Category: Cover Stories

Compiled by Matt Ingersoll, Angie Sykeny and Amy Diaz
listings@hippopress.com

Spring is awesome.

Sure, it can be blizzardy or flower-filled, muddy or suddenly strangely summer-like, but the stretch between mid-March and Memorial Day is packed with fun, from arts and music to the changing outdoor offerings and food events like NH Craft Beer Week in early April. Here are 63 reasons to get excited about spring.

• The 2023 New Hampshire Jewish Film Festival starts on Thursday, March 16, and runs through Sunday, March 26, with screenings at locations in Manchester, Bedford, Keene, Concord, Portsmouth and Hooksett — to be followed by bonus weeks, March 27 through April 16, when four of the feature films shown in theaters will be available for streaming at home. See nhjewishfilmfestival.com for film trailers, tickets (individual and multi-film packages) and all the details, and check out our story in this issue.

• The annual Black Ice Pond Hockey Tournament, originally scheduled for late January outdoors, has been postponed to Friday, March 17, through Sunday, March 19, and will take place inside the Douglas N. Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road, Concord). Go to blackicepondhockey.com to view the full schedule.

• When you need a break from emails and spreadsheets throughout your work day, head to the New Hampshire Audubon’s Manchester Peregrine Cam to check out the progress of the breeding season for the peregrine falcons living at 1750 Elm St. in Manchester. A visit to the cams (find the links at nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/peregrine-cam/) on March 9 showed a falcon surveying downtown from the perch. The local peregrine falcon pair in Manchester stays around all winter, according to Chris Martin, conservation biologist at New Hampshire Audubon. The breeding season “really heats up in March. Expect to see eggs appear beginning around the last week in March and hatching to start at the end of April. Early June is when the youngsters will start flying,” Martin said in an email. The Peregrine Cam at Brady Sullivan Tower is operated by Peregrine Networks, an internet services provider based in Dover, Martin said. During the 2022 season five peregrine falcons hatched and fledged from the nest (a photo on the Audubon’s website showed the five chicks newly banded on May 20), according to the Audubon.

• Have fun with versatile fashion pieces that can be modified for spring’s warmer and cooler days, like an oversized blazer. “An oversized blazer is the perfect option to put over thick sweaters now, that will also be perfect when worn as a spring coat over tanks and shorter sleeve options once the weather warms up,” Elyssa Alfieri, owner of Lilise Designer Resale in Concord. Another tip, which comes from Ashley Lyons, owner of Chic Boutique Consignments in Bedford, is to layer with spring and summer dresses until the weather is warm enough to wear them on their own. “With the help of a good tight, bootie or boot, and a leather moto jacket or cardigan, you can take full advantage of your warmer weather pieces even in cooler months,” she said.

• The New Hampshire Audubon’s McLane Center (84 Silk Farm Road, Concord) is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live animals and exhibits, including a reptile room, nature store and raptor mews, which are home to a bald eagle, red-tailed hawk, barn owl and barred owls. The center also features 3 miles of mostly forested trails, pollinator gardens, grassland fields and access to the Great Turkey Pond shoreline, which are free and open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. Call 224-9909 or visit nhaudubon.org.

• You may still (maybe? possibly?) be able to go ice skating outdoors on some city and town ponds that offer it, depending on the current weather conditions. But regardless of what it’s doing outside, public ice skating indoors at the Douglas N. Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road, Concord) remains available through Thursday, March 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $6 per person (free for kids ages 3 and under) and skate rentals are available in the pro shop for $6. See concordnh.gov. Other local spots offering indoor skating include The Icenter (60 Lowell Road, Salem) — this month the arena will be open for about one hour and 20 minutes each time, on Saturday, March 18, at 4 p.m.; and Sunday, March 19, at 2:15 p.m.; as well as on Saturday, March 25, at 4 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 26, at 2:15 p.m. The cost is $8 per person (cash only), and free for kids ages 4 and under. Visit icentersalem.com.

• St. Patrick’s Day is Friday, March 17 — check out a rundown of food and drink specials at area bars and restaurants on page 25 in the March 9 issue of the Hippo. You’ll find details on where to go to get that ceremonious plate of corned beef and cabbage with a glass of green beer, as well as all kinds of St. Paddy’s Day-related festivities from live Celtic music to comedy shows. In this week’s issue Michael Witthaus takes a look at some pub-based celebrations; find that story on page 34.

• Firefighters and police officers from across New Hampshire will renew their friendly rivalry for charity during the Battle of the Badges Hockey Championship, which returns for a 15th year to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St., Manchester) on Saturday, March 18. The puck drops at 1 p.m., and proceeds from the game benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (CHaD). Tickets are $16 in advance online and $20 on game day for attendees ages 6 and up (kids ages 5 and under are free). See chadhockey.org.

• Springtime means, in many cases, the return of local seasonal eateries — ice cream stands like Sundae Drive (346 Route 13, Brookline) and The Big 1 (185 Concord St., Nashua), for instance, opened for the season in late February, while King Kone (336 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack) and Memories Ice Cream (95 Exeter Road, Kingston) are each set to reopen on Saturday, March 18. Clam Haven (94 Rockingham Road, Derry), known for its fried seafood specials, was scheduled to open for the season on Wednesday, March 15, and Cremeland Drive In (250 Valley St., Manchester) is also set to begin its season soon.

• This coming weekend — Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19 — is also New Hampshire Maple Weekend, when sugarhouses and farms across the Granite State welcome visitors for tours, demonstrations, tastings and other family-friendly activities, all revolving around local maple syrup production. Learn how sap is collected and trees are tapped, and enjoy samples of everything from maple syrup to fudge, roasted nuts, ice cream and more, depending on where you go. See the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association website at nhmapleproducers.com for a full list of participating sugarhouses. Find more coverage of Maple Weekend on page 26.

• Maple Weekend also means the return of the annual Kearsarge Maple Festival, a regional event featuring two days of local sap house tours, pancakes, a syrup tasting contest and more. A pancake breakfast and raffle will be held on Saturday, March 18, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the United Church of Warner (43 E. Main St.), with proceeds going toward the town’s 250th birthday celebration committee (Warner will turn 250 in 2024). The cost is $12 for adults, $5 for kids ages 7 to 12 and free for kids under 6, and the breakfast will feature plain and blueberry pancakes, waffles, home fries, baked beans and sausage. The maple syrup tasting contest happens on Sunday, March 19, from noon to 3 p.m. in front of Town Hall (5 E. Main St.). See warnerhistorical.org or kearsargechamber.org for more details on festival happenings.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia; visitthefarm.com, 483-5623) is celebrating Maple Month with its Maple Express event featuring a ride to the sugar shack, where you can watch the syrup making process, get a look at tree tapping, meet farm animals and taste syrup on silver dollar pancakes, according to the website. Admission costs $22 per person. The Maple Express continues this weekend — Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19 — and next (Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26), with entry times starting at 10 a.m. On Saturday, March 18, the farm will hold Sugar Shack Live, with entry times from 5 to 6 p.m.; the evening will feature live music from Morgan-Nelson (Dan Morgan and Lynda Nelson), horse-drawn and tractor rides, a visit to the sugar shack and a campfire (BYO marshmallows for toasting or hot dogs for roasting), the website said. Tickets to this evening event cost $29 per person.

• It may not look like it outside at the moment, but the first day of spring is Monday, March 20. For many — er, or at least those of us who aren’t already year-round iced coffee drinkers — this means the kickoff to iced coffee season! Pinard Street Bakery (1 Pinard St., Manchester; inside Charlie’s) is one shop celebrating spring with several specialty coffee flavors all month long in March, including Scout’s Samoa (coconut with a caramel and mocha swirl) and In Bloom (blueberry, lavender, melted raw honey and white chocolate swirl). See pinardstreetbakery.business.site for their full list of spring-inspired coffee flavors.

• Catch some action on the ice when the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Regional Championship comes to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) Thursday, March 23, and Saturday, March 25. See the arena’s website for times (which are to be announced) and tickets.

• The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford) will host a Cacao Ceremony with Empress Alchemy on Saturday, March 25, from 7 to 8 p.m. In this immersive and interactive experience, held outside around a firepit, participants will be served ceremonial grade cacao in the form of “hot chocolate” while being led through a series of guided meditation exercises. Dress warm and bring a blanket to sit on and a journal to write in. The event costs $35 and is open to participants ages 16 and up. Visit theeducationalfarm.org.

• Catch a show at the Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St., Derry), which has a full lineup of live acts scheduled throughout the season. They host Blues Brothers The Next Generation on Saturday, March 25, for instance, as well as their next Tupelo Nights of Comedy on Friday, March 24, and Friday, April 14. Visit tupelomusichall.com to view the full concert schedule and to buy tickets.

• The Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade returns on Sunday, March 26, kicking off at noon at the intersection of Salmon and Elm streets in the Queen City and continuing south on Elm. Admission is free, and shuttle services will run from 10 a.m. to noon from the corner of Central and Chestnut streets to the parade’s assembly area. See saintpatsnh.com. The parade immediately follows the Citizens Bank Shamrock Shuffle, a road race organized by Millennium Running starting and finishing in front of Veterans Memorial Park (723 Elm St.). Visit millenniumrunning.com.

• McIntyre Ski Area (50 Chalet Way in Manchester; mcintyreskiarea.com, 622-6159) plans to wrap up its season of skiing, snowboarding and tubing on Sunday, March 26 (see the website for hours), according to an email. On Saturday, March 18, the Pond Skim and Hawaiian Festival will run from 1 to 3 p.m., with competition starting at 1 p.m., according to the website. “End the season with a splash and join us at the pond. Wear your most festive attire as we celebrate the end of an amazing season! Prizes awarded for biggest splash, best costume and best skim!” the website said.

• You voted and we counted. In mere weeks, Hippo will present the Best of 2023 readers poll results. Find out who fellow readers picked as the best pizza purveyor, beer brewer or cupcake creator. Keep your eyes on Hippo newsstands for that issue.

• Get into birding by focusing on the Eastern Bluebird. The New Hampshire Audubon will hold “NestWatch Volunteer Training: Bluebird Monitoring” on Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Massabesic Audubon Center (26 Audubon Way in Auburn; 668-2045, nhaudubon.org) where there are “almost 100 monitored nest boxes,” according to the website. The workshop costs $5; register by March 30. Learn how to be a volunteer monitor (monitors usually spend about an hour or two weekly from April to August to record data in their sections, according to the website) or just learn more about the Eastern Bluebird. The workshop features inside and outside sessions.

• The Beaver Brook Association (117 Ridge Road, Hollis) will host a guided full moon hike on Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. During the hike, a naturalist will share moon facts and lore and talk about how animals are adapted for the night and how they prepare for seasonal changes. The cost is $22, and registration in advance is required. Visit beaverbrook.org.

• Join the Franco-American Centre for a traditional sugaring off celebration on Saturday, April 1, at the Oscar Barn Wedding Venue (191 W. River Road, Hooksett). The event will feature a maple syrup demonstration from Chisholm Farm from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a traditional cabane à sucre (sugar shack) dinner served family-style from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and music and dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m., featuring a live performance by the Reel McCoys. The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages 5 to 12 and free for kids under 5. Visit facnh.com to register.

• The craft fair scene ramps up again in the spring. On Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Capital City Craft Festival will bring more than 125 artisans to the Douglas N. Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road in Concord), according to castleberryfairs.com, where you can purchase tickets ($8 for adults, under 14 get in free; one admission is good for both days). Tickets will also be sold at the door. The spread of arts and crafts includes folk art, candles, apparel, metal art, fiber arts, personal care items, jewelry, glass and more as well as specialty foods, the website said.

• Conversations with Concord Authors returns for the second year to the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Wednesday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m. Laura Knoy, formerly the host of New Hampshire Public Radio’s The Exchange, will host a discussion with local authors including Kathleen D. Bailey, Sarah McCraw Crow, Dan Lawton, Paul Brogan and Margaret Porter. Admission is free. Visit ccanh.com/show/conversations-with-concord-authors-2023.

• Enjoy a First Thursday Hike at The Fells (456 Route 103, Newbury) on Thursday, April 6, at 11 a.m., with landscape director Nick Scheu and education director Simon Parsons. No reservations are necessary, and non-members are welcome with the regular admission price ($10 for adults), $8 for seniors and students, $4 for kids and teens ages 6 to 17 and free for kids ages 5 and under, or $25 per family of two adults and 2 or more children under 6. Visit thefells.org.

• The nationally touring Arts & Dance Company’s Hispanic Flamenco Ballet Ensemble will perform a matinee show at the Concord City Auditorium (2 Prince St., Concord) on Thursday, April 6. The show celebrates the art and culture of Latin America and Spain, featuring flamenco dancing in an immersive experience. Visit theaudi.org/events/matinee-arts-dance-company-on-tour-presents-flamenco-ballet.

• Join Etz Hayim Synagogue (1 ½ Hood Road, Derry) for a Passover Second Seder on Thursday, April 6, at 6 p.m. The meal will be catered by Levine’s Kosher Market and will include roast chicken, kugel, carrot tzimmes, chicken soup with matzo balls and gefilte fish and costs $49 for adults and $29 for kids ages 10 and under. Reserve online at etzhayim.org by March 26.

• New Hampshire Craft Beer Week, an annual 10-day celebration of the Granite State’s craft brewing industry, returns from Thursday, April 6, through Saturday, April 15. The campaign is presented by the New Hampshire Brewers Association and is meant to coincide with National Beer Day (April 7). Check back at nhbrewers.org or follow Craft Beer Week’s Facebook page @nhcraftbeerweek for updates on ongoing events and happenings as they become available.

• The Derry Author Fest will bring a day of books, speakers and panels to the Derry Public Library (64 E Broadway in Derry; 432-6140) on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Author Ann Dávila Cardinal kicks off the day with a keynote on “Writing from the In Between: Navigating Identity as a Writer Between Worlds,” according to a press release. Find the lineup of speakers and more at derryauthorfest.wordpress.com.

• The 14th annual Our Promise to Nicholas Indoor Maze to the Egg Hunt returns to New Hampshire Sportsplex (68 Technology Drive, Bedford) on Saturday, April 8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. There will be 15,000 plastic colored eggs filled with candy and prizes on the indoor fields for children to collect. Other festivities will include face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny and other mascots, games, DJ music, balloon creations, a bake sale, raffle baskets and an auction. Tickets cost $8 per person, $28 for four to seven people or $56 for eight people if purchased online in advance, and $10 per person at the door. Visit ourpromisetonicholas.com.

• Next year — April 8, 2024 — parts of New Hampshire will be in the “path of totality for a total solar eclipse! This hasn’t happened since 1959 and won’t happen again until 2079!” according to the website for the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827), which has started the countdown for the big event. On Saturday, April 8 (of this year), the Center will hold an “Eclipse Countdown Kick Off Event” from 1 to 4 p.m. with presentations, eclipse giveaways, solar telescope viewing with the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and pizza, according to the website. Admission prices are as usual: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and students 13 through college, $9 for kids ages 3 to 12 and free for children ages 2 and under.

• Get your orders in for a special pastry tray sale being offered by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (1160 Bridge St., Manchester). The cost is $35 per tray, which includes six pieces of baklava, six kourambiethes (powdered sugar cookies) and koulourakia (butter cookies), and orders must be placed by April 5 for pickup on Friday, April 14 (Greek Easter is observed on Sunday, April 16, this year). Contact parishioner Barb George at bitos1254@yahoo.com or at 925-330-9966 to place your order.

• And while you’re at it, join the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road, Londonderry) in welcoming the Easter Bunny by air travel on Saturday, April 1 — he’ll arrive at the museum at 11 a.m. via the student-built RV-12iS aircraft after a planned low pass over Runaway 35. After landing, he’ll taxi under a water cannon arch courtesy of the Manchester Airport Fire Department, greeting families in front of the museum, posing for pictures and giving out candy (courtesy of Granite State Candy Shoppe). The event will take place rain or shine, and the museum will be open for visitors, with regular admission charges applying. See nhahs.org.

• Charmingfare Farm (774 High St. in Candia; visitthefarm.com, 483-5623) will hold its Egg-City Egg Hunt on the weekends of Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, and Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9. Pick a time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (morning only on Easter Sunday, April 9) and kids ages 2 to 12 can hunt for candy-filled eggs, meet the Easter Bunny, meet farm animals and new spring baby animals, take a horse-drawn or tractor train ride and more, according to the website. Tickets cost $22 per person and will only be available online.

• New Hampshire poets and poetry lovers will have all kinds of opportunities throughout April to celebrate National Poetry Month, with readings, workshops, contests and more, spearheaded by state Poet Laureate Alexandria Peary in partnership with NHPR, NH Humanities Council, Poetry Society of NH and others. Peary will present a program on mindful writing techniques at Goffstown Public Library (2 High St., Goffstown) on Tuesday, April 4, and as an online event on Friday, April 14; a poetry reading at NHTI (31 College Drive, Concord) on Wednesday, April 12; a celebration of life for the poet Charles Simic at UNH (105 Main St., Durham) on Wednesday, April 19; and a teen poetry contest with Under the Madness Magazine (underthemadnessmagazine.com). See Peary’s blog, newhampshirepoetlaureate.blogspot.com, for updates on Poetry Month happenings.

• It’s almost time for baseball! The New Hampshire Fisher Cats are due to hold their home opener of the 2023 season on Tuesday, April 11, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive, Manchester) against the Portland Sea Dogs. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m., starting a six-game homestand that continues through Sunday, April 16. See nhfishercats.com for the full schedule of games, which runs through mid-September this year.

• Through the New Hampshire Astronomical Society’s Library Telescope Program, you can check out a telescope from your local library just as you would a book. April is full of astrological events, including the best day of the year to view Mercury on Tuesday, April 11, a hybrid solar eclipse the night of Wednesday, April 19, and a meteor shower expected to peak between Friday, April 21, and Sunday, April 23. Visit nhastro.com for a list of local libraries participating in the telescope program and to connect with a New Hampshire Astronomical Society member who can provide information about upcoming astrological events and tips on how to have your own skywatch.

• It’s Reba Live in Concert! Reba McEntire comes to the SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) on Thursday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. with special guests Terri Clark and The Isaacs. Tickets start at $49.75.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St., Manchester) presents its annual gala celebration on Friday, April 14, from 6 to 10 p.m. The evening will include a curated fine art auction, a reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner and a fundraising program highlighting the museum’s Art & Wellness programs. Attire is formal. Tickets cost $350 per person, and tables can be purchased for eight people. Visit currier.org/event/gala-celebration or call 669-6144

• The annual Made in New Hampshire “Try It & Buy It” Expo, presented by Business NH Magazine and Events NH, returns for a 26th year to the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown (700 Elm St.) from Friday, April 14, through Sunday, April 16. Show hours are from 1 to 7 p.m. on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, when attendees will have the opportunity to sample a wide variety of products and services made right here in the Granite State. Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 65 and over and for military service members, $3 for kids ages 2 to 12 and free for kids under 2. Visit madeinnhexpo.com or follow the event page on Facebook @madeinnhexpo to see the full list of this year’s participating vendors.

• The New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual “Drawn to the Music” concert on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at the Seifert Performing Arts Center at Salem High School (44 Geremonty Drive, Salem). The program will include music from Copland’s Appalachian Spring, as well as Rossini’s Overture “Barber of Seville,” Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ginastera’s “Estancia.” The concert is a collaborative arts project for which elementary school students from across New Hampshire submitted their original artwork inspired by the featured music. Tickets cost $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $8 for students and $5 for Salem School District students. Visit nhphil.org.

• After the Palace Theatre’s (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org, 668-5588) production of the musical Little Women wraps up this weekend (March 17 through March 19 with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday) the next big show on the schedule is the musical Rent, which opens Friday, April 21, and runs through Sunday, May 14. As with Little Women, shows run Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. along with a show on Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for adults cost $44 to $51, based on seating ($35 for 60+ and veterans; $30 for ages 6 to 12).

• The Anselmian Abbey Players of Saint Anselm College in Manchester will perform Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the college’s Dana Center for the Humanities (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester) with showtimes on Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $8 for youth and students. Visit anselm.edu/dana-center-humanities.

• Celebrate the joy of flipping through albums to find new-to-you tunes at Record Store Day on Saturday, April 22. Participating shops will have specialty releases (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, etc.) from a variety of artists. Find a complete list of the offerings this year at recordstoreday.com, where you can also find a list of area participating stores including Music Connection in Manchester; Metro City Records in Manchester; Pitchfork Records in Concord; Bull Moose in Salem, and Newbury Comics in Manchester and Nashua.

• Celebrate Earth Day — Saturday, April 22 — by getting out in the fresh air. Millennium Running’s Stonyfield Earth Day 5K & Fair starts at 9 a.m. and will feature a 3.1-mile course that starts and finishes in Londonderry’s West Soccer Complex (90 West Road), just steps away from the Stonyfield Earth Day Fair, which will include local vendors, live music, games and more. Visit millenniumrunning.com.

• The New Hampshire Audubon will celebrate Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, with a celebration at the Massabesic Center (26 Audubon Way in Auburn; 668-2045, nhaudubon.org) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $15 for a family of four and pre-registration is recommended, according to the website. The day will include guided walks, storytimes, live reptile meet-and-greets, live raptor presentations, crafts, a master gardener available for answering questions, food sales from the Walking Gourmet Food Truck and more.

• Head to Hampstead Congregational Church (61 Main St.) on Saturday, April 29, from noon to 5 p.m. for Hampstead Eats, the third annual food truck festival held outdoors on the church grounds. There will be a variety of options from local food trucks, along with live music, and a portion of the event proceeds goes toward the New Hampshire Food Bank. See “Hampstead Eats” on Facebook for updates as they become available.

• Among Symphony NH’s spring concert lineup is “Momentum! 100 Year Anniversary Concert” on Saturday, April 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com). According to symphonynh.org, the symphony “marks the anniversary of its very first concert to the day” with the celebration featuring cellist Amit Peled, and a movement from Schubert’s “unfinished” Symphony and Strauss’s “On the Beautiful Blue Danube,” two works played at the Symphony NH’s first concert in 1923. Tickets for the concert start at $39 for adults ($12 for ages 12 to 17 and free for children under 12 with an adult or senior ticket purchase). After the concert, Symphony NH will hold a gala from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Courtyard by Marriott Nashua; tickets to this dinner (which must be purchased separately) cost $110 for a single ticket or $1,000 for a table.

• Saturday, April 29, is Independent Bookstore Day, a nationwide celebration of independent bookstores and the book-lovers who frequent them. Participating bookstores sell merchandise released exclusively for that day, which may include special-edition books, signed art prints and covers and literary-themed novelty items. Some bookstores may host additional festivities, such as author visits, readings and book signings, live music, food, activities for kids, contests and giveaways and more. Visit indiebookstoreday.com to see a list of this year’s featured merchandise and to find a bookstore near you that is participating.

• New Hampshire Roller Derby returns to JFK Memorial Coliseum (303 Beech St., Manchester) with a season-opening doubleheader on Saturday, April 29, at 5 p.m. More home bouts are scheduled for Saturdays, May 20, June 24 and Aug. 5. Tickets cost $12 at the door; admission is free for kids age 12 and under and veterans. Visit nhrollerderby.com.

• After a successful comeback year in 2022, Taco Tour Manchester will return in full force to downtown Elm Street on Thursday, May 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. Now presented by the Greater Manchester Chamber, more than 60 area restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and other establishments will be participating in this year’s event, selling their signature tacos for $3 apiece. Each has a shot at winning a custom “Golden Taco Trophy,” in addition to $1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, as voted by taco tasters. New to this year’s Taco Tour will be a concert at Veterans Memorial Park (723 Elm St.), thanks to the support of 92.5 The River, with performing acts to be announced in the coming weeks. See tacotourmanchester.com for details.

• The Craftworkers’ Guild presents its Spring Craft Shop from Thursday, May 4, through Saturday, May 13, at the historic Kendall House (5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. There will be handmade items by more than 50 juried artisans and craftspeople, including seasonal decor, photography, fine art and prints, cards, gourmet treats, woodworking, fiber and fabrics, sewn and knit specialties, stained and fused glass art, mixed media, jewelry, doll clothes and more. Visit thecraftworkersguild.org.

• Get a little magic when the Champions of Magic come to the Nashua Center for the Arts (201 Main St. in Nashua; nashuacenterforthearts.com, 800-657-8774) on Thursday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $39 to $69.

• The two-day New Hampshire Farm, Forest & Garden Expo returns for its 40th year on Friday, May 5, and Saturday, May 6, this time at the Deerfield Fairgrounds (34 Stage Road). Expo hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, when there will be a wide array of local exhibitors, live animal visits, gardener showcases, workshops, demonstrations of farm machinery and other family-friendly activities. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under. Visit nhfarmandforestexpo.org to view the full schedule of expo happenings.

• Perhaps May’s best holiday, Free Comic Book Day takes place Saturday, May 6, at your favorite participating comic book shop. Get totally free comics produced especially for the day; see previews of this year’s books at freecomicbookday.com. Notables on the list so far include a Dog Man comic from Dav Pilkey, a Baby-Sitters Little Sisters comic, a graphic novel biography of Stan Lee, an Investi-Gators comic, Smurfs, Last Kid on Earth, Garbage Pail Kids and several Marvel titles. Local participants include Merrymac Games and Comics(550 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack) and the Double Midnight Comics in Manchester (252 Willow St.) and Concord (341 Loudon Road). For this first Free Comic Book Day at its new Manchester location, Double Midnight is offering free comics in the store and running a free comic con in The Factory’s event space, with artists and vendors, food trucks, a video game truck, movie cars, lawn games, lightsaber training, a scavenger hunt, live music, kids’ activities, costume contests and more, according to an email from Double Midnight’s Chris Proulx. Up in Concord it’s a more laid back Free Comic Book Day and a good alternative for families with kids who have sensory issues, he said. See dmcomics.com.

