In an April 2020 episode of her 99% Invisible podcast, design critic Avery Trufelman said that concrete is exceeded only by water as the most consumed product in the world. In architecture, it’s also one of the most divisive. Trufelman noted that James Bond creator Ian Fleming named his Goldfinger supervillain after a real architect just because he disliked his buildings so intensely.
On the other hand, at least one of Ernő Goldfinger’s concrete creations has received landmark status.
“Unfixed Concrete Ideal,” opening April 5 at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, explores the role of concrete in civic architecture, and the many conflicting passions it can inspire. The exhibition includes mixed media works, photography, sculpture and even a couple of etchings done on drywall by co-curator Ben Sloat.
In a recent phone interview, Sloat noted the egalitarian nature of concrete. He’s an Asian-American who grew up in New York City; his mother is from Taiwan. Under-resourced as it grew in the 1960s, the country relied heavily on concrete. “It could modernize without deforesting,” Sloat said. “That felt like a really amazing thing that concrete can do.”
Sloat also likes that “concrete has a really significant impression in our cultural language; like, ‘my plans aren’t concrete yet.’ At the same time, concrete poetry looks like a shape. Other definitions are about amalgams or accumulations or abstraction; concrete photography is actually a form of non-representational photography. So I like that concrete has a very almost elastic presence in our cultural context.”
Running through June 2, the exhibition began as a response to the planned demolition of the Government Services Center (GSC) in Boston’s West End. Many of the works on display in the show are images of the building, which was built in 1971 and designed by Paul Rudolph, a well-known Brutalist architect.
Brutalism isn’t derived from the word “brutal.” “It’s actually related to ‘béton brut,’ which means raw concrete,” Sloat said. He called the style “quite the mixed bag; some people hate it. It’s one of those things — really good Brutalist buildings are amazing and knock-offs are terrible.”
This duality is at the center of “Unfixed Concrete Ideal,” which was shown first in Boston last July, and later in Fall River, Mass. An exhibition statement reads, “In some spaces, concrete can be seen as a modern and democratic material, while in others it can be quite hostile and oppressive. In many ways, concrete itself represents the ideals of the modern era, but also how incomplete those ideals often became.”
Joining the version in Portsmouth is “Heap,” a sculpture by Boston artist Tory Fair that consists of piled up cast objects that, curator Susan L. Stoops writes, “bear the memories of absent originals” — mugs, boots, cameras and other pieces. The two etchings from Sloat share Fair’s nostalgia. One shows an amphitheater that was originally part of the GSC; the other is a detail of Rudolph’s creation as it is today.
A series of sculptures by Finnish artist Anssi Taulu depict concrete’s stages of decomposition. “There’s a parallel between concrete being unfinished and being alive with the kind of natural cycles that we witness in the organic world,” Sloat said. “Certainly, Anssi is thinking about that … he uses a very lightweight concrete, and he adds more water and other binders, so it’s not super heavy.”
Other pieces reflect the social nature of concrete architecture, including excerpts from (Un)finished, a book of photographs that documents pending structures in modern Athens, from Greek artist and researcher Maria Lalou and Danish architect Skafte Aymo-Boot. Lalou’s work constantly questions “the relations between perception, space, material-object and an observing subject, with a central focus to the politics of the viewer,” according to her catalog bio.
Rudolph spoke of his work in similar terms while discussing a bench in the GSC plaza that was at one time a focal point of the structure.
“Civic architecture means assigning a proper role to each building so it works in concert with its neighbors,” he said. “The benches are curved for sociability; they are my social statement.”
The NH Fisher Cats celebrate a new season and 20 years of baseball
By Zachary Lewis zlewis@hippopress.com
On Tuesday, April 9, at 6:35 p.m. the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will celebrate their 20th opening day in Manchester. Twenty years of baseball in the Queen City means 20 years of home runs, hot dogs and memories.
“We hope that the 20th-anniversary season really shows how much we are committed to our fans and our community,” said Stephanie O’Quinn, Executive Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Ticket Sales. “We’ll continue to be that community gathering place … [to] provide family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price — that’s something that we take a lot of pride in as an organization and we will never let that go by the wayside.”
Andrew Marais, Senior Manager of Marketing and Promotion, agreed.
“The biggest thank-you we can give is to our community. That’s an honor to be here for 20 years. Blue Jays too,” Marais said. The Fisher Cats are the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Chris Jared, the Manager of Media Relations and Broadcasting and the new voice of the Fisher Cats, expanded on that theme.
“You want to dig into the bag of what you’ve done to the community and what’s worked in the past and then you also want to look at things like what can we do to keep this engaging and keep people on a fresh page,” Jared said.
Michael Neis, General Manager, said, “Every year we try to look for one of those unique ways that we can really give back to the fans … and know that when you come out to the ballpark, certainly you know you’re going to have a good time, but there’s also some new things that you can try and take in, in a little bit different way, so we’re excited about this.”
“We have new ownership this year,” Neis said. Diamond Baseball Holdings purchased the team in December 2023, according to a press release, which also stated that all staff will remain “in place under the existing leadership of CEO Rick Brenner, and General Manager Michael Neis.” Former owner Tom Silvia has stayed on in an advisory role.
“They [DBH] have been extremely supportive of our mission here in Manchester and New Hampshire as a whole,” Neis said.
Lights, Camera, Baseball!
So what are some of the new things around the ballpark that you will be able to try and take in?
“Two weeks ago we finished our brand new field lighting project, which is really exciting,” Neis said. “We can now do light shows, cue to music, have different colors on each pole. So there’s a lot that we can do, whether it’s pregame intros, home runs, when we win — because we’re going to win every game, right. We can do a lot of really fun things … to give it that big-league experience. That’s something that fans walking in immediately will have a chance to get to see.”
Changes implemented toward the end of last season include new areas to sit and watch the game above the bullpens. Some changes have been geared toward the players as well.
“In addition to everything that we do for the fans and the community, our job is also to provide that environment for these players too,” Neis said. Updates have included “completely renovating both the home and visiting clubhouse,” Neis said. “We did open up our brand new stand-alone batting tunnel and weight room area. Not only are we meeting MLB compliance in those areas; we have what we feel is a best-in-class facility that really rivals anything we can see at this level or above, quite frankly.”
The fan connection
When the Fisher Cats are on the road, or if you cannot make it to the ballpark, there will be a way to stay connected to the team.
“We’re not partnered with WGIR anymore. We now have an audio stream that we can set up from home and road games and then fans can still watch on the Bally Live App or on Milb.tv,” Jared said. Fans can also listen to the game live on nhfishercats.com under the ‘listen live’ tab.
“It’s a much more intimate environment in minor-league baseball,” O’Quinn remarked. “I think that’s a very key element in the experience that we get to provide.”
“We hear all the time about kids who came to their first Fisher Cats game at 6 years old and now they’re die-hard Toronto Blue Jays fans … never stepped a foot out of New Hampshire but they live, eat, sleep, breathe the Toronto Blue Jays because one player decided to sign an autograph on the ball and now they’re a fan for life and not only a fan of the Blue Jays but a fan of baseball for life,” O’Quinn said.
“From a fan engagement perspective our team last year was phenomenal with meeting people,” Marais said. “Staying after the game to sign autographs or before the game … the team that is coming in I am confident will bring that same energy.”
Cesar Martin, who is returning as the team’s manager for the fourth straight season, said “the support that we get from the fans, I think that’s something that makes myself really happy and feels like I’m home…” The players feel the same way. “They’re excited, we’re excited…” Martin said.
“Whether you’re a bigger kid or the littlest of tykes, there’s something for you,” Marais said. “For example, when kids read five books they get two tickets to a Fisher Cats game, courtesy of our sponsors. [There is the] Oral Health Challenge with Delta Dental, when you brush and floss for seven days a week, you get two tickets courtesy of Delta Dental.”
Fireworks, giveaways and promotions will be back with exciting new additions too. General Manager Neis also revealed that “the New England Honda Dealers Bat Dog … Casey will be joining us for the first time this year. We’re really excited about her. Just really another very cool addition to the experience.”
Description: According to the Mascot Hall of Fame, Fungo was born in the woodlands of New Hampshire but spent much of his youth attending Phish concerts. As the founder of the Fisher Cats’ Kids Club he hopes to promote wildlife education, sportsmanship, good manners and the card game Go Fish.
Enthusiasms: Fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee, Swedish Fish, the movies The Fisher King and A Fish Called Wanda.
Slider
Backup Mascot
Description: Originally from Dunedin, Florida, according to the Mascot Hall of Fame, Slider is Fungo’s favorite cousin. He is young, athletic and frantically enthusiastic about the Fisher Cats. His goal is to add excitement and energy to each Fisher Cats home game.
Enthusiasms: His trademark moves are flexing his muscles, giving high-fives and showing off his athleticism.
Rowdy Red and Bubba Blue
Sumo Guys
Professional History: They come from nowhere between innings, fight furiously on the infield, then vanish as mysteriously as they appeared.
Enthusiasms: Waving to fans, inflicting carnage on each other.
Casey
New England Honda Dealers Bat Dog
Professional History: When Benny, the Fisher Cats’ previous bat dog, retired to work as a therapy dog for veterans and first responders, Casey completed her training in New Jersey, then moved up to the minors. This is her first full season with the Fisher Cats.
Enthusiasms: Meeting small fans, bats, balls and belly rubs.
On the field
Jared expressed his thanks to the crew that sets up the game for the fans and the players.
“There have been game-day workers that have worked with us … I’ve talked to guys that have been here 15, 17 [years], some that have been here for as long as the Fisher Cats have…. Those people make things entirely possible from a game-day perspective of what to expect.”
More than 150 Fisher Cats have gone into the major league, according to the December press release.
“We always welcome the new crop of players,” Neis said. We need to work really well with them, [so] that when players come to New Hampshire they have everything they need. … There’s nothing more exciting than an eventual superstar that you got to see here in New Hampshire, and we’ve certainly had more than our fair share over the years.”
Where do these players come from? From all over, but the Toronto Blue Jays have their high-A team, the Vancouver Canadians, in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the triple-A team with the Bisons in Buffalo, New York. Their single-A team is the Dunedin Blue Jays and they are in Florida. Last year the Vancouver Canadians bested the Everett, Washington, AquaSoxs, a Seattle Mariners affiliate, to win their league championship.
“The talent jump from the single-A level to come to double-A is the largest jump. Triple A is essentially an extension of the major-league team,” Jared said. When players do move up from single-A, or high-A, they tend not to move alone. “Statistically they’ll keep coaches sometimes with guys. It is great to see when you have a team that, they’re in the lower ranks than you and they win a championship, sometimes those guys move in bunches and the chemistry is already there for them when they slide right in here in New Hampshire, they’re on the same page with each other.”
On the current roster, Manager Cesar Martin said that “a couple of new pitchers are coming from Vancouver.” The entire field will be well staffed too. “The most exciting part is we are going to have a really good defensive team and we have a lot of players that can put the ball in play…”
Fisher Cats fans will also have opportunities to catch major leaguers on the field.
“Last year we had the Blue Jays’ No. 1 prospect in Ricky Tiedemann … [major-leaguers sometimes on] the visiting teams that come in, like the New York Yankees having Spencer Jones,” Marais said. “The product on the field is very good baseball and very competitive, to the point where a player could be playing here tomorrow and [then] be playing in Toronto, or Fenway.”
Tuesday, April 9, is only a line drive away and the Fisher Cats hope all the hard work pays off.
“It is really exciting and rewarding for us as a staff and organization,” O’Quinn said. “We just want to be able to share that with our fans and our community and hope that they perceive it the way we present it.”
Players to watch
layer, they do all they can to get them on the team. Here are a few of the Fisher Cats to keep an eye on this season.
