans and active military members and their families get free admission to the museum and can enjoy art-making activities and a complimentary lunch. Registration is required for all special events. Current gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors age 65 and up, $10 for students, $5 for youth ages 13 to 17 and free for children age 12 and under and museum members. General admission to the museum is also free for New Hampshire residents on the second Saturday of the month. Call 669- 6144 or visit currier.org.

• Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center (26 Main St., Peterborough, 924-4555, mariposamuseum.org) is a museum of art and artifacts from around the world that includes hands-on exhibits with costumes, puppets, instruments and more for children to explore. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for kids ages 3 through 16.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com) is a museum focused on astronomy and aviation, offering interactive exhibits, simulations, an observatory, a planetarium and more. It’s open daily during the summer, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs$11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors and $8.50 for kids ages 3 through 12. The museum also features a variety of planetarium shows, with daily showtimes on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for an additional cost of $5 per person.

• The Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 622-7531, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum)is dedicated to educating the public about Manchester’s history, particularly the history of the Amoskeag Millyard. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.General admission costs $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 62+ and college students, $4 for youth ages 12 through 18, free for kids under age 12.

• The New Hampshire Telephone Museum (1 Depot St., Warner, 456.2234, nhtelephonemuseum.com) features nearly 1,000 telephones, switchboards and other telecommunication memorabilia and history, and has an interactive kids room. Its summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $7 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and up and $3 for students in grades 1 through 12.

• Learn about New Hampshire marine life and science with live animals, hands-on exhibits and educational programs at the Seacoast Science Center (Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-8043, seacoastsciencecenter.org). Summer hours are Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission costs $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 3 to 11, and $8 for seniors age 65 and up. Children under age 3 are free. The Center recommends that attendees book ahead, since availability may be limited. The museum’s current special exhibit “The Edge of the Sea” allows kids to view various animals and organisms under a high-power microscope. The experience includes 500-gallon hands-on touch-tanks with simulated tide pools for visitors to view, touch and learn more about the ocean.

• SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org) is a museum focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and more, featuring interactive exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs. It’s home to the Lego Millyard Project, the largest permanent minifigure scale Lego installation in the world, depicting Manchester’s Amoskeag Millyard circa 1900. During the summer, the museum is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 per person and is free for kids under age 3.

• Strawbery Banke Museum (14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org) is an outdoor museum preserving more than 300 years of history of New Hampshire’s oldest neighborhood to be settled by Europeans. Visitors can tour historic buildings preserved on their original foundations, meet historical costumed roleplayers, see traditional craft demonstrations and more. Summer hours at the museum are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $19.50 for adults, $17.50 for seniors ages 65 and up and $9 for children ages 5 to 17. Children under age 5 are free. Family and group rates are also available. The museum will host its popular summer concert series Tuesdays on the Terrace every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning June 21. Hear local talent and mingle with the community by an open-air stage. Visitors should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

• Studio 550 Art Center (550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com) offers an all-ages family clay sculpting workshop on select Fridays at 4:15 p.m., for $20 per person, and a family pottery wheel workshop for kids ages 9 and up every Friday at 4:30 p.m., for $35 per person.

• You’re Fired (25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-3473; 133 Loudon Road #101, Concord, 226-3473; 264 N. Broadway, Salem, 894-5456; yourefirednh.com) is an all-ages walk-in pottery studio, open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays are “Mini Mondays,” when studio fees for kids age 12 and under are half-off all day.

At the library

Libraries across the Granite State have all sorts of summer reading programs and other fun events planned over the next few months. From arts and crafts to live music, nature, wildlife and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at their local library this summer.

Amherst Town Library

14 Main St., Amherst, 673-2288, amherstlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Family storytime (ages 3 and up) is Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10 (except July 20), from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; Little Listeners lapsit storytime (ages 3 and under) is Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 11 (except July 28), from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

• Mr. Vinny the Bubble Guy: Wednesday, June 22, 1 to 1:45 p.m. outside on the library grounds (all ages); no registration required

• Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 12, 2 p.m.

• Kick into Karate: Tuesday, July 19, and Friday, July 22, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required, as space is limited

• Children’s Pet Show: Wednesday, July 20, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, July 28, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 and up); no registration required

• Turtles of New Hampshire (with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center): Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up); no registration required

• End of Summer Ice Cream Social: Friday, Aug. 12, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (all ages); no registration required

Baker Free Library

509 South St., Bow, 224-7113, bowbakerfreelibrary.org

• Pirate Party (summer reading kickoff event): Friday, June 17, 4 to 6 p.m. (all ages); features a special live performance from Miss Julieann at 5 p.m.

• Weekly take-home craft kits:Each kit will include supplies and instructions for one craft project. New kits will be available every Monday on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning the week of June 20 and through the week of Aug. 8, and will be available for pickup any time the library is open.

• Family storytime: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

• Glow in the Dark Nights: Wednesday, June 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 3 to 7), and Wednesday, July 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 8 and up); registration is required

• Friday Summer Matinees: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 5, 1 to 4 p.m. (all ages); movie titles and descriptions will be available in the coming weeks)

• Young Writers Workshop: Tuesday, June 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (grade 4 and up); registration is required, as space is limited

• Young Writers Club drop-in hours: Thursdays, June 30 to July 21, 3 to 4 p.m. (grade 4 and up); no registration required

• Whales & Seals presentation: Thursday, July 28, 4 to 5 p.m. (kindergarten to grade 4); registration is required

• Ice Cream Party, featuring Mike the Bubble Man: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (all ages); no registration required

Bedford Public Library

3 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-2300, bedfordnhlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes (registration required): Sailing Storytime (ages 6 and under), Thursdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 28 (next one is June 16); Baby Sharks Storytime (ages 2 and under), Tuesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 26 (next one is June 21); Starfish Storytime (ages 2 to 5), Wednesdays, 10 to 10:30 a.m., now through July 27 (next one is June 22); Sprinkler Storytime (ages 12 and under), Saturdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., June 18 and July 16

• Comics Workshops with Marek Bennett: Mondays, June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. (ages 9 to 12); registration is required

• Drawing Under the Sea with Miss Lee Ann: Mondays, June 20, July 11 and July 25, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (ages 6 to 9); registration is required

• Touch-A-Truck event: Tuesday, June 21, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

• Beach Explorers with UNH Marine Docents: Monday, June 27, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 5 to 12); registration is required

• Zendoodles Under the Sea: Wednesdays, June 29, July 6, and July 20, from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (ages 8 to 12); registration is required

• H2OH! Party: Wednesday, July 6, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under); registration is required

• Lunch Bunch: Thursdays, July 8, July 15, and July 22, noon to 12:30 p.m. outside under the library tent (ages 5 to 7); registration is required

• Breakfast Buzz: Saturday, July 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (ages 8 to 12); registration is required

• Magic by George: Monday, July 11, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

• S’mores & Stories: Monday, July 18, 7 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 12 and under); registration is required

• Wildlife Encounters: Tuesday, July 19, 11 a.m. to noon, and Wednesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 3 to 12); registration is required

• Summer Reading Finale Party: Friday, July 29, 2 to 3 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

Boscawen Public Library

116 N. Main St., Boscawen, 753-8576, boscawenpubliclibrary.org

• Preschool storytimes: Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m. (next one is June 22)

• Make and take crafts: Thursday, June 30, 2 p.m.