• Also doing Free Comic Book Day up big is Jetpack Comics (37 N. Main St. in Rochester; jetpackcomics.com), which is the hub for a city-wide Rochester Free Comic Book Day Festival, which starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m., according to the website. The day will include a free comic book scavenger hunt throughout the city, comic creators and special guests, vendors and others at the Event Hall at the Governor’s Inn, a food truck and beer garden, a costume contest at 4 p.m. and more. See the website for locations and other details.

• A few local farmers markets are due to start their seasons outdoors this spring. The Concord Farmers Market is one of the first — it’s due to return to Capitol Street in downtown Concord (adjacent to the Statehouse lawn) on Saturday, May 6, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, continuing every weekend through October, according to its website.

• The Senie Hunt Project performs at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St., Concord) on Friday, May 12, at 8 p.m. The blues rock band, fronted by guitarist and singer Senie Hunt, takes influence from classic blues rock and Southern rock and soul powerhouses such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and The Allman Brothers. Tickets cost $21.75. Visit ccanh.com/show/the-senie-hunt-project.

• If your kids love comics, comic book or movie characters, books in general, Jedi training, puppets, princesses, magic or dressing up as their own adventure creations, check out Kids Con New England, a comic book and pop culture convention for kids and families, on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Douglas N. Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road in Concord). Tickets cost $12 for adults and kids 5 and over (kids 4 and under get in free) and are available at kidsconne.com, where you can see the line-up of activities, participating authors and artists and more.

• Stock up on annuals, perennials, seedlings, veggie plants, herbs and more at a local garden club’s spring sale. The Amherst Garden Club’s annual sale takes place on Saturday, May 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside on the grounds of Wilkins School (180 Boston Post Road, Amherst); Nashua Garden Club’s sale is on Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Nashua Historical Society (5 Abbott St., Nashua); and Bedford Garden Club’s sale is also on Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bedford Village Common (15 Bell Hill Road, Bedford).

• Get big truck action when the Monster Jam comes to SNHU Arena (555 Elm St. in Manchester; snhuarena.com) on Saturday, May 13, at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 14, at 1 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 to $73, according to the arena website. See monsterjam.com for details on likely featured competitors (Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco, etc.) and for information on the Pit Party events scheduled for 10:30 a.m. each day, when you can meet drivers and see the trucks up close; tickets to the Pit Party cost $20, according to Ticketmaster.

• Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day — be sure to check back in early May for our annual listings detailing special Mother’s Day brunches at area eateries. The Bedford Village Inn (2 Olde Bedford Way), for instance, will serve a three-course prix fixe dinner that day, with reservations available from 2 to 7 p.m. The cost is $75 for adults and $39.98 for kids ages 10 and under. See bedfordvillageinn.com or call 472-2001 to make a reservation.

• Tickets are on sale now for the second annual New England Coffee Festival, returning to downtown Laconia on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20. Organized by Wayfarer Coffee Roasters in Laconia, the inaugural event last year drew more than 5,000 attendees to the area. “We received so much amazing feedback and are excited to elevate the next festival,” Karen Bassett of Wayfarer Coffee Roasters told the Hippo via email, going on to note that this year’s event will feature even more hands-on workshops and outdoor vendors than before, plus a “latte art throwdown” on the Main Stage of the Colonial Theatre in front of a grand audience. See newenglandcoffeefestival.com for the full schedule of events, or follow the event page on Facebook @newenglandcoffeefestival for updates as they become available.

• Preparations are now underway for the annual Greek food festival to return to St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church (500 W. Hollis St., Nashua) on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20. Following a series of pop-up and takeout events held the past few years, plans are in the works for this year’s event to return in person with a full menu. Visit stphilipnashua.com or follow the event page on Facebook @stphilipgreekfoodfestival.

• Explore all the natural beauty New Hampshire has to offer with a New Hampshire State Parks season pass. Passholders are guaranteed access to day-use parks with exemption from entrance fees. Passes, which are good for one year, cost $60 for individuals; $105 for New Hampshire resident families of up to two adults and up to four dependents; and $120 for non-resident families. Seacoast parking passes are also available for $175, granting one vehicle exemption from the $15 parking fees at Hampton Beach State Park and Wallis Sands State Park for one year. To purchase a pass, visit nhstateparks.org/planning/schedule-and-fees/passes-promotions.

Featured photo: Amherst Garden Club’s annual plant sale. Courtesy photo.

Compiled by
Matt Ingersoll, Mya Blanchard, Katelyn Sahagian and Angie Sykeny

listings@hippopress.com

Whether your kids are looking to boost their creativity with music, arts or theater, or stay active with sports like soccer, lacrosse or golf, they can find all of those opportunities and more at area summer camps. Did we miss one? Let us know at listings@hippopress.com.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

College Preparation; Find Your Voice – Jump Start Your College Essay The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/page/summer/college-prep
What: This intensive writing workshop is designed to create a space for 11th- and 12th-graders to begin drafting their college essay. In the collaborative setting, students will uncover their unique stories and draft an essay that truly reflects their values and life experiences. On the final day of the workshop, a college admissions officer will provide the college perspective on the personal statement and read essay drafts. Who: Students entering grades 11 and 12 When: Monday, June 26, through Friday, July 30, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (session is taught remotely) Cost: $395

SAT/ACT Preparation The Derryfield School, 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/page/summer/college-prep
What: Students will learn strategies and components of the SAT and ACT from Derryfield teachers and test-prep instructors in one-on-one settings as well as with group work. Who: Students entering grades 11 and 12 When: Verbal sessions run Monday through Friday from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m., and math sessions run from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m., dates offered July 31 to Aug. 4. Cost: Ranges from $395 for half-day sessions to $685 for full-day sessions

ART

Creative Ventures Art Gallery 411 Nashua St., Milford, 672-2500, creativeventuresfineart.com
What: Programs include a nature-inspired art camp for kids and an art camp for teens. Who: Nature-inspired art camp is open to ages 8 through 12, and teen art camp is open to ages 12 through 16. When: Monday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon each day; teen art camp runs Monday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Cost: $125

Currier Art Center, 180 Pearl St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org/education-programs
What: The Currier Museum of Art’s education center will offer five weeks of summer programming. Who: Varies by program. When: Program dates are TBA. Cost: Call for details. Online registration opens in early March.

Kimball Jenkins School of Art 266 N. Main St., Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com/summer-camp-2023
What: Campers explore artistic media, including sculpture, painting, clay, printmaking, drawing and more, and spend time outdoors, collaborating in group activities and learning about history. This year’s camp week themes include Branching Out, Art Olympics, Into the Wild, Fantasy & Cosplay, Mythology & Folklore, Kinetic Art, Choose Your Own Adventure and Bite Sized Art. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 Cost: $300 per week.

New England College’s Institute of Arts & Design Pre-College Summer Program, 148 Concord St., Manchester, 623-0313, nec.edu/precollege
What: Two-week residency program for high school students that includes college-level courses covering creative writing and visual arts, and elective courses and workshops in sculpture, mixed media, comic arts, drawing and painting, game design, graphic design, illustration, photography and portfolio development. Campers who complete the program are eligible to earn up to four college credits. Who: Students ages 14 through 18. Space is limited — apply by May 1 for priority consideration. When: July 9 through July 22 Cost: $3,200 for the Resident Program, which includes on-campus housing, meals and materials, and $2,200 for the Commuter Program, which includes meals and materials.

Studio 550 Kids Art Camp Studio 550 Community Art Center, 550 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com
What: Programs include an Arts Explorer camp, in which students sample a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms, working with paint, paper, pencil and clay; and a Clay camp for teens and tweens, in which students learn the basics of the pottery wheel as well as various sculpting techniques. Who: Arts Explorer camp is open to ages 8 and up; Clay camp is open to ages 11 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, in half-day sessions. Dates TBA. Cost: Call for details.

DANCE

Alicia’s School of Dance 563 Route 106, Loudon, 496-9762, aliciasschoolofdance.com
What: Campers will learn all styles of dance, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip-hop, and will also have the opportunity to play games and make crafts. A mini performance will be held on the last day of camp. Who: Ages 6 and up When: Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day Cost: $130 per child, plus a $25 required deposit. Register by June 30.

Broadway Bound Performing Arts Center 501 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 429-8844, broadwayboundpac.com
What: Programs include a two-week Musical Theatre Camp, in which campers will prepare and perform a junior production of Annie; Kids Dance Camp, where campers will practice various styles of dance, singing and acting and participate in theater games and crafts; and an Intensive Dance Camp, modeled after the intensive dance workshops in New York City. Who: Kids Dance Camp is open to ages 4 through 11, and Musical Theatre Camp welcomes campers ages 6 through 15 as performers and campers ages 14 through 18 as assistants and backstage crew. When: Musical Theatre Camp runs July 10 through July 22; Kids Dance Camp runs July 30 through Aug. 4; and Intensive Dance Camp runs Aug. 7 through Aug. 11. Cost: $500 for Musical Theatre Camp and $275 for the Kids Dance Camp and the Intensive Dance Camp. A $50 deposit is required to reserve a spot.

Concord Dance Academy 26 Commercial St., Concord, 226-0200, concorddanceacademy.com
What: Recreational dance camp teaches a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. A mini camp for younger children and an intensive camp for serious dancers are also offered. Who: Recreational dance camp is open to ages 4 through 12; mini camp is for ages 3 through 5; and intensive camp is open to ages 8 through 13. When: Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a full day and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a half day. Cost: $250 for a full-day week and $150 for a half-day week.

Martin School of Dance 288 Route 101, Suite 202, Bedford, 488-2371, martinschoolofdance.com
What: Dance camp features dance instruction, crafts, outdoor activities and more. games, crafts and more. Themed weeks include Princess Tea Party, Under the Sea, Safari Adventure and Tropical Vacation. A three-week dance intensive is also offered. Who: Camp is open to ages 3 through 6, and the intensive program is open to ages 7 through 18. When: Camp dates are offered July 10 through Aug. 25. Intensive runs July 24 through Aug. 11. Programs run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cost: Varies, depending on the program.

Miss Kelsey’s Dance Studio 2626 Brown Ave., Manchester, 606-2820, mkdance.com
What: Dance camps include a half-day afternoon camp with the theme All Things Disney; and two full-day camps with the themes Under the Sea and Spa Retreat. Who: All Things Disney is for ages 6 and up, Under the Sea is for ages 5 and up and Spa Retreat is for ages 8 and up. When: All Things Disney runs Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. each day; Under the Sea runs Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Spa Retreat runs from Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Call for details

Nancy Chippendale’s Dance Studios 49 Range Road, Building No. 2, Suite A, Windham, 458-7730, chippswindham.com
What: Programs include themed dance camps like Princess Power, Popstar Bop and Royal Academy, as well as a dance boot camp. Who: Themed camps are open to dancers in preschool through grade 2, and boot camp is open to dancers in grades 2 through 12. When: Themed camps are offered July 24 through Aug. 4 and Aug. 21 through Aug. 25 and run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon each day; boot camp runs Monday, Aug. 7 through Friday, Aug. 11. Cost: Themed camps are $250 and boot camp is $500

New England School of Dance 679 Mast Road, Manchester, 935-7326, newenglandschoolofdance.com
What: A week-long summer intensive and musical theater workshop provides a comprehensive multi-level experience for dancers with at least two years of dance training that includes technique classes in a variety of dance styles, mind-body wellness sessions, stretch workshops, Progressing Ballet Technique, pilates, dance-related art projects, choreography exploration and more, culminating with a showcase performance for family and friends. Two-day mini camps are also offered for younger dancers. Who: The intensive is open to ages 6 through 19, and the mini camps are for ages 3 through 6. When: The intensive runs Monday, July 24, through Saturday, July 29; mini camps are offered various dates from July 18 through Aug. 10 Cost: Mini camps are $110 each, and the intensive is $750, with a musical theater workshop for an additional $50.

Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater 19 Harvey Road, Bedford, 637-4398, snhdt.org
What: Programs include Princess Camp and Prima Ballerina Camp; the Young Dancer Workshop for beginner and intermediate dancers; a Nutcracker Dance Intensive; and a three-week Summer Intensive for serious dancers. Who: Princess and Prima Ballerina camps are open to ages 3 through 5; Young Dancer Workshop is open to ages 6 through 12; the Nutcracker Intensive is for ages 8 through 11; and the Summer Intensive is for ages 10 and up. When: Princess Camp is offered June 27 through June 29 and July 11 through July 13; Prima Ballerina Camp is offered July 6 through July 8; the Nutcracker Intensive runs Aug. 14 through Aug. 18; the Young Dancer Workshop runs July 17 through July 21; and the Summer Intensive runs July 24 through Aug. 11. Cost: $165 for Princess and Prima Ballerina camp; $225 for Young Dancer Workshop and Nutcracker Intensive; and the Summer Intensive ranges from $750 to $1,500, depending on the number of weeks.

GENERAL INTEREST

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central New Hampshire Locations in Andover, Concord, Epsom, Holderness, Hopkinton, Laconia, New London, Pittsfield, Stoddard, Sutton Warner and Weare, 224-1061, nhyouth.org
What: Each center offers general camps and specialty camps, with activities that include arts and crafts, sports, water games, field trips and more. Who: Children entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from the end of the school year through Aug. 25 Cost: $185 per week if registered before May 1, plus a $40 registration fee.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem 3 Geremonty Drive, Salem, 898-7709, salembgc.org
What: Activities include field trips, swimming, gym, games, outdoor play and more. Who: Ages 4 and up When: 10-week sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 25 (no camp Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4) Cost: $260 per week ($156 for the shortened week of July 5 through 7), plus a $50 membership fee

Boys & Girls Club of Manchester Camp Foster, 36 Camp Allen Road, Bedford; Union Street Clubhouse, 555 Union St., Manchester; 625-5031, mbgcnh.org
What: A wide variety of activities are available to campers each day. Camp Foster (grades 1 through 7) features daily activities like swimming, arts and crafts, playgrounds, field games, athletics, hiking and canoeing. The Teen Adventure Camp (grades 8 and up) features weekly adventure field trips, like beach trips, hiking and biking. Teen campers split the rest of their days between programming at Camp Foster and the Union Street Clubhouse. The Club also remains open for its oldest campers all summer long with a drop-in program of daily and special activities. Who: Grades 1 through 12 When: Various days and times, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 25 (no camps on Tuesday, July 4). Cost: $185 per week ($150 for the week of July 4), plus a $25 membership fee

Brentwood Recreation Day Camp 190 Route 125, Brentwood, hosted by the Brentwood Parks & Recreation Department, 642-6400, brentwoodnh.gov/recreation What: Traditional day camp with activities like weekly field trips, arts and crafts, team-building activities, games and more. Who: Children entering grades 1 through 8 When: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are also available. Cost: Online registration of a $100 deposit for Brentwood residents and $150 for non-residents is required to hold your spot. Weekly rates are $150 for residents and $175 for non-residents through June 1. After June 1 they are raised $175 and $200, respectively.

Camp 603 13 Blevens Drive, Concord, 568-8107, camp603.com
What: Activities include trips to Lake Winnisquam for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and other water sports; Mount Major, Mount Cardigan and other local mountains for days of hiking; and Hampton Beach for beach trips, swimming and more. Who: Ages 10 to 16 When: Weekly sessions run from Monday through Friday, dates offered July 10 through July 28 Cost: $975/week

Camp Kettleford 26 Camp Allen Road, Bedford, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, 888-474-9686, girlscoutsgwm.org
What: Set on 30 wooded acres on the shore of Sebbins Pond, this traditional day camp features swimming, boating, archery, cooking out, day trips and more. Who: Girls who will be entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 (closed from Monday, July 3, through Friday, July 7) Cost: $350 per week, or $625 for two-week sessions.

Camp Lincoln 67 Ball Road, Kingston, 642-3361, ymcacamplincoln.org, hosted by Southern District YMCA, sdymca.org
What: A wide variety of programming is available to campers, with activities that include archery, arts and crafts, hiking, boating, basketball, baseball, ropes courses, climbing walls and more. Who: Ages 3 and up When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 25 — see program guide online for details on programming as it pertains to each age group Cost: Ranges from $330 to $345 per one-week session, or $660 to $690 per two-week session, depending on the camper’s age.

Camp Lovewell 2nd Nature Academy, 10 Groton Road, Nashua, 881-4815, camplovewell.com
What: Campers will enjoy hiking, field games and sports, swimming, skits and songs, kayaking, arts and crafts, a ropes course and more. Who: Ages 6 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4) Cost: $400 per week for kids entering grades 1 through 3, and $390 per week for kids entering grades 4 through 9. Extended care is also available, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. or from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Camp Ponemah Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, ext. 272, hampshirehills.com/camp-ponemah
What: Day camps feature activities like swimming, tennis, weekly field trips, crafts, dance parties, playgrounds, trails, games and more. Who: Kids entering kindergarten through 7th grade. A full-day camp for teenagers called Troop T is available for campers entering 8th grade, and there is also a half-day camp called Little Warriors for kids ages 3 and 4. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 12 through Aug. 25 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Camp Ponemah starts at $283 per week for Hampshire Hills Athletic Club members and $367 per week for non-members. Troop T is $256 per week for members and $347 for non-members. Little Warriors is $85 for two days and $160 for four days for members and $119 for two days and $228 for four days for non-members.

Camp Seawood 350 Banfield Road, Portsmouth, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, 888-474-9686, girlscoutsgwm.org
What: Set among pine forests, wetlands and wildlife, this traditional day camp features archery, cooking out, nature hikes, day trips and more. Who: Girls who will be entering kindergarten through 8th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered July 10 through Aug. 4 Cost: $350 per week, or $625 for two-week sessions.

Camp Starfish 12 Camp Monomonac Road, Rindge, 899-9590, campstarfish.org What: Camp Starfish provides structured, nurturing and fun group programs to foster the success and growth of children with emotional, behavioral or learning problems. Who: Kids and teens ages 6 and up When: Weekly camps run from June 25 through Aug. 19 Cost: Rates vary depending on type of camp.

Camp Trek Teen Adventure Camp 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merimackparksandrec.org
What: Camp Trek Teen Adventure Camp is a trip- and activity-based summer camp program geared towards campers entering grades 5 to 9 in Fall 2023. Camp Trek is intended as an alternative to the traditional day camp experience found at Merrimack Parks & Recreation’s Naticook Day Camp. Each week of the summer will feature a mix of traditional camp activities, along with five weekly field trips exploring destinations across New England. Camp tuition fees include transportation and admissions fees to all field trip destinations, as well as activities when they are at Wasserman Park. Who: Kids entering grades 5 to 9 When: Nine weekly sessions, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18 Cost: $320 per week for Merrimack residents, and $370 per week for non-residents

Camp Witzel McKelvie Intermediate School, 108 Liberty Hill Road, Bedford, hosted by the Bedford Parks & Recreation Department, 472-5242, BedfordRecOnline.com What: A traditional summer day camp featuring themed weeks (past themes have been Let’s Go Green and Gold Rush Week), in addition to games, crafts, swimming on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and weekly field trips on Wednesdays. Who: Ages 6 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 11. Before and after care is also available. Cost: Varies, depending on how many days per week are chosen and on the camper’s residential status.

Candia Springs Adventure Camps Candia Springs Adventure Park,446 Raymond Road, Candia, 587-2093, candiasprings.com/camps
What: Activities include ziplining, aerial ropes courses, arts and crafts, color wars, nature walks, fire building, shelter building and archery. Each week also features a different theme. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18 Cost: $269 per week; full payment is due by May 1

Dreamers’ Ranch 125 N. Lowell Road, Windham, 327-4449, youthstorm.org
What: Dreamers’ Camp (ages 8 to 12), according to Dreamers’ Ranch’s website, is a faith-based camp hosted in an outdoor setting offering activities like experiential entrepreneurship games, gardening, farm and animal care and more. Other programs include a Little Dreamers’ Camp (ages 6 and 7), a youth cattle program (ages 10 to 14) at Normanton Farms in Litchfield, a cowgirl camp (girls ages 13 and up) and Follow Your Dreams Farm in Derry and a young entrepreneurs program (ages 10 to 17) Who: Ages 6 to 17 When: Dreamers’ Camp runs Monday, July 31, through Thursday, Aug. 4 (Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 a.m., overnight on the ranch. Little Dreamers’ Camp runs Monday, Aug. 7, through Thursday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. The youth cattle program has three sessions available, Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 20 to June 22, July 18 to July 20 and Aug. 15 to 17. Cowgirl camp runs Friday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m., overnight through 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. Dates and times of the youth entrepreneurs program TBA Cost: Varies depending on the program; see website for details

Granite Base Camp 300 Blondin Road, Manchester, 617-615-0004, experiencebasecamp.org
What: With a focus on character development, leadership skills and personal fitness, this outdoor camp features a variety of hands-on activities, such as archery, swimming, crafts and more. A special family camp program is also available, offering a variety of open areas for families to enjoy activities like arts and crafts, camping and hiking together. Who: Rising 1st- to 5th-graders When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered July 3 through Aug. 18 (no camp on Tuesday, July 4). The family camp has two sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, dates offered July 21 and July 22 or Aug. 4 and Aug. 5. Cost: $330 for Granite Base Camp and $50 per attendee for family camp

IMAGINE Camps New Morning Schools, 23 Back River Road, Bedford, 669-3591, newmorningschools.com
What: Campers enjoy various cognitive and physical activities that encourage social, emotional and problem-solving skills. There will also be organized gym games, STEAM activities, outside play and themed art projects. School-age campers can enjoy choice-based enrichment activities throughout the day that challenge them to try new things while being in a fun and dynamic environment. Who: Boys and girls entering kindergarten through 6th grade can join the IMAGINE program, and children ages 3 to 6 can join the preschool camp. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (preschool hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), dates offered June 12 through Aug. 25 Cost: $325 per week or $75 per day

Naticook Summer Day Camp Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org What: Campers participate in a wide variety of activities, including swimming, boating, group games, team building, archery, drama, nature exploration, sports, arts and crafts, special events and more. Who: Kids who will be entering kindergarten through 5th grade. Campers entering 5th grade also have the option to move up to the Camp Trek program for grades 5 through 9; see that listing for details. When: Nine weekly sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18 Cost: $290 per week for Merrimack residents and $340 per week for non-residents

New Hampshire SPCA New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Learning Center, 104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 772-2921, nhspca.org What: With various programs combining fun and education, campers will interact with animals and participate in service projects, crafts, games and more. Who: Ages 6 to 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (half days for ages 6 and 7 are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; full days for ages 8 to 12 are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday), offered various weeks from June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camps on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4) Cost: Ranges from $100 to $325 per week, depending on the number of days, the camper’s age and the length of each session. Registration begins March 6.

Pelham Veterans Memorial Park Summer Camp 109 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Pelham, 635-2721, pelhamweb.com
What: Activities include swimming, kayaking, field games, mock olympics, arts and crafts, talent shows and field trips. Who: Ages 6 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., dates offered July 10 through Aug. 18 Cost: $575 for the full six-week session

SummerQuest and Enrichment Camp at World Academy 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 888-1982, worldacademynh.com
What: Activities at SummerQuest (kindergarten through grade 4) include arts and crafts, games, cooking activities and much more, all intended to encourage the child’s creativity and imagination. The Enrichment Camp (grades 4 through 8) features a project-based learning curriculum integrating English and math skills, along with theme-based activities like swimming, field trips, and team-building exercises. Who: Kids entering kindergarten through grade 8 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for SummerQuest and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Enrichment Camp, dates offered June 20 through Aug. 25 Cost: $320 per week for SummerQuest and $350 per week for the Enrichment Camp. Extended hours are also available for both camps for an additional $20 per week.

UNH Youth Programs and Camps University of New Hampshire, Thompson Hall, 105 Main St., Durham, 862-7227, unh.edu/youthprograms
What: More than 50 programs are offered in a variety of areas, from academic enrichment and creative arts to athletics, STEM and traditional camp recreation. See website for a full list. Who: Boys and girls ages 5 and up When: Various dates/times from June through August Cost: Varies depending on the program.

YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown Branch of Granite YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, 497-4663, graniteymca.org
What: Kids at Camp Halfmoon (ages 6 to 11) and Camp Quartermoon (ages 4 to 5) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available including sports and specialty camps (ages 6 to 13), Discovery Camp (ages 6 to 11), gymnastics camps (ages 4 to 15), tennis camp (ages 7 to 15), adventure camps (ages 10 to 14), teen camps (ages 12 to 16), leadership camps (ages 14 to 16), and more. Who: Ages 4 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA Day Camp of Hooksett Branch of Granite YMCA, Hooksett Memorial School, 5 Memorial Drive, Hooksett, 497-4663, graniteymca.org
What: Campers participate in weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Teen camp (ages 11 to 13) and leadership camps (ages 14 to 16) are also available. Who: Ages 5 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Concord Branch of Granite YMCA, 15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622, graniteymca.org
What: Kids at Camp Mowkawogan (ages 5 to 11) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Leadership camp (ages 13 to 14) is also available. Who: Ages 5 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Downtown Manchester Branch of Granite YMCA, 30 Mechanic St., Manchester, 623-3558, graniteymca.org
What: Kids at Camp Namoskeag will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available including sports camps, specialty camps and more. Who: Ages 6 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Greater Londonderry Branch of Granite YMCA, 206 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 437-9622, graniteymca.org
What: Kids at Camp Pa-Gon-Ki (kindergarten to Grade 9) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available, including Windham Explorers Camp (kindergarten to Grade 8), Derry Voyagers Camp (kindergarten to Grade 5), sports and specialty camps (grades 2 to 8), leadership camps (ages 14 to 16) and more. Who: Ages 5 to 16 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp.