Josh Kasevich: The Blue Jays selected shortstop Josh Kasevich, a native of Palo Alto, California, out of Oregon with the 60th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft. He spent 2023 in high-A Vancouver, where he helped the Canadiens win the Northwest League title and finished with the third-best batting average on the team at .284, according to the Fisher Cats. MLB.com lists Kasevich as Tornto’s 11th-best prospect for 2024. Kasevich worked on improving his bat speed and path in the off-season, along with getting stronger and faster, and hopes to continue his sharp eye of the zone, according to the Fisher Cats.
Adam Macko: Originally from Slovakia, with a brief stint in Ireland before moving to Alberta, Canada, this southpaw (left-handed pitcher) ranks 16th amongst fellow Toronto prospects according to Baseball America, while MLB.com slots Macko ninth, according to the Fisher Cats.
Alan Roden: Toronto called the outfielder’s name as the 98th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft from Creighton University, according to the Fisher Cats. Originally from Middleton, Wisconsin, Roden spent his off-season in Florida to focus on improving his swing by building strength and increasing explosiveness, according to the Fisher Cats. After spending the first three and a half months of last season with high-A Vancouver, Roden received his double-A promotion to the Fisher Cats in Manchester and reached base safely in his first nine games, According to the Fisher Cats. Baseball America ranks Roden as Toronto’s ninth-most-promising prospect and MLB.com slots him in spot No. 7.
Phil Clarke: A catcher from Franklin, Tennessee, Clarke received his draft selection in the ninth round of the 2019 MLB draft out of Vanderbilt after his sophomore year concluded with a national championship in Omaha, according to the Fisher Cats. Clarke spent two seasons with the Fisher Cats and his third is set for 2024, and he received honors from MiLB.com at the conclusion of last season, making the site’s Organizational All-Star list, according to the Fisher Cats, and was also named best defensive catcher amongst Toronto prospects by Baseball America, who cited his fundamentals and natural skill as the reasoning behind the decision.
Save the date
Here are some of the special events planned at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.
• Waggin’ Wednesdays: On Wednesdays when the Fisher Cats are not playing a home game, four-legged fans are invited (on-leash) to Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester. A waiver must be filled out prior to bringing your dog into the ballpark.
• Foodie Fridays: Experience specialty food items at the ballpark every Friday. The first Foodie Friday, on April 12, will celebrate all things chili, with chili dogs, chili burgers and chili fries.
• Copa de la Diversión: For the games on Thursday, April 25, and Thursday, June 20, the team will rebrand as Gatos Feroces de New Hampshire, with specialty uniforms (get a peek at all the specialty jerseys at milb.com/new-hampshire/tickets/specialty-jerseys). Gatos Feroces merch is available for purchase on the team’s website.
• Princesses at the Park: The first of four specialty brunches at the park will be on Sunday, April 28, with a Princess Brunch to be held before the 1:35 p.m. game. Tickets to the brunch cost $30.85 and include a ticket to the game.
• Manchester Chicken Tenders: On Saturday, May 11, the Fisher Cats will celebrate one of the defining moments in American history: the 1974 invention of the chicken tender at Manchester’s Puritan Restaurant. The team will temporarily rebrand as the Manchester Chicken Tenders. Chicken Tenders merch is available for purchase on the team’s website.
• Cats-Con: On Saturday, May 25, The Fisher Cats’ annual Cats-Con game will celebrate their favorite movies, comic books, heroes, villains, and much more, featuring characters from Double Midnight Comics.
• Blue Heeler Appreciation Brunch: The second specialty brunch of the season will take place on Sunday, May 26, before the 1:35 p.m. game. Tickets to the brunch cost $30.85 and include a ticket to the game.
• Father’s Day Celebration: To honor Fisher Cats dad fans, the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a limited-edition Fisher Cats bucket hat on June 16.
• Super Bros. Brunch: The third specialty brunch of the season will take place on Sunday, June 23, before the 1:35 p.m. game. Tickets to the brunch cost $30.85 and include a ticket to the game.
• Game Show Night: On Friday, July 11, the whole game will be dedicated to famous game shows.
• Star Wars Night with Atlas Fireworks: Star Wars Night strikes back on Saturday, July 12. By popular demand, the iconic theme night will return with Star Wars characters, music, specialty on-field jerseys and more.
• A Pure Night of Imagination: The Fisher Cats promise a scrumdiddlyumptious night dedicated to everybody’s favorite fictional candy maker on Friday, July 26.
• Sitcom Night: On Thursday, Aug. 8, the Fisher Cats will dedicate their game to classic sitcoms.
• ’90s Night with Atlas Fireworks: Put your hair in a scrunchie and practice your macarena. On Saturday, August 10, the Fisher Cats will celebrate all things ’90s. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a clear fanny pack. Beanie Babies get in free.
• Hockey Night in New Hampshire with Atlas Fireworks: The Fisher Cats will celebrate New Hampshire hockey on Saturday, Aug. 24, with new jerseys, new hats, a new giveaway and a celebrity appearance from Max the Monarch. The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Monarchs-vs.-Fisher Cats bobblehead.
• Piggy Tea Party: The final specialty brunch of the season will be held at the park on Sunday, Aug. 25, with a Piggy Tea Party Brunch to be held before the 1:35 p.m. game. Tickets to the brunch cost $30.85 and include a ticket to the game.
Nashua Silver Knights
Want more baseball? Nashua is home to the Silver Knights, a summer collegiate team of New England players at Division I, II and III levels, who split their time between Holman Stadium in Nashua (67 Amherst St. in Nashua) and Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont. They play in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.
General Manager Cam Cook says most of his players are working their way up the baseball ladder.
“A lot of people have heard of the Cape Cod League,” Cook said. “A lot of our guys are freshmen and sophomores who play with us for a year or two, then go to the Cape Cod League.”
Cook says that this is shaping up into a good season.
“It’s looking good,” he says. “We’re as busy as we’ve ever been. We’ve got great sponsors, and we’re planning some great theme nights.” Some of these theme nights include a Princess in the Park night, when fans, especially young ones, are encouraged to dress as their favorite princesses; a celebration of National Hot Dog Day; a visit from the Boogie Bros traveling mascot show, and a baseball card give-away.
The biggest game of the season will be the Knights’ July 25 exhibition game against the War Dogs, a team made up of active-duty and reserve military players.
“From a pure baseball point of view, it’s really interesting to see a freshman pitcher from Vanderbilt go up against an active-duty Marine,” Cook said. “It’s like an AI simulation, and we get to see it in real time.” The Knights have invited local veterans’ groups and VFWs to the game, to pump up interest in the game.
“We’ve already sold out our suites,” Cook said. It will be an unusual home game, he thinks, because most of the fans will be rooting for the visitors. “I’ve already started preparing the team,” he says, “warning them, ‘You’re probably going to get booed.”
This yearly exhibition game always honors the military in general, but this year it will have a special focus on the Air Force. “We’re trying to arrange a military fly-over, and a helicopter to deliver the First Pitch Ball,” Cook said. He noted that a point of particular interest is Silver Knight Player No. 7, pitcher Frankie Melendez, who is an ROTC cadet at Stonehill College. “He’ll be playing against soldiers he might run into in the service in a few years.”
The Nashua Silver Knights’ season begins on May 24 with a home game against the Vermont Lake Monsters. For more information, tickets and the team’s season schedule, visit their website at nashuasilverknights.com. —John Fladd
Fan food
An essential part of attending a baseball game is the food. It’s even in the song: “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack….” Stephanuie Vangjel is the Operations Manager for Professional Sports Catering, the company that provides snacks to Fisher Cats fans. It’s her job to make sure everyone in the stadium has access to baseball food during home games. That includes classics like hot dogs, fried dough and chicken fingers for the audience in the bleachers, but also lobster rolls and steak tips for the fans in the luxury suites.
“I’m making myself hungry,” Vangjel says, describing the food.
Feeding Delta Dental Stadium means more than handing out hot dogs. Vangjel’s staff is in charge of running concessions during home games but also providing service to the suites and running the Brewhouse Restaurant — the Fisher Cats’ onsite restaurant — as well as handling outside catering jobs.
Vangjel says her team is especially proud of their promotional food specials.
“We put together special packages like our Ballpark Buffet, a barbecue package, and a comfort food package [which includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans]. We set up nacho bars and fajita bars. On Video Game Night, we’re planning an ‘Italian Plumbers’-themed menu.” “Italian Plumbers,” she explains, to avoid any trademark infringement with Nintendo.
The enthusiasm for this season’s ballpark food extends to the Fisher Cats’ front office.
“A highlight this year is we are introducing what we call ‘Foodie Fridays,’” says General Manager Michael Neiss. “That’s really taking that day of the week, taking that game, whether there’s a theme or not, and providing unique food [and] beverage options that you wouldn’t be able to get on a normal night.” Foodie Fridays will kick off the season on April 5 with an all-chili theme — chili dogs, chili burgers and chili fries — according to Stephanie Vangjel.
Andrew Marais, Senior Manager of Marketing and Promotions for the Fisher Cats, says management is excited about the Manchester Chicken Tenders returning to the field, referring to a Fisher Cats tribute to Manchester’s iconic food, when the team will dress in specially themed uniforms.
“The first [Chicken Tenders] game will be on May 11 — that will be your original Chicken Tender on-field uniform jersey — and then on July 27 we turn up the heat with Buffalo Tenders. So, brand new Buffalo Tender jerseys, very very cool. I believe they’re on our website too and you can purchase them in the team store.”
Hungry fans will also be able to eat brunch at the ballpark. The Fisher Cats will host four themed brunches this season, to correspond with special theme days. There will be a “Princess” brunch on April 28, a “Blue Heeler Appreciation” brunch in May, a “Super Bros” brunch in June and a “Piggy Tea Party” brunch in August. Each brunch ticket includes admission to the brunch and a ticket to the game following it. Brunch tickets are available through the Fisher Cats’ website (milb.com/new-hampshire). —John Fladd
According to a March 28 press release, Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais outlined the city’s budget when he delivered the FY 2025 budget address before a special meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. The budget included a historically high 4 percent cost of living adjustment.
Ruais detailed several decisions made to reduce spending, including the elimination of $792,957 from the Cash CIP project line, and did not allocate funding for $1,839,748 in department requests, according to the press release.
Mayor Ruais said in a statement that a “hiring freeze will continue for non-emergency personnel until our fiscal condition dictates otherwise.”
In regard to the school budget, Mayor Ruais said in a statement, “we were able to invest an additional $1 million into our School District. The $227 million we are proposing to allocate … represents the most ever allocated by the City of Manchester.”
Public safety and first responders garnered funding for mental health clinicians for the Manchester Police Department, the retention of 10 police officers previously funded by the federal government, and the hiring six additional police officers since Jan. 2 as well as $100,000 for firefighter protective gear and $3 million in upgrades to city fleet including MTA, Police, Fire and Highway Departments, according to the press release.
The budget allocates money from the FY 2025 CDBG and ESG programs to end homelessness such as Families in Transition, which will receive $70,000 for family emergency housing. WayPoint will receive $89,000 for their homeless youth shelter, YWCA will receive $70,000 for Emily’s Place, and 1269 Café will receive $50,000 to double its residential room capacity, according to the same release.
The press release also mentions the allocation of $1.65 million of federal funds to help construct 45 units of affordable housing on the Pearl Street parking lot.
The budget also includes investing $5.3 million in road infrastructure and improvements, allocating $1 million toward sidewalk maintenance and upgrades to promote pedestrian safety and investing $1 million in park renovations, upgrades and maintenance that includes significant playground renovations at Livingston, Wolfe and Howe parks and an additional allocation of $200,000 for a league partnership program, according to the same release.
Further community investment includes $50,000 for the Manchester Police Athletic League CHOICES program, $20,000 to Hillsborough County Child Advocacy, $110,000 to Manchester Community Resource Center, $42,000 to Meals on Wheels, $100,000 for Fun in the Sun summer camps for students in grades 1 to 7, and $150,000 to six agencies to provide youth services counseling, according to the same release. Visit manchesternh.gov/Government/Mayor-and-Aldermen/Mayors-Office/Press-Room.