• Lego Saturdays: Saturdays, 10 a.m., July 2 to Aug. 6

• Teddy bear workshop: Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, July 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Brookline Public Library

16 Main St., Brookline, 673-3330, brooklinelibrarynh.org

• Music Time with Miss Jackie: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. outside on the library grounds (next date is June 21, weather permitting)

• Read to Kallie the dog: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, at 3:30 p.m.

Chester Public Library

3 Chester St., Chester, 887-3404, chesternh.org/chester-public-library

• Bedtime stories: Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (next one is June 20); registration is required. All ages welcome.

• Weekly storytimes:Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 21); registration is required. All ages welcome.

• Yarn wall garland craft: Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. All materials will be provided by the library (ages 9 and up); registration is required

• Fishtail braiding craft: Tuesday, July 5, 2 p.m. (ages 9 and up); registration is required

• Live animals program with the Seacoast Science Center: Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Pet show: Thursday, July 14, 6 p.m. (all ages and pets welcome, with prizes awarded); registration is required

• Touch-A-Truck event at the Chester Fire Station: Tuesday, July 19, 1 p.m.; no registration required; rain date is July 26

• Bubbles and Lights and Lasers show: Wednesday, July 20, 6 to 8 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Sand slime making activity: Wednesday, July 27, 4 p.m.; all materials will be provided by the library (all ages); registration is required

• Tie-dye art activity: Thursday, July 28, 4 p.m.; bring your own T-shirt, socks or other clothing to tie-dye (all ages); registration is required

Concord Public Library

45 Green St., Concord, 225-8670, concordpubliclibrary.net

• Evening storytime: The Ocean Floor: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rolfe Park (79 Community Drive, Penacook); registration is required

• Get to Know: The Outstanding Octopus: Friday, June 24, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Outdoor preschool storytime: Wednesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (location varies depending on the date; the next one is scheduled for June 29 at Keach Park, 2 Newton Ave.)

Derry Public Library

64 E. Broadway, Derry, 432-6140, derrypl.org

• Family storytimes on the patio: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.; registration is required

• Step Into Music!: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 2, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 3 to 5); registration is required

• Enchantment Under the Sea Glow Dance Party: Tuesday, June 21; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Bedtime Stories: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, from 6:30 to 7 p.m. (ages 2 to 7); registration is required

• Infant storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 10, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.; registration is required

• Mother Goose on the Loose storytimes:Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 1 to 3); registration is required

• Explore the Coral Reefs: Thursday, June 23; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Friday, June 24, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Preschool storytimes: Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 8 (except July 4), 10 to 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to noon; registration is required

• Fascinating Feelings of Dogs: Tuesday, June 28, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Pool Noodle Sea Creatures: Thursday, June 30; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Across Oceans: Exploring the Art, History and Culture of Japan: Thursday, July 7; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Teen comic workshop with Marek Bennett: Monday, July 11, 2 to 4 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Shell trinket dish and recycled bracelet workshop: Wednesday, July 13, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Fun With Dolphins: Thursday, July 14; includes a morning session from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Jellyfish lantern workshop: Monday, July 18, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Shark Infested Fun!: Tuesday, July 19; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• No-sew octopus pillow workshop: Wednesday, July 20, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Aquariums: Thursday, July 21; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• DIY marbled mugs workshop: Monday, July 25, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Searching for Treasure: Tuesday, July 26; includes a session from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. and one from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Campfire stories at the Taylor Library: Thursday, July 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Recycled submarines workshop: Monday, Aug. 1, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Lighthouses: Tuesday, Aug. 2; includes two sessions, at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. (ages 5 to 11); registration is required

• Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 18); registration is required

• Seashell collages workshop: Thursday, Aug. 4; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• Pirate Scavenger Hunt: Tuesday, Aug. 9; includes a morning session from 11 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; registration is required

• End of Summer Party featuring magician BJ Hickman: Thursday, Aug. 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (all ages); registration is recommended

Dunbarton Public Library

1004 School St., Dunbarton, 774-3546, dunbartonlibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. outside on the town band stand (next date is June 22)

• Touch-A-Truck event: Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. on the north side of the Town Common

• Mr. Aaron live on the band stand: Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m.

• Judy Pancoast live on the band stand: Wednesday, July 20, 10:30 a.m.

Goffstown Public Library

2 High St., Goffstown, 497-2102, goffstownlibrary.com

• Whales & Seals presentation: Tuesday, June 21, at 10 a.m.; registration is required

• Teen STEAM programs: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, at 2 p.m.

• Reading with Candy the Therapy Dog: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, at 6 p.m.

• Family Game Night: Wednesday, June 22, at 6 p.m.

• Simple STEAM Activities: Mondays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 27)

• Children’s movie matinee: Mondays at 2 p.m. (next one is June 27)

• Preschool storytimes: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., June 28 to Aug. 3

• Kids’ graphic novel book club: last Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. (next one is June 28)

• Skywatch: Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 p.m.

• Movers & Groovers: Thursdays, June 30 to Aug. 4, at 10 a.m.

• Kids Can Cook! workshop: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, at 1 p.m.

• Teen Cuisine: Sea Creature Cupcake decorating: Wednesday, July 6, 3 p.m.

• Teen Coding Hour: Thursday, July 7, 1 p.m.

• Minecraft: Learning to Code for Kids: Thursday, July 7, 3 p.m.

• Oceans of Bubbles: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m.

• Family drop-in storytimes: Saturdays, July 9 and Aug. 13, at 10 a.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, July 18, 3 p.m.

• Tie-dye workshop: Friday, July 22, 10 a.m.

• Crazy about Pokemon!: Wednesdays, July 27 and Aug. 17, at 3:30 p.m.

• Kids’ Picture Book Club: Fridays, July 29 and Aug. 12, at 10 a.m.