YMCA of Greater Nashua 10 Cotton Road, Suite 1, Nashua, nmymca.org/summercamps
What: Summer camps at the YMCA of Greater Nashua are all about discovery — kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, build on sports skills, make new friendships and more. Day camp options are available for ages 3 through Grade 12 at each of the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s branches (24 Stadium Drive, Nashua; Westwood Park, 90 Northwest Blvd., Nashua; 6 Henry Clay Drive, Merrimack) as well as at Camp Sargent (141 Camp Sargent Road, Merrimack) Who: Ages 3 and up When: Various dates offered throughout the summer, beginning in June and through Sept. 1 Cost: Varies.

YMCA of Strafford County Branch of Granite YMCA, 63 Lowell St., Rochester, 332-7334, graniteymca.org
What: Kids at Camp Coney Pine (ages 4 to 12) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like archery, adventure, swimming, arts and crafts, and more. Specialty programs are also available including coding camp (ages 8 to 12), lego camp (ages 8 to 12), fort building camp (ages 5 to 12), ultimate sports camp (ages 8 to 12), art camp (ages 8 to 12), teen trip camp (ages 13 to 14), leadership camp (ages 13 to 14) and more. Who: Ages 4 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on Monday, July 3, or Tuesday, July 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp selection.

YMCA of the Seacoast Branch of Granite YMCA, 176 Tuttle Lane, Greenland, 431-2334, graniteymca.org
What: Kids at Camp Gundalow (ages 5 to 13) will enjoy weekly themes and activities like swimming, field games, sports, arts and crafts and more. Specialty programs are also available including ultimate sports camp (ages 8 to 12), theater camp (ages 8 to 12), lego camp (ages 8 to 12), football camp (ages 8 to 12), soccer camp (ages 8 to 12), art camp (ages 8 to 12), leadership camp (ages 14 to 15) and more. Who: Ages 5 to 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (no camp on July 3 or 4). Before and after care are both also available for an extra charge. Cost: Varies by week and camp selection.

MULTIMEDIA

Flip the Script Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: Campers work together to write, film, direct, star in, and edit science videos that are creative, factual, and fun. Who: Ages 10 to 14 When: One-week session runs Monday, July 24, through Friday, July 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cost: $300 for the week

Londonderry Access Center Media Camp 281 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 432-1100, lactv.com
What: Kids will learn to make better-quality videos appropriate for YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, composing shots and learning about editing and graphic design. They’ll learn not only about short-form videos but also longer television shows in a professional studio setting, where they get to be the camera operator, sound technician and director. New this year is a podcast studio, where campers can put their voiceover skills and podcasting ideas to the test. Who: Rising 5th- to 8th-graders When: Two-week session runs Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 21 (campers must be able to attend for the entire two week session) Cost: $85

MUSIC

Concord Community Music School 23 Wall St., Concord, 228-1196, ccmusicschool.org
What: Programs include a weekly Music & Movement program for young children and their caregivers that includes songs, stories, movement games, rhythm instruments, improvisation, art, dance and more; a Piano Dynamos Camp for piano students with at least one year of study that includes instruction in ear training, theory, sight reading, improvisation, practice strategies and more; Folk Frontier Camp for string players with at least one year of study that includes building musical skills, learning about folk traditions and performing in a group; Summer Jam Camp, where campers of all experience levels can play their chosen instruments in a collaborative setting, exploring a variety of musical genres while developing ensemble skills, working in a recording studio and creating an album together; and Creative Arts Camp, where campers will create musical, dance and visual arts pieces Who: Music & Movement is open to children ages 5 months through 7 years and their caregivers; Piano Dynamos is open to ages 9 through 15; Folk Frontier is open to ages 8 through 16; Summer Jam is open to students entering grades 5 through 12; and Creative Arts is open to students entering grades 1 through 6. When: Music & Movement is held on Tuesday mornings, June 6 through July 18; Piano Dynamos runs Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, (full-day sessions); Folk Frontier runs Monday, July 10, through Friday, July 14 (full-day sessions); Jam Camp runs Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21 (half-day sessions); and Creative Arts runs Monday through Friday and is offered for three weeks, from July 24 through Aug. 11. Cost: $350 for Piano Dynamos, Folk Frontier and per week of Creative Arts; $275 for Jam Camp; rates for Music & Movement are TBA.

Manchester Community Music School 2291 Elm St., Manchester, 644-4548, mcmusicschool.org
What: AtMusical Exploration Camp, campers will explore a variety of musical instruments, play musical games and grow in their musical knowledge. Who: Grades 1 through 3, and grades 4 through 6 When: Camp for grades 1 through 3 runs Monday, July 31, through Friday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon; camp for grades 4 through 6 runs Monday, Aug. 7, through Friday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Cost: $225

Nashua Community Music School 2 Lock St., Nashua; outdoor programs will be held at Greeley Park Bandshell, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 881-7030, nashuacms.org What: Outdoor music camp themes include Instrument Safari, Broadway Babies and Music Around the World. Indoor music camp themes include Broadway Week, Rise Up & Create and DJ Camp. Three-day ensemble programs for preteens and teens include Chamber Ensemble, Rock Band and Voices of Steel. Who: Outdoor camps are for ages 4 through 7; indoor camps are for ages ranging from 8 through 14, depending on the camp; and ensemble programs are for ages 12 through 17. When: Outdoor and indoor camp weeks are offered July 10 through July 28 and run Monday through Friday, outdoor camp in half-day sessions, and indoor camp in full-day sessions. Ensemble programs run on various dates in August. Cost: $185 for outdoor camps, $325 for indoor camps, and $150 for ensemble programs.

Walden School Young Musicians Program 18 Lehmann Way, Dublin, 415-648-4710, waldenschool.org/young-musicians-program
What: A five-week music residency camp where campers study musicianship, composition, improvisation, music theory, computer music and chorus at the school’s Dublin campus. Who: Ages 9 to 18 When: June 24 through July 30. An abbreviated three-week program is available for students who have not yet completed 8th grade. Apply by April 5. Cost: $9,300 for the five-week residency, which includes full tuition, room and board; $6,200 for the abbreviated three-week residency. There is a $55 non-refundable application fee. Need-based financial aid is available.

NATURE

Beaver Brook Nature Camps Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org What: Campers will explore, learn and play outside, building forts in the forest, catching frogs, cooking at the campfire, hiking, drawing, learning survival skills and more. Who: Pre-K through 9th grade When: Sessions run from June 26 through Aug. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: TBA; registration opens March 1 for Beaver Brook Association members, March 6 for non-members

Educational Farm Camp Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, 174 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford, 472-4724, theeducationalfarm.org
What: Each week features a different theme based on animals living at the farm. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the farm and forest grounds, interact with the animals, and engage in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. Who: Ages 5 to 8 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, half days from 9 a.m. to noon, and full days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18 Cost: $175 per half-day week, $325 per full-day week

Lake Discovery Family Days New Hampshire Boat Museum, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro Falls, 569-4554, nhbm.org
What: This program features a variety of hands-on activities related to New Hampshire’s lakes, rivers and streams, including boating safety, boat games and building, science experiments, arts and crafts, map-making and more. Who: Grades K through 5 When: Thursdays, June 29, July 27 and Aug. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Cost: Free

New Hampshire Audubon Nature Day Camps McLane Audubon Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord; Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn; 224-9909, nhaudubon.org
What: Programs include a half-day Wonders Camp for ages 4 and 5; Discovery Camp (ages 6 through 9), featuring hikes, crafts, storytelling, games and live animal presentations; Explorers Camp (ages 10 through 12), which includes field trips, hiking, swimming and conservation projects; and Leaders-in-Training (ages 13 through 15) for teens interested in building leadership skills and becoming camp counselors in the future. Who: Ages 4 to 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (9 a.m. to noon for Wonders Camp), dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 Cost: Ranges from $180 to $300.

Paleontology Camp North End Montessori School, 698 Beech St., Manchester, 621-9011, northendmontessori.com
What: Campers will learn about fossils and dinosaurs, from Allosaurus to Zephyrosaurus, as well as various aspects of paleontology, from archeological digs to identifying dinosaur skeletons. Who: Ages 3 to 10 When: Summer session runs June 19 through Sept. 1 Cost: Call for details

Pony Farm Summer Camp Touchstone Farm, 13 Pony Farm Lane, Temple, 654-6308, touchstone-farm.org
What: The camp integrates horseback riding into its program, and each camper has a horse or pony of her own during her stay to ride and care for. Campers may also bring their own horses to ride. Small group riding lessons are also offered. Who: Girls ages 8 to 14 When: Sessions run Sunday through Saturday, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 12 Cost: $1,100 for a one-week session or $2,150 for a two-week session, with a 50 percent deposit required to hold the spot.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, 968-7194, nhnature.org
What: Programs include week-long outdoor natural adventure camps taught by experienced naturalists and educators. Who: Preschoolers through 12th grade When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 11 Cost: Ranges from $390 to $435, depending on the program; registration will open in March

OVERNIGHT

Camp Allen 56 Camp Allen Road, Bedford, 622-8471, campallennh.org
What: Activities include nature exploration, creative arts, games, sports, music and more. Residential and day camp options available. Who: Campers ages 6 and up When: Sessions run various days and durations. Residential camp runs from June 11 to Aug. 25. Day camp runs from June 19 to Aug. 18 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Day camp programs are $475 per week; residential camp programs range from $1,050 to $2,250 per week

Camp Bernadette 83 Richards Road, Wolfeboro, 931-5500, bfcamp.com
What: Traditional overnight camp for girls, with activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, baseball, softball, lacrosse, ropes courses, archery, arts and crafts and more. Who: Girls ages 5 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week, six-week or eight-week sessions, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 12 Cost: Starts at $1,950 per two-week session

Camp Birch Hill 333C Birch Hill Road, New Durham, 859-4525, campbirchhill.com What: Campers can choose their own schedule from dozens of available activities, including land sports, water sports, arts and crafts, zip-lining, rock-climbing, ropes courses and more. Who: Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 When: Two-, four- and six-week sessions run various days/weeks from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 5 (some sessions may be full or near capacity — see website for the most up-to-date details) Cost: Starts at $3,600 for a two-week session, $6,400 for a four-week session and $7,600 for a six-week session; payment is due by June 1

Camp Brookwoods 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, 875-3600, christiancamps.net
What: A Christian-based outdoor camping experience for boys Who: Boys ages 8 to 16 When: Various one-week, two-week, four-week or eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 19 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Starts at $1,345 for a one-week session and $2,745 for a two-week session

Camp Carpenter 300 Blondin Road, Manchester; hosted by Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America, 625-6431, nhscouting.org
What: Located on the outskirts of Manchester, Camp Carpenter is a 250-acre wooded property offering outdoor activities such as archery, BB gun shooting, field sports, scout skills and more. Camp Carpenter consists of nine campsites, six Adirondack shelters, eight unheated cabins and program theme areas. Who: Rising 1st- to 5th-graders When: Overnight sessions are from Sunday through Thursday, dates offered July 9 through Aug. 10. Cost: $600

Camp Deer Run 34 Camp Brookwoods Road, Alton, 875-3600, christiancamps.net What: A Christian-based outdoor camping experience for girls Who: Girls ages 8 to 16 When: Various one-week, two-week, four-week or eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 19 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Starts at $1,345 for a one-week session and $2,745 for a two-week session

Camp Deerwood Route 3, Deerwood Road, Holderness, 279-4237, campdeerwood.com
What: A resident camp for boys with activities like ceramics, mountain biking, riflery, archery, tennis, woodworking, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming and more. Who: Boys ages 8 to 15 When: One full eight-week session or two half four-week sessions are available, dates offered June 24 through Aug. 12 Cost: $5,900 for a half session and $10,200 for the full session

Camp Fatima 32 Fatima Road, Gilmanton Iron Works, 931-5500, bfcamp.com What: Traditional overnight camp for boys, with activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing, baseball, softball, lacrosse, ropes courses, archery, arts and crafts and more. Who: Boys ages 5 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week or six-week sessions, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 12 Cost: Starts at $1,950 per two-week session

Camp Foss 242 Willey Pond Road, Strafford, 269-3800; hosted by the Granite YMCA, 232-8642, graniteymca.org
What: Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience with arts and crafts, archery, various sports, swimming, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and more. Who: Girls ages 8 through 15 When: One-week sessions offered each week from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 12; two-week sessions are offered from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 5 Cost: $1,350 for one week and $2,300 for two weeks.

Camp Fully Involved New Hampshire State Fire Academy, 222 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, info@campfullyinvolved.com, campfullyinvolved.com
What: Camp for girls considering a career in firefighting or emergency medical services. Curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the firefighting profession through hands-on drills and activities. Please note that this camp is very intense and physically demanding. Who: Girls ages 14 through 20 When: Sunday, July 30, through Friday, Aug. 4 Cost: $400

Camp Gottalikeachallenge Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro; Lions Camp Pride, 180 Lions Camp Pride Way, New Durham; 868-2140, campgottalikeachallenge.org
What: Camp Gottalikeachallenge is a one-week overnight creativity camp. Campers dabble in plenty of hands-on learning and challenging activities, from muscle-stretching games to programs focusing on critical thinking, leadership skills, problem-solving and teamwork. Who: Ages 10 to 14 (going into grades 5 to 9) When: Overnight sessions run Sunday through Friday, dates offered July 30 to Aug. 4 (at Lions Camp Pride) and Aug. 6 to Aug. 11 (at Brewster Academy) Cost: $775; financial assistance is available. A 10 percent early-bird discount applies for registrations submitted by March 31.

Camp Kabeyun 43 Camp Kabeyun Road, Alton Bay, 875-3060, kabeyun.org
What: A resident camp for boys with activities like archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses, stand-up paddleboarding and more. Who: Boys ages 7 to 16 When: Two-week, four-week, six-week and eight-week sessions are available, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 18 (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: Starts at $4,490 for an introductory two-week session

Camp Mi-Te-Na 65 YMCA Road, Alton, 776-3000; hosted by the Granite YMCA, 232-8642, graniteymca.org
What: Campers enjoy a traditional camp experience with arts and crafts, archery, various sports, swimming, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and more. Who: Boys ages 8 through 15 When: One- and two-week sessions offered from Sunday, June 25, through Saturday, Aug. 19 Cost: $1,350 for one week and $2,300 for two weeks; discounts are available for current Granite YMCA members

Camp Quinebarge 100 Sibley Road, Moultonborough, 253-6029, campquinebarge.com
What: An overnight camp offering activities like swimming, boating, fencing, archery, horseback riding, ropes courses, a zip-line and much more. Who: Ages 6 to 16 When: Residential camp runs for two-week, four-week, six-week or eight-week sessions, dates offered June 25 to Aug. 19 Cost: Starts at $3,925 per two-week session

Camp Sno Mo Hidden Valley Reservation, 260 Griswold Lane, Gilmanton Iron Works, hosted by Easterseals, 364-5818, easterseals.com/nh
What: Campers participate in activities like water sports, hiking, archery, ecology, riflery, adaptive horseback riding, wood working, black smithing and more. Who: Children and young adults ages 11 through 21 with disabilities and special needs When: Sessions run overnight Sunday to Friday, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 18, with an additional week from Aug. 20 to Aug. 25 for campers ages 22 and up Cost: Ranges from $1,400 to $1,900

Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine Road, Piermont, 1-800-657-8282, campwalt.com
What: An co-ed overnight camp offering activities like ceramics, woodworking, drama and music programs, ropes courses, weekly hikes, whitewater rafting, sports and more. A one-week program for families is also available in August. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 2 through 11 When: Several sessions are available throughout the summer, dates offered June 25 through Aug. 11. The one-week Family Camp runs from Monday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Aug. 18 Cost: Ranges from $1,750 to $15,000, depending on the length of each session

Cohen Camps Camp Tel Noar, 167 Main St., Hampstead, 329-6931, camptelnoar.org; Camp Tevya, 1 Mason Road, Brookline, 673-4010, camptevya.org; cohencamps.org
What: Jewish educational and cultural camps where campers will enjoy swimming, boating, outdoor learning, athletics, arts and crafts, plus shira (singing) and rikud (Israeli dancing). Who: Grades 2 through 10 When: Session dates offered Wednesday, June 28, through Wednesday, Aug. 16 Cost: Starts at $7,000 for the first session (June 28 through July 23) and $6,700 for the second session (July 24 through Aug. 16)

New Hampshire Police Cadet Training Academy New Hampshire Technical Institute, 31 College Drive, Concord, nhpcta.org
What: This program is designed to help young people develop their skills and knowledge of law enforcement and to refine their life skills in the future. Who: Ages 14 to 20 When: Saturday, June 24, through Friday, June 30 Cost: TBA; applications should be available by March 1

Water Monkey Camp 298 Merrymeeting Road, New Durham, 617-855-9253, watermonkeycamp.com
What: Campers will enjoy wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing and wakeskating on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham. Who: Ages 10 through 17 When: Sessions run Sunday through Saturday, dates offered June 18 through Aug. 11 Cost: $2,950/week, all-inclusive.

Windsor Mountain Summer Camp 1 World Way, Windsor, 478-3166, windsormountain.org
What: A co-ed overnight camp offering a variety of activities, including sports, arts, music, swimming, boating, ropes courses, cooking, videography and more. Who: Ages 7 through 16 When: Two full-length sessions are offered, each lasting four weeks. Dates run June 25 through July 19, and July 23 through Aug. 16. Mini sessions are also available within those dates (some weeks are full or have waiting lists; visit the website for the most up-to-date status) Cost: $7,295 for each full-length session; mini session rates range from $3,795 to $4,395

SCIENCE

Aviation Summer Camp: “Flights of Discovery” Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org What: Campers will learn about aviation and aerospace by engaging in curriculum-based lessons, hands-on activities and challenges. Flight simulators, wind tunnels and guest speakers will help students better understand the many different aviation careers through a hands-on approach. Field trips are incorporated into the end of each lesson to help kids see what they learned in practice. Two programs are available: Level 1 (ages 10 to 13) and Level 2 (ages 14 to 17). Core subjects for both will include aeronautics and aerodynamics, aircraft structure and function, aviation history, airports, astronomy and astrology, space exploration and more. Who: Ages 10 to 17 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered July 10 through Aug. 3; a special end-of-camp field day will be held on Aug. 3, complete with pizza delivered by helicopter. Cost: $450 per week, or $1,800 total for the full four-week program.

Brainwave STEAM Camps 2nd Nature Academy, 10 Groton Road, Nashua, 881-4815, 2ndnatureacademy.com/brainwave
What: A variety of STEAM day camps that are all about creative exploration and mind expansion, with themes like science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Who: Ages 6 through 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 Cost: Ranges from $250 to $440 per week, depending on the session, plus a $35 registration fee; includes all supplies. Extended care is available at an additional cost.

Camp Summer Science SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: Through hands-on activities, campers will explore four topics — Chemistry Capers, Earth, Space & the Universe, Exhibit Design & Prototype and Reverse Engineering. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 14, or July 17 through July 21 Cost: $300 for the week.

iSpy Camp SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org
What: This camp will encourage kids to use their investigation skills in an introduction to crime scene investigation, espionage, and forensic science. Who: Ages 7 to 13 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 14, or July 17 through July 21 Cost: $300 for the week.

LEtGO Your Mind Multiple locations throughout New Hampshire, 731-8047, letgoyourmind.com
What: Campers explore STEM subjects through activities with Lego bricks, introduction to robotics, stop-motion animation, and programming Minecraft. Who: Ages 4 through 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 19 through Aug. 18. Half days from 9 a.m. to noon are also available for kids ages 4 and 5 Cost: Starts at $385 per week for a full day and $225 per week for a half day. Before- and after-school care is also available.

Manchester Community College Camps 1066 Front St., Manchester, 206-8161, mccnh.edu
What: Week-long summer day camps with programs that include Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs, STEM Camp, Solid Modeling and Robotics Who: Rising 6th- to 8th-graders When: Sessions run Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dates offered from July 10 through Aug. 3, depending on the camp Cost: $175 per week

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center 2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com
What: Campers will learn about astronomy, aviation and Earth science through hands-on activities and adventures. This year’s seven themes are “Blast Off!,” “Storm Chasers,” “Up, Up, and Away!,” “Codename: Robot Camp,” “Discover the Dinosaurs,” “So You Want to be an Astronaut?” and Star Hunters. Who: General age range is 5 to 14 but varies depending on the program theme When: Most sessions run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 11 (no programs Tuesday, July 4, or Wednesday, July 5) Cost: Ranges from $210 to $345 per week

SPORTS

Auburn Parks & Recreation Summer Basketball Camp 483-5052, auburnparksandrec.com, find them on Facebook @auburnnhparksandrec
What: Campers will have the opportunity to work on ball handling and defensive skills as well as how to move and handle themselves on the court, practicing in daily full scrimmages. Who: Students entering grades 5 through 8 When: A one-week session will be held from Monday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Aug. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the gymnasium of Auburn Village School (11 Eaton Hill Road, Auburn) Cost: $199 for the full week

Caramba Soccer Skills Camp Locations in Concord, Nashua, Canterbury and Chichester, 496-3579, soccerskillscamp.org
What: Soccer program specializes in skill development for goaltenders, defenders, midfielders and strikers. Players are divided by age for the first half of the day, then by ability level for the second half. Who: Grades 1 through 12 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, times vary depending on the location (a half-day option is also available), dates offered July 10 through Aug. 3 Cost: $235 per week for a full-day program, and $150 per week for a half-day program

Challenger Sports Soccer Camps Various NH locations, 800-878-2167, ext. 280, challengersports.com
What: Campers will develop core soccer skills and understanding of the game as well as sportsmanship and leadership skills. Locally, this year’s programs take place in conjunction with the New Boston Recreation Department, the Weare Athletic Club, the Windham Soccer Association, the Hopkinton Recreation Department, the Pelham Parks & Recreation Department, the Gilford Recreation Department, the Gilmanton Youth Organization, the Exeter Parks & Recreation Department and the Northwood Recreation Department. Who: Ages 2 to 14 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday; exact dates and times vary depending on the location; see website for details Cost: Varies, depending on the camp and the location

The Derryfield School Co-ed Basketball Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Run by Derryfield School faculty member Courtney Cheetham, this camp will include skills stations, breakout groups, games, a contest of the day and other activities revolving around basketball. Who: Rising 4th- to 10th-graders When: Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $250, with a $30 lunch option (lunch paid separately)

The Derryfield School Field Hockey Skills & Shooting 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Derryfield School head field hockey coach Kelsey Federico will lead this three-day camp. The first hour will focus on the fundamentals of passing and receiving for players of all positions, and the camp will then progress into goal scoring drills. Who: Rising 6th- to 12th-grade field hockey players When: Sessions run Monday through Wednesday, from 1 to 3 p.m., dates offered June 26 to June 28 or Aug. 7 to Aug. 9 Cost: $150

The Derryfield School Field Hockey Goalkeeping Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Derryfield School head field hockey coach Kelsey Federico will lead this three-day camp, which will focus on the fundamentals of saving and clearing, as well as diving, split saves and more. Who: Rising 6th- to 12th-grade field hockey players When: Sessions run Monday through Wednesday, from 2 to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 to June 28 or Aug. 7 to Aug. 9 Cost: $150

The Derryfield School Summer Strength & Conditioning 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/sports-camps
What: Program focuses on the essentials of foam rolling, mobility and motor control, as well as proper strength training and conditioning, to maximize the results of a camper’s performance and minimize the risk of injury. Who: Rising 8th-graders to newly graduated 12th-graders When: Sessions run June 20 through Aug. 3 Cost: Ranges from $120 to $450, depending on the number of sessions taken and the length of each

Fisher Cats Baseball & Softball Camps Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive, Manchester, 641-2005, nhfishercats.com
What: Instructed by New Hampshire Prospects Baseball Club players and Fisher Cats front office staff, these camps teach the fundamentals of the game, including throwing, fielding, hitting and pitching. Who: Boys and girls ages 6 through 15 When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, offered April 24 through April 28; June 26 through June 30; July 24 to July 25 and July 27 to July 28; and Aug. 21 through Aug. 25 Cost: Ranges from $150 to $175 per week, depending on the session. Campers also receive a T-shirt and complimentary tickets to an upcoming Fisher Cats home game (dates vary depending on the sessions chosen).

Foster’s Golf Camp Derryfield Park, 581 Bridge St., Manchester, 622-1553, fostersgolfcamp.com
What: Campers travel to different par-3 courses across New Hampshire and participate in practice clinics, chipping and putting contests, time on the driving range and at least nine holes of golf with instruction. Trophies and certificates are awarded at the end of the session. Drop-offs and pick-ups are at Derryfield Park in Manchester. Golf camps take place at a variety of locations, depending on the day of the week. Who: Ages 7 to 16 of all experience levels. When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered April 24 through April 28 and June 19 through Sept. 1 (no camp the week of July 4) Cost: $325 per week

Hogan Camps Various NH locations, 340-1719, hogancamps.com
What: Specialty basketball and soccer camps under the direction of Paul Hogan, retired athletics director and men’s basketball coach at NHTI in Concord. Programs include the Point Guard Basketball Camp, Rip City Basketball Camp, Shooter’s Gold Basketball Camp and a Specialty Basketball Camp Who: Boys and girls entering 1st grade and up; individual camps vary on the age range When: Sessions run various days and times, dates offered June 23 through Aug. 3 Cost: Varies.