Funding for shelters
A March 27 press release stated that the Executive Council approved $8.5 million in funding for local emergency shelter services supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness while $6.74 million of those funds approved were allocated in Gov. Sununu’s FY2024-2025 budget. This includes $1,929,200 to Families in Transition serving Hillsborough County, $1,446,900 to New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence with statewide services, $1,019,200 to Cross Roads House in Rockingham County, $773,500 to Southwestern Community Services serving Cheshire and Sullivan counties, $755,300 to The Salvation Army serving Belknap and Merrimack counties, $464,100 to The Front Door Agency serving Hillsborough County, $436,800 to Hundred Nights serving Cheshire County, $419,200 to Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter serving Hillsborough County, $291,200 to Marguerite’s Place serving Hillsborough County, $263,900 to My Friend’s Place serving Strafford County, $254,800 to The Friends Program serving Merrimack County, $236,600 to Tri-County Community Action Program serving Coos and Grafton counties, and $209,300 to New Hampshire Catholic Charities serving Rockingham County, according to the release.
McAuliffe art competition
According to a March 29 press release, the Christa McAuliffe State House Memorial Commission announced the creation of a student arts-based competition to correspond with the creation, installation and unveiling of the new Christa McAuliffe Memorial in 2024. Submissions for the arts-based competition will consist of three categories — a visual art medium, poetry, and an essay shorter than 1,000 words — and will be divided into three grade levels — K-4, 5-8, and 9-2, according to the same release.
The contest’s theme is the life and work of Christa McAuliffe, a longtime educator and selectee of the NASA Teacher in Space Project. Winners will be recognized at the unveiling ceremony. All submissions must be entirely original, not utilize any form of artificial intelligence software, and must be delivered by Saturday, June 1, according to the release. Physical submissions must be sent to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (Attention Jeanne Gerulskis), 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH 03301, and works of writing must be sent in a word processing document to arts@doe.nh.gov.
At Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord (45 S. Main St.) on Wednesday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m., Concord author Renee Plodzik, APRN, returns to discuss her book Eat Well Move Often 2. Plodzik will share nutrition and wellness practices to help cancer survivors and the community stay strong, according to the event website. Visit gibsonsbookstore.com or call 224-0562.
On Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. the Exploring Aviation presentation series at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry) presents a User’s Guide to the 2024 Total Eclipse that will review everything you need to know about the rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Visit aviationmuseumofnh.org or call 669-4820.
Craft and Chat on the first and third Thursday of every month at Kelley Library (234 Main St. in Salem) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Adults can gather, craft and chat. Participants are welcome to bring whatever project they are working on, according to their website. Visit kelleylibrary.org or call 898-7064.
Few New England songwriters have Jake McKelvie’s command of clever wordplay. In just two lines from “Eat Around the Pudding,” from 2020’s delightful LP Here’s What You Do, he rhymes homeowner, combover and organ donor while still delivering a jaunty tune that’s either a breakup song or musical self-therapy. It’s hard to tell which.
The fun continues on a new solo McKelvie project that’s separate from his longtime band the Countertops. A preview of the 12-song collection due later this year promises an album sparkling with charm.
On various tracks, McKelvie alludes to Rodney Dangerfield, drily notes that a fire in the belly can’t heat a room, and tells the object of his affection, “it’s a lie to imply you complete me, but you’re still a big part of the meal,” sung in a voice that walks the wire between childlike wonder and crusty bemusement. It’s all simply delightful.
A new, as yet unnamed band will back McKelvie at Union Coffee Co. in Milford on March 30. It includes bassist Mike Holland (Dutch Tulips) and Countertops drummer Matt Bacon, along with a second guitar player, a position that’s being filled by a few different people based on availability.
McKelvie’s lyrical sensibility remains, but musically, it’s something of a pivot. “Which is another one of the reasons why it’s kind of distinct from Countertops stuff,” he said in a recent phone interview. “The songs are a little bit slower. I don’t wanna say slow per se, but it leans more into the folk-like, songwriter aspect of what I do as opposed to the kind of rambunctious goofy thing that the Countertops lean into more.”
The impetus for starting a new effort came down to scheduling. Fewer Countertops gigs meant bass player Nick Vontruba and Bacon had to fill in the gaps.
“Basically, everyone’s got their hands in a few different projects,” McKelvie said. “That’s just the way things go.”
Creatively, he was feeling another pull.
“I had a batch of songs that I’ve been eager to do something with, and it just wasn’t really feasible for us to do them with the group,” McKelvie said. “We haven’t broken up or anything, we’re just kind of in a dormant phase. We’ll still probably play shows here and there and whatnot, but this is what feels right to do right now.”
The new band formed in November and has played a handful of shows, including four so far this year. “It’s been kind of a slow build-up,” McKelvie said. “Now the record is finished; I’m figuring out release plans. I’ve got a tour mostly booked for April and I’m starting to work on some additional tours for later in the year.”
Both Bacon and Holland played on the forthcoming album. “They’re locked in,” McKelvie said, adding, “I’ve gotten lucky getting some good guitar players who are fast learners and have done a great job picking them up really quick. The shows we’ve played, I’ve felt pretty good about, and it does feel nice to be playing some new songs.”
He’s especially pleased with the new material.
“I’ve wanted to do this songwriting forward type of record for a while,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of scrappy home recorded solo things over the years, but this is like a proper studio version of that…. I just think it’s a pretty good record.”
Fans can expect to see a lot more of Jake McKelvie & Friends, or whatever name he finally comes up with.
“I’m trying to play as much as possible this year, so there’s a good chance I’ll be skipping around New England and other parts of the country as much as I can,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to playing a bunch of shows this year.”
He’s performed at Union Coffee many times in the past and looks forward to returning.
“I love playing there,” he said. “We’re playing with this band Trash Sun who I did a show with a few months ago. They’re kind of a newer New Hampshire band, I think, nice guys. Union Coffee is a great spot. They have always treated us really well, and I’m looking forward to getting back.”
Jake McKelvie When: Saturday, March 30, 7 p.m. Where: Union Coffee Co., 42 South St., Milford More: facebook.com/JacobCMcKelvie
It’s hoped that when the final short of this year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is finished audience members will have a newfound commitment to conservation and an expanded awareness of the microcosmic world. A few of the selections may lead to a heretofore unknown fondness for timber rattlesnakes, as well as sloths and mussels.
Mostly, the festival’s organizer envisions the nature-centric collection of films as a call to action.
Admission to the Friday, March 29, event at Concord’s Bank of NH Stage includes a free one-year membership in New Hampshire Rivers Council (NHRC), the environmental group sponsoring it.
“It’s where inspiration meets activism,” the Council’s president, Michelle Tremblay, said recently. “What we want to do is inspire people to get more involved.”
Tremblay, who is also principal of Naturesource Communications (pronounced nature-resource), brought the festival to New Hampshire. In past years it was held at Red River Cinemas and routinely sold out, with backed-up waiting lists that couldn’t be satisfied.
The decision to move across the street, made after three years spent online due to the pandemic, means capacity is now doubled.
“We decided to come back big,” Tremblay said. “We have the entire facility … we’re able to offer our members, and new members, places that they can spread out, roam and socialize; and also, very comfortable seating.”
An extension of the weeklong Wild & Scenic Film Festival hosted by SYRCL, the South Yuba River Citizens League in California, the event offers regional groups a “best of” selection from each year’s entries. Tremblay said NHRC decided to focus on short works.
“We don’t have the whole week to show the film festival, so we carefully curate films that normally people wouldn’t be able to see,” she said. “You can go to a theater, you can watch full-length films, but finding good shorts which normally kind of fly under the radar, those are harder to access.”
This means lots of films, covering a wide range of topics, she continued. “We’re also able to offer something for everyone. The shorts range the gamut from water to land to animals, and we have films from all over the globe as well as some that are a little closer to home. So we really do try to curate with that in mind.”
SYRCL, affectionately called “The Mothership” by NHRC, does offer a pre-curated “festival in a box,” Tremblay said. “But we decided to do our own because we really feel like we know what the New Hampshire audiences have liked in the past, and we want to make sure that we’re able to continue to serve that.”
Along with shorts about reptiles, shellfish and sloths are “some wonderful films that give a Native American perspective and make people really think differently about natural resources,” she continued, adding she hopes that two “very abstract films that give kind of a micro view of different aspects of our natural environment … will really get people thinking about not just seeing something from a distance.”
PLACE – People, Lamprey, and Cultural Ecology is a short from Jeremy Monroe and David Herasimtschuk that Tremblay believes will resonate with Northeasterners. The SYRCL website describes the eight-minute film as following a Cayuse Tribe member while revealing “the connections between migratory fish, urban forests, and community stewardship … and the work one group is doing to rebuild the strength of these connections for future generations.”
The New Hampshire economy depends on its natural beauty. Asked how that affects NHRC’s mission, Tremblay replied that rivers are “the last populist water body…. They’ve always been the place where everyone can go to them. But they’ve also been hit hard. They receive our waste, hopefully treated; they get withdrawals for drinking water, for farming and for other purposes. Rivers really do work hard, and we work hard for the rivers.”
14th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival When: Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. Location: Bank of New Hampshire Stage, 16 S. Main St., Concord Tickets: $25 ($20 members) at eventbrite.com Video on Demand available, $15
Featured photo: Fresh Water Lamprey. Courtesy photo.
From the spots voted best pizza place to those of us who can go eat that pizza, everybody involved in Hippo’s Best of readers’ poll 2024 is getting a win from this issue.
In this year’s poll we asked you to weigh in with your favorite doughnut, hiking trail, lunch spot and brewery. We also asked for your thoughts on ketchup, music while you work and picnics. We even asked you who, in New Hampshire, you’d like to extend a thank you to (and thank you to the reader who said “Hippo for a great paper”).
And after all that voting in February, now we present you with, generally, the top five winners in each category — though sometimes we have supersized it and let a few more reader faves join the winners court. And we’ve sprinkled some specific reader responses throughout, because they’re fun. Looking for a place where they make your coffee perfect every time or a great hair stylist? Here are Hippo readers’ favorites.
This survey is for entertainment purposes only and all results are final.
The results of Hippo’s readers’ poll are based on readers’ answers to a poll conducted online in February. Readers typed in the names of people and locations they voted for. In situations where the vote is tied or otherwise unclear, Hippo editorial staff makes an effort to determine the will of the greatest number of voters. Hippo reserves the right to disqualify individual votes, ballots and/or entries when they are incomplete or unclear, do not meet the letter or the spirit of the question asked or otherwise do not meet the requirements to make them a usable vote.
Hippo’s editorial staff makes the ultimate determination of the winners in the categories. Hippo’s advertisers play no role in the determination of the winners. All results are final.
The Best of 2024 is a celebration of all things local and is meant to serve as a snapshot of the people and places in southern New Hampshire. Large national and international chains are, for the most part, not included in the count. Information presented here is gathered from sources including the location’s website and social media pages. Double check with the spots before heading out to make sure times, locations and menu items haven’t changed.
Questions, comments, concerns? Did we get an address or phone number wrong? Do you have an idea for a new category? Let us know. Contact editor Amy Diaz at adiaz@hippopress. com. Corrections will appear on the first page of the news section in future issues. Is your favorite category missing? Categories change regularly, with some categories taking a sabbatical and new categories introduced, so please send your suggestions for a category for next year. And, again, all results are seriously final. Hey, there’s always next year.
Arts
Best Performing Arts Venue
Best of the best:The Palace Theatres 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com
Capitol Center for the Arts 44 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Nashua Center for the Arts 201 Main St. in Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com Bringing nationally touring musicians, live comedy, theatre, children’s performances, and more to Downtown Nashua! Come experience a great show!