• Drop-in video games: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m.

• Family book discussion: Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m.

• Under the Sea tea party: Thursday, Aug. 4, at 3 p.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Friday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m.

• Pirate Tales: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m.

• Teen Cuisine with Hannaford: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m.

• Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Wednesday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m.

• Drop-in craft extravaganza: Friday, Aug. 19, at 1 p.m.

• Murder mystery party: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 4 to 6 p.m. (grades 5 through 12); registration is required

Griffin Free Public Library

22 Hooksett Road, Auburn, 483-5374, griffinfree.org

• Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon (next one is June 21) and Fridays, 1 to 2 p.m. (next one is June 24)

• Pirate adventure craft: Saturday, June 25, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Sand painting craft: Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Make a Scuba Diver craft: Saturday, July 16, 1 to 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Shark Week puppets: Wednesday, July 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (ages 6 to 12); registration is required

• Decode a Message in a Bottle: Saturday, Aug. 6, 1 to 2 p.m.; registration is required

• Grand Finale Luau: Saturday, Aug. 13, noon to 2 p.m.

Hollis Social Library

2 Monument Square, Hollis, 465-7721, hollislibrary.org

• Henna with Mandy: Tuesday, June 21, 5 p.m. (ages 12 and up); registration is required

• Summer Reading Kick-off Party: Wednesday, June 22, 2 p.m. at Lawrence Barn Community Center (28 Depot Road, Hollis); all ages, registration is required

• Music and Movement with Miss Jackie: Friday, June 24, 11 a.m. at Little Nichols Field, just outside the library (ages 6 and under); registration is required

• Kids DIY I Spy Jar: Wednesday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. (ages 6 to 10); registration is required

• Teen DIY I Spy Jar: Wednesday, June 29, 1:30 p.m. (ages 11 to 14); registration is required

Hooksett Public Library

31 Mount Saint Mary’s Way, Hooksett, 485-6092, hooksettlibrary.org

• Touch-A-Truck event: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Live performance from one-man-band Robert Depaolo: Saturday, June 18, noon to 2 p.m.

• Bubble party: Monday, June 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

• STEM the Tide program: Mondays, June 20 to July 25, 2 to 3 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Silly Seals music and movement program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. (ages 6 to 30 months); no registration required

• Crafty Crabs craft program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 10 a.m. to noon (ages 6 and under); no registration required

• Aquatic Artists craft program: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 1 to 3 p.m. (ages 7 and up); no registration required

• Weekly storytimes: Oceans of Possibilities family storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, 10 to 10:45 a.m., or 11 to 11:45 a.m.; Pajama storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, 6 to 6:45 p.m.

• Ocean Explorers: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 2 and up)

• Family Movie days: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, noon to 2 p.m. (see website for movie titles); no registration required

• Drop-in Lego play: Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 24, July 8, July 15, and July 22

• Family Bingo Night: Friday, June 24, 6 to 7:15 p.m. (all ages); registration is required

• Whales & Seals presentation: Monday, June 27, 10 to 11 a.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Ocean Tie-dye art: Friday, July 15, 10 a.m. to noon (limit to two tie-dye items per person); no registration required

• Wildlife Encounters: Friday, July 22, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Dance Party: Monday, July 25, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 2 to 6)

Kelley Library

234 Main St., Salem, 898-7064, kelleylibrary.org

• Summer storytimes: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. (next date is June 21)

• Magic Fred: Tuesday, June 21, 6 p.m. (outside the library, weather permitting)

• Exploring NH beaches with UNH: Tuesday, June 28, 1 p.m. (ages 5 to 9); registration is required

• Beach party: Wednesday, June 29, 1 p.m. (ages 4 to 8); registration is required

• Telewise STEM show: Wednesday, July 13, 2 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Ocean zone bottle workshop: Wednesday, July 20, 1 p.m. (ages 7 and up); registration is required

• Pirate party: Tuesday, July 26, 3 p.m. (ages 4 to 8); registration is required

• Bath bomb workshop: Thursday, July 28, 1 p.m. (ages 9 and up); registration is required

Leach Library

276 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1132, londonderrynh.org

• Froggy visits the library: Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m.; Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m., and Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m.

• Craft day: Mondays, June 27, July 18 and Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. (ages 5 and under) and 1 p.m. (ages 6 to 11)

• Guppy Gang storytimes: Tuesdays, June 28, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 23, at 11 a.m.

• Magician Peter Boie: Wednesday, June 29, at 4 p.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Monday, July 11, at 4 p.m.

• Wildlife Encounters: Wednesday, July 27, at 4 p.m.

• Encanto movie screening: Friday, July 29, at 6 p.m.

• The Ooch Experience: Yo-Yos, Music and Dance: Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m.

Manchester City Library

Main Branch, 405 Pine St., Manchester, 624-6550; West Branch, 76 N. Main St., Manchester, 624-6560, manchester.lib.nh.us

• Weekly craft sessions Mondays at 10 a.m. (preschool to grade 2) and 2 p.m. (grades 3 through 6); next date is June 20; no registration required

• Ocean Games afternoons: Mondays, 3 to 3:45 p.m., June 20 to Aug. 8

• Toddler Tuesdays: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 21; see website for each week’s theme)

• Elementary Experiments: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. (grades 1 through 6; next one is June 21)

• NH Audubon presentation: Scales, Scutes and Skins: Wednesday, June 22, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Vinny the Bubble Guy: Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Family storytimes: Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (ages 2 to 5; next ones are June 23)

• Drop-in Lego afternoons: Thursdays at 2 p.m. (ages 2 to 5; next one is June 23)

• Creative Daze craft workshops: Thursdays at 3 p.m. (grades 1 through 6; next one is June 23)

• Baby storytimes: Fridays, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (ages 6 months to 2 years; next ones are June 24)

• Board games and a movie: Fridays at noon (next one is June 24)

• Storytime with Fisher Cats Slider and Fungo: Wednesday, June 29, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Family Fare performances: Thursdays at 6 p.m. (next one is July 7 with musician Steve Blunt)

• Storytime at the Mall of New Hampshire: Tuesdays, July 12 and Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m.

• Indonesian Play Day: Tuesday, July 12, 1 to 2 p.m.

• Whales & Seals presentation: Wednesday, July 20, 3 to 4 p.m. (kindergarten through grade 3)

• Fairy Tales, Food and Fun: Wednesday, Aug. 3, noon

• Touch-A-Truck event: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• “Dinosaur Hunt”: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 10 to 10:45 a.m. (ages 2 to 5); registration is required

• Back to School Celebration with Fisher Cats Slider and Fungo: Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 3 p.m.