In the Net Sports Academy Locations in Bedford, Hooksett, Manchester and Nashua, 429-0592, inthenetsportsacademy.com
What: A variety of sports camps, including baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, field hockey, lacrosse and volleyball Who: Ages 3 through high school When: Sessions run Monday to Friday, with half-day, full-day, evening and overnight options, dates offered throughout June, July and August Cost: Ranges, depending on the sport

Magic Touch Soccer Academy 120 Huse Road, Manchester, 232-2314, magictouchsoccer.com
What: Run by varsity soccer coach Jeff Cousineau of The Derryfield School in Manchester, this soccer camp is oriented around a playful and game-like atmosphere with a focus on building a player’s technical skills, using music as a unique foundation to teach creative flair with the ball. Who: Boys and girls entering grades 9 through 12 When: Sunday, Aug. 6, through Thursday, Aug. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., at The Derryfield School (2108 River Road, Manchester) Cost: TBA

NH Climbing Camps NH Climbing and Fitness, 10 Langdon Ave, Concord, nhclimbinggym.com
What: Programs include Summer Indoor Camp, in which campers can learn basic top-rope climbing; and NH Adventure Camp, in which campers take hiking-based field trips across the state. Each day is loaded with top-rope climbing of the facility’s 40-foot walls, bouldering games, crafts and more. Who: Ages 6 to 12 When: Summer Indoor Camp sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and NH Adventure Camp sessions run Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 18 for both programs. Cost: Varies; see website for details.

NH Hoop Skills Stan Spirou Field House at Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester, 645-9662, nhhoopskills.com
What: A basketball camp for girls featuring SNHU women’s basketball coach Karen Pinkos as the director. Campers learn the basic fundamentals, rules and sportsmanship of basketball through fun-filled instruction and exercises. Who: Girls entering grades 2 through 10 When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered June 26 through June June 29 or July 24 through July 27 Cost: $275 per week

NH Tomahawks Girls Lacrosse Camp Back River Sports Complex, 15 Camp Allen Road, Bedford; Joppa Fields, 176 Joppa Hill Road, Bedford; girls.nhtomahawks.com What: Players will be divided by position, age and ability, and will focus on improving fundamental skills in lacrosse, including offensive moves, shooting, cutting, feeding and one-on-one defense. Goalies will have specific training and integrate in with the rest of the camp for game play. Who: Girls ages 5 to 17 When: Three weekly sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon this year, dates offered Monday, June 26, through Thursday, June 29, at the Back River Sports Complex; Monday, July 10, through Thursday, July 13, at Joppa Fields; and Monday, July 24, through Thursday, July 27, also at Joppa Fields Cost: $195 per session

Nike Basketball Camps Locations in Manchester, Nashua and Hampton, 800-645-3226, ussportscamps.com/basketball/nike
What: Camp for basketball players who want to improve their skills. Includes lectures, team games and daily emphasis on fundamental development. Who: Boys and girls ages 8 to 16. When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dates vary depending on the location; see website for details. Cost: Most camps range from $180 to $375 per week, but may vary depending on the location and the length of each session.

Pro Ambitions Hockey Day Camps Tri-Town Ice Arena, 311 W. River Road, Hooksett; Conway Arena, 5 Stadium Drive, Nashua; proambitions.com
What: At the Battle Camp, players learn skating skills and game theory elements while engaging in a situational battle. The Boston Bruins Camp features training in all aspects of ice hockey, plus daily appearances and autograph sessions with members of the Boston Bruins organization. A goaltending camp is also offered. Who: Ages 6 to 16 When: The Battle Camp and the goaltending camp run from Wednesday, July 5, through Friday, July 7, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Boston Bruins camps run from Monday, July 17, through Thursday, July 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: Ranges from $499 to $649.

Soccer Sphere Summer Soccer Camp Locations in Madbury and Portsmouth, soccersphere.org
What: Programs include day and residential soccer camps, high school preseason training, goalkeeper training and more. Who: Boys and girls ages 5 and up When: Four-day sessions run at various days and times, dates offered June 19 through Aug. 4 at Tibbetts Field (25 Lee Road, Madbury) and July 31 through Aug. 4 at Portsmouth Community Fields (Campus Drive, Portsmouth) Cost: Ranges from $185 to $275.

UNH Wildcats Camps University of New Hampshire, 145 Main St., Durham, 862-1850, unhwildcats.com
What: Programs offered for basketball, field hockey, gymnastics, track and field, football, soccer, volleyball and more. Day and overnight options are available. Who: Boys and girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade When: Sessions run various days/weeks, beginning the week of June 26 (some dates TBA; see website for the full up-to-date schedule) Cost: Varies depending on the camp

THEATER

Bedford Youth Performing Company 155 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3894, bypc.org What: A variety of dance and musical theater camps are offered for all ages, as well as music and movement camps for preschoolers. Who: Ages 3 and up, varies by camp When: Dates and times vary by camp, dates offered June 12 through Aug. 17 Cost: $275 for preschool camps; dance and musical theater camps range from $95 to $395

The Derryfield School Repertory Theatre Camp 2108 River Road, Manchester, 641-9426, derryfield.org/summer/theatre-camp
What: Campers will practice acting, singing, script writing, dance and improvisation and participate in a performance at the end of the camp. Who: Rising 4th- to 12th-graders When: Sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., dates offered July 10 through July 21, and July 24 through Aug. 4 Cost: $630

The Majestic Theatre 880 Page St., Manchester, 669-7469, majestictheatre.net What: Campers will learn about all aspects of theater and build skills in acting, movement, improvisation, music and cooperative abilities. Who: Ages 5 through 14 When: One-week half-day camps for ages 5 through 7 are offered June 26 through July 1 and July 24 through July 29. For ages 8 through 14, a two-week full-day camp runs July 10 through July 22, and a one-week full-day camp runs July 31 through Aug. 5. Cost: $160 for the half-day camps, $225 for the one-week full-day camp and $325 for the two-week full-day camp

Merrimack Summer Stage Wasserman Park Theater, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, hosted by Merrimack Parks & Recreation, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org/summer-stage
What: In this week-long theater camp, participants will learn about scene acting, vocal work, dance and creative movement, theater games and improvisation. Campers will put together and perform a youth production of The Wizard of Oz. Who: Ages 8 through 15 When: Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day Cost: $265 for Merrimack residents and $275 for non-residents.

Palace Youth Theatre 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org What: Campers will learn about all aspects of theater, including music, dance, acting, costume design, technical theater and more, all while developing teamwork skills, confidence and creativity. Each camp concludes with a fully staged production on stage. This year’s productions include Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr., Peter Pan, Elf the Musical Jr., Snow White, High School Musical Jr. and Winnie the Pooh.Who: Rising 2nd- through 12th-graders When: One-week or two-week sessions run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., dates offered June 26 through Aug. 25 (see website for details on when each theater performance is held and which sessions last one week versus two weeks) Cost: Ranges from $250 to $499 per session

Peacock Players 14 Court St., Nashua, 886-7000, peacockplayers.org
What: Campers will spend a week immersed in theater, music and dance to prepare a variety showcase performance. Camp themes include “Blast from the Past,” “Getting Spooky,” “Rock & Roll,” “Tales & Legends” and “Hollywood.” Who: Rising 1st- to 9th-graders When: Camps are offered July 17 through Aug. 18. Cost: $350 per week

Triple Threat Theater Camp Londonderry Dance Academy, 21 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 432-0032, triplethreattheatercamp.com
What: Focuses on the core aspects of theater, including acting, dancing and voice. Led by experienced theater educators, directors and choreographers, campers will participate in workshops and rehearsals to prepare for a public performance at the end of the session. Who: Ages 7 to 17 When: A three-week program runs July 10 through July 28, with full-day sessions. A one-week program with full-day and half-day options, open to ages 6 through 11, is offered July 10 through July 14 and July 17 through July 21. Cost: $850 for the three-week program; the one-week program costs $325 for full days and $200 for half days.

Local shelters talk about their dogs, cats and other pets looking for new homes

Compiled by
Matt Ingersoll, Mya Blanchard, Katelyn Sahagian and Angie Sykeny
listings@hippopress.com

Looking for a new animal companion? We spoke with local shelters and rescue leagues about the work that’s involved in bringing dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals to their forever homes. The shelters also describe a few of their pets that (at least as of presstime) are looking for new families.

Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire

545 Route 101, Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org

Serving more than 2,000 pets a year, the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire was incorporated in 1904, making it one of the longest-running animal-focused nonprofits in the area. Its first shelter facility opened in a renovated home in Goffstown in 1942. The ARLNH is now in its 25th year of operation in its current facility in Bedford, which opened in 1998, according to chief executive officer Marianne Jones.

“We specialize in helping … companion animals, so cats, dogs [and] small animals like hamsters, rabbits and gerbils,” Jones said. “We offer many community-based programs. We’ll help folks with adoption [or] if they need to surrender an animal. We also have resources like a pet food pantry, human education and low-cost spay and neuter clinics. The list goes on and on.”

Jones said a regularly updated adoption page on the ARLNH’s website provides the details on currently available animals.

“We encourage people to look on the website, read [the animals’] bios to see if they may potentially be a fit for them, and then if they feel that it would, to give us a call to speak further and assess a fit,” Jones said. “We are appointment-only right now, usually in the afternoons because we clean all morning. … We’re here seven days a week.”

Appointments are usually booked within a day or two, but never more than 48 hours, according to the ARLNH’s website, in order to not hold any animals back from other adoption opportunities. Those who already have resident dogs are encouraged to bring them if they are adopting an additional dog. Some animals can go home the same day if they are perfect fits, while others may need additional time. Adoption fees do vary, depending on the type of animal and the animal’s age.

“We certainly want everyone to have the best animal for them, but we always welcome the animal back,” Jones said.

Adoptable pets from the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire:

• Bashful and Lover Boy: This pair of 15-year-old domestic shorthair cats is looking for a kind and patient human to help them break out of her shell. Due to their age and medical concerns, they would do best in a home without any dogs.

• Eugene: Eugene is a 2-year-old bearded dragon who came to the shelter after his previous owners realized they didn’t have as much time to take care of him as they used to. He’s looking for an adopter who has experience with bearded dragon ownership, diet, care and the appropriate environments for him to live a happy and healthy life.

• Jo: Jo is a 4-year-old female Angora mix rabbit who was surrendered to the ARLNH after her owners realized it was too much to take care of her with all her hair. She prefers to live without any other rabbits as she can be territorial of her space if they are around. Those interested in adopting her should learn about her overall hair and upkeep needs.

• Mami: Mami is a 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat who found her way into the shelter after her previous owners discovered that a home with kids was less than ideal for her. She’s known for being a very playful, active and affectionate companion once she is comfortable around her humans.

• Nike: Nike is a 3-year-old female German shepherd who enjoys being active and hopes to find a home where she can continue to be. She’s a bit of a drama queen — especially when she gets excited to go for a walk — and would do best in a home with teenagers and adults, without other animals.

Darbster Rescue

Doggy: 109 Dover Road, Chichester, 635-4495, darbsterfoundation.com

Kitty: 332 Kelley St., Manchester, 856-9233, darbsterfoundation.com

Darbster started out as a cats-only shelter after founder Ellen Quinlan was encouraged to find pets for friends and family when she moved to Florida. Quinlan said that friends would go to New Hampshire-based animal shelters and not be able to find any cats, but they were practically crawling across her new state.

“Our mission as a rescue is to reduce euthanasia rate of animals,” Quinlan said. “Lots of animals are getting put down in southern states.”

New Hampshire, the second of two states to pass no-kill laws for shelters, was the perfect place for Darbster Kitty and, later, Darbster Doggy. Located in Manchester and Chichester, respectively, the two shelters also offer transport service, and have a home base in South Beach, Florida.

Quinlan said that she’ll transport dogs and cats by car from Florida, Georgia and other surrounding states twice a month. She flies small dogs from Los Angeles to Boston before coming to New Hampshire.

Adoptable pets from Darbster Doggy:

• Angela: Angela is a 4-year-old female hound mix who is currently in foster care. This sweet and adorable dog has a great personality and gets along well with cats and children, as well as other dogs. She is spayed and house trained, and is up to date on all of her current vaccinations.

• Lele: This 2-month-old female black Labrador retriever and goldendoodle mix is 8 pounds right now, but will grow to be up to 60 pounds. According to Darbster Doggy’s website, she is good with kids, dogs and cats and is up to date on all her vaccinations.

• Pascal: This 5-year-old terrier mix has been available since the beginning of February. He would be fine in a house with other dogs but doesn’t do well with cats or children. He is fully grown, at 17 pounds, and has all of his shots. He is also neutered and house trained.

• Sparrow: Sparrow is an 11-month-old Belgian Malinois mix. Right now he weighs 53 pounds, but he has the potential to grow bigger. He is good with cats, dogs and kids, has all of his vaccinations, and is neutered.

• Tandy: A 2-year-old mixed breed female, Tandy is currently 47 pounds and has both a playful and a more relaxed personality. She’s in foster care right now and would do well in a house that didn’t have any cats. She is spayed and up to date on her vaccinations.

Adoptable pets from Darbster Kitty:

• Artley:This2-year-old female tabby is both extremely affectionate and high-energy. She will also give head butts and meander around people’s legs. She isn’t sure of other cats and would do best as an only pet. She is spayed and up to date on all her shots.

• Belle: This is the second time this6-year-old girl has found her way into Darbster Kitty, through no fault of her own. She is a playful cat that would do well with others. She is spayed and up to date on her shots.

• Blue: This little8-month-old tuxedo kitten is the life of the party at his foster home. He loves cardboard scratchers, balls, feather wands and his favorite, the cat dancer. He doesn’t have any experience with children yet, but he gets along well with the other dogs and cats in his foster home. He is up to date on his vaccines and is neutered.

• Licorice:Found abandoned in an apartment complex, this 2-year-old gray and black tabby cat hasn’t had the easiest life. He is recently recovered from surgery but is ready to find his forever home. He is good with other cats, is neutered, and is up to date on his shots.

• Plum: This little 8-month-old tuxedo cat loves to play with any toy he can get his paws on. He is also infatuated with lap naps and will curl up while watching TV. He does well with cats, both young and older, but doesn’t have experience with children or dogs. He is up to date on his vaccines and is neutered.

Greater Derry Humane Society

East Derry, 434-1512, derryhumanesociety.com

Marty and Paula Dunladey, the president and chair of the Greater Derry Humane Society, respectively, said there are a lot of logistics that come into play when there isn’t a brick-and-mortar shelter to rely on.

“The thing about foster situations [is] our animals aren’t displayed, but they’re learning how to live in a home and are much less stressed than animals in a shelter,” Paula Dunladey said. “[Shelters] are stressful for people and for the animals in them.”

The Society has approximately 40 homes fostering animals at a time, but that isn’t usually enough for the number of dogs and cats they know need care. Marty Dunladey said the Society works hard to keep the number of animals they take in in proportion to the number of homes available for fostering.

“We get surrenders and take in strays,” Marty Dunladey said. “We get animals from Animal Control in Derry, and cats especially. Most of what we do is getting them veterinary care. That’s our biggest thing.”

Marty Dunladey suggests that people looking for a new pet adopt some that are older. While puppies are new, he said that older dogs are just as fun and loving.

“Senior dogs are tougher to get adopted,” he said. “We just adopted a 14-year-old dog. We know he doesn’t have long but we don’t want to see any dog spend last years not at home.”

Adoptable pets from the Greater Derry Humane Society:

• Andy: This 11-year-old chihuahua loves curling up on laps and receiving belly rubs. He’s good with new people and other dogs, but hasn’t been exposed to cats while being fostered.

• Emma: Emma is a 2-year-old corgi mix who was brought up from Georgia. She is a very affectionate and athletic girl who is good with other dogs in the family, but does have a tendency to be skittish around men. She loves sleeping on laps and beds, but she is only crate trained.

• Finnegan: This 3-year-old chihuahua mix is good with other dogs, but not so great with kids and cats. He’s up to date on his vaccinations and is neutered. He’s a very snuggly guy, even though he’s still struggling with potty training.

• Katana: This American pit bull terrier and Shar-pei mix has traveled from Texas to find a forever home in New Hampshire. He is good with other dogs and kids, but not so much with cats. He is just over 2-and-a-half years old and is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations.

• Rafael: This almost 2-year-old Boston terrier and rat terrier mix is a sweet dog with a huge heart. Because he is cautious with new people, the Greater Derry Humane Society does not recommend him for families with children.

Happy Tails Pet Rescue

14 Pine Road, Hudson, 595-7387, happytailspetrescue.org

Happy Tails Pet Rescue is a cat-only shelter run exclusively by volunteers and on donations.

“We started … just to help the cats in the area that the larger humane societies couldn’t help, like the hard-to-adopt animals [and] the cats with special needs,” said April Guilmet, one of the shelter’s board members.

Located in Hudson, the shelter usually has around a dozen cats on average, taking them in from kill shelters in New York City and Florida as well as surrenders. Animals who come to the shelter are also available for adoption at PetSmart locations in Plaistow and Chelmsford, Mass.

Adoption applications can be found on the rescue’s website, and prices vary depending on the age of the pet — they range from $120 for senior cats over the age of 10 to $220 for kittens under 6 months old. Interested applicants also have opportunities to volunteer at the shelter or foster available cats.

“There’s so many different personality types,” Guilmet said. “A cat’s a great pet for everyone.”

Adoptable cats from Happy Tails Pet Rescue:

• Artemis: Artemis is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair mix. She is very timid and shy, but with love and proper care will show how sweet and loving she likely is.

• Mama Sue: This 1½-year-old cat is now an empty nester who would do well in a quiet home without dogs or little kids. According to her foster parent, she doesn’t enjoy being picked up, but does love to play with wand toys.

• Millie: At 2 years and 9 months old, Millie has had a tough start to her life. She is often overlooked due to her shy and timid nature, but shows a strong desire to trust people, as she is learning to do every day. It would benefit Millie to be adopted along with one of her current roommates at the shelter, or go to a home that has a friendly cat who can help her adjust.

• Sasha: Sasha is a 3-year-old domestic shorthair mix. It is assumed she had a tough life before coming to the shelter, but she is learning to trust people. She is gradually coming out of her shell and loves to play. Sasha would do best in a quiet home with a patient parent so she is able to warm up to her new home.

Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance

Weare, heartsandtails.org

About five years ago Cathy Bailey and her partner were vacationing in Puerto Rico when a stray black dog started following them around.

“As soon as I saw him I broke into tears. … He had ticks all over his face and he couldn’t walk on his back right leg,” Bailey said.

The couple went to a nearby store to pick up dog food, but when they came back to where they had encountered the dog, it was nowhere to be found.

“We had this great itinerary planned for our two-day vacation and we did none of it,” she said. “All we did was look for this dog, and we never found him.”

Bailey would return home to New Hampshire, but the thought of the stray dog never left her mind. A few weeks went by, and she decided she needed to return to Puerto Rico to find it.

“We looked and looked and we couldn’t find him. I was so discouraged,” she said. “So then I saw a black dog and a white dog laying on the sidewalk and I said, ‘Well, I’ll just go ahead and feed these dogs, at least.’ My boyfriend let me out and he started driving away and then I just started screaming, ‘It’s him, it’s him!’”

They took the dog to a local vet, where it tested positive for ehrlichia, anaplasmosis and heartworm disease. The dog was ultimately able to get into the hands of a local shelter.

“We started making all kinds of contacts and finding out just how bad the problem is,” Bailey said. “By then we had decided that we wanted to start rescuing more dogs.”

That, Bailey said, was how Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance, a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to preventing the euthanization of adoptable dogs, was born. Today she rescues dogs from several states across the Southeast and has partnered with other adoption agencies and organizations like Darbster Doggy in Chichester and the Humane Society for Greater Nashua.

Adoption applications can be filled out online and visits are by appointment. Bailey said the adoption fees range from $450 to $650, depending on the age of the dog, and those who don’t have prior veterinary references are required to get pet insurance.

“All of the money that we get from the adoptions … includes [the] spay or neuter [procedure], the microchip, all of your required vaccines and then we give three days of food, a small leash and a martingale collar,” Bailey said.

Adoptable dogs from Hearts and Tails Animal Alliance:

• Billy: Billy is a 4-year-old Catahoula Leopard dog who loves to go out for walks and is great on a leash. He was brought into an animal control facility in South Carolina as a stray before making his way up to New Hampshire. He is house trained and crate trained, neutered and microchipped, and has all his required vaccinations.

• Honey Pie: A terrier mix, Honey Pie is approximately 2 years old, described by her foster mother as the “most perfect house dog.” She arrived at the shelter after wandering in for a visit to the town’s local library. The staff had been hoping she would be reunited with her owner but no one showed up to claim her. Honey Pie walks well on a leash and does always have some energy to burn, so an active family or a fenced yard where she could run would be best for her.

• Tango: Tango is a 1-year-old Plott Hound mix who is good with other dogs and absolutely loves people. He came to New Hampshire from a foster home in North Carolina, and is neutered and up to date on all his required vaccinations.

Humane Society for Greater Nashua

24 Ferry Road, Nashua, 889-2275, hsfn.org

The Humane Society for Greater Nashua has animals of all shapes and sizes, ranging from dogs, cats and bunnies to guinea pigs, parakeets and hedgehogs. They usually receive new dogs from places like Texas and Arkansas every two to three weeks, and have two rooms dedicated to cats. The shelter also has a vet space that gives people access to low-cost vet care, offering services like emergency surgeries, spaying and neutering, dental care and more. There is also a dog trainer at the shelter.

“[We are] able to provide certain services so that families can make sure that they’re getting quality … medical care for their pets. It’s what we’re here for,” said Jennifer Adams-LeBlanc, the shelter’s director of partnerships and corporate gifts.

Adams-LeBlanc also noted that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, and it all comes down to one’s own lifestyle.

“[These] animals … have already had their lives disrupted [and] that’s traumatizing for [them],” she said. “So we want to make sure if we’re sending the dog home that we’re not disrupting their life again.”

Anyone interested in adopting any of the animals at the shelter can go on the website and print out an adoption application to bring with them to the shelter.

“You’ll meet with an adoption counselor that will talk with you about all the different [animals],” Adams-LeBlanc said.

During this process, one can inquire about the adoption cost, or visit their website for a list, since the price depends on the age of the pet.

“The goal is to do an adoption and make it last,” Adams-LeBlanc said.

Adoptable pets from the Humane Society for Greater Nashua:

• Pebble: At 10 years old, cat Pebble has an independent personality, striking green eyes and a face that’s half gray and half beige. She has had a tough time finding home so far, but is still looking for a family of her own.

• Potato and Chad: Potato and Chad are a friendly guinea pig duo looking for a happy home. They are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. The 3-year-old guinea pigs would love to go to a home where they can have time to roam outside of their enclosure and receive lots of love and attention.

• Sargent: Sargent is a 6-year-old hound mix looking for his forever family. “He’s super friendly [and] loves long walks,” said Nichole Marcoux, an animal care associate and adoption counselor at the shelter. “He loves sniffing around and just being outside, [and] he’s super snuggly.” Sargent is good with kids but would do best in a family without other dogs.

• Wednesday: Wednesday is a 2-year-old bunny who has been at the shelter since December. She is very sweet and affectionate and loves her lollipop hay toys. “She is people-friendly and will come up to the cage to say hello and to be pet,” Jennifer Adams-LeBlanc, the shelter’s director of partnerships and corporate gifts, said in an email.

Manchester Animal Shelter

490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, 628-3544, manchesteranimalshelter.org

For more than two decades the Manchester Animal Shelter has sheltered, provided medical care and spayed or neutered more than 25,000 animals since its founding. Volunteer coordinator Alie Perkus said that this is one of the best parts of working at the shelter.

“Shelters are so important because if it wasn’t for shelters all these animals would be on the streets,” Perkus said. “A lot of times, people worry about animals in shelters getting [the] right care. We have a full-time staff and dedicated volunteers until they’re able to be adopted out.”

Manchester Animal Shelter’s Fix-a-Pit program has led to more than 1,000 of Manchester’s pit bulls being spayed and neutered, while another program, known as Barn Cats, is designed to get scared, angry and mistrusting cats a forever home. These cats are adopted and made a part of a barn ecosystem, keeping pests like mice away from horses.

“A lot of these animals have never had a loving home,” Perkus said. “Given that opportunity, they become totally different animals than in the shelter. It really is getting a friend or companion and adding someone to your family.”

Adoptable pets from the Manchester Animal Shelter:

• Bruin: This 2-year-old German shepherd mix is a good boy who is still working on his behavior. He would do well in a family with only one human who is experienced with dogs. While he is shy to start, once he accepts his human into his circle, he’ll become a cuddle bug.

• Diamond: This 7-year-old pit bull mix is an affectionate and adventurous girl who loves going for walks as much as showing off how smart she is with commands. Diamond would be fine in a home with other dogs but would prefer one without kids.

• King: This 6-year-old brindle mix breed dog is friendly, athletic and affectionate. He loves to play with kids but isn’t a big fan of cats. He would be happiest in a home with an active person who will support his love of fetch, tug-of-war, scritches and peanut butter.

• Panda: This 1-and-a-half-year-old pit bull mix is full of energy. She would make a great hiking or running partner for her future human. Because she’s young and energetic, she’s still working on her manners and would do better in a house without young kids or cats.