BankNH Pavilion 72 Meadowbrook Lane in Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com
Best Theatrical Production
Best of the best:A Christmas Carol at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) ran Nov. 24 to Dec. 23, 2023.
Ballet Misha’s The Nutcracker at the Dana Center (100 Saint Anselm Dr. in Manchester, 641-7700, tickets.anselm.edu) ran Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, 2023.
Kinky Boots at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) ran Oct. 13 through Nov. 5, 2023.
Dancing Queens at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) ran Jan. 19 through Feb. 11, 2024.
The Wizard of Oz at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) ran Sept. 8 through Sept. 24, 2023.
Best Local Place to Buy Art
Best of the best: League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, which will take place this year Saturday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 11, at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. See nhcrafts.org/annual-craftsmens-fair.
Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. in Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org, Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Mosaic Art Collective 66 Hanover St., Unit 201, in Manchester; 512-6209, mosaicartcollective.com, Wednesday Through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Concord Arts Market, a market with dates May through December. The first 2024 market is scheduled for the first Friday in May — Friday, May 3, at Bicentennial Square in downtown Concord. A market is also slated once a month in Rollins Park in Concord from June through September, as well as during Market Days in downtown Concord (June 20-22), according to concordartsmarket.net.
Manchester Craft Market, Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 606-1351, manchestercraftmarket.com, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Best Publicly Viewable Mural
Best of the best: Cat Alley off Elm Street between Manchester and Merrimack streets in Manchester, featuring kitties of various shapes and sizes.
Hanover Street in Manchester titled “Greetings from Manchester” by Hooksett resident and artist James Chase and commissioned by Red Oak Apartments, according to manchesterinformation.com.
Derry Downtown 1½ East Broadway in Derry on the side of Cask and Vine, showcasing a timeline of Derry, according to nhrtc.org.
Derry Rail Trail in Derry. Robert Frost homage with trees and lines of verse painted on the asphalt-paved road, according to nhrtc.org.
Mural by artist Keith Trahan on the building by Lamont-Hanley Park at the corner of Bridge and Elm streets in Manchester.
Entertainment
Best Bookstore
Best of the best: Gibson’s Bookstore 40 S. Main St. in Concord, gibsonsbookstore.com, 224-0562
Bookery 844 Elm St. in Manchester, bookerymht.com, 836-6600
Balin Books 375 Amherst St. in Nashua, balinbooks.com, 417-7981
Toadstool Bookshop 12 Depot Sq. in Peterborough, toadbooks.com, 924-3543
Water Street Bookstore 125 Water St. in Exeter, waterstreetbooks.com, 778-9731
Best Bowling Alley
Best of the best: Lakeside Lanes 2171 Candia Road in Manchester, lakesidelanes.com, 627-7722
Merrimack 10 Pin 698 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, merrimacktenpin.com, 429-0989
King Lanes 751 Mast Road in Goffstown, kinglanes.com, 623-9515
Leda Lanes 340 Amherst St. in Nashua, ledalanes.com, 889-4884
Yankee Lanes 216 Maple St. in Manchester, manchester.yankeelanesentertainment.com, 625-9656
Best Comic Book Shop
Best of the best:Double Midnight Comics 252 Willow St. in Manchester, dmcomics.com, 669-9636 Double Midnight Comics 341 Loudon Road in Concord, dmcomics.com, 715-2683 Southern NH’s premiere source for the latest and greatest comics and games!
Merrymac Games & Comics 550 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, merrymacgc.com, 420-8161
Pop Culture Card Comics and Collectibles 66 Route 27 in Raymond, popculturenh.com, 244-1850
Jetpack Comics 37 N. Main St. in Rochester, jetpackcomics.com, 330-XMEN (9636)
Best Mini Golf
Best of the best: Mel’s Funway 454 Charles Bancroft Hwy. in Litchfield, melsfunwaypark.com, 424-229. Opens in April.
Chuckster’s Ice Cream & Miniature Golf 53 Hackett Hill Road in Hooksett, chucksters-hooksett.com, 210-1415. Opens Saturday, April 13.
Chuckster’s Family Fun Park 9 Bailey Road in Chichester, chuckstersnh.com, 798-3555. Opens Saturday, April 6.
Captain’s Cove Adventure Golf 814 Lafayette Road in Hampton, smallgolf.com, 926-5011. Opens Saturday, April 20.
Mini Links at LaBelle Winery 14 Route 111 in Derry, labellewinery.com, 672-9898. Slated to open April 1.
Best Place to Learn How to Make Something Cool
Best of the best: Studio 550 Arts Center (550 Elm St. in Manchester, 550arts.com, 232-5597) Learn to sculpt clay, stain some glass, or make 2D artforms like watercolor, acrylics or pastels.
Manchester Craft Market (Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St. in Manchester, manchestercraftmarket.com, 606-1351) Learn how to use alcohol ink, wire-wrap gemstones or mold polymer clay. If you can craft it there is probably a workshop for it here.
You’re Fired (25 S. River Road in Bedford, yourefirednh.com, 641-3473) A walk-in-friendly establishment where you can create and paint your own pottery.
Cooking School at Tuscan Market (9 Via Toscana in Salem, tuscanbrands.com, 912-5467) Create the perfect spaghetti sauce and learn which wines to pair with it. A myriad of Italian-style cooking courses are available.
The Canvas Roadshow (25 S. River Road in Bedford, thecanvasroadshow.com, 913-9217) Offers classes and events for painting, glass art, wood staining and more.
Best Place to Totally Geek Out
Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820)
Boards and Brews (941 Elm St. in Manchester, boardsandbrewsnh.com, 232-5184) Play almost any board game that has ever been created while drinking beer and sharing food with friends.
Granite State Comicon (700 Elm St. in Manchester, granitecon.com, 669-9636) Slated for Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22. Head to this Con to meet comic book artists and authors, game creators, actors and more, while enjoying costume contests and parties. Tickets are already on sale, including for weekend passes and VIP packages that include early entry and a goodie bag.
Pop Culture (66 Route 27 in Raymond, popculturenh.com, 244-1850) Your one-stop shop for all things 40k, Magic The Gathering, RPGs, comic books and much more.
Awesome Cards, Collectibles & Games (123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, awesomeccg.com, 404-6996) Anything from Pokemon card games to Dungeons & Dragons, if you can play it on a tabletop, you can find it here.
Diversity Gaming (1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, diversitygaming.store, 606-1176) Set up your favorite board game with friends in one of four private rooms or use free tables where everyone is invited to roll the dice.
Midgard (55 Crystal Ave. in Derry, midgardhobbiesandgames.com, 260-6180) Come for the tournaments and any type of game your Midgardian heart could desire.
Best Place to Make New Friends
Best of the best: The Collective Studios 4 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, thecollective-studios.com, 216-2345
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, thenestfamilycafe.com, 404-3512
Feathered Friend Brewing Co. 231 S. Main St. in Concord, featheredfriendbrewing.com, 715-2347
Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210 Join us for Live music 6 nights a week (every night in the summer). Check our website to see who’s playing tonight
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731
Independent Shop Where You’d Have a Win-the-Lotto Shopping Spree
Best of the best: Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. 13 N. Main St. in Concord, gondwanaclothing.com, 228-1101
Junction 71 707 Milford Road in Merrimack, junction71.wixsite.com/mysite, 213-5201
League of NH Craftsmen’s gallery 36 N. Main St. in Concord, concord.nhcrafts.org, 228-8171
Manchester Craft Market Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St. in Manchester; 606-1351, manchestercraftmarket.com
The Terracotta Room 1361 Elm St., Suite 102, in Manchester, theterracottaroom.com, 935-8738
Best of the best: The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, thederryfield.com, 623-2880
The Backyard Brewery 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, backyardbrewerynh.com, 623-3545
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill: 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
Bernie’s Beach Bar: 73 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, berniesnh.com, 926-5050
KC’s Rib Shack: 837 Second St. in Manchester, ribshack.net, 627-7427
Best Bar or Pub
Best of the best: The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, shaskeenirishpub.com, 625-0246
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill: 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
Backyard Brewery and Kitchen: 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, backyardbrewerynh.com, 623-3545
Industry East: 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, industryeastbar.com, 232-6940
The Hop Knot: 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731
Best Weekly Bar Event
Best of the best: Trivia with Heather at The Farm Bar and Grille (1181 Elm St. in Manchester, farmbargrille.com, 641-3276) takes place Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Tuesday open mic at KC’s Rib Shack (837 Second St. in Manchester, ribshack.net, 627-7427) is hosted by Paul & Nate with a featured artist from 7 to 8 p.m. and open mic from 8 to 10 p.m.
Trivia at The Hop Knot (1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731) runs Thursdays at 7 p.m. with Broderick Lang.
Trivia at Chunky’s Cinema Pub (707 Huse Road in Manchester, chunkys.com, 206-3888) runs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and is 21+. Each week usually has a theme based on a movie or genre of movies or a TV show or music. About once a month on Sunday, there is an all-ages family-friendly trivia night at 6 p.m.
Music Bingo at Backyard Brewery and Kitchen (1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, backyardbrewerynh.com, 623-3545) runs Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Best Spot for Some Friendly Competition
Best of the best: The Rugged Axe 377 S. Willow St. in Manchester, theruggedaxe.com, 232-7846
Block Party Social 51 Zapora Dr. in Hooksett, blockpartysocial.com, 263-5408
RelAxe Throwing NH 157 Gay St. in Manchester, relaxethrowing.com, 782-3061
Axel’s Throw House 4 Bud Way, Unit 2, in Nashua, axelsthrowhouse.com, 212-1778
Granite State Escape 795 Elm St. in Manchester, escapenh.com, 935-7455
Best Spot for a Cheap Date
Best of the best: The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
The Farm Bar and Grille 1181 Elm St. in Manchester, farmbargrille.com, 641-3276
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731
Chunky’s Cinema Pub 707 Huse Road in Manchester, chunkys.com, 206-3888
The Gyro Spot 1073 Elm St. in Manchester, thegyrospot.com, 218-3869
Diz’s Cafe 860 Elm St. in Manchester, dizscafe.com, 606-2532
Penuche’s Ale House 16 Bicentennial Sq. in Concord, facebook.com/penuches.concord, 228-9833
Best Spot for a Group Outing
Best of the best: Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, tupelomusichall.com, 437-5100
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
Boards & Brews 941 Elm St. in Manchester, boardsandbrewsnh.com, 232-5184
Axel’s Throw House 4 Bud Way, Unit 2, in Nashua, axelsthrowhouse.com, 212-1778
Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, canobie.com, 893-3506
Game Changer Sports Bar and Grill 4 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, gamechangersportsbar.com, 216-1396
The Rugged Axe 377 S. Willow St. in Manchester, theruggedaxe.com, 232-7846
Fisher Cats at Delta Dental Stadium 1 Line Dr. in Manchester, milb.com/new-hampshire/tickets, 641-2005. The season begins April 4.