Maxfield Public Library

8 Route 129, Loudon, 798-5153, maxfieldlibrary.com

• Bring your own blanket storytime: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 to 9); next one is June 16

• Cursive writing club: Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (ages 8 and up); next one is June 16

• Art in the Afternoon: Friday, June 17, noon; no registration required

• Bring your own blanket music and movement: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 3 and under); next one is June 21

• Summer Reading Kick-off show with Steve Blunt: Saturday, June 25, 11 a.m.

• Rocky shores of New Hampshire, with UNH: Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. (kindergarten through grade 3)

Merrimack Public Library

470 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-5021, merrimacklibrary.org

• Comics Club: Thursdays, June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (grades 4 through 6); registration is required

• Creative Corner: Fridays, June 17, July 15 and Aug. 19, at 3:15 p.m.

• Saturday stories: Saturdays, June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Musical Me: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

• Sleepy stories: Tuesdays, June 21 to Aug. 16, at 7 p.m.

• Read Aloud Book Club with Miss Sam: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4 p.m. (next one is June 21)

• Sunshine storytimes: Wednesdays, June 22 to Aug. 17, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

• Summer Reading Kick-off with Ben Rudnick and Friends: Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 7:15 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

• Books and Babies: Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 18, at 10:30 a.m. (ages 2 and under)

• Storytime in the Park: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 19, noon to 12:30 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park

• Choosy Chapters with Miss Cathy and Miss Jenny: Fridays, June 24 to Aug. 12, at 4 p.m.

• Grimm’s Fairy Tales family trivia: Fridays, June 24, July 29 and Aug. 26, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. via Zoom

• Facebook Live storytime: Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 15 (except July 4) 10:30 to 11 a.m.; ages 2 to 6

• Magical Make Believe: Every other Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. (next one is June 29), via YouTube

• Tween boat building workshop: Friday, July 1, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Pokemon Club Session A: First Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m. (next one is July 6); recommended for kindergarten through grade 5; registration is required

• Make recycled art: Tuesday, July 12, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Thursday, July 14, noon to 1 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park (ages 3 to 8); registration is recommended

• Beach Baby Blast: Wednesday, July 20, 2 to 3 p.m. outside the library at Abbie Griffin Park (ages 2 and under)

• Pokemon Club Session B: third Wednesday of every month at 5 p.m., next one is July 20 (recommended for kindergarten through grade 5); registration is required

Nashua Public Library

2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org

• Outdoor lapsit storytimes: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 16), 18 months and under

• Outdoor STEAM storytimes: Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 18); all ages

• Outdoor preschool storytimes: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (next one is June 21); ages 3 to 5

• Outdoor toddler storytimes: Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (except July 4; next one is June 27); ages 18 months to 2 years

• Shaping Watersheds workshop: Thursday, June 30, 2 to 3 p.m.; grades 3 to 5

• English/Spanish bilingual storytime: Wednesdays, July 6 and Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m.

• Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals: Thursday, July 7, 2 p.m.

• Pajama storytime: Thursdays, July 7 and Aug. 4, 6:30 p.m.

• Family Field Day: Thursday, July 14, 2 p.m.

• Comics workshop with Kids Con New England’s Emily Drouin: Wednesday, July 20, 2 p.m. (grades 4 to 6); registration is required

• Underwater Art in a Jar: Thursday, July 21, 2 p.m.; kindergarten to grade 2

• Lights and Lasers: Thursday, July 28, 2 p.m. (grades 3 to 5); registration is required

• Cupcake decorating workshop: Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2 p.m. (grades 4 to 6); registration is required

• Who Would Win: Ultimate Ocean Showdown: Thursday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m. (kindergarten to grade 2)

Nesmith Library

8 Fellows Road, Windham, 432-7154, nesmithlibrary.org

• Teen Summer Reading Kick-off with Kate Sheridan of The Laundress Tarot: Tuesday, June 28, 6:30 p.m.

• Children’s Summer Reading Kick-off with Mr. Aaron: Thursday, June 30, 10:30 a.m.

• Storytime at the Windham Town Beach: Fridays, July 1, July 15 and July 22, at 10:30 a.m. at 45 Cobbetts Pond Road, Windham

• Finding Nemo scavenger hunt: Tuesday, July 5, to Friday, July 8; no registration required

• Teen mermaid scrub takeaway: Tuesday, July 5, all day starting at 9 a.m.

• Camping evening storytimes: Thursdays, July 7 and July 28, 6:30 p.m. (all ages)

• Make it Mondays crafts: Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. (all ages)

• Teen Captain’s log: Waves & Troughs: Tuesday, July 12, 6:30 p.m. (ages 7 to 12)

• STEAM: Oceans of Possibilities: Wednesdays, July 13 to Aug. 10, at 2 p.m. (ages 6 to 11); registration is required

• Wildlife Encounters: Thursday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. (all ages)

• Tween Percy Jackson party: Tuesday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. (grades 4 through 8)

• Touch-A-Truck event: Thursday, July 21, 10:30 a.m.

• Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Tuesday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. (grades 4 through 8), and 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12); registration is required

• Whales & Seals presentation: Thursday, July 28, 10:30 a.m.

• Teen Mario Kart tournament: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12)

• Magic by Fred: Thursday, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m.

• Teen Murder Mystery dinner: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m. (grades 7 through 12); registration is required

• Children’s Summer Reading Wrap-up party: Thursday, Aug. 11, 10:30 a.m. (all ages)

Pelham Public Library

24 Village Green, Pelham, 635-7581, pelhampubliclibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. (next ones are June 16 and June 21)

• Read to a Dog: Thursdays; multiple sessions available between 4 and 4:45 p.m. (next ones are June 16)

• Daddy & Donuts storytime: Saturday, June 18, 10:30 a.m.

• Kids’ gaming afternoon: Mondays, June 27, July 11 and Aug. 8, at 2:30 p.m.

• Summer Reading Kick-off: Wednesday, June 29, 6 p.m.

• Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Thursday, June 30; multiple sessions available between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (ages 8 and up)

• Virtual Bermuda Triangle Escape Room: Friday, July 1, noon

• Make a Birdhouse: Wednesday, July 6, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Ed Popielarczyk magic show: Tuesday, July 12, 7 p.m.

• Make a Giant Squid: Wednesday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

• Throwback kids’ movie screenings: Fridays, July 15 and Aug. 5, at 2:30 p.m.

• UNH Estuary and Watershed program: Tuesday, July 19, at 4 p.m.