• Sonny: This beautiful orange medium-length-fur cat was first adopted from the shelter in 2016 and has now been returned. He was a very friendly cat before, but now is shy and hard to get out of his shell. He needs a calm home and a patient human to help him feel safe and loved again.

• Zeke: This sweet 9-year-old pit bull terrier is excellent with other dogs but doesn’t do too well with kids or cats. He is a quiet senior who loves going for walks and wading through streams. He’s also an absolute cuddler and loves taking time to rest and relax after his adventures.

Motley Mutts Rescue

14 Londonderry Turnpike, No. 4, Hooksett, motleymuttsrescue.org

Motley Mutts Rescue works with animal rescue partners in the South, primarily in rural Mississippi, to transport homeless dogs to New Hampshire, where they’re taken in by volunteer foster homes until they’re found a forever home. The rescue takes in dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages and provides them with veterinary care, including vaccines, preventatives and spaying and neutering procedures.

“Since our inception in 2020 we have been able to successfully adopt out close to 2,000 dogs,” said Katie Hyatt Milewski, vice president on the board.

Adoption fees range from $500 for adults and $600 for puppies, though there are occasionally adult dogs who are sponsored or senior dogs available for lower fees.

Hyatt Milewski said prospective adopters should watch the rescue’s Facebook page — facebook.com/motleymuttsrescue — and submit an application on the rescue’s website when they see “a dog that sparks their heart.”

If there is a possible match, the rescue will arrange a meet-and-greet between the dog and prospective adopter.

Adoptable dogs from Motley Mutts Rescue:

• Cassidy: Cassidy is a happy, sociable 6-month-old pooch, guessed to be a retriever mix, who gets along well with other dogs.

• Gargamel: Gargamel is a Jack Russell terrier mix, around 10 years old, who is looking for a quiet home without younger dogs where he can enjoy being spoiled and being the center of attention.

• Hanes: Hanes is around 11 months old and guessed to be a retriever mix. He loves to play, crates well and would enjoy the company of another playful pup.

• Thad: This sweet 2-year-old Boston terrier mix loves to play with other dogs.

• Tipsy: Tipsy is a sweet and playful 4-month-old mixed-breed pup.

New Hampshire SPCA

104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, 772-2921, nhspca.org

The New Hampshire SPCA celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022 and serves more than 120 communities across New Hampshire, southern Maine and northern Massachusetts.

“Our adoption center receives nearly 2,500 unwanted, neglected or abused animals from our region each year,” Rich Hegarty, NHSPCA’s annual fund and digital marketing manager, said in an email. “We provide each one with a warm bed, medical care, nutritious food and the time it takes … to place them in the best possible new home.”

The NHSPCA is an open-admission, unlimited-stay facility, meaning there is no time limit associated with animals finding their new homes. Animals can range from dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and rabbits to horses, donkeys, pigs, goats and sheep.

Adoptions, Hegarty said, are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis with an approved application. All adopters must be at least 18 years old and have a valid photo identification with the current address and knowledge and consent of all adults living in their household. The adoption center has open hours every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Wednesdays.

“We strongly encourage folks to visit in advance to get pre-approved, as some of our animals … are in very high demand,” Hegarty said.

Adoptable pets from the New Hampshire SPCA:

• Annie: Annie is a 22-year-old thoroughbred mare who is adoptable by companion only. She has been great with other horses during her time at the New Hampshire SPCA. She has a crooked mouth, which causes her tongue to stick slightly out on one side, but this does not cause her any pain or issues chewing. She is up to date on vaccines and is microchipped.

• Bandit: This adorable male American foxhound puppy is curious, sweet and always following his nose. He is young — less than a year old — so he is working on his manners, but is very eager to learn. He loves snacks and running as fast as he can in the yard. Though he doesn’t need to go home with another dog, he would love to have a doggie friend to play with.

• Doodles and Snickers: Doodles and Snickers are a pair of bunny companions. They both arrived at the shelter after their owner became allergic. Doodles does tend to be elusive, but would do best if she and her brother, Snickers, are housed together in a closed room. Both are also big foodies, enjoying carrots, blueberries, apples and other treats.

Pope Memorial SPCA

94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, 856-8756, popememorialspca.org

Pope Memorial SPCA is dedicated to protecting and advocating for abandoned and homeless pets and promoting the humane treatment of all animals. Qualified staff medically and behaviorally evaluate all animals that come to the shelter, provide veterinary care and work closely with prospective adopters.

Development coordinator Beth Nemchick said the shelter currently has 60 animals in its care, though it averages around 100. Those animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters and birds.

Adoption fees range from $25 to $400, depending on the type of animal and the animal’s age.

To begin the adoption process, prospective adopters can fill out an application online or visit the shelter during walk-in hours, Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., and fill out a paper application.

“Please be prepared to answer questions about your life, your home and how you plan to care for your pet,” Nemchick said. “This information assists us in matching you with a pet that is sure to become a beloved family member and companion.”

Adoption counselors review applications and contact adopters when they identify a possible match. Applications are kept on file for several months and re-reviewed as new animals arrive.

Adoptable pets from Pope Memorial SPCA:

• Banks: This 2-year-old neutered male pointer mix would prefer a home with no cats or children under the age of 8. He is active and exuberant and would make a great hiking pal.

• Bentley and Tucker: Twelve-year-old Bentley and 6-year-old Tucker aren’t biological brothers, but they are brothers in spirit. These neutered male cats would enjoy a quiet home with no dogs or children under the age of 12 where they can lay around and snuggle.

• Cooper: Cooper is a 6-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever mix who loves kids. But cats? Not so much. This outgoing goofball spends most of his time playing with toys and chewing on bones.

• Gihan: Gihan is an 11-year-old neutered male American Staffordshire terrier mix who is looking for a low-key retirement home without cats or children under the age of 8, where he can be free to be a couch potato.

• Milkshake and Boba: This pair of female guinea pigs loves fresh veggies, playtime and lots of attention. They would prefer a home without children under the age of 8.

Salem Animal Rescue League

4 SARL Drive, Salem, sarlnh.org

Since 1992 the Salem Animal Rescue League has been taking in cats and dogs in need of homes and giving them a second chance.

It all started with a goal of rescuing 50 stray and unwanted animals in the Salem area. The goal was quickly surpassed, with a total of 157 rescues during that first year. Now the shelter adopts nearly 800 dogs and cats every year.

The rescue generally has upwards of four to five dogs and 20 to 25 cats at any given time.

Anyone interested in adoption can visit their website, view the animals currently at the shelter, fill out an application, and get a response to set up an appointment within 24 hours.

“This is kind of just a preemptive way for us to see what they are interested in and temperament, and just [the] overall lifestyle of the animal,” said the shelter manager, Hannah Kinsey. “That way we can also see what kind of environment the animal is going into, [and then] we can make better recommendations and we know which animals would do best in said place.”

Prices vary depending on the age of the animal and whether you’re choosing a dog or a cat.

Adoptable pets from the Salem Animal Rescue League:

• Kato: Kato is a striking 14-month-old Siberian husky mix who, while very sweet, can be a bit timid when you first meet him. Once he is comfortable with you, he comes right out of his shell. He walks great on the leash and loves the outdoors. He has also lived with cats in the past and has done fine with them.

• Rico: This 10-month-old domestic shorthair mix was adopted and then left behind, as his family was moving and did not want to take him along with them. He loves attention from humans and especially loves playing with his toys. He will do best with someone who is willing to spend lots of time playing with him.

• Tiana: Tiana is a 2-year-old domestic shorthair mix who was found living outside trying to keep her babies and herself fed. She was not sure how she felt about humans when she arrived, but is much more relaxed knowing they are caring for her. She will need an adopter who has experience with cats and will give her the time she needs to feel safe in her new home. She is a very social cat who enjoys being around people, but also loves to just sit in her bed.

Sato Heart Rescue

Milford, satoheartrescue.org

Sato Heart Rescue is made up of a team of volunteers who dedicate their time to rescuing stray dogs by working with Second Chance Animal Rescue in Villalba, Puerto Rico, to find them homes.

“We operate solely for charitable purposes, and we bring education and awareness to the issues … of animal welfare and neglect,” said Laurie Gouley, who oversees social media and public relations for the shelter.

After filling out an application online, potential adopters will receive a call to set up a meet and greet with the dog they were interested in. All dogs cost a one-time fee of around $450 and come up to date on shots — they’re also sterilized and fully vetted with a New Hampshire certification.

“We always have to have the application done first because we kind of have to … vet who’s adopting,” Gouley said. “We try to lessen the chances of these dogs being brought back to us because they’ve already been through a lot of trauma. So we try to match the best family with the dog and the dog’s personality.”

Upon arriving at the shelter, the dogs tend to be timid and wary, but they eventually grow comfortable once they realize they are safe.

Adoptable dogs from Sato Heart Rescue:

• Electra and Volt: Electra and Volt are two athletic Labrador retriever mixes who were rescued in September. Despite being found together in an abandoned garage, they are both friendly, curious and loyal. Although they were found together in Puerto Rico, the two are available separately for adoption.

• Mildred: Mildred is a shar-pei and black mouth cur mix who was just 4 months old when she was rescued last fall. Friendly, affectionate and playful, she would be good in a home with other dogs. Mildred is house-trained and walks great on a leash. She is also spayed and up to date on vaccinations.

• Skky: A basenji mix, Skky was rescued in July when she was 6 months old. X-rays show that she was likely from an abusive situation, as she had a fractured leg that has since healed. Friendly and smart, she does well with other dogs. “She’s just a happy puppy,” Gouley said. “She is wary of new people, which, if she did come from an abusive situation [then] that is understandable.”

• Wally: Wally, a medium-size adult Labrador retriever mix, was found behind a dumpster along with his brothers. He was very fearful of people upon arriving at the shelter but has come a long way with his foster family, according to Gouley. Once he grows to trust you, he is incredibly sweet and affectionate.

Second Chance Ranch Rescue

449 Joe English Road, New Boston, 854-1690, secondchanceranchrescue.com

Established in 2017 by Kristin Morissey and Cameron Jordan, Second Chance Ranch aims to give lost, misunderstood or forgotten dogs a “second chance” at a forever home. Much of the focus is also placed on dogs that have other dog issues, such as reactivity and aggression, and working through those issues to help successfully rehome them.

Depending on the dog, the adoption timeline can last about one to two weeks for adult dogs, although for puppies it can be much faster.

“With our adoption process, specifically with those dogs that we’re working with that have those issues with other dogs, it will be a much longer process, because we really want to get to know them,” Second Chance Ranch lead kennel worker Paige Armitage said. “We put in so many hours of work, especially Kristin, and she’s been teaching me all of the exercises to do with those specific dogs … to really make sure they are learning them, so that we can put out reliable dogs back into our community.”

Adoptable dogs from Second Chance Ranch are listed on Petfinder, Facebook and Instagram, and often, Armitage said, they will share short videos on their progress. All who are interested in adopting are required to fill out an application and go through a background check before meeting the dog onsite, which is by appointment only inside of a small barn.

“We place … smaller amounts of dogs, so that we can have those extra hours to focus on what the dog needs,” Armitage said. “Ninety-five percent of the job is really just making sure that the dog gets love … and just making sure that they know how to live in a home.”

If it’s a good fit and the dog clears all its health requirements, Armitage said the dog can go home in as soon as 48 hours. Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog, but range from $400 for senior dogs ages 8 and up to $600 for puppies up to 12 months old.

Adoptable dogs from Second Chance Ranch Rescue:

• Bentley: This 8-year-old pit bull-boxer mix was fostered by his emergency doctor, then adopted when the rescue in charge had elected to euthanize him. Bentley is diabetic and requires insulin injections twice daily. Although he would do best in a home with no other animals, Bentley is great with children — his current owner has three young boys — and loves walks and short runs, in addition to snuggling up on the couch.

• Chance: Chance is an approximately 11-month-old pit bull terrier who came to the ranch from Atlanta as a stray. He is described as a “goofball who loves to play, zoom and fly through the yard,” with high intensity and friendliness around other dogs. However, he has not met cats and prefers to stay away from them. Chance is crate-trained and is not much of a barker but does need a lot of regular exercise.

• Cricket: This female 10-month-old pit bull terrier comes from a family in the military, who unfortunately just had way too much on their plate to have a dog. She loves kids and other dogs, and would be perfect for a family who is active and enjoys the outdoors. She isn’t spayed yet, but would go home under the shelter’s “spay and neuter” program, in which the adopter signs a contract and collects a deposit that is refunded when they provide proof of being spayed within six months of adoption.

• Ralph: Ralph is an approximately 1-year-old black Labrador retriever mix who is highly affectionate with humans. He is also very good with other dogs and would prefer to co-exist with a good mix of gentleness and playfulness. Ralph has been at the shelter for several weeks now and has steadily improved on his training and skills. He is, however, still working on getting comfortable with his humans closing his crate, and will require a family who will work on managing his guarding behaviors. For this reason, the shelter recommends he be in a house without children.

Tailgait Transport and Rescue
Manchester, 785-7662, tailgaitrescue.org

Despite not having their own shelter location yet, Tailgait is hoping to make that change sooner rather than later.

“It’s definitely still in the talks,” said Stephanie Kehas, the founder of the Manchester-based transport service. “Real estate is coming down and [factors into] the whole thing. We had a successful fundraiser in the fall, and a few more going on right now, but we are definitely moving in that direction.”

Kehas said it was traveling to Texas for work as a nurse that showed her exactly how dire the situation for animals can be. She said that everywhere she looked, she saw “no dumping pets” signs as often as she saw “no littering” signs in the Granite State. She said that she felt she had to do something.

“These dogs suffer,” she said. “They go starving, get hit by cars … and [for] shelters, they’re over-burdened and can’t always help every dog.”
Currently, Tailgait makes trips monthly from Massachusetts to Maine, moving animals to give them a better chance at finding a forever home. Every few months or so, Kehas will travel to the South, usually one of the Carolinas, to transport as many shelter dogs as possible.

Kehas said her biggest hope is for people to realize that they can find purebred dogs, like German shepherds or Labrador retrievers, at many different shelters. If they are determined enough, Kehas said that future owners could even find rescues that deal with only specific breeds.

Bouquets for Valentine’s Day and blooming plants to brighten every day

Roses are red …

Valentine’s Day bouquets and custom floral arrangements

By Matt Ingersoll

mingersoll@hippopress.com

Bouquets are simply defined as arranged bunches of flowers, making the varieties in what you can include seemingly limitless.

“It’s a term that covers a lot of different design styles,” said Brad Harrington, floral artist and owner of Harrington Flowers in Londonderry. “An arrangement in a vase can be considered a bouquet, or you could also have a hand-wrapped bouquet.”

Business will kick into high gear for Harrington Flowers and many other local florists and flower shops on Feb. 14 — throughout the day, most will offer bouquets of roses or other flowers you can choose from, either in the form of a pre-set arrangement online or flowers you can hand-pick if you visit in person.

Jacques Flower Shop in Manchester, for instance, will be open extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day to accommodate its expected influx of Valentine’s Day orders.

“I would say that the actual day on Valentine’s Day is neck and neck with Mother’s Day in terms of business in the store, from people coming in and the phones ringing to the internet,” said Adam Godbout, who runs Jacques’ day-to-day operations with his sister, Aimee. “We take orders right up until 4 or 5 [p.m.] on Valentine’s Day, and get those delivered locally.”

While it can be easy to click through an order form online, Godbout said it oftentimes doesn’t compare to what you can discover when you visit a flower shop in person.

“I think there are a lot of folks that come in on Valentine’s Day just thinking they’re going to buy a dozen roses, but then they come in and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, what is this, I’ve never seen this or heard of this,’” he said. “You can come in and hand-pick whatever you want. We have lots of folks that will just go right into our cooler and just pick one of these, two of these and three of those and they’ll bring them up to us and say, ‘Can you put these together.’ … Some people just sort of leave it up to us, which is always a great choice too.”

At Apotheca Flowers in Goffstown, owner Alyssa Van Guilder will open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, a weekday she is normally closed, to accept Valentine’s Day orders.

“It’s definitely one of the more exciting holidays for us,” Van Guilder said. “I just think it’s something exciting to look forward to, and it’s kind of almost like a light toward the end of the tunnel of winter. … I also think flowers just give us a unique opportunity to cultivate connection. Obviously, it’s definitely a holiday for lovers, but love goes well beyond that.”

Flower power

Red roses are far and away the most popular selling flower for Valentine’s Day, Godbout said.

“Whether it’s six, 12 or 24, that’s sort of the go-to for both guys and gals. I don’t know if that’s just ingrained in our culture, but that’s what they gravitate toward,” he said. “But if someone comes in and says, ‘I like the roses, but I want something more unique,’ then I may offer them some fresh-cut flowers that we have from some local New Hampshire growers. … If it’s for ladies I may recommend some pinks or purples. We have lilies and Gerber daisies that are really popular. We’ve also got some local snapdragons and calla lilies that we always run out of.”

This time of year, he added, is also prime season for bulb flowers like tulips and hyacinth.

“They remind you of spring, so it’s something different and unique as well,” he said. “I would say our roses should last between five and seven days, but obviously we offer other flowers that are going to outlast those a little bit, depending on conditions of course, so that would be your daisies, your regular lilies [and] your cala lilies.”

Each year, Harrington Flowers will arrange several preset flower designs to choose from for Valentine’s Day that go beyond a standard bouquet of red roses — one is called “There’s ‘Gnome-body’ Like You.”

“We look at trendy things,” Harrington said. “Right now everyone loves gnomes. My wife is crazy about them, so we found these little Valentine’s Day gnomes and we just incorporated them into a Valentine’s Day-themed arrangement with stock flowers … and some pink Gerbers and peachy orange roses.”

Others include an arrangement Harrington called “Heartbreaker,” featuring a collection of fuschia roses, Gerber daisies, eucalyptus and hydrangeas; and “Bananas for You,” adorned with tulips, white hydrangea, roses and a stuffed monkey.

Apotheca, Van Guilder said, will also always sell its fair share of red roses, in addition to some early spring blooms, like anemone and ranunculus.

“We have a cooler that our customers can walk inside of, and we definitely try to curate it so that you can’t fail,” she said. “We’ve got a couple of different curated pallets that you’re able to pick your own blooms [from] if you want, and kind of create a design that speaks to you based on what we’re offering. … One element that I feel like just keeps getting more and more popular … are the dried flowers, like bunny tails and preserved ruscus.”

An ongoing impact

Like for just about every other industry, the pandemic has created all kinds of challenges for florists, from flower shortages to increased prices on goods.

“Some product is just untouchable at times,” Harrington said. “Peonies right now, their cost is about $30 for a five-stem bunch, and that’s just wholesale. I mean, it’s priced itself out, which is a shame because it’s one of the flowers that I like to have [for] Valentine’s Day, and this year I just totally cut it out.”

While he was able to keep the costs of red roses the same as last year, Harrington said they’re still up about 20 cents a stem compared to where they were pre-pandemic.

“That doesn’t seem like a lot, but we may buy probably 1,400 roses, so when you add that in and the fact that we’re getting fuel surcharges now, it’s a big increase,” he said.

In fact, ongoing inconsistencies in the supply chain have compelled Harrington Flowers to regularly offer a Designer’s Choice arrangement option, which features a bouquet of whichever types of quality flowers Harrington can obtain at a given time that he can sell at a fair price point. His Valentine’s Day offerings this year also include a themed Designer’s Choice arrangement.

“It’s an honest selection of what I can represent,” he said. “Basically, they’re flowers that I didn’t advertise, [but] if I see them in person and they look good, then I’ll buy them. … It’s definitely taken a little bit for our customer base to get used to it, but now a lot of them are ordering the Designer’s Choice, because they know that I’m going out every morning and I’m hand-selecting fresh flowers to put together that are good quality flowers.”

Van Guilder said she has especially felt the pandemic’s impacts on the wedding side of her business at Apotheca.

“We have contracts that are sometimes two years old with old pricing,” she said. “Our flowers are suddenly much more expensive, and so I think that was definitely one of the bigger challenges for us, was … how do we keep our promises to clients and provide the level of products that they’re used to, while making sure that we’re still generating a profit.”

One of their solutions, she said, was creating mockup centerpieces for clients.

“Ninety percent of the time, they can expect exactly what they’re seeing at the mockup on their wedding day,” she said. “Rather than selling specific flower varieties, we’ve had to just sell … a look and a feel, because we don’t know for sure that we’ll be able to get that specific flower like we have in the past.”

New Hampshire florists and flower shops

Here’s a list of southern New Hampshire shops and florists offering their own arrangements of roses and other flowers for Valentine’s Day.

• A&A Floral 58 Range Road, Windham, 952-0085, aafloralnh.com
• Amelia Rose Florals 704 Milford Road, Merrimack, 402-1020, ameliaroseflorals.com
• Anne’s Florals & Gifts 142 Lowell Road, No. 6, Hudson, 889-9903, annesfloralsgifts.com
• Apotheca Flowers 24C Main St., Goffstown, 497-4940, apothecaflowershoppe.com
• Celeste’s Flower Barn 580 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-5835, celesteflowerbarn.com
• Chalifour’s Flowers 46 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8844, chalifours.com
• Countryside Florist 4 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, 432-4110, countrysidefloristnh.com
• Cranberry Barn Flower Shop 232 Park Ave., Hopkinton, 746-3963, cranberrybarnflowers.com
• Crystal Orchid Florist 45 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett, 627-1925, crystalorchidflorist.com
• Flora Bella 20 River Road, Suncook, 485-7874, florabellanh.com
• Flower Outlet 165 Amherst St., Nashua, 883-7676, nashuafloweroutlet.com
• Flowers on the Hill 290 Derry Road, Suite 11, Hudson, 883-7080, flowersonthehill.net
• Ford Flower Co. 83 S. Broadway, Salem, 893-9955, fordflower.com
• Fortin Gage Flower & Gift Shop 86 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-3371, fortingage.com
• Harrington Flowers 539 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 437-4030, harringtonflowers.com
• Jacques Flower Shop 712 Mast Road, Manchester, 625-6153, jacquesflowers.com
• Lily Flower Floral Designs 161 Main St., Pembroke, 419-0677, lilyflowerfloral.com
• Manchester Flower Studio 388 Wilson St., Manchester, 669-6060, manchesterflowerstudio.com
• Marshall’s Florist & Gifts 151 King St., Boscawen, 796-2272, marshallsflowersandgifts.business.site
• Merrimack Flower Shop & Greenhouse 4 Railroad Ave., Merrimack, 424-3145, merrimackflowershop.com
• Nicole’s Greenhouse & Florist 91 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-8294, nicolesgreenhouseandflorist.com
• PJ’s Flowers & Weddings 176 Route 101, Unit B3, Bedford, 471-3411, pjsflowers.net
• Rimmon Heights Florist 150 Kelley St., Manchester, 935-9485, rimmonheightsflorist.com
• Shirley’s Flowers & Sweets 138 Concord St., Nashua, 595-2208, shirleysflowersandsweets.com
• Ultimate Bouquet 64 Freetown Road, Raymond, 244-2749, ultimatebouquet.com
• Willows on Elm 377 Elm St., Manchester, 606-1688, willowsflorist.com
• Woodman’s Florist 469 Nashua St., Milford, 673-3545, woodmansflorist.com
• Works of Heart Flowers 109 Main St., Wilton, 654-1065, worksofheartflowers.com

Blooms for a year

Give longer-lasting flowers with a potted houseplant

By Katelyn Sahagian

ksahagian@hippopress.com

While a dozen roses is one of the most standard Valentine’s Day gifts, fresh-cut flowers last only a week or two. Buying potted plants hasn’t always been the Valentine’s tradition, but some gardening centers and nurseries are seeing an uptick in their popularity on the holiday.

“[We] have seen in recent years that potted plant sales on Valentine’s Day have gone up [more] than previous years,” said Shane Robinson, owner of Sunny Valley Greenhouse and Garden Center in Amherst. “I see both sides of it, but potted plants are the gift that keeps on giving, versus fresh-cut flowers that, in two weeks, you’re either drying or throwing them away.”

When asked about plants that are good for beginners and still nice Valentine’s gifts, Robinson said he usually sees people go for orchids. He said that, despite the belief that they can be temperamental, the most common variety of the exotic bloom is fairly low-maintenance, requiring a humid and warm temperature and watering once a week.

In addition to a sweet smell, plants bring a certain feeling to the atmosphere around them, said Alexis Clark, who owns The Terracotta Room in Manchester with Nicole Rocha. She said when customers enter the shop they’ll comment on how relaxing the atmosphere is, or how fresh and clean the air feels.

“Almost all plants purify in some way,” Clark said. “Greenery is just good to have in your home. It’s life and they carry that energy.”

Clark and Rocha said that they both favor philodendrons and plants from that family due to how forgiving they can be. Clark joked that her philodendron won’t croak on her if she forgets to water it after a week.

Rocha agreed, adding that even people like her, with busy schedules between work and family life, can keep them alive. She said plants add a natural comfort, especially in cities.

“You just need two plants and it’ll transform the room,” Rocha said, “and [plants] make you happy.”

Other plants recommended for beginners included the Zanzibar gem — also called the ZZ plant — and snake plants. Flowering potted plants with low maintenance requirements that Lisa Cartier, the greenhouse manager at Osborne’s Farm & Garden Center of Hooksett, recommended were African violets, flowering anthuriums and cyclamen.

“Owning plants should be a relaxing and fun hobby,” Cartier said. “A potted plant will give you years of enjoyment and memories.”