Best Place to Meet a Blind Date
Best of the best: The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
The Farm Bar and Grille 1181 Elm St. in Manchester, farmbargrille.com, 641-3276
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731
Penuche’s Ale House 16 Bicentennial Sq. in Concord, facebook.com/penuches.concord, 228-9833
Stella Blu 70 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, stellablu-nh.com, 578-5557
Charlie’s of Goffstown 1B Pinard St. in Manchester, charliesgoffstown.com, 606-1835
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, goldenrodrestaurant.com, 623-9469
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Best Date Night Restaurant
Best of the best: Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, cottonfood.com, 622-5488
Revival Kitchen and Bar 11 Depot St. in Concord, revivalkitchennh.com, 715-5723
Copper Door 15 Leavy Dr. in Bedford, copperdoor.com, 488-2677
The Foundry 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, foundrynh.com, 836-1925
Villaggio Ristorante Italiano 677 Hooksett Road in Manchester, villaggionh.com, 627-2424
Restaurant that Brings the Heat
Best of the best: Destination India Restaurant and Bar 14A E. Broadway in Derry, destinationindianh.com, 552-3469
Daw Kun Thai 93 S. Maple St., No. 4, in Manchester, dawkunthai.com, 232-0699
Curry Leaf 6 Pleasant St. in Concord, curryleafus.com, 715-5746
A Lot of Thai 360 Daniel Webster Hwy., Unit 121, in Merrimack, alotofthainh.com, 429-8888
Kashmir Indian Cuisine 396 S. Broadway in Salem, kashmirindianfood.com, 898-3455
Kathmandu Spice 379 S. Willow St. in Manchester, ktmspice.com, 782-3911
Best Food Truck
Best of the best: Up in Your Grill Find them in the front parking lot, 526 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, upinyourgrill.com, 493-3191
The Sleazy Vegan Usually at the Tideline Public House, 15 Newmarket Road in Durham, thesleazyvegan.com, 233-5078
Teenie Weenies Often at Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle in Merrimack (find them on Facebook, 403-2336)
B’s Tacos May through October they’re at the BP Gas Station, 2 Mohawk Dr. in Londonderry, nhtacotruck.com, 622-8200
Messy Mike’s Barbecue and Catering 161 Rockingham Road in Derry, messymikesbbq.com, 781-710-7832
Restaurant with the Best Outdoor Seating
Best of the best: The Crown Tavern 99 Hanover St. in Manchester, thecrownonhanover.com, 218-3132
Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, backyardbrewerynh.com, 623-3545
The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, thederryfield.com, 623-2880
Tuscan Kitchen Salem 19 Via Toscana in Salem, tuscanbrands.com/tuscan-kitchen, 952-4875
Cheers Grille & Bar 17 Depot St., No. 1, in Concord, cheersnh.com, 228-0180
Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack 837 Second St. in Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Smoke Haus 278 Route 101 in Amherst, 249-5734, smokehausbbq.com
Smoke Show Barbecue 231 S. Main St. in Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbbq.com
Goody Coles Smokehouse 374 Route 125 in Brentwood, 679-8898, goodycoles.com
Smoke Shack Cafe 226 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com Hickory Wood Smoked Ribs, Brisket, Chicken, Pulled Pork, Wings, plus Loaded Mac and Cheese and more!
Best Breakfast
Best of the best:Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com Serving breakfast and lunch every day with a menu that includes organic, local and gluten free options for all to enjoy.
Maryann’s Diner 29 East Broadway in Derry, 434-5785; 4 Cobbetts Pond Road in Windham, 965-3066; 3 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Salem, 893-9877; 1 Craftsman Lane in Amherst, 577-8955; maryannsdiner.com
Janie’s Uncommon Cafe 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 432-3100, janiescafe.com
Riverhouse Cafe 167 Union Sq. in Milford, 249-5556, damngoodgrub.com
Chez Vachon 136 Kelley St. in Manchester, 625-9660, chezvachon.com Get what you deserve! Comfort food and French Canadian Favorites. Breakfast served all day.
Best of the best: The Foundry 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com
Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com
The Friendly Toast 4 Main St. in Bedford, 836-8907 (also has a location in Portsmouth); thefriendlytoast.com
Firefly 22 Concord St. in Manchester, fireflynh.com, 935-9740
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Prime at Sky Meadow 6 Mountain Laurels Dr. in Nashua, 888-9000, skymeadow.com
Best Burgers
Best of the best: Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen 237 South St. in Milford, papajoeshumblekitchen.com, 672-9130
The Barley House 132 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
River Road Tavern 193 S. River Road in Bedford, 206-5837, riverroadtavernbedford.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 South Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com
Vibes Gourmet Burgers 25 S. Main St. in Concord, 856-8671, vibes-burgers.com
Best Burrito
Best of the best: California Burritos Mexican Grill: 655 S. Willow St., Suite 103, in Manchester, 722-2084; 2 Cellu Drive in Nashua, 417-6151; 101 Factory St. in Nashua, 718-8745; 35 Lowell Road in Hudson, 402-2130; californiaburritosnh.com
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com
Dos Amigos 26 N. Main St. in Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com
Los Reyes Street Tacos & More 127 Rockingham Road, Unit 15, in Derry, 845-8327, losreyesstreettacos.com
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill (865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182)and Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762), vallartamexicannh.com
Best Chicken Tenders
Best of the best: Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
Charlie’s of Goffstown 1B Pinard St. in Manchester, 606-1835, charliesgoffstown.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 South Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com
Smoke Shack Cafe 226 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com
Best Fish & Chips
Best of the best: Lobster Boat 453 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 424-5221; 273 Derry Road in Litchfield, 882-4988; lobsterboatrestaurant.com
The Peddler’s Daughter 48 Main St. in Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
The Beach Plum 3 Brickyard Square in Epping, 679-3200; 8 S. Village Drive in Salem, 458-7266; 2800 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth, 433-3339; 16 Ocean Blvd., North Hampton, 964-7451; thebeachplum.net
Petey’s Summertime Seafood 1323 Ocean Blvd. in Rye, 433-1937, peteys.com
Best Grilled Cheese
Best of the best: Patz Deli & Catering 900 Elm St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 644-7289
Cheese Louise 76 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 427-8615, eatcheeselouise.com
Copper Door 15 Leavy Dr. in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com
Prime Time 119 Hanover St. in Manchester, find them on Facebook or Instagram
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Where the French Fries Are So Good They Could Be a Whole Meal
Best of the best: Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
The Farm Bar & Grille 1181 Elm St. in Manchester, 641-3276, farmbargrille.com
Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
River Road Tavern 193 S. River Road in Bedford, 206-5837, riverroadtavernbedford.com
Smoke Shack Cafe 226 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com
Best Mac & Cheese
Best of the best: Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com
The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive through only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Smoke Shack Cafe 226 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com
Diz’s Cafe 860 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-2532, dizscafe.com
Best Menu of Pasta Dishes
Best of the best: Villaggio Ristorante Italiano 677 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 627-2424, villaggionh.com
Fratello’s Italian Grill 155 Dow St. in Manchester, 624-2022, fratellos.com
Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano 11 Depot St. in Concord, 228-3313, angelinasrestaurant.com
Luccianos 4 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, 432-2442, luccianoscafe.com
Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar 524 Nashua St. in Milford, 673-3939; 270 Granite St. in Manchester, 232-3323; 707 Milford Road in Merrimack, 883-7333; giorgios.com
Best Pizza
Best of the best: 900 Degrees 50 Dow St. in Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com Voted Best Pizza for 17 years! Inspired by the mouthwatering, wood fired pizza native to Naples, Italy. Join us for gourmet pizza, pasta, and salads.
Alley Cat Pizzeria 486 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com
Vintage Pizza 241 Candia Road in Manchester, 518-7800, vintagepizzanh.com
Sour Joe’s Pizzeria 5 Pleasant St. Ext. in Concord, 856-7427, sourjoespizzeria.com
Elm House of Pizza 102 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5522, elmhop.com
Best Specialty Pizza
Best of the best: “The House Pie” at Elm House of Pizza 102 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5522, elmhop.com — “house made tomato sauce, cup and char pepperoni, Italian sausage, dollops of ricotta, three cheese blend, hot honey drizzle.”
“Bella Cosa” at 900 Degrees 50 Dow St. in Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com — “Roasted garlic cream sauce, Grana Padano, mozzarella, baby spinach, caramelized red onions, rosemary ham, prosciutto, and EVOO.”
“Saltimbocca” at 900 Degrees 50 Dow St. in Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com — “Roasted garlic cream sauce topped with fresh mozzarella, fontina, roasted chicken, tomatoes, caramelized red onion, prosciutto, torn sage and EVOO.”
“Meat Lovers” at The Pizza Man Bar & Grill 850 E. Industrial Park Dr., Suite 3, in Manchester, 623-5550; 254 W. River Road in Hooksett, 626-7499; thepizzamandelivers.com — “pepperoni, Italian sausage, ground beef, meatball, ham & extra cheese.”
“Eagle Square” at Sour Joe’s Pizzaria 5 Pleasant St. Ext. in Concord, 856-7427, sourjoespizzeria.com — “Crushed tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, ricotta dollops, hot honey.”
Best Sandwich
Best of the best: “Patz melt” at Patz Deli & Catering 900 Elm St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 644-7289 — “Black Angus burger, grilled rye bread, American cheese, brown sugar carmelized onions and garlic pepper aioli”
Roast Beef Sub at Bentley’s Roast Beef 134 Route 101A, in Amherst, bentleysroastbeef.com, 883-2020 — “4 oz. freshly thin-sliced USDA Choice Midwestern beef on a toasted sesame roll.”
“Caprese Panini” at The Green Beautiful 168 Wilson St. in Manchester, 606-1026, greenbeautifulcafe.com — “seasonal pesto, tomato, cashew mozzarella and balsamic reduction served on sourdough.”
“Sabich” at Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com — “grilled lightly breaded eggplant, hummus, hard boiled egg, crunchy cukes, Roma tomatoes, amba sauce, tahini drizzle & schug (cilantro hot sauce) pressed on ciabatta or fresh pita.”
“Chipotle Steak Grilled Cheese” at Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com — “cheddar, Swiss & American cheese with braised beef short rib, chipotle mayo, applewood smoked bacon & Roma tomatoes pressed on ciabatta bread.”
“The Wellington” at Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com — “braised beef short rib, roasted mushroom, caramelized onion, demi jus, Gorgonzola cheese crumbles, Swiss, & Boursin spread pressed on ciabatta.”
Best Subs
Best of the best: Nadeau’s Subs 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 110 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; nadeaussubs.com (there is also a location in Exeter)
USA Subs 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550, usasubs.com
Patz Deli & Catering 900 Elm St., Suite 102, 644-7289
Bill Cahill’s Super Subs 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710, find them on Facebook @billcahills
Great American Subs 44 Nashua Road, Unit 3, Londonderry, 434-9900, greatamericansubsnh.com
Best Tacos
Best of the best: Los Reyes Street Tacos & More 127 Rockingham Road, Unit 15, in Derry, 845-8327, losreyesstreettacos.com
La Carreta 139 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Nashua; 891-0055, 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com
Taco Time Cocina & Cantina Mexicana 11 Wilton Road in Milford, 554-1424, tacotimenh.com
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill (865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182)and Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762) vallartamexicannh.com
Hermanos Cocina Mexicana 11 Hills Ave. in Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com
Best of the best: Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, beardedbaking.com, 647-7150
Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe 436 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place in Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com
Crosby Bakery 51 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, crosbybakerynh.com, 882-1851
Frederick’s Pastries 109 Route 101A in Amherst, 882-7725; 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 647-2253; pastry.net
Klemm’s Bakery: 29 Indian Rock Road in Windham, klemmsbakery.com, 437-8810
Best Blueberry Muffins
Best of the best: Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar 4 Orchard View Dr., No. 6, in Londonderry, troysfreshkitchen.com, 965-3411
Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe 436 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place in Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com
The Crust and Crumb Baking Co. 126 N. Main St. in Concord, thecrustandcrumb.com, 219-0763
Patz Deli 900 Elm St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 644-7289, find them on Facebook
The Bridge Cafe on Elm 1117 Elm St. in Manchester, thebridgecafe.net, 647-9991
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Best Candy or Chocolate Shop
Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St. in Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3885; granitestatecandyshoppe.com Locally sourced Ingredients. Premium chocolates From New Hampshire.