• Sink or Float (boat making workshop): Wednesday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); registration is required

• Doodling workshop with Cara Bean: Tuesday, July 26, at 2:30 p.m. (suitable for ages 8 to 14); virtual option also available

• Sharks, Skates and Rays: A Virtual Field Trip: Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 2:30 p.m.

• Ceramic painting: Wednesday, Aug. 3, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

• Turtles of New Hampshire (with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center): Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 6:30 p.m. (ages 5 and up); no registration required

• Make a Sea Life mobile: Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (ages 4 and up); registration is required

Pembroke Town Library

313 Pembroke St., Pembroke, 485-7851, pembroke-nh.com/library

• Dads & Donuts storytime: Friday, June 17, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• Oceans of “Craftabilities” drop-in craft event: Tuesday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Super Spanish with Senora Manzelli: Fridays, June 24 through July 29, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• Baby Sharks in the Park (storytime and music and movement): Mondays, June 27 to Aug. 8, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at Memorial Park in Pembroke

• Jumpin’ Jellyfish (storytime and music and movement): Tuesdays, June 28 to Aug. 2, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.

• Ocean STEM Club: Wednesdays, June 29 to Aug. 3, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Whales & Seals presentation: Monday, July 11, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Animal Ambassadors: Wednesday, July 13, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Living Shores aquarium visit: Wednesday, July 27, 3 to 4 p.m.

Rodgers Memorial Library

194 Derry Road, Hudson, 886-6030, rodgerslibrary.org

• Story Safari programs at Benson’s Park (19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson): Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., June 16 to Aug. 2 (geared toward ages 3 to 8)

• Family candy bar bingo: Thursday, June 16, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

• Tween and teen candy bar bingo (grades 5 through 12): Thursday, June 16, 3 to 4 p.m.

• Welcome summer party with Steve Blunt: Friday, June 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• Creative Kids programs: Mondays, June 20 to July 25 (except July 4) 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Tween Scene and Fantasy Book Club events: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26 at 3 p.m. (themes vary depending on the week)

• Songs & Snuggles: Wednesdays, June 22 through July 27, at 10 a.m. (birth to 18 months old)

• Teen Anime & Manga club: Wednesdays, June 22 to July 27, at 2:30 p.m.

• Whales & Seals presentation: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Family playtime: Thursdays, June 24 to July 28, at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.

• Curious Kids programs: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, at 10 a.m.

• Tween and Teen DIY events: Fridays, June 24 to July 29, at 1:30 p.m. (grades 5 through 8) and 3 p.m. (grades 8 through 12)

• Puzzle Swap: Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to noon; all ages

• Dungeons & Donuts: Saturday, June 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; all ages

• Teen K-Pop night: Tuesday, June 28, 6 to 8 p.m.

• Encanto movie screenings: Wednesday, July 29, 1 p.m., and Wednesday, July 20, 6 p.m.

• Let’s Play Music! concert: Friday, July 1, 6 p.m.

• Turtles of New Hampshire, with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Tuesday, July 5, 1:30 p.m.

• Wildlife Encounters: Wednesday, July 13, 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m.

• Marine Mammal Rescue, with the Seacoast Science Center: Tuesday, July 19, 7 p.m.

• Harry Potter birthday event: Tuesday, July 26, 6:30 p.m.

• Pottering around the U.K.: real life locations from the world of Harry Potter: Tuesday, July 26, 7 p.m. (virtual event)

Sandown Public Library

305 Main St., Sandown, 887-3428, sandownlibrary.us

• Story hour: Thursday, June 16, 10 to 11 a.m.

• Mother Goose on the Loose: Mondays, 9:30 to 10 a.m. (next one is June 20)

• Family Fun in the Kitchen: Monday, June 20, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Graphic novel book club: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Octopus slime: Wednesday, July 6, 4 to 5 p.m.

• Messy Mondays: Mondays, July 11 and Aug. 8, 10 to 11 a.m.

• PJ storytime: Wednesday, July 20, 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Smyth Public Library

55 High St., Candia, 483-8245, smythpl.org

• Outdoor gazebo storytimes: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

• Summer Reading Kick-off: Aquatic Critters: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m. (featuring the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center)

• Ed Popielarczyk magic show: Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 p.m.

Wadleigh Memorial Library

49 Nashua St., Milford, 249-0645, wadleighlibrary.org

• Teen Summer Reading Kick-off: Friday, June 17, 3 p.m.

• Children’s Summer Reading Launch Party: Friday, June 17, 6 p.m.

• Teen writing group meetings: Tuesdays, June 21 to July 26, 3 p.m.,

• Baby lapsit: Wednesdays at 9 a.m. (next one is June 22); no registration required

• Tie-dye t-shirts: Wednesday, June 22, 4 to 6 p.m.; registration is required

• Little Explorers programs: Thursdays, June 23 to Aug. 4, at 10 a.m.

• Teen craft and STEAM events: Thursdays, June 23 to July 28, at 3 p.m.

• Music with Mr. Aaron: Monday, June 27, 10 a.m.

• Painting on Canvas program: Tuesday, June 28, 2 to 3 p.m. (ideal for kids ages 2 to 5); registration is required

• Fourth of July crafts: Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, 9 a.m.

• Pirate Palooza: Wednesday, July 6, 11 a.m.

• Drop-in games: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m. to noon

• Family storytimes: Mondays, July 11 to Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.

• Make your own “Socktupus”: Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m. to noon

• Owls of New Hampshire, with the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Sunday, July 17, 2 to 3 p.m.

• Sea slime workshop: Monday, July 18, 3 to 5 p.m.

• Talewise: Pirates Lost at Sea!: Wednesday, July 20, 10 a.m.

• Mer-Madness: Wednesday, July 27, 11 a.m.

• Book Bingo: Thursday, July 28, 5:30 p.m.

• Teen Summer Reading Wrap-Up party: Thursday, Aug. 4, 3 p.m.

• End of Summer Ice Cream party: Friday, Aug. 5, 1 p.m.

Weare Public Library

10 Paige Memorial Lane, Weare, 529-2044, wearepubliclibrary.com

• Summer reading Kick-off party: Thursday, June 23, 6:30 p.m.; all ages

• Mario Kart 8 tournament: Tuesday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. (recommended for kids ages 7 and up); registration is required

Whipple Free Library

67 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston, 487-3391, whipplefreelibrary.org

• Weekly storytimes: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m., dates offered June 20 to July 29

• Summer Reading Kick-off: Pirates Lost at Sea!: Monday, June 20, 6:30 p.m. on the New Boston Town Common

• UNH Estuary and Watershed program: Monday, June 27, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

• Whimsical Wednesdays: Wednesdays, June 29 to July 27

• Whalemobile: Thursday, July 21; includes sessions at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon for younger kids and at 12:30 p.m. for teens

Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library

7 Forest Road, Wilton, 654-2581, wiltonlibrarynh.org

• Story circle: Thursdays at 10 a.m. (next one is June 16) outside on the library grounds

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Lace up!