New Hampshire nurseries and greenhouses

Amherst Garden Center
303 Route 101, Amherst, amherstgardencenter.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bedford Fields
331 Route 101, Bedford, bedfordfields.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Black Forest Nursery
209 King St., Boscawen, blackforestnursery.com
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brochu Nurseries and Landscaping
121 Commercial St., Concord, brochunursery.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cole Gardens
430 Loudon Road, Concord, colegardens.com
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Demers Garden Center
656 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, demersgardencenter.com
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Faulkner’s Landscaping and Nursery
1130 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, faulknersnursery.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Freshwater Farms
1 Kip Cam Road, Atkinson, freshwaterfarmsflorist.com
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The House by the Side of the Road
370 Gibbons Hwy., Wilton, housebyshop.com
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Knotted Finds
707 Milford Road, Merrimack, theknottedfinds.com
Hours: Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Lake Street Garden Center
37 Lake St., Salem, lakestreet.com
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Osborne’s Farm and Garden Center
258 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, osbornesfarm.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shady Hill Greenhouse and Nursery
1 Adams Road, Londonderry, shadyhillgreenhouses.com
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Springlook Farm
112 Island Pond Road, Derry, springlookfarm.com
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunny Valley Greenhouse and Garden Center
42 Route 101A, Amherst, sunnyvf.com
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tanglewood Gardens
424 Route 101, Bedford, tanglewoodgardens.wordpress.com
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Terracotta Room
1361 Elm St., Suite 102, Manchester, theterracottaroom.com
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Featured photo: Apotheca Flowers in Goffstown. Courtesy photo.

Hit the indoor pool for fun and exercise

Who says having fun in the water has to be a summer-only activity?

Even in the dead of winter, there are several local spots to enjoy a bit of water fun indoors. We look at where to go to get in the pool for exercise, improve your swimming skills or try some surfing or boogie boarding — yes, indoors. Dig out that swimsuit and make a plan for a day in the water.

Water wonderland

Find a summertime oasis at an indoor aquatic center

By Katelyn Sahagian

ksahagian@hippopress.com

Surfing in the wintertime is no longer restricted to tropical vacations, thanks to SkyVenture NH’s aquatic attraction Surf’s Up. Laurie Greer, who co-owns the Nashua facility with her husband, Rob, said she wanted to bring year-round waves to the Granite State.

“We can do everything from knee high to a 6-foot standing barrel,” Greer said, adding that people love to come and watch the surfers as much as they surf themselves. “Kick your shoes off and bring your flip-flops. It’s … a tropical paradise.”

Surf’s Up uses a device called a SurfStream. The wave machine fills a small pool with about a foot of water, which is then propelled at a speed of about 14 miles per hour to create a variety of waves. The Greers had specialized surfboards made and gathered up boogie boards. They heated the water to 80 degrees to create their own summertime oasis.

While it seemed easy enough to get going for people who are experienced on surfboards, Greer saw that some newer surfers needed an extra hand. Now, SkyVenture offers help to the newer surfers from the staff of surf instructors.

“The program we have is called ‘surf assist,’” she said. “An instructor … will set [a visitor] up and the other will help them up on the wave. Once [the visitor is] stable, they’ll let go. They basically are your personal coach on the waves.”

Surf’s Up is the largest SurfStream in the world, measuring in at a length of 32 feet. The attraction is more than just a fun way to get out energy, Greer said — it’s also used by professional surfers and wake surfers to practice during the winter months. Pro wakesurfer Jake Caster got started using Surf’s Up as his training ground, while YouTuber and award-winning surfer Jamie “JOB” O’Brien has also used the facility.

Each session at Surf’s Up lasts 15 minutes, Greer said.

“Fifteen minutes doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s a lot,” she said. “In the ocean, you’d be lucky to get 10 seconds to catch a ride.”

While kids as young as 4 or 5 years old can go on Surf’s Up, sometimes indoor swimming fun can look a bit more like a traditional waterpark. Over at The Workout Club in Salem, there’s a kid-friendly water wonderland known as the SplashZone that’s available for use in addition to the facility’s regular lane swimming.

“We have wonderful aquatics that are broken into three segments,” said Laurie Moran, The Workout Club’s aquatics director. The segments are lane swimming, family swimming and the SplashZone, which has wade-in water activities and swim areas, water sprinklers, a mushroom-cap fountain and a 75-foot water slide. On the other side of the complex you’ll find a wade pool for toddlers and a family swimming pool for fun.

When parents and older siblings need a break from the pool fun, they can take time in the spa, a hot tub for visitors ages 16 and older. The water can get up to 104 degrees with jets to help massage sore muscles.

Moran said that the aquatics center is a place for everyone in the family to have a good time and get some energy out.

“This is a place where parents and kids can get exercise,” she said, jokingly adding, “Afterward, kids are really tuckered out, and when they’re tired they’re less work to take care of.”

Indoor water fun

This list has a selection of places that are free or offer day passes to use their facilities.

Dover public pool
9 Henry Law Ave., 516-6441, dover.nh.gov
The public pool is open daily, with different programs scheduled each day. A single day pass costs $5 for resident adults and $3 for resident children and seniors, and $7 for non-resident adults and $4 for non-resident children and seniors. There are discounted packages available for a multi-day pass. See the website for the full schedule.

Envy Sports Club
298 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 703-5303, envysportsclubs.com
The Envy Splash Lounge is not only an indoor pool but also has a cinema, music, parties, food and drinks. Kids and parents can join Envy for a live DJ at the Kids Glow Party every Saturday night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased online.

SkyVenture NH
100 Adventure Way, Nashua, 897-0002, skyventurenh.com
SkyVenture is open Wednesday through Friday, 2 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pricing for Surf’s Up starts at $45 for a 15-minute session, followed by $22.50 for each additional session. Private sessions are also available — book online through their website.

The Workout Club
16 Pelham Road, Salem, 894-4800, theworkoutclub.com/salem
The SplashZone is open daily from noon to 4 p.m. The water slide will only be operational during the weekends, when a lifeguard is on duty in that area. The cost is $20 for non-members ages 13 and up and $10 for non-members.

Making a splash

Get fit in the pool, from aquatics classes to swim lessons

By Mya Blanchard and Matt Ingersoll

listings@hippopress.com

Between frigid temperatures and the depths of snow, it can be hard to find ways to stay active in the dead of winter. Indoor swimming and water exercise programs are great year-round alternatives to what are traditionally warm-weather activities — and they’ve been steadily growing in popularity post-pandemic.

“There’s definitely been a good uptick in the amount of interest the last three years,” said Matthew Chabot, owner of Somerset Swim & Fitness in Nashua, which offers swimming lessons for kids and adults, in addition to aqua aerobics for its members six days a week. “To be honest, we’ve quadrupled the amount of lessons on a yearly basis that we’re doing now from what we were doing pre-Covid.”

The interest in indoor pools also grows this time of year at the Hampshire Hills Athletic Club in Milford, according to aquatics director Jasmine Bishop.

“I think after Christmastime, it’s a real big turning point, and our pools start to get busier because people are thinking of activities that they can do with their kids, or they’re thinking of different ways to cross-train when they can’t be out on the roads running or biking,” Bishop said. “A lot of people will hop in [the pool] and do PT [physical therapy] if they are trying to recover from something. … Or even if it’s icy outside, they’ll get into the water and walk, and that adds resistance and they’re still getting their steps in.”

At Hampshire Hills, one lane of a five-lane lap pool is always open to members — according to the club’s website, it’s open seven days a week throughout each day and can be reserved for swimmers up to four days in advance. Bishop added that, for adults, the club’s aquatics programs are more fitness-oriented and include everything from strength and tone workouts to those that promote proper joint and muscle alignment.

“We have an arthritis class, we have a Water in Motion [class] … and a lot of other different options, and generally those run Monday through Friday,” she said. “We have our family pool and that’s where our aqua classes run. Then we have our hot tub, which is a nice addition after you’ve been in a class or [you’ve been] swimming laps. … We see all different types of fitness levels.”

In business in the Gate City for more than two decades, Somerset Swim & Fitness is known for focusing on one-on-one private lessons for swimmers, regardless of one’s membership status with the club. It’s also one of the only spots around with a heated saltwater pool, a safer and more natural alternative, Chabot said, to one filled with chlorine. In addition to lessons, the club does offer open swimming hours to members seven days a week at various times over several hours, and there are membership rates available for open swim in the pool only. Aqua aerobics classes, meanwhile, are available and great for building strength and improving flexibility.

“All of our instructors are WSI [Water Safety Instructor, through the American Red Cross] certified. A lot of them have competitive swimming backgrounds,” Chabot said.

Lessons at the club are offered daily, and swimmers are usually guided to enroll in at least one lesson per week. A majority of swimmers, Chabot said, are kids and teens up to 15 years old, although lessons are available to all ages.

“We focus on … more of the beginner to the intermediate [swimmer],” he said. “Getting that individual, whether it’s the parent [who] wants their child to be comfortable and have those water safety skills, or if it’s an older child or an adult, then we’re basically helping them get over any fear they may have or getting them comfortable so that they feel they can swim. … Between the swim director who runs the program, or the individual instructors, they’ll more or less observe in the first session to get an idea of where the person is at.”

Group swimming lessons for kids and teens are also available at Hampshire Hills, with the next eight-week session running from March 6 through April 29. For younger swimmers, Bishop said, the benefits of enrolling in lessons range from basic water safety to building or boosting confidence.

“It’s a huge life skill that kids should know,” she said, “and then from there, you can work on fitness or you can swim for fun. Whatever you want to do, there are so many avenues that it can take you through.”

The YMCA of Greater Nashua also offers group swimming lessons, in addition to private lessons and daily guest passes for people to access the facility’s swimming pools, according to chief community relations officer Elizabeth Covino. Lessons are offered all year long, with the next program session beginning Feb. 6. At Granite YMCA, meanwhile (which includes the YMCA of Downtown Manchester, the YMCA of Concord and the YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown), day passes to use the pools are also complimentary for first-time visitors, followed by up to five paid visits.

In the Concord area, Karen Jenovese and her stepdaughter, Tyler Smirnioudis, have operated the NH Swim School for more than a decade. Both with backgrounds in competitive swimming — Smirnioudis is also a lifeguard instructor and Jenovese a swimming coach — the two developed their own methods of teaching that allow kids to progress faster and at their own pace.

“A lot of other places rely on floatation devices when teaching kids how to swim … and that can make the process take a lot longer,” Smirnioudis said. “We don’t use any floatation in our swimming lessons and our class sizes are very small compared to other programs … so that really helps make a difference with our kids learning to swim.”

The school provides lessons for children and adults. When deciding which lesson to sign up for, one must consider a swimmer’s age and skill level.

Those age 6 months to 3 years old can start with parent-and-child classes. These lessons familiarize children with the water and teach them developmental skills, like swimming on their front and back, floating and going under the water. Next up is Level 1, which teaches children how to swim independently. The following levels build on these skills and teach core strokes. “Our goal is for all the kids to continue swimming until they get to our developmental swim team,” Smirnioudis said.

Where to find indoor swimming lessons and aquatics programs
Here are some local health clubs and other organizations offering either private or group swimming lessons for kids and adults, as well as some open swimming opportunities and fitness-oriented aquatics classes.

Where to find indoor swimming lessons and aquatics programs

Envy Sports Club
298 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 703-5303, envysportsclubs.com
When: Classes for kids and adults run on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at various times throughout the day, depending on the class. Aquatics programs are also available.
Cost: $169 for members and $199 for non-members, either for eight weeks with one class per week or four weeks with two classes per week. Membership rates start at $39 per month to use the pool only.

Executive Health & Sports Center
1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com
When: Classes are held Sundays through Saturdays at various times, depending on the class (no classes during school vacation weeks or holiday weekends). The next session for swimming lessons runs from March 4 through April 16, with registration opening Feb. 6 at 5 a.m. Group aquatics programs, meanwhile, are available Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m.
Cost: $69 for members, and $119 for non-members for swimming lessons

Hampshire Hills Athletic Club
50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com
When: Group lessons are held weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m., and on Saturday mornings. The next eight-week session runs from March 6 through April 29, with registration due March 4 (private lessons are currently not available). One lane of a five-lane lap pool is also open to members — according to the club’s website, it’s open seven days a week throughout each day and can be reserved for swimmers up to four days in advance. Aquatics classes, meanwhile, are offered seven days a week at various times — see website for details.
Cost: Ranges from $96 to $136 for the eight-week swimming lesson program, depending on the swimmer’s membership status.

NH Swim School
96 N. State St., Concord, 724-3106, nhswimschool.com
When: Classes are offered weekly, Sunday through Saturday, depending on the class.
Registration opens Feb. 4 for the NH Swim School’s next session, which begins in March.
Cost: Ranges from $175 to $230

Peak Swim Center
45 Mountain Road, Brookline, 978-337-6717, peakswimcenter.com
When: Coached swimming sessions are available seven days a week; see website to book a time.
Cost: $90 per 45-minute coached swimming session, or $100 per 60-minute session

SafeSplash Swim School
Hosted at the Holiday Inn, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 945-1844, safesplash.com
When: Classes are offered on Sundays, at various times between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and on Wednesdays, at various times between 4 and 7 p.m.
Cost: Ranges from $88 to $308, depending on the type of class and the length of each session.

Somerset Swim & Fitness
2 Somerset Parkway, Nashua, 595-4160, somersetsf.com
When: Private lessons are available seven days a week; call to schedule a time. In addition to lessons, the club does also offer open swimming hours to members seven days a week at various times over several hours, in addition to aqua aerobics classes. Membership rates are available for open swim in the pool only.
Cost: Membership rates vary; call for details

YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown
Granite YMCA, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, 497-4663, graniteymca.com
When: Swimming programs are held at various dates and times throughout the week — see program brochure for the full schedule. Open swimming hours vary and can be viewed online graniteymca.com on a week-to-week basis, Monday through Saturday.
Cost: Varies, depending on the swimmer’s age and membership status. Day passes to use the pool are also complimentary for first-time visitors, followed by up to five paid visits ($10 for adults, $5 for adolescents and teens and $3 for younger kids)

YMCA of Concord
Granite YMCA, 15 N. State St., Concord, 228-9622, graniteymca.com
When: Swimming programs are held at various dates and times throughout the week — see program brochure for the full schedule. Open swimming hours vary and can be viewed online graniteymca.com on a week-to-week basis, Monday through Saturday.
Cost: Varies, depending on the swimmer’s age and membership status. Day passes to use the pool are also complimentary for first-time visitors, followed by up to five paid visits ($10 for adults, $5 for adolescents and teens and $3 for younger kids)

YMCA of Downtown Manchester
Granite YMCA, 30 Mechanic St., Manchester, 623-3558, graniteymca.com
When: Swimming programs are held at various dates and times throughout the week — see program brochure for the full schedule. Open swimming hours vary and can be viewed online graniteymca.com on a week-to-week basis, Monday through Saturday.
Cost: Varies, depending on the swimmer’s age and membership status. Day passes to use the pool are also complimentary for first-time visitors, followed by up to five paid visits ($10 for adults, $5 for adolescents and teens and $3 for younger kids)

YMCA of Greater Nashua
24 Stadium Drive, Nashua, 882-2011, nmymca.org
When: Swimming lessons are offered all year long; the next program session begins Feb. 6. Daily guest passes are also available for people to access the Y’s swimming pools. Indoor pools are located at the Nashua YMCA (24 Stadium Drive, Nashua) and the Westwood Park YMCA (90 Northwest Blvd., Nashua). Lanes are available for open swim on various days and times — the full schedule is regularly updated at nmymca.org.
Cost: Daily passes are $15 per adult and $5 per child per day.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Get fantasy and science fiction thrills and horror chills from Granite State authors

With everything from zombie apocalypses to high fantasy and futuristic concepts, the imaginations of the Granite State’s genre fiction writers are seemingly limitless. Katelyn Sahagian and Matt Ingersoll caught up with several New Hampshire-based fantasy, science fiction and horror authors to discuss their inspirations, influences and most recent projects.

Scott M. Baker

Before becoming a prolific self-published author of horror fiction, Scott Baker of Dunbarton worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for 23 years. Born and raised in Everett, Mass., he lived in Virginia during most of his tenure with the CIA, along with a few stints overseas.

While working for the CIA, he developed an idea for an espionage novel about North Korea acquiring five nuclear weapons. As Baker recalls, it was initially well-received — he even had a literary agent who was ready to sell the book to a major publisher in New York City — but then the Sept. 11 attacks changed everything.

“The minute 9/11 hit, everything dried up,” Baker said. “There was no market for espionage. … About three or four days afterward, my agent called me up and said the market died.”

A few years later, Baker said, he became inspired to switch genres from espionage to horror after seeing the 2004 film Van Helsing with a close friend.

“As we were walking out of the theater, I said, ‘You know, I could write a better story than that,’ and she looked me and smiled and said, ‘Well, why don’t you?’” Baker recalls. “So that’s what got me writing in the horror genre.”

His first three books made up The Vampire Hunters trilogy, followed up by The Rotter World trilogy, a series about a zombie apocalypse. He also became inspired by his then-10-year-old daughter to write a five-volume young adult series called Shattered World, about an ill-fated scientific experiment that causes portals to open between Hell and Earth.

Currently Baker is busy working on three separate additional series, including Book 9 of a planned 10-book series called Nurse Alissa vs. The Zombies.

“It’s about a typical nurse who is just your average person,” he said. “She’s working in the ER at Mass. General and she’s at Ground Zero during a zombie outbreak, so the whole series just deals with her getting out of Boston, trying to survive and picking up friends along the way.”

He also has a spin-off series set in the same universe, titled The Chronicles of Paul; the second volume was just released in October. A third series, meanwhile — known as The Tatyana Paranormal series — is about a young graduate student who discovers she has the ability to talk to spirits. The Ghosts of the Maria Doria, released last August, follows the titular protagonist as she finds herself stranded upon a haunted cruise ship.

While Baker most often dabbles in series, he does have a few standalone novels. One of his latest is Operation Majestic, released in December 2021.

“When people ask what that book is about, I say, ‘Think Indiana Jones meets Back to the Future, with aliens,” he said. “It’s a time-traveler [novel].”

All of Scott M. Baker’s novels are self-published. For more details on Baker’s work or to purchase an autographed copy of one of his books, visit scottmbakerauthor.blogspot.com or search for him on Amazon. You can also join his Facebook group, “Scott Baker’s Realm of Zombies, Monsters and the Paranormal,” or follow him on Instagram @scottmbakerwriter or on Twitter @vampire_hunters. Baker is one of several local writers who will attend the New England Author Expo’s Authors at the Vineyard event at Zorvino Vineyards (226 Main St., Sandown) on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to that event is free.

— Matt Ingersoll

Gregory Bastianelli

Some of Gregory Bastianelli’s earliest memories involved watching Creature Double Feature on Saturday afternoons around the age of 6. He first read the short stories of Ray Bradbury — whose 1962 novel Something Wicked This Way Comes is one of his all-time favorite books — before diving into the works of acclaimed horror writers such as Richard Matheson and Stephen King.

“I think I wrote my first short story when I was 11 years old, and then I just kept writing stories all the time,” said Bastianelli, a University of New Hampshire graduate and a native of Dover. “Pretty bad ones, but they were fun, and that’s how I sort of was cutting my teeth. … Another book that [had] a big influence on me when I was in junior high was Bram Stoker’s Dracula. I remember reading that and just being so moved and so terrified by it.”

Prior to publishing his first novel, Bastianelli lived in New York City, where he worked as a copy editor for a company that published law books. Returning to the Granite State at the end of the 1980s, he worked for Foster’s Daily Democrat as a copy editor and writer.

“Two of the highlights of my career were … getting to do an interview with Alice Cooper, who I was a big fan of, and then also interviewing Bruce Campbell. Anyone who knows horror knows Bruce Campbell — king of the B-movies.”

While working at Foster’s, Bastianelli published a few short stories in some obscure horror magazines. Through a contest, he finally found a publisher in 2011 for his debut novel, Jokers Club, a project he had been working on and off on for more than two decades.

“Before the contest ended, I got a call from the publisher and he said that, regardless of how it did in the contest, he wanted to publish it. I was just thrilled,” Bastianelli said. “It did end up winning second place in the contest, but the fact that he reached out to me and said that he was interested in publishing, it was a dream come true.”

Since then Bastianelli has moved on to a larger publishing company, Flame Tree Press, out of London, England. In January 2020 he released Snowball, a novel about a group of motorists who are stranded on a New Hampshire highway in the middle of a blizzard on Christmas Eve. His latest title, Shadow Flicker, was published in March 2022.

“Shadow Flicker is about an insurance investigator who goes to an island off the coasts of Maine to interview some residents … who are complaining about some wind turbines, believing that they cause some ill effects,” he said. “In the course of his investigation, he stumbles upon something even darker going on on this island, and he gets sucked into a phenomenon that is beyond anything that he could realize.”

Bastianelli called Snowball a “straight-out horror novel.” Shadow Flicker, on the other hand, has been referred to by some as horror and others as a science fiction or speculative mystery.

Bastianelli is a regular participant in speculative fiction writers’ conventions like NECON in Lowell, Mass., in July. He has also attended StokerCon, put on by the Horror Writers Association, and the Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival, held in October in Haverhill, Mass.

“One of the things that I’ve learned from going to a lot of these conventions and events is that … a lot of these authors that you grew up loving, they love to hear that you talk about their books and that you enjoy their writing,” he said. “That’s what they do it for.”

Gregory Bastianelli’s latest novel, Shadow Flicker, is available through Flame Tree Press (flametreepress.com). Learn more about Bastianelli and his works by visiting gregorybastianelli.com, which provides links to various ways to purchase his books. You can also find him on Facebook and Twitter, or purchase his books online through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

— Matt Ingersoll

Justin Bell

While most authors jump from subject to subject in the same genre, Justin Bell takes a much different approach. His writing is specifically in the post-apocalyptic subgenre, which focuses on what happens to humanity after a catastrophic event.

For example, the series Bell just finished writing focused on what would happen if the world became too radioactive for humans to survive above ground.

Bell started his writing career by working for a handful of different independent publishing houses, gravitating toward the post-apocalyptic subgenre the whole time. When he was picked up by his current publishing house, Muonic Press, he got the chance to shine.

Muonic, Bell said, exclusively publishes post-apocalyptic science fiction, and on top of that, the company is one of most-read publishers for the subgenre on Amazon. Bell saw a drastic increase in readership, he said.

His books get millions of reads a year, averaging between 12 million and 15 million. He said one year during the pandemic his page reads was up to 20 million.

“It’s amazing,” Bell said. “I was a struggling author independently published. I started in 2014 with middling success and exposure. … Later in 2018 I’m getting hundreds of pre-orders per book and it’s been life-changing.”

Bell said he just completed his most recent book series in June 2022, and a collection of the six-book series dropped in November. Now he’s putting all his efforts into his new novel series, After the Fall, with the first novel coming on Feb. 3, and a new book coming monthly after that.

Bell said that he’ll continue writing post-apocalyptic stories for as long as the subject remains interesting to him and inspires him with different ideas. His favorite part of the subgenre isn’t the disasters and chaos but the resilience of the characters thrown into those situations. To him — and his readers — it becomes a story of the human spirit and of hope.

“What’s great about these books is you’re putting [characters] through different situations but seeing, in spite of odds, that they persevere,” Bell said. “They find a light in the darkness and that’s what I like most about them.”

Visit Justin Bell’s website at justinbellauthor.com to learn more about his works, which are available through Amazon and its products Kindle and Audible. All of his works are published by Muonic Press. To learn more about Muonic Press, visit their website at muonic.com.

— Katelyn Sahagian

David D’Amico

David D’Amico grew up with a love of writing. He said that when he was young he always had story ideas floating around in his head. It wasn’t until his twin brother announced he would be a writer that D’Amico decided to take up the craft as well.

“All my life I was the one with the stories,” D’Amico said, jokingly adding that he “couldn’t let [my twin] become the writer.”

D’Amico has won numerous awards for his science fiction short stories, including winning Writers of the Future in 2011. His stories have been published in popular science fiction magazines, including Analog. While his stories are typically around 5,000 words, he said that it’s become enough space for him to get a good grasp on his storytelling abilities.

Typically, when writing a story, D’Amico finds it much more important to focus on the characters than the world that he’s built for each story. He said that character studies are better received by publishers and readers.

“I write majoritively straight sci-fi, slightly in the future, a little bit like The Twilight Zone,” D’Amico said. “I’m heavy on characters, and it’s not epic quests, usually.”

Right now D’Amico is working on publishing collections of his stories, called “Through Machine Eyes,” which are illustrated through an artificial intelligence art program. Two have already been published, and he hopes to put out more in the new year.

Even this early in the new year D’Amico has sold one of his short stories. He said that he’ll sell approximately a dozen over the course of 2023, depending on the process. Some of his stories can be as short as 42 words long, but he prefers a bit more length to establish context.

In addition to submitting his short stories to different magazines and working on his AI project, D’Amico is working on completing his first full-length novel. He said that he’s begun several but wants to really stick to it this year.

D’Amico has learned over the years that writing isn’t just a career, it’s a passion. To him, readers can tell when authors aren’t happy writing, and that is the most important part of the craft.

“Write what you like,” he said. “Enjoy it. Don’t worry about the other stuff until after the draft is done.”

For more information about David D’Amico, or to read his short stories and purchase a copy of his anthologies, visit his website at dadamico.com. His second anthology of stories Through Machine Eyes: Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories Illustrated by AI Intelligence, Volume Two was a self published title.