Van Otis Chocolates 341 Elm St. in Manchester, vanotis.com, 627-1611
Nelson’s Candy and Music 65 Main St. in Wilton, nelsonscandymusic.com, 654-5030
Loon Chocolate Center Entrance, 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, loonchocolate.com, 932-8887
Dancing Lion Chocolate 917 Elm St. in Manchester, dancinglion.us, 625-4043
Best Cookies
Best of the best: Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, beardedbaking.com, 647-7150
Black Forest Cafe & Bakery 212 Route 101 in Amherst, blackforestcafeandbakery.com, 672-0500
The Crust and Crumb Baking Co. 126 N. Main St. in Concord, thecrustandcrumb.com, 219-0763
Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe 436 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place in Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com
Charlie’s of Goffstown 1B Pinard St. in Manchester, charliesgoffstown.com, 606-1835
Lighthouse Local 21 Kilton Road in Bedford, lighthouse-local.com, 716-6983
Prettiest Cupcakes
Best of the Best: Queen City Cupcakes & Gift Shop 816 Elm St. in Manchester, qccupcakes.com, 624-4999
Carina’s Cakes 14B East Broadway in Derry, facebook.com/Carinas.Cakes, 425-9620
Frederick’s Pastries 109 Route 101A in Amherst, 882-7725; 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 647-2253; pastry.net
Cupcakes 101 132 Bedford Center Road in Bedford, cupcakes101.net, 488-5962
Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, beardedbaking.com, 647-7150
Best Doughnuts
Best of the best: New Hampshire Doughnut Co. 410 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-8968; 2 Capital Plaza in Concord, 715-5097; nhdoughnutco.com
Klemm’s Bakery 29 Indian Rock Road in Windham, klemmsbakery.com, 437-8810
Crosby Bakery Inc. 51 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, crosbybakerynh.com, 882-1851
Brothers Donuts & Deli Shop 426 Central St. in Franklin, facebook.com/brothersdonuts, 934-6678
The Bakeshop On Kelley Street 171 Kelley St. in Manchester, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com, 624-3500
Best Ice Cream
Best of the best: Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890
Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream 27 Crystal Avenue in Derry; 15 Ermer Road in Salem, 898-0199, moosplace.com, 425-0100
Hayward’s Ice Cream 7 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Nashua, 888-4663; 364 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 424-5915; haywardsicecream.com
Goldenrod Restaurant: 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, goldenrodrestaurant.com, 623-9469
The Inside Scoop: 260 Wallace Road in Bedford, theinsidescoopnh.com, 471-7009
Best of the best: The Friendly Toast 4 Main St. in Bedford, 836-8907; 113 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 246-5285; thefriendlytoast.com
Firefly 22 Concord St. in Manchester, fireflynh.com, 935-974
Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com
Copper Door 15 Leavy Dr. in Bedford, copperdoor.com, 488-2677
The Foundry 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, foundrynh.com, 836-1925
Best Beer Selection at a Retail Shop
Best of the best: Bert’s Better Beers 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, bertsnh.com, 413-5992
The Packie 88 W. River Road in Hooksett, 518-8069; 581 Second St. in Manchester, 232-1236; thepackienh.com
The Beer Store 433 Amherst St. in Nashua, 889-2242; 291 South Broadway in Salem, 458-1440; thebeerstorenh.com
East Derry General Store 50 E. Derry Road in Derry, eastderrygeneralstore.com, 432-5302
Lazy Dog Beer Shoppe 27 Buttrick Road in Londonderry, lazydogbeer.com, 434-2500
Best New Hampshire Brewery
Best of the best: 603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 603brewery.com, 404-6123
Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, backyardbrewerynh.com, 623-3545
Pipe Dream Brewing 49 Harvey Road, Unit 4, in Londonderry, pipedreambrewingnh.com, 404-0751
Spy Glass Brewing Co. 306 Innovative Way in Nashua, spyglassbrewing.com, 546-2965
Concord Craft Brewing Co. 117 Storrs St. in Concord, concordcraftbrewing.com, 856-7625
Best New Hampshire Winery
Best of the best: LaBelle Winery 345 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-9898; 14 Route 111 in Derry, 672-9898; labellewinery.com
Zorvino Vineyards 226 Main St. in Sandown, zorvino.com, 887-8463
Fulchino Vineyard 187 Pine Hill Road in Hollis, fulchinovineyard.com, 438-5984
Flag Hill Distillery & Winery 297 N. River Road in Lee, flaghill.com, 659-2949
Sweet Baby Vineyard: 260 Stage Road in Hampstead, sweetbabyvineyard.com, 347-1738
Best Cocktail
Best of the best: Mudslide at Puritan Backroom Restaurant (245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890) This drink is made with Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua coffee liqueur and vodka and is offered in flavor variations.
C.R.E.A.M. at Industry East (28 Hanover St. in Manchester, industryeastbar.com, 232-6940) This drink is made with Mi Campo tequila, ancho verde, cucumber, lemon and jalapeño.
Espresso Martini at Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar (524 Nashua St. in Milford, 673-3939; 270 Granite St. in Manchester, 232-3323; 707 Milford Road in Merrimack, 883-7333; giorgios.com) This drink is made with fresh-brewed espresso and it carries a froth on top.
Blood Orange Cosmo at Copper Door (15 Leavy Dr. in Bedford, copperdoor.com, 488-2677) This drink is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, blood orange liqueur, cranberry juice and fresh squeezed lime.
Margarita at HermanosCocina Mexicana (11 Hills Ave. in Concord, hermanosmexican.com, 224-5669) The standard margarita is made with Lunazul tequila, triple sec and a house fresh-squeezed sour mix.
Best Margaritas
Best of the best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (139 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com) The margarita menu at La Carreta features multiple “signature margaritas” such as the Sangria-Rita, Berry Rita and Pineapple En Fuego.
HermanosCocina Mexicana (11 Hills Ave. in Concord, hermanosmexican.com, 224-5669) The standard margarita is made with Lunazul tequila, triple sec and a house fresh-squeezed sour mix.The menu also features multiple varieties and a build-your-own offering with their extensive tequila menu.
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill (865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182)and Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762; vallartamexicannh.com) offer the same Margaritas Especials menu featuring Wildbery Margarita, Vallarta Margarita, Hot Rita and a cucumber margarita.
Tupelo Music Hall (10 A St. in Derry, tupelomusichall.com, 437-5100) The Tupelo offers a classic margarita with tequila, triple sec and sour mix.
Taco Time Cocina & Cantina Mexicana (1 Wilton Road in Milford, tacotimenh.com, 554-1424) The house margarita is available in strawberry, watermelon, pomegranate, mango, peach, and orange flavors.
Amigos Mexican Cantina (20 South St. in Milford, amigosmilford.com, 673-1500) Their margarita is made with Lunazul Reposado tequila, triple sec and Jamaican Lime Juice.
Restaurant with the Most Inventive Cocktails
Best of the best: Industry East (28 Hanover St., in Manchester, industryeastbar.com, 232-6940) Offerings include the Caribbean Kilt (Scotch, amaretto, orange, lime, orgeat and bitters, with a rum float) and Granny Panties (dark rum, Zucca, creme de violette, pineapple, lemon and grapefruit, with celery bitters).
Stash Box (866 Elm St. in Manchester, stashboxnh.com, 606-8109) Drinks include Religion and Politics (Barr Hill Gin or Peloton Mezcal, ancho, lemon, honey, orange, carrot, and pepper tincture) and Stay Classy (a smoked cocktail with Plantation Stiggin’s Fancy Pineapple Rum and bitters).
Prime at Sky Meadow (6 Mountain Laurels Dr. in Nashua, skymeadow.com, 888-9000) The menu includes Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Cocktail (Plantation Rum, velvet falernum, freshly squeezed lime juice and Cointreau) and a Gin Basil Smash(gin, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, basil syrup and fresh basil).
The Hop Knot (1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731) Offerings include the Nova (blueberry vodka, house-made blueberry syrup and lemon) and a Zero-Proof Margarita (agave, lime and alcohol-free tequila).
Greenleaf (54 Nashua St. in Milford, greenleafmilford.com, 213-5447) The selection includes There’s Something About Rosemary(Uncle Nearest 1884, rosemary red wine reduction and orange bitters) and Fizzy Lifting Drink (prosecco, creme de violette and lemon).
Bar Where They Make You Feel Relaxed as Soon as You Sit Down
Best of the best: The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, hopknotnh.com, 232-3731
Industry East 28 Hanover St., in Manchester, industryeastbar.com, 232-6940
The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, shaskeenirishpub.com, 625-0246
Stash Box 866 Elm St. in Manchester, stashboxnh.com, 606-8109
Where They Make Your Coffee Perfect Every Time
Best of the best: Flight Coffee Co. 209 Route 101 in Bedford, flightcoffeeco.com, 836-6228
Revelstoke Coffee 100 N. Main St. in Concord, revelstokecoffee.com, 715-5821
Hometown Coffee Roasters 80 Old Granite St. in Manchester, hometownroasters.com, 703-2321
Aroma Joe’s locations include 2 S. Beech St. in Manchester, 518-5409; 527 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 782-7173; 13 Manchester Road in Derry, 552-3581; 71 Calef Hwy. in Lee, 749-7700; 478 W. Main St. in Tilton, 729-0030; 3 Chambers Dr. in Hooksett, 932-2890; 135 Loudon Road in Concord, 715-8109; 214 Fisherville Road in Concord, 565-5497; 171 N. Broadway in Salem, 458-6335; 401 Main St., Suite 112, in Salem, 458-2770; 140 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 459-8702; 2 Paul’s Way in Amherst, 402-1195; 1912 Dover Road in Epsom, 736-0505, and others; aromajoes.com.
Best of the best:Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Patz Deli & Catering 900 Elm St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 644-7289
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, stumbleinnnh.com, 432-3210
The Bridge Cafe on Elm 1117 Elm St. in Manchester, thebridgecafe.net, 647-9991
Best Place to Order Lunch for the Office when the Boss is Buying
Best of the best:Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746; 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only); 1 Artisan Dr. in Salem, 458-5922; pressedcafe.com
Best of the best: Glendi at Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St. in Manchester, stgeorgenh.org, 622-9113) is slated for Friday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 15.
Taco Tour in Downtown Manchester (tacotourmanchester.com, 792-4107) is Thursday, May 2, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival (on Route 1A in Hampton, seafoodfestivalnh.com, 926-8718) will take place Friday, Sept. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 8, from noon to 9 p.m.
Bacon & Beer Festival at Anheuser-Busch Brewery (Outdoor Fields, 221 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, nhbaconbeer.com) will take place Saturday, June 1, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
NH Poutine Fest from the Franco-American Centre and held at Anheuser-Busch Biergarten (221 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, nhpoutinefest.com) will take place Saturday, Oct. 12. Sign up for the newsletter to get information about ticket sales.
Best Farmers Market
Best of the best: Concord Farmers Market takes place Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Capitol Street next to the Statehouse Lawn, starting May 4 and running through Oct. 26, according to concordfarmersmarket.com.
Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market takes place at 1 West Broadway in Derry on Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., beginning June 5, according to derryhomegrown.org.
Salem NH Farmers Market is open year-round, with the winter market open Sundays, November through April, from 10 a.m through 1 p.m. at the LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111 in Derry, and the summer market open Sundays, May through October, 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. at the Mall at Rockingham Park, according to salemnhfarmersmarket.org.
Candia Farmers Market runs every third Saturday, June 15 through Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at 55 High St. in Candia, according to candiafarmersmarket.org.
Church St. Farmers Market is at 9 Church St. in Deerfield and is open two Saturdays a month June through October (only once in September), 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting June 8, according to churchstmarket.com.
Event That Puts the “Fun” in Fundraiser
Best of the best: Glendi at Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St. in Manchester, stgeorgenh.org, 622-9113) is slated for Friday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 15.
Castle in the Clouds Gala (455 Old Mountain Road in Moultonborough, castleintheclouds.org, 476-5900) on Friday, July 12.
Special Olympics Penguin Plunge (Hampton Beach State Park in Hampton, fundraising.sonh.org/event/penguin-plunge, 624-1250) Next year’s high school plunge will be on Saturday, Feb. 8, and the Penguin Plunge will be on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Aviation Museum Car Show ( 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820) is Saturday, July 13.