Get ready for a season of road races

Plus tips for finding new sneakers

Summer is full of 5Ks and other opportunities to get off the treadmill and take your run outside. Find some races that fit your schedule and skill level. But first, thinking about new sneakers?

Find your sneakers

If you’re looking to lace up this summer, here are some helpful things to keep in mind before you visit your local athletic shoe store.

Fit for comfort

Foot comfort is something that John Mortimer of Millennium Running in Bedford emphasizes to his customers. Many people who decide to buy running shoes, he said, whether for casual wear or professional competitions, have the tendency to pick a size that fits and make a purchase based solely upon looks, oftentimes leading to physical injury.

“Like any athletic endeavor that you want to be successful at … the first step is often having the right equipment,” Mortimer said.

Mortimer has been a runner since he was in middle school and has owned Millennium Running for the past 10 years. Millennium produces running events throughout the Granite State such as the Cigna/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race and the Citizens Shamrock Shuffle.

Over at Joe King’s Shoe Shop in downtown Concord, assistant manager Rachel Halverson said it’s important for running shoe buyers to understand the risks associated with simply picking a pair up off the shelf without taking the proper measurements down.

“Making sure you have the correct size is very important, especially because sizing from one style can change from each sneaker, even in the same brand,” Halverson said. “We want at least a thumb’s width in the front, because our foot does move imperceptibly back and forth in the shoe when we are very active.”

Black and blue toenails, as well as hammer toes, a condition in which the toe is abnormally bent at the middle joint, can be possible down the line if a sneaker is not fitted appropriately. For example, Halverson said that prospective runners should look to take the time to pick out their sneakers based on the length, width and other conditions and characteristics of their feet.

Easy steps

There is such a thing as a perfect sneaker, and there are several effective ways to evaluate a legitimate fit. “Fitology” is the term Mortimer uses to describe his process in properly fitting customers within his specialized store.

The first step of this process is a simple consultation which helps in seeing where a customer may be in their fitness journey. When consulting with customers, it’s also crucial in understanding what they hope to achieve when purchasing their new sneakers.

Next, Mortimer said, is the static digital analysis, which is a three-dimensional scan of the foot measuring the arch height, foot length, foot girth and determining if the customer is a runner who puts weight on heels or toes. The last step in the fitting process is a video analysis of a customer running on a treadmill to study how the feet look while in motion.

“We want our runners and walkers to be successful, [just like] if you are going to drive a racecar, you need good tires, [and] if you are going to play baseball, you need a bat and a glove,” Mortimer said.

After completing these steps, Millennium Running store associates will bring out a few sneakers in the category the customer’s foot belongs to.

Local shoe stores
• Alec’s Shoes (1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com)
• Fleet Feet Sports (4 Coliseum Ave., Nashua, 598-1500, fleetfeet.com)
• Joe King’s Shoe Shop (45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com)
• Millennium Running (138 Bedford Center Road, Bedford, 472-7867, millenniumrunning.com)
• Runner’s Alley (669 Elm St., Manchester, 606-6949; 142 N. Main St., Concord, 715-5854; 104 Congress St., Portsmouth, 430-1212; runnersalley.com)

B.J. Bottomley is the owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Nashua. Bottomley takes pride in also having a 3-D fit ID machine, which shows the true characteristics of clients’ feet up close. Once measurements are taken, it becomes easy to find a shoe for those looking for one that is stable, has a snug fit, or even a trail shoe perfect for cross-country running, Bottomley said. He suggests runners of all levels use non-cotton moisture-wicking socks to help your feet breathe and avoid the onslaught of constant blisters.

Additionally, Bottomley said there is a window between 300 and 500 miles for when someone should change sneakers, depending on the mileage and terrain of their runs.

— Jack Walsh

5Ks And Other Races

Once you get those new sneakers, take them out in public at one of the many 5K runs and run/walks scheduled this summer. Know of a race not mentioned here? Let us know at [email protected]. Many races have virtual participation options. Often races also charge additional fees for registration close to or on race day. See the individual event pages for details.

Millennium Running races

These races are run by Millennium Running. See millenniumrunning.com (where the following information is from). For most races, unless otherwise stated, register online by noon on the day before the event or at the race site from 90 minutes before the race to 15 minutes before the race (though some races do sell out), according to the website. Some of these races also have virtual options.

• The Windham Rail Trail Flat N Fast 5K takes place Saturday, June 11, at 8:30 a.m. on the paved rail trail starting at the Roulston Road entrance. Registration costs $25 per person, $100 for a family of up to five members, $20 for 65+. See windhamrailtrail.org.

• The Over the River and Through the Woods 5K & Fitness Walk takes place Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m. at Northeast Delta Dental in Concord. The race is part of the Capital Area Race Series (see runcarsnh.com). Registration costs $20 per person (for in person or virtual).

• The Brewery Chase Relay will take place on Saturday, June 18, with start times from 7:30 to 11 a.m. The 26.2-mile, six-leg race will begin and end at the Backyard Brewery in Manchester and travel through Derry and Londonderry, hitting six breweries along the way. The cost in advance is $55 per person on the relay team (which can be split between two to six people). Register online through Friday, June 17, at noon or register on site on race day (if there is availability) from 6 to 7:15 a.m. for an extra fee.

• For the Veterans Count Pack & Boots 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Survival Run on Monday, July 4, in Portsmouth participants of the survival run will need to provide a pack of about 10 percent of their body weight. You can run either or both. The survival run starts at 8 a.m., the 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. and a kids’ fun run at 9:30 a.m. Registration for adults costs $30 for either event or $45 for both. (The kids’ fun run is free.) Register online by Friday, July 1, at noon.

• The Ribfest 5-Miler takes place on Sunday, July 17, at 9 a.m. as part of the Great American RibFest at the Anheuser-Busch complex in Merrimack. The event also features a 100-yard Stoneyfield Lil’ Piglet Race at 8:15 a.m. Races get early admission to the ribfest as part of their registration, which costs $40 for adults, $35 for 20 and under and $10 for kids age 8 and under in the Piglet race.

• The Canterbury Woodchuck Classic 5K, another in the Capital Area Race Series, takes place Saturday, July 30, at 9 a.m. at Canterbury Elementary School. Registration costs $20; $1 for a kids 2K fun run. See runcarsnh.com/canterbury-woodchuck-5k.