— Katelyn Sahagian

Elaine Isaak

Fantasy steeped in real history is what Elaine Isaak’s writing is all about. She strives for a level of realism in her work, tying archaeology to magic, and adding a fantastical element to history.

“My author brand is knowledge-inspired fiction,” Isaak said. “I find ideas by reading nonfiction or doing museum visits [about] something that excites and inspires me.”

Isaak said that binding her love for history and art with her writing has been one of the best things that has ever happened to her. Her novels will take something like an obscure medieval clock and turn it into a doomsday device the protagonist must find a way to stop, as in her most recent novel.

While she primarily writes fantasy novels, Isaak is exploring new territories with her upcoming young adult sci-fi series about space dragons, the first book of which is set to be released on Feb. 7.

The series was written for her son, who she said loves robots and dragons, and she wanted to find a way to combine the two. She got the idea when another writer mentioned doing the same for their child.

“I didn’t want it to be fantastical dragons,” Isaak said, explaining her reasoning for choosing a sci-fi approach to traditionally fantasy creatures. “I thought, if they’re not fantasy and those tropes, then they’re probably aliens.”

She’s taking her research-forward approach of writing to this genre too, looking at how some animals communicate non-verbally. One inspiration she mentioned was learning that elephants use the vibrations from their footfalls to communicate across miles. Another is looking at animals like dolphins and platypuses that have electroreceptors that give them the ability to sense their prey underwater.

Isaak said that she wanted the series to make people think about what communication and culture are, and what it would look like in aliens wildly different from humans, as well as planets different from Earth. She said the most important thing she can do with her books is create a world her readers can enjoy, one that sparks their own imagination.

“A work isn’t complete until there’s a reader,” Isaak said. “[Books are] a collaboration between me and my words and the reader opening their imagination to the world and characters I’m creating.”

To learn more about Elaine Isaak’s work, visit elaineisaak.com. Her most recent work, Drakemaster (written under the pen name EC Ambrose) was published by Guardbridge Books. Her novels are available online at Amazon and wherever books are sold.

— Katelyn Sahagian

Troy Osgood

Building imaginative worlds is only one aspect of Troy Osgood’s writing. He creates worlds within worlds, choosing to use video games to trap his characters in alternate realities. He likes the diversity this allows him, bringing fantasy and sci-fi together.

One of his most recently completed book series, Sky Realms Online, follows this almost exactly. He said the plot is about a popular online virtual reality video game that sucks in some of the players. The players have to navigate the world of floating islands held together by magic and defeat boss battles and quests, all while trying to figure out how to escape the game.

“I want to write adventures and entertaining stories that people want to read more of,” Osgood said.

Sky Realms Online was completed last November, followed by the completion of a similar saga with fewer fantasy elements called Battlegrounds Online — the final book in that series was released in December.

His next series, Connective System, will be a bit different. Instead of characters being sucked into the games they’re playing, a game will “hack” the world, giving humans superpowers and special abilities. Osgood said the story will fit more in with the post-apocalyptic subgenre of science fiction.

“They’ll have to rebuild their world with superhuman powers,” he said, adding that he plans to release the first in the series in either March or April.

While Osgood’s more adult books focus on the sci-fi worlds of being trapped in video games, or video games affecting the outside world, his books for younger readers are more steeped in the fantasy genre. He just finished writing a series called The Viral Rose Sprite, and he hopes to get more young reader fantasy out in the coming year.

“You can get away with a lot more stuff,” Osgood said about his fantasy writing. “As long as your magic rules make sense, anything goes. You can have a lot of fun and just go crazy.”

To learn more about Troy Osgood’s writing, visit ossywrites.wordpress.com. His books, (print, e-edition, and audio) can be purchased at Amazon. His most recent book, Onyxgate, was published by Aethon Books.

— Katelyn Sahagian

Chris Philbrook

While Chris Philbrook’s books will almost always have a science fiction or fantasy base to them, he likes to tie them to thriller and horror tropes as well.

“I got my big break with post-apocalyptic, so where horror and science fiction meet,” Philbrook said. “I’ve written urban fantasy, too. I tend to gravitate toward horror themes. I like having characters meandering into places where they are stressed out by situations and given the chance to rise up or succumb.”

His most recent novel, Ghosts, is the 13th in the Adrian’s Undead Diary series, released last Halloween. The series follows Adrian as he tries to reunite the dead and help their souls move on. Philbrook said he wasn’t sure how long the series would continue, but he started it back in 2010 and people have seemed to really enjoy it.

Philbrook is currently working on both the 14th volume of Adrian’s Undead Diary and the third book in The Darkness of Diggory Finch series. Right now, he doesn’t have a concrete publishing date for either book, but is aiming for the spring for Adrian’s Undead Diary and the summer for The Darkness of Diggory Finch.

The Darkness of Diggory Finch series is cosmic horror set in the woodland border of New Hampshire and Vermont. The main character, Diggory Finch, finds himself inheriting land at the border, and once he moves there he finds out that nothing is as it seems.

“The series is [Diggory Finch] dealing with the locals and [figuring] out what the deal with his family is,” Philbrook said, adding that there are twists and turns, like cults and “monsters and bears and weirdos, oh my.”

Philbrook said that most of his inspiration for writing comes from living in the Granite State. Although he has lived in Boston and Arkansas and has traveled across the country promoting his novels, Philbrook said there is something special about living and writing in New Hampshire.

“It’s a neat place to be a writer,” he said. “New Hampshire is a cool nexus of culture and location that isn’t very common in America.”

Find information about Chris Philbrook’s upcoming books at thechrisphilbrook.com. His works can be purchased online at Amazon, but Philbrook would love for his readers to support independent book shops by ordering his books through them. His most recent book, Ghosts, was self-published.

— Katelyn Sahagian

Jeremy Robinson

It takes a lot of effort to create one world for a book or series to take place in, but Jeremy Robinson decided that just one world wasn’t enough. His 80 books take place in something he calls the Infinite Timeline, a multiverse that existed long before the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“Readers have tried making a map of how all 80 books are connected,” Robinson said. “It’s fun for me and it’s fun for the readers as well.”

Robinson said most of his novels could be read as stand-alone books. He said the only thing that stays the same for some of the books is that they will feature the same characters. His most recent publication, Khaos, blends Greek mythology with the science fiction world he’s built.

The next book after Khaos will be called Singularity, which will be coming out on March 21. Robinson said that Singularity will officially tie the whole universe together.

Due to his extensive catalog of work, Robinson has amassed a large following across the country. He’s been a New York Times bestselling author and the No. 1 bestselling author on Audible. He’s even had people in Texas host a “Robinson Con,” a convention to discuss and enjoy the books he’s put out over the years.

Robinson gained popularity because of his skill with the subgenre called creature features, where monsters are the star of the show. He said he strives to make his books interesting to all readers, and interesting to write, by making the plot get increasingly strange.

“It’s probably that I’m ADHD and, for me to write, [the stories] have to get progressively weirder to hold my own attention,” Robinson said. “I start with real science and then I get to go crazy.”

His favorite creature that he’s created is called Nemesis, a kaiju that spawns out of different New Hampshire locations and destroys Boston. Robinson said he’s working on Nemesis Wages of Sin, a reboot of his original series that featured Nemesis, called Project Nemesis, and hopes for it to come out sometime in 2023.

The book will be written in conjunction with a television show that Sony is producing about the first book. Robinson said he feels fortunate to have had all these opportunities for his writing.

To keep track of Jeremy Robinson’s upcoming projects, visit his website bewareofmonsters.com. Robinson’s books can be purchased online or from local bookstores. His most recent book, Khaos, was published by Breakneck Media.

— Katelyn Sahagian

Tony Tremblay

Tony Tremblay’s lifelong love of horror started when he was around the age of 9 or 10, reading, of all things, the Old Testament of the Bible.

“Those stories were scary as heck, and they left a lasting impression on me,” said Tremblay, a longtime resident of Goffstown. “As I grew older I started to look at some of the horror authors that were out there at the time, and really enjoyed what I was reading. … I thought maybe I could try to write something on my own, but just never got around to doing it.”

About 15 years ago, at the encouragement of a colleague, Tremblay joined a writers’ group at his local library, which helped him learn all of the fundamentals of how to write fiction.

“My first stories were horrible. But I learned fast and I started getting stories published in anthologies and websites and magazines,” he said. “The writers’ group helped me tremendously.”

Tremblay published his first book of short stories, The Seeds of Nightmares, about a decade ago through Crossroad Press. His latest work — 2022’s Do Not Weep for Me, available through Haverhill House Publishing — is a follow up to The Moore House, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award in 2018 for “Best First Novel.”

“Bram Stoker, of course, is like the Oscars of the horror industry, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he said. “It was a great honor.”

Both novels are set in the same universe and deal heavily with the macabre side of religion. The Moore House in particular, he said, has been compared by many to the 1971 novel The Exorcist.

“All the action happens in Goffstown, so if you’re a Manchester or a Goffstown resident, you’ll see all the familiar sites in there, [like] the bridge downtown, the popcorn stand and all that stuff,” Tremblay said. “So that’s a lot of fun for the local people.”

While reading The Moore House first is not necessary to enjoy Do Not Weep for Me, Tremblay said it absolutely does make the experience “more fun.”

“Both of them are very fast reads,” he said. “I’ve had people write to me, [saying] they’re on airplanes and they didn’t want the flight to end because they wanted to finish the book. It’s that thrilling, and that’s what I was trying to write.”

Tremblay said he hopes to complete his next novel by Halloween, and he also has a new novella and a new short story in the works for later this year. Throughout the year, he participates in regional conventions alongside many other names in horror fiction. He even has co-produced one in Manchester, known as NoCon, which has been on hold since the pandemic.

“I’ve read thousands of books, and what’s kind of neat is that now I’m the one that’s selling them and going to these conventions and speaking on the panels,” Tremblay said. “If you asked me if that would ever happen, I would’ve laughed in your face back then. But it just proves that anybody can do it. You just have to buckle down and learn.”

Tony Tremblay’s latest novel, Do Not Weep for Me, is available through Twisted Publishing, an imprint of Haverhill House Publishing (haverhillhouse.com). Find out more about Tremblay’s work by visiting tonytremblayauthor.com. You can also find him on Facebook or purchase his books online through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

–Matt Ingersoll

Featured photo: It came from NH

New York style versus Montreal, everything versus asiago, and all the other variations that go into the perfect bagel

Remzi Kahya was only about 10 years old when, in 1996, his father, Ismail, opened Bagel Cafe on Hanover Street in Manchester.

Ismail had moved to the United States from Turkey several years earlier. Through a referral from a family friend, he got a job in New York making bagels. It was in Long Island, Kahya said, where his dad learned the ins and outs of the bagel business from a Jewish family who at the time had a small chain of shops in the New York area.

The knowledge and experience he gathered there would be passed down to his son — but, as Kahya recalls, not right away.

“I watched him. He didn’t let me make anything for a long time. I think it was probably like high school [when] I got to play around with the dough,” Kahya said. “I’ve been pretty much in that store ever since. … I went off to college, did other stuff, but I’ve been making bagels with dad pretty much since then.”

Throughout his college career, Kahya said, he never ruled out the possibility of continuing to work in the family business. In 2011 he opened a second Bagel Cafe on Second Street in the Queen City, eventually moving that to its current spot in Bedford in 2013. By September 2021 they had a third shop, this time in Nashua, called Simit Cafe (named for the Turkish word for a bagel-like bread). This all as the original Bagel Cafe continues its run of more than 25 years.

At around 3,000 square feet, Simit Cafe was the largest of the three storefronts, and this had originally inspired Kahya to introduce more of a full-service cafe concept with additional items. But because the bagels and bagel sandwiches have been far and away the most popular, he said the decision was recently made to rebrand the business as a third Bagel Cafe.

For many local bagel businesses like the Kahyas’, most roads lead back to New York or New Jersey. Take Bob Weygant of Rolleyholers in Exeter as another example — a home baker since his mother taught him at the age of 6, he would move to New Hampshire from New Jersey in the mid-2000s.

“When I moved up here, I missed bagels desperately,” Weygant said. “We used to go back and forth to New Jersey, bring up bagels … and freeze them. … And I got to the point when I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to learn how to make bagels. I know it’s a tremendous process, but hey, let’s go for it.’”

Weygant started selling his own home-baked bagels as a hobby in 2016 before making the transition to a commercial kitchen a few years later. By late December 2020 he would quit his day job with the goal of opening his own brick-and-mortar spot in the new year. Rolleyholers indeed arrived the following June.

Sheryl Tedford of Northfield — who grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, just outside of New York City — also recalls frequently traveling south for bagels.
“We’d go down to New York and New Jersey, come back with like three dozen bagels and put them in the freezer,” said Tedford, who started Bagels From NH as a “pandemic business” in 2020 following her retirement. “We didn’t like any of the bagels you could buy in bags because they just weren’t what we were used to.”

On a whim, Tedford decided to try her hand at making her own and was pleased at how well they came out. She started selling them, eventually becoming a staple at local summer farmers markets in communities like Canterbury and Franklin. Next, she’ll be in Danbury on Feb. 4.

Styles and preferences

Brett Fleckner recalls a proposal made by his stepfather, Robert Frank, who had an established background in the restaurant business.

“He thought we should do either pasta or bagels, and I just went along for the ride,” said Fleckner, whose family has owned and operated Bagel Alley in Nashua since 1989. “He felt that those were two things that would always continue. And, I mean, he was right. Bagels worked.”

More than three decades later, Bagel Alley has become something of an institution in the Gate City, known for its enormous bagels, thicker than your fist and made fresh every morning.

“I get up at 3:30 [a.m.] every day and I come in by 4:30, and if it’s not me it’s my nephew Zachary, and then my sister is here six, seven days a week,” Fleckner said. “That’s what it takes. There’s no shortcuts.”

Bagel Alley has several wholesale accounts in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. Less than a mile away is What A Bagel, another shop known for making its own bagels fresh every morning, in addition to made-to-order bagel sandwiches.

“Almost all of my bagels are what you would call New York-style,” said owner Chris Weier, a Marine Corps veteran and Nashua native who took over the shop in 2019. “They are all hand-rolled, boiled bagels. … A traditional New York-style bagel is going to be very dense and very chewy.”

At Bagel Cafe, Kahya said, his are more of a take on the traditional New York style.

“We like to steam our bagels,” he said. “We do a lot of sandwiches and I just think, personally, [steaming] the bagel makes it better for making a sandwich. You still have the crust that you want, but it’s not too hard. … I think it’s better than a New York bagel.”

At Rolleyholers, Weygant said he considers his bagels to be akin to New York or New Jersey styles.

“From my definition, a New York style is slightly larger. They have a tougher crust on the outside. … The New Jersey style is going to be a little softer on the outside … and they are slightly smaller at about four and a half ounces,” Weygant said. “But I mean, it really kind of comes down to your recipe and methods. … We’re kettle boiling and using a specific set of ingredients … [and] the amount of time that the bagel is spent in the kettle, the amount of time that they spend in the oven, the temperature at which they’re baking — all of that is going to play a part in what the real result is.”

What A Bagel also offers a few flavors of what Weier referred to as Montreal-style bagels. “Those bagels involve eggs,” he said. “So once you bring eggs into any baking process, you end up with a much softer, fluffier product. Easy to chew, if you think of, say, a brioche bread.”

Kahya said Montreal-style bagels are also traditionally known for being baked with honey-sweetened water in a wood-fired oven.

“I’ve eaten them in Montreal, but I like the New York style and the ones we do better,” he said, adding that the terms can be subjective.

Rolling in the dough

Bagels start with a flour- and water-based dough mixture that must be proofed, or left to rest, over a period of time, just like any yeasted bread.

“One of the significant factors of what makes a bagel a bagel is the hydration of the dough,” Weier said. “The amount of water that’s in the dough is lower than any other bread product that exists.”

Doughs for Weier’s bagels are hand-rolled anywhere from a day or two to a week ahead of time, depending on the batch, before they’re allowed to proof in the cooler.

“When you see those little air pockets inside the bread, that’s what the yeast is doing, is it will rise,” he said. “The longer you can get away with proofing it, the better. We try to stretch it out as many days as possible, because the longer it proofs, the more flavor comes out in the bagel.”

After the dough has finished proofing is where you’ll see bagels either boiled or steamed, depending on where you go. Sometimes they’re formed into their ring shape by hand from a long, thin piece of the dough, or other times a bagel machine will perform that function.

“At all three of our locations, we have a bagel machine, a mixer and bakers there, so we’re making them at all three,” Kahya said. “We usually do [them] in 50 pound and 100 pound flour batches. The machine has … a former and a divider. So the divider takes slabs of dough and cuts them into perfect amounts, and then it goes through a former and it comes out like a perfect circle.”

Kahya noted that, when it comes to flavors, all of the seeded options can be created starting with a plain bagel dough. The more intricate bagel flavors — think jalapeno cheddar, spinach or French toast — have additional ingredients in the dough and thus must be done in separate batches.

Some bagels at Rolleyholers start with a dough that’s formed by hand, while others use the bagel machine, which Weygant affectionately refers to as “Steve.”

“He’s got to have a name, because he’s our No. 1 employee of the month every year,” Weygant joked. “We did 84,000 bagels last year, all because of him.”

Through extensive practice and trial-and-error, Weygant said he eventually found a “sweet spot” in the water temperature when it comes to kettle-boiling his bagels.

“What you put in that kettle and the temperature of the water … is everything to the final product. If it’s too high or you put it in for too long, you’re going to get garbage,” he said. “We also differentiate ourselves by seeding them on both sides afterward.”

When bagels are ready to be baked, Kahya said this step only takes around 15 minutes, though it may depend on the amount they’re baking at one time.

Weygant pointed out that bagels do not have a long lifespan, which is why they’re baked fresh daily, and multiple times a day at that.

“Bagels begin to degrade the moment they leave the oven, but they do freeze well,” he said. “That said, the only freezer a bagel should ever live in is your own. We never freeze bagels. … So, instead of kettling and baking all of our bagels all at once first thing in the morning, we do it throughout the day so that you get maximum flavor. You get the best possible product, because all of these bagels are only minutes old rather than hours old.”

“Everything” you want

Plain used to be far and away the most popular flavor at Bagel Alley, Fleckner said — that is, until around 10 years ago, when the everything bagel took over.

“Eighty percent of the people that come in here, if they get a bunch of them, everything [bagels are] in that mix,” he said. “It’s amazing how many pans of everything [bagels] we go through compared to everything else.”

The exact ingredients of what you’ll find on an everything bagel may vary slightly.

“If you go to the supermarket, there’s probably going to be two or three types in the seasoning aisle that call it an everything topping,” Weier said, “but generally speaking, you’re going to have garlic, onion, poppy, sometimes oat, sometimes sea salt. Generally it’s all the seeds that you would see on the various other bagels, just all combined onto one.”

What A Bagel, he said, will churn out anywhere from 18 different flavors of bagels to as many as 22 flavors on the weekend, from plain and everything to jalapeno cheddar, Asiago, cinnamon sugar, chocolate chip, maple cinnamon French toast and even a rainbow-colored bagel. Fleckner, meanwhile, said Bagel Alley will offer pumpkin-flavored bagels in the fall and green bagels for St. Patrick’s Day in addition to their regular lineup of around 16 flavors.

Asked about the different bagel flavors he can produce, Weygant said the total number is “immeasurable,” with endless possible combinations.

“There’s the ‘Big Seven,’ which is going to be plain, everything, sesame, poppy, onion, garlic and salt. Those are the core flavors that every bagel shop should have,” he said. “[But] I can do bespoke custom bagels for everybody that have more or less anything in them.”

Recently, for example, Weygant made a small, limited batch of Almond Joy bagels.

“It’s a traditional bagel dough, but what I did was I rolled ingredients into the dough by hand,” he said. “Basically it creates sort of like a tube on the inside of the dough, and it was filled with chocolate chips, sugar, coconut and pralined almonds.”

Schmears, eggs and lox

To many of us, a nice toasted bagel just isn’t in the cards without a spread of some cream cheese — or, if you prefer, a schmear.

“When you get a bagel in Jersey or New York, it is loaded with cream cheese. I mean, it’s really front and center,” Bob Weygant of Rolleyholers in Exeter said. “Not everybody wants that much, and so we’ll size people up and give them the option on how much they want.”

Weygant said his shop will typically carry about seven or eight types of cream cheese at any given time, from plain, chive and veggie to other options like maple nut. He’ll make blueberry or strawberry cream cheese when those fruits are in season, and he’ll roast his own garlic for a fresh garlic and herb-flavored spread. He’s even done a sun-dried tomato and pesto cream cheese.

“Right now, I’m actually trying to figure out what the January, February, sort of late winter or mid-winter flavors are going to be,” he said. “I’m leaning toward things like banana, pineapple, vanilla [or] coconut. Just lighter flavors to play with.”

At What A Bagel in Nashua, owner Chris Weier said about eight variations of cream cheese are typically in stock at any given time, from plain and strawberry to cinnamon raisin walnut, bacon and scallion, chive and jalapeno. Bagel sandwiches are also a big deal at his shop — there’s a good selection of variations on the egg sandwich for breakfast, all of which are made to order.

Another traditional add-on to a bagel is known as lox — derived from the Yiddish word “laks,” according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary — or filleted pieces of brined, sometimes smoked, salmon. Weygant said you’ll most commonly also see lox accompanied by cream cheese, capers, red onions and thinly sliced tomatoes in a bagel sandwich.

“In my mind, the best bagel for lox is either a pumpernickel or rye, or a marble. That’s a traditional Jewish meal right there,” he said. “But as long as it’s savory, it will work well. I wouldn’t put it together with a sweet bagel of any kind.”

Bialys

Similar in size and shape to a bagel, a bialy is a traditional delicacy with Polish Jewish roots. But unlike bagels, bialys are simply baked, never boiled. An impression is made in the center of the dough, and will most often contain an onion and poppy seed mixture inside.

“It’s kind of like a cross between an English muffin and a bagel,” said Sheryl Tedford of Bagels From NH, a Northfield-based homestead business that also offers bialys. “You toast it like a bagel and eat it like a bagel, [with] cream cheese or butter or whatever you want to put on it.”

Bialys, she said, get their name from the Polish city of Bialystok, where they were first made.

“When you toast it, it’s actually a little crunchier, more like an English muffin. It’s crispier,” she said. “I do an overnight rise on that one, so it rises for 12 to 15 hours at a time, and it’s a much, much wetter dough, so it’s really sticky … and it’s baked quickly at a higher temperature.”

Bob Chertoff of The Bread Peddler, based in Sanbornton, grew up in a Jewish household outside of New York City, where bialys were commonplace. Today they’re a part of his regular lineup of products, which also includes various types of Eastern European breads. You can find him at Seacoast Eat Local’s winter farmers markets on Saturdays in Stratham and Rollinsford. During the spring and summer, he also participates in the Concord Farmers Market on Capitol Street.

“Traditional flavoring for a bialy is caramelized sweet onions mixed with poppy seeds,” Chertoff said. “[It’s] also made at times with garlic or other spices, but I only make the traditional.”

Where to get New Hampshire-made bagels

Here’s a list of local shops, restaurants and homestead businesses that make their own bagels from scratch. Did we miss any that aren’t on this list? Let us know at food@hippopress.com.

Agora Bagels
633-0286, Find them on Facebook @aggiesbagels
Paying homage to the traditional New York-style bagel, Agora Bagels is the project of Vassilios Palaskas of Milford, offering a variety of flavors of handcrafted artisan bagels, from plain, everything or cinnamon to French toast and Fruity Pebbles. Call or send a message through Facebook to place bagel orders for pickup on Friday, Jan. 27, at Murphy’s Diner (516 Elm St., Manchester). The cost is $13 per half-dozen and $25 per dozen. The diner will also be officially selling the bagels thereafter as a staple, Palaskas said.

Almolu’s
2 Cooper Hill Road, Northwood, 608-1072, find them on Facebook @almolusbakery
Almolu’s opened in Northwood in May 2021, getting its name by combining the first names of owner Nat Ewing’s three daughters, Alice, Molly and Lucy. The shop is known for its hand-rolled bagels, of which Ewing said there are around 15 regular flavors in addition to some seasonal specials. Almolu’s also blends more than a half-dozen flavors of its own cream cheese.

Bagel Alley
1 Eldridge St., Nashua, 882-9343, find them on Facebook
A stone’s throw from Main Street in downtown Nashua, Bagel Alley has been owned and operated by the same family for more than three decades. Robert Frank and his stepson, Brett Fleckner of Westford, Mass., purchased the shop back in 1989. Bagel Alley makes all of its own bagels from scratch every day, featuring a lineup of about 16 flavors in addition to several kinds of cream cheese and a wide variety of bagel breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The shop also has several wholesale accounts across southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.

Bagel Cafe
373 Hanover St., Manchester, 647-2233; 19 S. River Road, Bedford, 644-5555; 262 Amherst St., Suite A, Nashua (formerly Simit Cafe), 204-5141; bagelcafenh.com
In 1996 Ismail Kahya opened the first Bagel Cafe on Hanover Street in Manchester, which he continues to operate today. A second Bagel Cafe opened on Second Street in the Queen City in 2011 before moving to its current spot in Bedford two years later. In September 2021, Kahya’s son Remzi opened Simit Cafe on Amherst Street in Nashua (now also known as Bagel Cafe following a recent rebranding). All three locations are open seven days a week and produce their own hand-crafted bagels every day. Depending on which shop you visit, there’s usually 10 to 12 different flavors alongside a full menu of bagel breakfast sandwiches and several types of cream cheese.