Wags to Whiskers Festival to benefit the Humane Society For Greater Nashua (hsfn.org, 889-2275). Saturday, September 21, at the Anheuser-Busch brewery at 221 Daniel Webster Hwy in Merrimack. See the Humane Society’s website for details.
NH Renaissance Faire Martin Road in Fremont, nhrenfaire.com, Saturday, May 11, Sunday, May 12, Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19.
Best Community Event
Best of the best: Market Days Festival on Main Street in Concord will run Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22, according to marketdaysfestival.com.
Glendi at Saint George’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St. in Manchester, stgeorgenh.org, 622-9113) is slated for Friday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 15.
Winter Holiday Stroll in downtown Nashua takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving; see downtownnashua.org.
Milford Pumpkin Festival takes place on and at locations near the Oval in downtown Milford and will be held Friday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 13, according to milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
Goffstown’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off and Regatta will take place on Main Street in Goffstown on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, according to goffstownmainstreet.org.
Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Dr., Unit 1, in Londonderry, thenestfamilycafe.com, 404-2139
Fun Spot 579 Endicott St. North, in Laconia, funspotnh.com, 366-4377
Fun City 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, funcitygoffstown.com, 606-8807
Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, canobie.com, 893-3506
Nova Trampoline Park 300 Main St., Suite 402, in Nashua, novanashua.com, 825-4131
Best Outdoor Spot to Let Kids Get Out Their Energy
Best of the best: Benson Park 19 Kimball Hill Road in Hudson, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark, 886-6018
Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, manchesternh.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Trails-and-Facilities/Parks/Livingston-Park, 624-6444
Hampton Beach in Hampton, hamptonbeach.org
Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Hwy. in Litchfield, melsfunwaypark.com, 424-2292
White Park 1 White St. in Concord, concordnh.gov/facilities/facility/details/White-Park-21, 225-8690
Best Spot for All-Ages Family Fun
Best of the best: Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, canobie.com, 893-3506
Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Dr., Unit 1, in Londonderry, thenestfamilycafe.com, 404-2139
Fun Spot 579 Endicott St. North in Laconia, funspotnh.com, 366-4377
Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Hwy. in Litchfield, melsfunwaypark.com, 424-2292
Hampton Beach in Hampton, hamptonbeach.org
Best Restaurant for the Whole Family
Best of the best: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.
T-Bones Great American Eatery 39 Crystal Avenue in Derry, t-bones.com, 434-3200
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Dr., Unit 1, in Londonderry, thenestfamilycafe.com, 404-2139
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, t-bones.com, 641-6100
The Common Man Merrimack 304 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, thecman.com, 429-3463
Superdogs Daycare 637 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-1515, superdogsdaycare.com
Pawquet’s Play & Stay 302 Rockingham Road, Londonderry, 216-1147, pawquetsplaystay.com
Best Dog Groomers
Best of the best: Sarah’s Paw Spa 16 Manning St., Derry, 512-4539, find them on Facebook @sarahspawspa
D’Tails Dog Grooming 178 Route 101 in Bedford, 703-6288, find them on Facebook
Wag Grooming Salon & Spa 15 Ermer Road in Salem, 898-0924, wagplace.com
Grooming at Tiffany’s 127 Rockingham Road, Derry, 432-8000, groomingattiffanys.com
Woofmeow 19 Manchester Road, Suite A, Derry, 965-3218, woofmeownh.com
Best Pet Retail Store
Best of the best: Woofmeow 19 Manchester Road, Suite A, Derry, 965-3218, woofmeownh.com
Pets Choice 454 Daniel Webster Hwy., Merrimack, 424-7297, petschoicenh.com
The Wholistic Pet 341 Route 101, Bedford, 472-2273, thewholisticpet.com
Sandy’s Pet Food Center 141 Old Turnpike Road, Concord, 225-1177, sandyspetfood.com
State Line Pet Supply 137 Plaistow Road, Plaistow, 382-6873, statelinepetsupply.com
Best Place to Let Your Dog Off Leash
Best of the best: Hudson Dog Park inside Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov
Derry Dog Park Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry, 432-6136, derrynh.org
Hooksett Dog Park 101 Merrimack St., Hooksett, 485-8471, hooksett.org. This park is open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk.
Nashua Dog Park One Groton Road (Route 111A) in Nashua, nashuadog.org (where you can find information about membership)
Bear Brook Canine Camp a fenced area designed for private, pre-booked play in Allenstown; book a time at sniffspot.com
Raymond Dog Bark Park in Riverside Park (98 Sundeen Parkway in Raymond), raymondnh.gov/riversidepark
Best On-Leash Dog Outing
Best of the best: Benson Park 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark
Mine Falls Park Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Lake Massabesic Trail a 3.7-mile loop with parking in the Massabesic Center parking lot (though dogs are not allowed on any Audubon trails), according to alltrails.com
Benedictine Park on Wallace Road in Bedford, featuring 27.4 acres of active and passive recreational land and walking trails that are just under a mile, according to bedfordnh.myrec.com
New Boston Rail Trail a 4-mile rail trail with a trail head at Lang Station (Gregg Mill Road in New Boston); see nbrailtrail.com
Windham Rail Trail windhamrailtrail.org, 4.1 miles of trail
Best of the best: Homegrown Barber Co. 18 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, homegrownbarber.com, 818-8989
Lucky’s Barbershop 50 S. State St. in Concord, luckysbarbershop.biz, 715-5470
Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 707 Milford Road, No. 3A, in Merrimack, thepolishedman.com, 718-8427
Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 178 Route 101 in Bedford, thepolishedman.com, 233-7991
Dude’s Barbershop 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, dudesbarbershop.com, 626-0533
Best Salon
Best of the best: Blank Canvas Salon 1F Commons Dr. in Londonderry, find them on Facebook, 818-4294
Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, pellemedicalspa.com, 627-7000
Salon Bogar 25 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, salonbogar.com, 434-2424
Color Trends Hair Salon 25 Merritt Parkway in Nashua, colortrendshairsalon.com, 880-7504
Topknot Salon and Spa 1 Nashua St. in Milford, topknotnh.com, 212-6863
Best Spa
Best of the best: Renew MediSpa 23B Crystal Avenue in Derry, renewmedispa.com, 931-4345 Redefine The Way You Age To Look and Feel Your Best. Advanced Anti-Aging Technology Combined with Experienced Care
Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, chillspa.com, 622-3722
Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, pellemedicalspa.com, 627-7000
Innovations Salon and Spa 228 Naticook Road in Merrimack, innovationsnh.com, 880-7499
Serendipity Day Spa and Float Studio 23 Sheep Davis Road in Pembroke, serendipitydayspa.shop, 229-0400
Where They Do a Good Brow
Best of the best:Renew MediSpa 23B Crystal Avenue in Derry, renewmedispa.com, 931-4345
Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, pellmedicalspa.com, 627-7000
Art of Eyebrows 449 Amherst St. in Nashua, 888-2186; 1500 S. Willow St., Mall of New Hampshire, in Manchester, 624-1414; Pheasant Lane Mall, 310 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Nashua, 864-8679; 1 Mall Road in Salem, 898-2444; Art of Beauty, 291 S. Broadway, Suite 3A, in Salem, 898-1212; artofeyebrows.com
Beauty Works 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, beautyworksnh.com, 275-8672
Kriss Cosmetics 145 S. Main St. in Manchester, krisscosmetics.com, 624-2333
Where They Make Your Nails Look Fabulous
Best of the best: Glossy Nails 1 S. River Road in Bedford, 935-8383; 655 S. Willow St. in Manchester; glossynails.net
Exotic 9 Nails 30 Crystal Avenue, Suite 6, in Derry, exotic9nails.com, 425-7731
Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, chillspa.com, 622-3722
9 Nails and Spa Salon 7 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 9nailsandspasalon.com, 216-1668
Beautiful Nails 1525 S Willow St., Suite 2, in Manchester, 232-4700, find them on Facebook
Best Tattoo Shop
Best of the best: New Inkland Tattoo Co. 1358 Elm St. in Manchester, 518-7493, find them on Facebook
Tattoo Angus 179 Elm St., Unit C, in Manchester, tattooangus.com, 935-9398
Underworld Tattoo Co. 282 Main St. in Salem, 458-7739, find them on Instagram or Facebook
Capital City Tattoo 8 N. Main St. in Concord, capcitytat.com, 224-2600
Wayne’s Tattoo World 6 West Broadway in Derry, waynestattooworld.com, 432-4828
Best Workout Space
Best of the best: Collective Studios 4 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, thecollective-studios.com, 216-2345
Executive Health and Sports Center 1 Highlander Way in Manchester, ehsc.com, 668-4753)
The Workout Club 18 Orchard View Dr., Unit 2, in Londonderry, theworkoutclub.com/londonderry, 434-6565 (there are also locations at 16 Pelham Road in Salem and 35 Hamel Dr. in Manchester)
Hampshire Hills Athletic Club 50 Emerson Road in Milford, hampshirehills.com, 673-8123
Best of the best: Sunnycrest 59 High Range Road in Londonderry, sunnycrestfarmnh.com, 432-9652
Mack’s Apples 230 Mammoth Road in Londonderry, 432-3456, macksapples.com
Lull Farm 65 Broad St. in Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com
Brookdale Fruit Farm 41 Broad St. in Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com Celebrating 177 years! Seasonal PYO: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, 19 varieties of apples and pumpkins. Check our website for the latest picking options.
J&F Farms 108 Chester Road in Derry, 437-0535, jandffarms.net
Best City Park
Best of the best: White Park 1 White St. in Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov
Livingston Park 244 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov/parks
Benson’s Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark
Greeley Park Concord Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Best State Park
Best of the best: Pawtuckaway State Park 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org
Bear Brook State Park 61 Deerfield Road in Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org
Odiorne Point 570 Ocean Blvd. in Rye, 436-7406, nhstateparks.org
Wellington State Park 614 W. Shore Road in Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org
Hampton Beach 160 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, 227-8722, nhstateparks.org
Best Bike Trail
Best of the best: Derry Rail Trail traillink.org, 3.6 miles of paved trail
Londonderry RailTrail, londonderrytrails.org, 4.5 miles of trail
Windham Rail Trail windhamrailtrail.org, 4.1 miles of trail
Goffstown Rail Trail Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org, 5.5 miles of trail
Nashua Rail Trail Nashua, 12.5 miles of paved trail
Best Hike in Southern New Hampshire
Best of the best: Mount Monadnock 169 Poole Road in Jaffrey, 532-8862, nhstateparks.org
Mt. Major in Alton, nhstateparks.org
Pawtuckaway State Park 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org
Pack Monadnock in Miller State Park, 13 Miller Park Road in Peterborough, 924-3672, nhstateparks.org
Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, nashuanh.gov, 589-3370
Best Spot for a Long Run
Best of the best: Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, nashuanh.gov, 589-3370
Goffstown Rail Trail in Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org, 5.5 miles of trail
Londonderry Rail Trail londonderrytrails.org, 4.5 miles of trail
Windham Rail Trail windhamrailtrail.org, 4.1 miles of trail
Massabesic Lake area Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail, 27.3 miles of trail from Auburn to Manchester, nhstateparks.org
Best Lake to Canoe or Kayak in
Best of the best: Lake Massabesic Off Londonderry Turnpike in Manchester, manchesternh.gov, 642-6482
Pawtuckaway Lake Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org
Newfound Lake Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road in Bristol, 744–2197, nhstateparks.org
Lake Winnipesaukee in Belknap and Carroll counties intheLakes Region, lakewinnipesaukee.net, which says it is the largest lake in New Hampshire
Squam Lake located in Grafton, Carroll and Belknap counties, lakesregion.org/squam-lake
Best Ski Hill
Best of the best: Pats Peak Ski Area 686 Flanders Road in Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com,
Loon Mountain 60 Loon Mountain Road in Lincoln, 745-8111, loonmtn.com
Gunstock 719 Cherry Valley Road in Gilford, 293-4341, gunstock.com
McIntyre Ski Area 50 Chalet Way in Manchester, mcintyreskiarea.com
Smoke Shack Cafe 226 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 404-2178, smokeshackcafe.com
Butt-kicking-est Fitness Instructor (in the Good Way)
Best of the best: Biliana Mihaylova is currently an independent instructor in Concord. You can message her via instagram.com/pop.kween.