• The Cigna/Elliot Corporate 5K Road Race takes place in downtown Manchester on Elm Street (and surrounding streets) on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 6:20 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and you can register as an individual or as part of a corporate team.

• The 5K Race to the Ledges on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m. features a course behind Concord Hospital that is part trail and part road, according to genesishcc.com/gl5k. Registration costs $20 (kids 6 and under are free). Participants will get “brunch to go” boxes, the website said.

• The Veterans Count Wolfeboro Pirates Cove 5K Run & Walk is on Saturday, Aug. 13, in Wolfeboro and 2021’s race featured two courses, one for more competitive runners and one for participants looking for something a little more relaxed. The race starts at 9 a.m. and registration costs $25 for 13+ and $25 for kids 12 and under.

• The Bedford Rotary Trails to Ales takes place on the cross-country ski trails at Legacy Park in Bedford on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. according to rotarytrails2ales.com. Runners and walkers can pick a 5K or 2K course and there will be burgers and drinks (including craft beer and wine for 21+) and cornhhole. Registration costs $30 for 21+ and $15 for ages 13 to 20 (kids 12 and under can run for free). Register online by Sunday, Aug. 7, for a discounted registration fee.

• The Loudon Lions Club will hold its Angels 5K Road Race & Fitness Walk at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 8 a.m. Registration costs $25. The race is part of the Capital Area Race Series.

• The Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K & Brewfest will take place Saturday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Londonderry Athletic Field Complex (98 Sargent Road in Londonderry). Registration costs $35 for 21+ (and includes entry to the Brewfest), $25 for ages 12 to 20 and $10 for ages 11 and under.

• The NH 10-Miler, which you can run individually or as part of a two-person relay, will take place Saturday, Aug. 27, 8:30 a.m. Registration costs $40 per person.

• The Veterans Count Nashua 5K Fun Run & Walk takes place Sunday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. (register online by noon on Friday, Sept. 9). Registration costs $30 for ages 13 and up.

Runners crossing finish line at downtown race. — 2021 Brewery Chase Relay. Photo courtesy of Millennium Running.

• The Seafood Fest 5K, part of the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival that runs Sept. 9 through Sept. 11 (see seafoodfestivalnh.com), will take place on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m., preceded by Yoga on the Beach at 8 a.m. and a Lil’ Lobster Fun Run (100-yard kids’ run) at 8:30 a.m. Registration for adults costs $25 until Aug. 25 and includes Seafood Festival admission ($30 afterward; $35 on race day); youth (ages 12 to 20) cost $20 until Aug. 25 and kids (ages 11 and under) cost $10 until Aug. 25.

• The Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day race begins on Elm Street and ends at the Wild Rover in downtown Manchester on Sunday, Sept. 18, starting at 10:15 a.m. There are 5K and 10K options. Register online by Saturday, Sept. 17; registration for adults costs $35 for the 10K and $30 for the 5K. For kids, registration is $25 for ages 12 to 20 and $10 for 11 and under. The event is part of a larger Celtic Festival, featuring food and music. The first 500 registrants will get a free kilt.

Total Image Running races

See totalimagerunning.com for more on these races.

• The Lite Up the Nite Run/Walk for Mental Health 5K will step off at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester. For registration costs on the day and more, see mhcgm.org.

• Bring your dog to Bagels and Biscuits 5K on Sunday, June 12, at 9 a.m. in Derryfield Park in Manchester. The event supports Animal Rescue League of NH and Temple Adath Yeshurun and costs $25 for 20+ (until June 10) and $20 for 19 and under. See runsignup.com/Race/NH/Manchester/BagelsandBiscuits5K.

• The Christmas in July 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 10, at the Stumble Inn (20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry). Enjoy a post-race party with costume contest and entertainment. Registration in advance costs $30 for adults, $25 for youth. The race benefits Catholic Charities of New Hampshire. See totalimagerunning.com/christmas5k.

• The LaBelle Winery Wine Run will take place Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at the winery’s Derry location. Runners 21+ get a glass of LaBelle wine after the run. Registration in advance costs $35 for adults, $30 for youth. The race benefits the Moore Center.

• The Manchester Fire Cross-Country 5K takes place Saturday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. The cost is $30 until the day before the event ($20 for kids). The event is dog-friendly. See runsignup.com/Race/NH/Manchester/ManchesterFireCrossCountry5K.

• Hunger is the Pitts 5K BBQ, Bash & Bonfire will take place Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at Auburn Pitts (167 Rockingham Road in AUburn). The cost in advance is $30 for adults, $25 for youth. The post-race party will feature barbecue eats available for purchase.

• The Hillsboro Fire Fighters Association Five Alarm 5K will take place Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at Rear Grimes Field in Hillsborough. Registration for adults is $25 in advance ($30 on the day of the race); youth registration costs $20 in advance, $25 on the day.

More races

• The Amherst Lions Club will hold its 1st Annual 5K Race and Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 11, with the race starting at 10 a.m. Registration costs $25 through Thursday, June 9, online and $30 on site (until 30 minutes before the race). There will be food, entertainment and games post-race from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. See e-clubhouse.org/sites/amherstnh.

• Plaistow Old Home Day will hold a 5K run/walk on Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. Registration costs $20 in advance ($16 with no shirt) and $25 on the day. See running4free.com and search for Plaistow.

• Marina’s Miles, a 5K that begins at Oyster River High School in Durham, will take place Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. Registration costs $25 in advance or $30 in cash on race day. See marinasmiles.org.

• Go running with Dad at the Father’s Day 5K on Sunday, June 19, at 9 a.m. at the Margaritas in Dover. Registration costs $25. See goodwinch.org/events/fathers-day-5k.

• The Smuttynose Will Run for Beer 5K is slated for Sunday, June 19, at 9:30 a.m. at Smuttynose Brewing in Hampton. After the flat race, runners (who are 21+) get complimentary beers. The post-race celebration will also include food and live music. See smuttynose5k.com.

• The Downtown Gym in Laconia will hold its summer event in its Pay It Forward 5K series on Saturday, June 25, at 9 a.m. The run/walk will begin at The Downtown Gym (171 Fair St. in Laconia). Registration costs $25. See downtowngymlaconia.com.

• The Eddie Chambers 5K Run/Walk, in memory of Manchester student Eddie Chambers to benefit Mental Illness Awareness and Suicide Prevention, will take places Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University. Online registration costs $25. See miasp.org/News/2022-eddie-chambers-5k-runwalk.