The Bagel Mill Cafe & Bakery
145 Grove St. Ext., Peterborough, 924-0887, bagelmillnh.com
Since 1996 this Monadnock shop has been baking bagels and pastries fresh every morning. More than two dozen flavors are available, and with several toppings and spreads to choose from, the combinations are endless.

Bagels From NH
bagelsfromnh.com, find them on Facebook @bagelsfromnh
Sheryl Tedford of Northfield started Bagels From NH, what she called a “pandemic business,” in 2020 after retiring from her regular full-time job. She makes her own New York-style bagels in a variety of flavors, from everything and sesame to raisin and Asiago cheese, in addition to bialys, which she described as a cross between a bagel and an English muffin. Find her next at the Danbury Winter Market on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Grange Hall (15 North Road, Danbury). During the summer months Tedford has participated in farmers markets in Canterbury, Gilmanton, Franklin and Wilmot.

Bagels Plus
2988 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway, 356-7400, bagels.plus
Located just a few minutes’ drive from the center of North Conway, this shop makes its own bagels fresh daily, featuring a lineup of nearly two dozen flavors in addition to various cream cheese and bagel sandwiches.

The Bakeshop on Kelley Street
171 Kelley St., Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com
This West Side shop makes its own bagels in several flavors, from traditional options like plain and everything to Asiago, garlic onion and jalapeno cheddar. Bagels can also be ordered as breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli
1130 Eastman Road, North Conway, 356-3283, bigdavesbagels.com
Before opening his shop in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley in 2010, Dave Hausman learned how to make bagels in New York while working under Arthur Goldberg, whose sons have continued his legacy in several shops across the city’s metro area. In 1989 Hausman opened Monroe Bagels & Deli in Monroe, New York, which he operated for nearly two decades. Bagels at his North Conway shop are scratch-made with a variety of flavors to choose from.

Blue Loon Bakery
12 Lovering Lane, New London, 526-2892, blueloonbakery.com
This New London bakeshop opened in June 2018 in the site of a 19th-century barn and farmhouse. Bagels are hand-rolled from scratch and include flavors like plain, everything, sesame, Asiago and cinnamon raisin, and the option to add butter, cream cheese or peanut butter, as well as on several breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Brown’s Bagel Shop
80 Main St., Newmarket, 292-5988, brownsbagelshop.com
Family-owned and -operated, Brown’s makes its own bagels from scratch daily, featuring a variety of flavors like plain, everything, pumpernickel, spinach, French toast and jalapeno cheddar, alongside several types of cream cheese and egg and bagel sandwiches.

Flight Coffee Co.
209 Route 101 West, Bedford, 836-6228, flightcoffeeco.com
Flight Coffee Co., which opened in its current space in June 2021, is known for making all its baked items from scratch daily, including its bagels, with flavors like plain, everything, Asiago and rosemary sea salt.

Loxsmith Bagel Co.
1B Wall St., Windham, 507-6105; 11 Main St., Dover, 507-6100; loxsmithbagelco.com
With two locations in New Hampshire and a third in Saco, Maine, Loxsmith Bagel Co. is known for making its own bagels fresh every day, featuring a variety of flavors in addition to specialty and build-your-own bagel options.

Rolleyholers
92 Portsmouth Ave., Suite 2, Exeter, 580-4460, rolleyholers.com
Rolleyholers, which opened in June 2021, is known for churning out hundreds of bagels a day, and you never know what flavor of dough or cream cheese spread owner Bob Weygant may think of next. There are classics like sesame, cinnamon raisin and everything, but also Asiago, blueberry and jalapeno cheddar. As for the spreads, Rolleyholers has dabbled in everything from plain, chive and veggie to pizza, sun-dried tomato and basil, and even a Dutch apple pie cream cheese.

What A Bagel
24 E. Hollis St., Nashua, 809-4466, what-a-bagel.com
Lifelong Nashua native and Marine Corps veteran Chris Weier took over this East Hollis Street shop in 2019. What A Bagel makes its own hand-rolled bagels from scratch daily, producing around 18 flavors during the week and upwards of about 22 flavors on the weekends. Nearly all of them, Weier said, are akin to a traditional New York-style, while a couple of flavors closely resemble Montreal-style bagels, which he said traditionally contain egg. What A Bagel is also known for its breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, which are always made to order.

Wicked Sweet Cakes and Treats
2370 Route 114, Bradford, 938-2663, wickedsweetcakesandtreats.com
Homemade bagels are baked fresh every Saturday morning at this Bradford shop, according to its website, and are available to order as is or on an egg sandwich.

Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls
118 Whittier Hwy., Moultonborough, 253-3177; 18 Weirs Road, Gilford, 527-8051; winnipesaukeebaygulls.com
Bagels here are baked continuously throughout the day. Flavors include everything from the classics — plain, poppy, sesame and everything — to others like cinnamon sugar, Parmesan and cracked wheat.

The Works Cafe
42 N. Main St., Concord, 226-1827, workscafe.com
Downtown Concord is just one of several Works Cafe locations you’ll find across New Hampshire (Keene, Durham and Portsmouth), Massachusetts (Amherst), Vermont (Brattleboro and Manchester), Maine (Portland) and New York state (Latham). Traditional New York-style bagels are boiled and baked in small batches daily and are available with a variety of flavored spreads or egg sandwiches to choose from.

Featured photo: A bagel sandwich from What A Bagel in Nashua. Courtesy photo.

Looking to try something new?

Here are 39 ideas for arts, crafts, outdoor activities and more to help you break out of your routine and find a new source of fun or rediscover a forgotten passion.

• Get hooked on fishing. On Saturday, Jan. 21, you can give fishing a try without getting a license during Free Fishing Day. Two days a year (the third Saturday in January and the first Saturday in June) New Hampshire Fish and Game invites state residents and nonresidents to fish in any inland water or saltwater throughout the state without a fishing license. Visit wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing for everything you need to get started, including maps of fishing locations, fishing season dates, a guide to local fish species and how to bait them, and more. If you want to keep fishing all year long, you can buy a fishing license online at nhfishandgame.com.

• Finally learn how to knit. While knitting can seem intimidating to beginners picking up the needles, the instructors at Elegant Ewe (75 S. Main St., Unit 1, Concord) are offering knitting classes to all levels. Classes range from specific projects to learning specialized stitches and fixing mistakes. The instructors also offer private classes for knitters looking for one-on-one time. The classes vary in price, as well as days and times. Visit elegantewe.com for more information about the classes offered.

• Or expand your fiber arts knowledge with crochet, rug making and more. Yarn and Fiber (14 East Broadway, Derry) isn’t just a yarn store; it also offers lessons in topics such as spinning wool into yarn and casting on for beginner knitters. The shop has an even less formal way of learning for beginners and experts alike, with a lounge area in the store where employees encourage crafters to bring projects and hang out with like-minded individuals. Classes meet on a rotation, and some require signing up in advance. Visit yarnandfiber.com

• Make works of art that keep you warm. Learn how to make quilts with the New Hampshire Modern Quilting Guild at one of their meetings. The guild, which takes a fresh approach to old-fashioned guilds, has challenges for square patterns, charity quilt making and more. The next meeting is on Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m.; email nhmodernquilt@gmail.com for location details and to attend as a guest. The first meeting is free to attend as a guest; subsequent meetings cost $5. If you wish to become a member, dues are $65 and can be paid at nhmqg.org.

• Get into opera. The Music Hall (131 Congress St. in Portsmouth) explains the art with Opera Connection, where the Hall screens recordings of famous operas and holds a beginner-friendly conversation about the music and story. The discussions are led by opera writer and producer Dennis Neil Kleinman. The next opera being screened is Fedora by Umberto Giordano on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $15 and can be bought in advance at themusichall.org. The operas themselves, broadcasts from The Metropolitan Opera, also screen via the Capitol Center for the Arts at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (16 S. Main St. in Concord), as is the case with Fedora (also screening Saturday, Jan. 14, with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.). See ccanh.com.

• Expand your movie and TV horizons. Positive Street Art (48 Bridge St., Nashua) is hosting a series of movies followed by creative painting sessions. The series, called “Inspired By,” will show a movie about Jackson Pollock, an American abstract expressionism painter, at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. The tickets to the movie showing are free, and the artistic session afterward costs $30. To learn more about this event or to reserve a spot, visit positivestreetart.org.

Watch movies from the early days of film at silent film screenings at Wilton Town Hall Theatre on Main Street in downtown Wilton. The films, which screen every couple of weeks, feature live musical accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, who presents silent films and plays music at area theaters including the Rex Theatre in Manchester and the Flying Monkey in Plymouth (see silentfilmlivemusic.blogspot.com). Next up at Wilton, Safety Last (1923), a Harold Lloyd comedy, screening on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. Admission is free; $10 donation per person is encouraged.

Get caught up on the most recent episodes of the most popular anime at Double Midnight Comics (252 Willow St., Manchester) on Monday nights. The anime watch partyat the comic shop shows episodes that the crowd chooses that night, with all shows being streamed on the Japanese animation streaming service Crunchyroll. Entry is free and the streaming begins at 7 p.m.

• Draw. Learn how to draw your favorite animal at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester) with Drawing Fundamentals, an adult class that will teach the basics and rules of drawing realistic animal portraits. The four-week class, which starts on Thursday, Jan. 26, is taught by local artist Robin Deary. Deary will walk students through forming the body of animals, creating visual textures and other artistic methods to capture the likenesses. There is a full list of materials available online at currier.org, as well as a link to registration for the class and information about other classes offered. The cost for the class is $200 and there are slots available for nonmembers.

• Make comics. New Hampshire-based cartoonist and educator Marek Bennett teaches comics workshops, which you can find out about at his website, marekbennett.com, where he also has videos with comics-making and drawing tutorials. Bennett spoke with Angie Sykeny in the Jan. 5 issue of the Hippo about his newest book, The Civil War Diary of Freeman Colby Vol. 3, which is on sale Jan. 25. Find the e-edition of last week’s issue at hippopress.com; the Q&A with Bennett is on page 6.

• Make stuff with added dimension. Port City Makerspace (68 Morning St., Portsmouth) offers an Intro to 3D Printing workshop on the second Wednesday of every month, from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants learn the basics of taking a design or idea and turning it into a 3D model using two different types of programs, and how to print the model using a 3D printer. The cost is $25 for Makerspace members and $45 for nonmembers. Register online at portcitymakerspace.com.

• Find your old camera and put it to use. Expand your photography knowledge and skill with the Manchester Camera Club, a group of amateur photographers who meet up to view and critique each other’s work and host workshops to help each other grow. The meetings for the club are currently done virtually over Zoom, and the group meets twice a month. The next meeting is a critique meeting with an “anything goes” segment, a “color in winter” segment and a “running water” segment. Sign up for a slot at manchestercameraclubnh.wordpress.com.

• Get your start working in clay. Explore pottery at Time to Clay (228 Daniel Webster Hwy., Nashua) with assorted projects and classes beginning in January. The next class available is Clay Handprints, where parents can capture the handprint or footprint of their little one. The studio will complete the clay casting with a personalized painting. One casting costs $35. The event will be on Tuesday, Jan. 24, and Wednesday, Jan. 25, with timed slots available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit timetoclay.com.

• Take clay to the next level. Kimball Jenkins (266 N. Main St. in Concord; kimballjenkins.com, 225-3932) is offering “Beginner Wheel Throwing with Meadows Madsen” Fridays 6 to 8 p.m. starting Friday, Jan. 13, and running through March 17. “Students practice using the potter’s wheel and begin throwing basic forms such as bowls and mugs,” according to the website. The cost of the class starts at $355 and includes clay and tools (though a set of tools and additional clay are available for purchase).

• Make art with glass. Create some light-changing artwork at Studio 550 (550 Elm St., Manchester) with the stained glass class. The class will run for 10 weeks and will introduce people to ways to work with glass, and techniques needed to make the artwork. Students will make everything from a small suncatcher to windows for their home. Classes start and run on different days and at different times. Each class is two hours long and the full session costs $270. Visit 550arts.com for more information or to sign up.

• Make your jewelry just how you want it. The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen offers an ongoing open-enrollment Fundamentals of Making Jewelry class at SRS Studio (35 Howard St., Wilton). The class, open to adults and teens age 14 and up, covers the basic techniques of jewelry making using wire and sheet in copper and silver and how to pierce, solder and finish metals. It consists of six two-hour sessions that can be taken on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The cost is $240 for tuition, plus $50 to $90 for materials, depending on the type of jewelry made. Participants can expect to complete four to five projects. Visit nashua.nhcrafts.org/classes.

• Start writing and then take your writing to an audience. The New Hampshire Writers’ Project is hosting writers’ night out, an informal gathering for amateur and professional writers to get critique, feedback and encouragement from other writers in their area. The event is also a space to discuss where and how to submit work for publication, and what writers are currently reading. The monthly event is held across southern New Hampshire. While most groups have already met for their January session, there are ways to contact the organizers on the website nhwritersproject.org.

• Get in the reading habit and find some new books. The Bookery (844 Elm St., Manchester) has monthly book club meetings on the third Thursday of each month, with the next one on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. The book for this month’s meeting is The Paris Apartment, a mystery where Jess, a woman who needs a fresh start, asks her half-brother if she can crash on his couch in Paris, to which he agrees. When Jess reaches Paris and her brother is missing, she has to dig into his life to unravel the mystery of his disappearance. Join the club at bookerymht.com.

• Become a local history buff. New Hampshire Humanities hosts free public programs throughout the state year-round on a wide variety of specialized topics. Some upcoming programs include “12,000 Years Ago in the Granite State,” exploring the native Abenaki people’s role in the history of the Monadnock region, on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Nesmith Library (8 Fellows Road, Windham); “African American Soldiers and Sailors of New Hampshire During the American Revolution,” held virtually on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m; and “New Hampshire’s Long Love-Hate Relationship with its Agricultural Fairs,” held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. Visit nhhumanities.org/programs/upcoming to see New Hampshire Humanities’ full schedule of programming.

• Dust off your French language skills. The Franco-American Centre, a nonprofit based in Manchester, is offering a special Traveler’s French virtual class series for adults, geared toward novice visitors to a predominantly French-speaking country. A variety of themes will be discussed in class, including everything from how to check in to a hotel to ordering at a restaurant and navigating local public transportation, among other activities. New classes start on Saturday, Jan. 21, and continue every week from 10 a.m. to noon through Feb. 18. See facnh.com to register (all are welcome regardless of your membership status with FAC).

• Understand wine. Become your own wine sommelier during an upcoming five-week wine course at WineNot Boutique (25 Main St., Nashua), which begins on Thursday, Jan. 19, and continues every Thursday at 6 p.m. through Feb. 16. Facilitated by WineNot owner and wine educator Svetlana Yanushkevich, the first two-hour class will teach you how to “taste wine like a pro” by going over basic vocabulary necessary for exploring wine to the fullest. Called “Sommelier’s Secrets,” the second class, on Jan. 26, will explore how to discern different smells and flavors in wines, while the following class, on Feb. 2, will feature tastings of six wine varietals from different regions around the world. Compare “Old World” and “New World” grape varietals on Feb. 9, and learn all about wine and food pairing do’s and don’ts during the final class on Feb. 16. The cost is $200 per person for all five classes, and includes samples of wine and fine cheeses, salami and chocolate. Visit winenotboutique.com.

• Discover mixology. Tuscan Market (9 Via Toscana, Salem) on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 6 p.m. will hold a class for beginner mixologists (or those just looking to impress their friends at their next social gathering). This class led by Tuscan Brands beverage director Luis Betancur will go over how to craft two seasonal cocktails. All who participate will have the opportunity to snack on some desserts from Tuscan Market. If you can’t make this class, there’s another one scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. The cost is $45 for the Jan. 24 class and $50 for the Feb. 4 class. Visit tuscanbrands.com.

• Make artful food. Charcuterie board-building classes are hosted by the team at 603 Charcuterie. You’re given everything from the ingredients to the tools and walked through step by step to make your own “Instagram-worthy” charcuterie board, as coined by 603 Charcuterie’s Theresa Zwart. From start to finish, each class typically takes about an hour and a half to two hours and, depending on where it’s held, might include a glass of beer or wine per participant. You even get to take the board home at the end of the class. A full schedule of upcoming classes, mostly at area breweries and wineries, is available to view at 603charcuterie.com (next up is on Sunday, Jan. 22, at Pipe Dream Brewing in Londonderry) — click on the date you want to attend to register.

• Up your bread game. Learn the art of challah braiding during a special virtual class being offered by Cheryl Holbert of Nomad Bakery in Derry on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. She’ll walk participants step-by-step through the process of making this popular Jewish artisan bread, including how to prepare and shape the dough, which makes all the difference in the overall braiding process. The two-and-a-half-hour class will cover three ways to braid four strands total, and Holbert will also share various tips for glazing, finishing and baking these challah loaves consistently. The class is $60 per person and is open to all baking levels — it will also include printable versions of Holbert’s signature and water challah recipes and lots of opportunities to ask her questions. Visit nomadbakery.com.

• Expand your cooking skills. Learn how to cook Italian specialties at one of the upcoming Winemaker’s Kitchen cooking classes at LaBelle Winery in Amherst (345 Route 101) and Derry (14 Route 111). Sessions are to take place in Derry on Thursday, Jan. 19, and in Amherst on Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Classes cost $35 per person. See labellewinery.com. Or make your “eat better” resolutions more international with an introduction to the Mediterranean diet being offered by The Culinary Playground (16 Manning St., Derry) either on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m., or on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Led by The Culinary Playground’s registered dietitian culinary instructor, the class will cover the many health benefits of the Mediterranean diet while also exploring knife and cooking skills. The cost is $80 per person and pre-registration is required — see culinary-playground.com.

• Broaden your love of chocolate. Journey into the world of cacao beans with a special chocolate adventure class, hosted by Richard Tango-Lowy of Dancing Lion Chocolate (917 Elm St., Manchester). To be held next on Thursday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., the class will cover how to grind cacao beans into chocolate, as well as how to properly taste chocolate like a chocolatier would. You’ll even get to sip the drinking chocolate (called xichoatl) like the ancient Mayans used to. Tango-Lowy will also discuss various myths and realities surrounding fine chocolate. The cost is $125 per person and registration is available online at dancinglion.us.

• Garden. New Hampshire Audubon is presenting a workshop on seed-starting for home gardeners on Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 6:30 p.m., featuring master gardener Sarah Marcoux of UNH Cooperative Extension. You’ll learn all about the benefits and best practices for starting your own plants indoors from seeds and cuttings, including the requirements for successful germination, and different growing methods, light and temperature needs and avoiding common problems like household pests. Admission is free but registration is required to receive an emailed link to the workshop — see nhaudubon.org.

• Garden herbs, for food and wellness. Become a home herbalist with a special virtual course series taught by Maria Noel Groves of Wintergreen Botanicals in Allenstown. Participants can take the nine-part course online at their own pace — each class covers how to incorporate herbs into your diet and discusses common health concerns related to herbs and herbal medicine. This winter Groves is also offering participants the option of getting a remedy kit to go with the course series, while supplies last. Kits are available first-come, first-served and are expected to be ready for shipping this month. The cost is $495 with the remedy kit included and $395 for just the nine-week series (no remedy kit). Visit wintergreenbotanicals.com.

• Learn to forage. Mushroom walks put the “fun” in fungus. Beginner and intermediate level foragers are invited to take the two-part Mushroom ID Class by Dunk’s Mushroom Products & Foraging in Brentwood (313 Route 125). The Part No. 1 class covers what a mushroom is, a mushroom’s life cycle and the anatomy of a mushroom and will be offered on Mondays, Jan. 23, Feb. 20 and March 20. The Part No. 2 class covers mushroom identification skills, how to make a spore print and how to use resources for mushrooming and will be offered on the Mondays following the Part No. 1 classes, on Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 27. Participants can take either or both classes. All classes start at 6 p.m., and the cost is $60 for each. Visit dunksmushrooms.com.

• Become an apiarist. The Deerfield-based Pawtuckaway Beekeepers Association is holding a two-day Beginner’s Beekeeping School on Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Deerfield Community Church (15 Church St.). The course will cover everything from basic bee biology and standard beekeeping equipment to how to obtain bees, honey bee colony management, seasonal responsibilities, pest and disease management practices and more. The cost is $100 per person. Register online at pawtuckawaybeekeepers.org.

• Look to the skies and get acquainted with New Hampshire’s feathered friends. The New Hampshire Audubon holds guided birding walks at the Massabesic Center (26 Deer Neck Road, Auburn) every other Saturday from Jan. 14 through Feb. 25. They start at 9 a.m., and participants should expect to walk 1 to 2 miles. The cost is $8 for NH Audubon members and $10 for nonmembers, and binocular rentals are included. Pre-registration is required. Visit nhaudubon.org/event and select the walk you’re interested in attending on the calendar to register.

• Look to the skies and get acquainted with the stars. The New Hampshire Astronomical Society has regular skywatches, many of which are open to the public, including a monthly skywatch as part of the Super Stellar Fridays on the first Friday nights of each month at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Dr. in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827). The Society, a volunteer nonprofit educational organization, can be a place to start to learn about telescopes and telescope making, astrophotography and more, according to the group’s website, nhastro.com. Annual membership dues are $30.

• Rock climb without having to find rocks. Vertical Dreams, an indoor climbing gym with locations in Manchester (250 Commercial St.) and Nashua (25 E. Otterson St.), offers a beginner lesson package that includes instruction on everything you need to know to start indoor climbing, including how to belay, how to tie a figure-eight knot and basic technique. The cost is $40, and walk-ins are always welcome. Hours at both locations are Monday through Friday, from 3 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m . Visit verticaldreams.com.

• Run with a crowd. In last week’s (Jan. 5) issue of the Hippo, we looked at running clubs and groups and how the camaraderie of fellow runners can keep you going. Find that story, as well as a listing of area clubs, winter running series and a calendar of road races over the next few months in the story that starts on page 10. Find the e-edition of the issue at hippopress.com.

• Become a pickleballer. Your local YMCA might be a good place to start: YMCA of Downtown Manchester (30 Mechanic St., Manchester, graniteymca.org) offers pickleball in the morning Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Saturday 8 to 10 a.m.; in the afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.; and in the evening on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.; and YMCA of Greater Nashua (90 Northwest Blvd., Nashua, nmymca.org) offers pickleball Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to noon; Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Get fit while stretching outside your comfort zone with pole dancing. New Perspectives Pole and Aerial (35 Londonderry Turnpike, Suite GH, Hooksett) offers an Intro to Pole class on Monday and Friday at 7 p.m., Tuesday at noon, Wednesday at 5:15 p.m., and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. First-time classes are available at a reduced price of $20; single classes after that cost $30 each, and there are packages available as well. Register online at newperspectivesnh.com.

• Go on a quest (with dice). For those who watched Stranger Things and wanted to get involved with a Dungeons & Dragons campaign but didn’t know how to start, Double Midnight Comics (252 Willow St. in Manchester) is hosting Adventure League D&D, a beginner- and drop-in-friendly quest, on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The join fee is $5 per game night. Visit dmcomics.com for more information about the game, or to see a full list of rules and a link to the official Dungeons & Dragons website.

• Quest with costumes. The kingdom of Argost awaits members of Fealty, a New Hampshire-based high fantasy LARP (live-action role-playing) group. This year’s events will take place at Camp Allen in Bedford (56 Camp Allen Road) on the weekends of April 14 through April 16; May 5 through May 7; Sept. 8 through Sept. 10; and Oct. 6 through Oct. 8. In the meantime, visit fealtylarp.com to study up on the campaign and start developing your character; you can be a knight, a noble, a soldier in the royal army, a mercenary or a witch.

• Quest in your own city. Quench your thirst for adventure and put your puzzle-solving skills to the test with scavenger hunting. There are a number of apps and programs offering scavenger hunts in New Hampshire cities. They’re self-guided, so you can do them on your own schedule, alone or with a team. Compete against others and try to beat their times for a top spot on the leaderboard. Let’s Roam (letsroam.com) has hunts for Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth; Puzzling Adventures (puzzlingadventures.com) has hunts for Manchester and Portsmouth; Wacky Walks (wackywalks.com) and It’s a Scavenger Hunt (itsascavengerhunt.com) have hunts for Manchester; and Diversions Puzzles and Games (diversionsgames.com), Cashunt (cashunt.com) and Portsmouth Scavenger Hunts (portsmouthscavengerhunts.com) have hunts for Portsmouth.

• Learn how to create, record, edit and produce your beats. NH Tunes (250 Commercial St., Suite 2017, Manchester) Music Production offers lessons, taught by music professionals, that cover the music-making software program Ableton; recording midi and audio; using instruments; using effects; exporting songs; song writing and structure, and music theory while exploring a variety of musical genres. A half-hour lesson costs $31.50, and a 1-hour lesson costs $56.70. Students are encouraged to take one class a week for several weeks. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Visit nhtunes.biz/learn-music-production to schedule your first lesson.

• Discover an old-school way to socially network. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, can be a fun way to experiment with communications technology, increase your emergency preparedness and connect with people from all over the world. To learn about how you can get on the air, attend a meeting held by a local radio club. The Granite State Amateur Radio Association (gsara.org) meets on the second Friday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Bedford High School library (47 Nashua Road, Bedford), and the Nashua Area Radio Society (n1fd.org) meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

–Angie Sykeny, Katelyn Sahagian and Matt Ingersoll

Featured photo: The Gate City Striders’ Freeze Your Buns 5K. Courtesy photo.