Claudia Michel of The Collective Studios Apple Tree Shopping Center, 4 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, 216-2345; 125 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-3321; thecollective-studios.com
Leah Heath of The Collective Studios Apple Tree Shopping Center, 4 Orchard View Dr. in Londonderry, 216-2345; 125 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-3321; thecollective-studios.com
Tricia Hoyt at Journey Fitness 333 27 Buttrick Road, No. 6, in Londonderry, 247-9334, journeyfitness333.com/Londonderry
Ashley Oberg at Barre Life 944 Elm St., No. 23, in Manchester, barrelifenh.com
Best Barber
Best of the best: Traci Evans at Tooky Village Barbershop 12 Maple St., Unit 1, in Contoocook; 746-2170, tookyvillagebarbershop.net
Benny D’Ambrosio at The Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, in Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedman.com
Juliet Lord at Clean Cut Jewels Barbershop 604 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Merrimack, 657-6376, cleancutjewels.com
Erica Juneau at Juneau The Barber 1802 Elm St. in Manchester; find Juneau the Barber on Facebook, 490-2421) Josh Craggy at Lucky’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor 50 S. State St. in Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz
Best Hair Stylist
Best of the best: Jessica Moll at Lightened & Lifted 22 Greeley St., Suite 10, in Merrimack, lightenednlifted.glossgenius.com
Mariana Bortolossi at Mari Lossi Hair Studio 40 S. River Road, Unit 63, in Bedford, 782-3908, marilossihairstudio.com
Aaron Losier at Hairpocalypse 904 Hanover St. in Manchester, 627-4301, hairpocalypse.com
Tashia Landry at Studio 22 1191 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 703-7418, vagaro.com/hairbytashia
Amanda Noonan at Topknot Salon 1 Nashua St. in Milford, 213-6863, topknotnh.com
Friendliest Dentist
Best of the best: Danielle London of London Family Orthodontics 502 Riverway Place in Bedford, 622-2100, londonfamilyorthodontics.com
Dr. Elizabeth Spindel and Dr. Victoria Spindel Rubin at Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry 862 Union St. in Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com Thank you for voting us the friendliest dental office in NH for 16 years in a row!
Leonard M. Attisano, D.M.D. 700 Lake Ave. in Manchester, 668-0227, leonardattisanodmd.com
Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos at the Office of Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos, D.M.D. 103 Riverway Place in Bedford, 669-4384, drnickdmd.com
Charles Pipilas, D.D.S. 280 Main St., Suite 311, in Nashua, 881-8280
Friendliest Mechanic
Best of the best: Chris McNeil in Concord St. Motors 15 Concord St. in Nashua, 882-8642, find them on Facebook
Bill Morin at Morin’s Service Station 1091 Valley St., Manchester, 624-4427, morinsservicestation.com
Sean Roaf at In Tune Automotive 4 Lafayette Road in Hampton Falls, 926-6910, intuneauto.net
Jason Ux at Proficient Automotive 546 Mast Road in Goffstown, 361-4514
Pete Koster at Second Car Center 181 Rockingham Road in Derry, 432-4200, secondcarcenter.com
Best Local Musical Act
Best of the best: Jennifer Mitchell The next events on her calendar are JMitch Karaoke on Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at Penacook American Legion Post 31; Good Vibes Music Bingo on Monday, April 1, at 6 p.m. at Salona in Manchester and Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Backyard Grill Burgers & Wings in Manchester, and then Jennifer Mitchell Solo Acoustic on Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. at Hill Top Pizza in Epsom, according to jennifermitchellmusic.com.
Justin Jordan According to his Facebook page, you can next find Justin on Thursday, March 28, at the Copper Door in Salem from 7 to 10 p.m. and on Friday, March 29, at Luna Bistro in Salem from 7 to 10 p.m.
Nicole Knox Murphy See her Saturday, March 30, at the Bristol House of Pizza in Bristol from 6 to 8 p.m., according to nkmsings4u.com.
Small Town Stranded Catch the band Saturday, March 30, from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Derryfield in Manchester, where they will return on Friday, May 10, from 8 to 11 p.m., according to their Facebook page.
Ramez Gurung A regular at area restaurants; see his Facebook page, facebook.com/ramezmataz, for updates on his shows.
Best Local Comedian
Best of the best: Bob Marley Bob Marley lives in Maine and regularly performs in New Hampshire — he’ll next be here Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14, during a run of five shows at the Palace Theatres in Manchester. See bmarley.com.
Juston McKinney McKinney lives in New Hampshire, according to justonmckinney.com, where you can find his schedule packed with New Hampshire and New England shows. Up next is a performance at the Park Theatre in Jaffrey on Friday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. He’ll return to New Hampshire for a show at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia on Saturday, May 25, at 8 p.m.
Paul Landwehr Check out Landwehr’s Instagram for new comedy clips. He’s scheduled to be at the Rex Theatre in Manchester on Friday, April 5, at the 7:30 p.m. comedy show and the Saturday, July 20, Tupelo Night of Comedy at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry at 8 p.m.
Matt Barry See Barry Saturday, March 30, at Main Street Grill & Bar in Hillsborough; Thursday, April 4, at the Stone Church in Newmarket and Saturday, May 4, at Chunky’s in Manchester, according to mattbarrycomedy.com.
Queen City Improv This Manchester-based comedy troupe performs regularly, with upcoming shows at Stark Brewing in Manchester on Monday, April 1 (the first of several first-Monday-of-the-month shows slated at Stark Brewing) and Chunky’s in Manchester on Friday, April 19, according to queencityimprov.com, where you can also find information about their upcoming six-week improv intensive starting April 3.
Jimmy Dunn Dunn is now Frasier’s Jimmy Dunn, landing a role on the Paramount+ reboot of the sitcom. He is a fixture of the Hampton Beach Comedy Festival, slated for Aug. 14 through Aug. 18, according to jimmydunn.com.
Coolest Historic Site or Monument You Can Visit for Free
Best of the best: New Hampshire Statehouse (107 N. Main St. in Concord, gencourt.state.nh.us) Self-guided tours are generally available between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m., when you may also be able to get a docent-led tour if one is available. For groups of 10 or more, see the website for information on booking a tour.
Robert Frost Farm Historic Site (122 Rockingham Road in Derry 432-3091, robertfrostfarm.org) opens the New Hampshire home of Robert Frost to visitors from May to October. Admission costs $4 for adult New Hampshire residents and is free for residents who are 65+ or under 17. The grounds and trails around the house and barn are open from dusk to dawn all year, according to nhstateparks.org.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park (139 St. Gaudens Road in Cornish, 675-2175, nps.gov/saga) is a 190-acre park featuring the preserved home, gardens, studios and works of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (who stayed there during the summers from 1885 to 1897). The park grounds, outdoor monuments and sculptures, gardens and wooded trails are free to visit and open to the public year round, from dusk to dawn. The visitors center and museum buildings are open, with guided tours available, from Memorial Day weekend to Oct. 31. Admission is free for children age 15 and under and for all visitors on Entrance Fee-Free Days (which for 2024 are June 19, Aug. 4 and Sept. 28). Regular admission for adults costs $10.
Stark Park (550 River Road in Manchester, starkpark.com) is a 30-acre tract that was once the site of the Stark family farm in Manchester’s North End. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Look for a concert series in July and August and see the website for information on sculptures in the park and the Walk in the Woods map.
Madison Boulder (in Madison Boulder Natural Area, 473 Boulder Road in Madison, nhstateparks.org) “is a huge granite rock measuring 83 feet in length, 23 feet in height above the ground, 37 feet in width, and weighs upwards of 5,000 tons” that was deposited on the site by a glacier, according to the state parks site.
The Old Man of the Mountain (Franconia Notch State Park, Exit 34B off Interstate-93, Franconia, oldmannh.org) Get a sense of what was at Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, which recreates the Old Man profile.
Memorial Arch of Tilton, which is actually on Elm Street in Northfield, was erected in 1882 by Charles Tilton, is made mostly of granite and was modeled on the Arch of Titus in Rome, according to an archives document available at nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.
Attraction Worth Visiting Again and Again
Best of the best:Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com
Flume Gorge (852 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Lincoln, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks flume-gorge) is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.
Mount Washington (1598 Mt Washington Auto Road in Sargent’s Purchase, nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/mt-washington-state-park) is the highest peak in the northeastern U.S.
Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org
Castle in the Clouds 455 Old Mountain Road in Moultonborough, 476-5900, castleintheclouds.org
Strawbery Banke Museum 4 Hancock St. in Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org
NH Organization You’d Give $1 million to if You Won the Lottery
Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, 669-4820, aviationmuseumofnh.org
The New Hampshire Food Bank a program of Catholic Charities NH, 700 E. Industrial Park Dr. in Manchester, 669-9725, nhfoodbank.org
Manchester Animal Shelter 490 Dunbarton Road in Manchester, 628-3544, manchesteranimalshelter.org
CASA of New Hampshire 138 Coolidge Ave. in Manchester, 626-4600, casanh.org
Animal Rescue League of NH 545 Route 101 in Bedford, 472-3647, rescueleague.org
NH Person, Place or Thing You Want to Say Thank You To
Most thanked: Gov. Chris Sununu, who will finish his fourth term as governor in January 2025
Readers’ moms and/or dads
Justin Spencer of the band Recycled Percussion and the TV show Chaos & Kindness
Jeff Rapsis, executive director of the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, who also performs live music to accompany screenings of silent films (see silentfilmlivemusic.blogspot.com) (and is a Hippo associate publisher)
All first responders
Journey 333 — “Tricia and Janice at Journey Fitness 333 in Londonderry, N.H., for helping me gain my confidence back and being the sweetest people!” said one reader
The Old Man of the Mountain — “Thank you for looking over us for so long. Rest in Peace!!!” said one reader
Tupelo Music Hall — “for keeping music alive,” said one reader
Fritz Wetherbee, who appears on WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle
Your Favorite New Hampshire Fun Fact
Most favorite: That our motto is “Live Free or Die”
New Hampshire has the shortest coastline of any coastal U.S. state
We (still, mostly) have the first-in-the-nation presidential primary
The one-time existence of the Old Man in the Mountain (RIP)
We have no sales or income tax
Chicken tenders were invented here
First man in space Alan Shepard was from New Hampshire (born in Derry)
Elm Street in Manchester is the longest dead-end street in the U.S.
New Hampshire had the first free tax-supported public library in the nation (as explained by peterboroughtownlibrary.org).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was created in New Hampshire (in Dover, where there are public markers about the Turtles’ creation including a manhole cover, dover.nh.gov).
Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies (laurelhilljams.com) offers a wide variety of flavors: fruit (such as strawberry rhubarb, Marvelous Multiberry, Raspberry Lavender), Summit Wines (Rosé, Pinotage, Moscato), tea (Earl Grey, chamomile) and spirits (Captain Banana’s Jam, Screwdriver Jelly). In 2023, Rachel Mack and Sara Steffensmeier took over from founder Sue Stretch. See the website for all the offerings.
Best Children’s Birthday Party Business That Comes to You
Party Palace features more than 45 costumed characters and offers live character entertainment at a variety of occasions including business events and children’s parties, where the mission is to empower children “through fun and engaging activities,” according to the business’s website, apartypalace.com.
Best Dance Studio
Dimensions in Dance (84 Myrtle St. in Manchester; dimensionsindance.com, 668-4196) offers camps and classes for the youngest dancers (“Twos in Tutus”) through adult. Dimensions is also the home of Ballet Misha, a dance company that presents productions such as the run of The Nutcracker that was performed at the Dana Center in December.