• The Milford Recreation Department will host the Star Spangled 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m. starting in Keyes Park Register by June 14 for $20; same-day registration costs $25 ($10 for ages 12 and under). Kids 12 and under can also run in a 1K race for free. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome, according to milfordnh.recdesk.com.

• The Greater Derry Track Club of Southern New Hampshire will host the Run for Freedom 5K & 10K on Monday, July 4, at 7:30 a.m. to support Liberty House in Manchester. The courses, maps of which are available at gdtc.org/run/index.php/run-for-freedom, wind through residential roads in Derry, the website said. Registration costs $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K.

• Hillsboro Summerfest will host a 5K Road Race on Friday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. along the Contoocook River in Hillsborough. Registration costs $20 before June 18 (afterward, same-day registration costs $25 from 5 to 6:15 p.m.). See hillsborosummerfest.com/activity/5k-road-race.

• The Bill Luti 5 Miler, part of the Capital Area Race Series, starts Saturday, July 16, at 8 a.m. at Memorial Field (70 S. Fruit St. in Concord). There will also be kids’ fun runs starting at 9:15 a.m. Register online by Thursday, July 14, at 9 a.m. for $20; see gsrs.com/luti for information on late registration.

• Dancers Dash 5K Run/Walk is slated for Saturday, July 16, at 8 a.m. beginning and ending at Campbell High School in Litchfield. Registration costs $30; see dancersatheart5678.org/events/dancers-dash-2022.

• The Cathy Cray 5K will be Saturday, July 16, at 9 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Amherst, according to runsignup.com/Race/Info/NH/Amherst/TheCathyCray5k. Registration costs $25 and proceeds support The White Ribbon Project, a lung cancer awareness organization (see thewhiteribbonproject.org).

• The Live Free or Die 5000 is a 5K described as “suitable for runners and walkers of all skill levels” according to the registration page, which can be found at livefreeordie5000.squarespace.com. The race takes place on Saturday, July 16, at 9 a.m. in Atkinson (the registration page also features a map of the race route). Registration in advance costs $30.

• The Chester 300th Anniversary Committee is holding a Tricentennial 5K Race on Saturday, July 23, at 9 a.m. on the conservation trails at Wason Pond in Chester. Registration costs $25. The day will also feature a Fireman’s Muster. See chesternh300.org/5k.htm

• The Get Your Rear in Gear 5K run or 1.5-mile walk to raise money for colon cancer will be held Saturday, Sept. 10, at 9 a.m. at Gould Hill Farm in Contoocook. A kids’ run for 10 and under takes place at 8:45 a.m. Registration costs $28 for adults in advance and $15 for youth ages 12 and under (kids’ run runners cost $12 per person). See donate.coloncancercoalition.org/newhampshire.

• The Jack Sharkey 5K Knockout the Hills Highnote takes place Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. at 173 Prescott Road in Epping. Registration costs $20 in advance, $25 on the day. See running4free.com/RaceDetails.aspx?raceid=457.

• The Hooksett Kiwanis Club will hold its 11th annual 5K Trail Race on Saturday, Sept. 17. Last year’s race included a kids’ fun run and goodie bags. See hooksettkiwanis.org/kiwanis-5k.

• The 6th Annual Greenfield Fire Department Road Race takes place Saturday, Sept. 17, at 9 a.m. at Oak Park in Greenfield. The event will include a 10K, a 5K, a half marathon and a race for kids; registration costs vary by event. Find information on the fire department’s Facebook page.

• Saturday, Sept. 17, is Old Home Day in Pelham. A 5K run and walk will take place at 10 a.m. See pelhamoldhomeday.org for information on Old Home Day.

• The Pant for Paws 5K to raise money for Darbster Rescue is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m. at Rollins Park in Concord. The event is family- and pet-friendly. Registration costs $30. See darbsterfoundation.com/events/ or runsignup.com/Race/Info/NH/Chichester/PantforPaws.

Clubs, ongoing events & more

• The Millennium Happy Hour Hustle takes place many Thursdays at 6 p.m. with courses near downtown Manchester through Sept. 29. The cost is $25 per race; advance registration required. See millenniumrunning.com/happyhour.

• The Millennium Running club costs $75 for annual membership and is open to all levels of fitness, according to millenniumrunning.com. Upcoming events include the Pub Run at the Fisher Cats game on Thursday, June 23.

• The Women Run NH is an event held by the Bedford girls cross-country program that will feature workshops for all ages and abilities on Saturday, Aug. 20, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Bedford High School. Admission will be available for individuals as well as teams of all ages. See womenrunnh.org.

Recommended running spots

We asked local experts to recommend a few of their favorite spots for a run.

Goffstown Rail Trail
Recommended by John Mortimer, owner of Millennium Running in Bedford
Where: Goffstown
Length: 7.5 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Trail info: The Goffstown Rail Trail is a 7.5-mile point-to-point trail that begins in Goffstown Village and ends at the Manchester city line. The trail is suitable for walking and running, and has relatively flat terrain.

Les Clark Nature Trailhead
Recommended by Gabe Ouellette of Joe King’s Shoe Shop in Concord
Where: Concord
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Trail info: Located on Portsmouth Street near the headquarters of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the Les Clark Nature Trailhead is a mostly flat route that’s perfect for beginner trail runners.

Piscataquog Trail
Recommended by John Mortimer, owner of Millennium Running in Bedford
Where: Manchester
Length: 2.1 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Trail info: Located on Manchester’s West Side, this 10-foot-wide paved recreational trail crosses the Piscataquog River and connects runners and walkers from the Queen City to Goffstown.

Rockingham Rail Trail
Recommended by John Mortimer, owner of Millennium Running in Bedford
Where: Multiple towns from Manchester points east
Length: 25 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate
Trail info: This multi-use trail begins at Page Street in Manchester and ends at Ash Swamp Road in Newfields.

Mine Falls Park
Recommended by B.J. Bottomley, owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Nashua
Where: Nashua
Length: 9.7 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Trail info: Mine Falls Park is a roughly 300-acre park located in Nashua with 9.7 miles of trail options for runners to choose from. It’s directly beside the Nashua River and is known for the forest-like trees overlooking the park. There are sports fields, fishing spots, and trails full of wildlife. “It’s far and away the best spot in Nashua,” Bottomley said.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Category: Cover Stories

Re-Released! From their cows to your cone

A better way to zoom

Summer of books

Berry Sweet

Kids Guide to Summer

Lace up!

Stay in the loop!

Get FREE weekly briefs on local food, music,

arts, and more across southern New Hampshire!