Category: Featured Content

Plant now, eat later

What to start growing this spring so you can feast this summer

If you want to enjoy garden-fresh fruits and veggies from your own backyard, now is the time to plant them. Local horticulture experts shared some tips on how to get your plants in the ground, care for them while they grow and harvest them when the time is right. And, if you need some inspiration for how to use your homegrown bounty in the kitchen, there’s some cooking tips and recipes to get you started.

Beets

Plant now: “Beets are a hardy crop and easy to plant,” Erler said. They can be sown from seed outside, even before the last frost. Plant the seeds around an inch deep, allowing for at least a couple of inches between each plant and around a foot between each row.

Watch them grow: Beets like a well-draining, sandy soil, Erler said, and a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Water the plant lightly, keeping the top inch of soil evenly and consistently moist.

Out to harvest: Beets can be harvested after six to eight weeks, ideally no later than June as they don’t grow as well in the summer heat. Use your best judgment, Erler said, and when in doubt, it’s better to harvest them too early than too late. “There’s a point where it will have gotten as big as it’s going to get, and if it sits in the ground too long, [the beets] get kind of tough on the inside,” she said.

Eat later: Beet smoothie

Recipe by Sara Oberle, Nutrition Connections Teacher, and courtesy of UNH Cooperative Extension.

Serving size 1½ cups. Serves two.

1 cup plain yogurt

1 frozen banana, peeled

1/2 medium beet

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

1/2 cup frozen mango

1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries)

1 cup ice cubes

1 cup water

Place all of the ingredients in the order given into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Bell peppers

Plant now: As with tomatoes, you should plant bell peppers indoors if you want to start growing them now.

“Bell peppers take a little bit longer, probably about eight to 10 weeks, to go from seed to transplant,” Bernitz said. “They like very warm soil and warm weather.”

Watch them grow: As long as you give them the light and temperatures they need, Bernitz said peppers are a relatively easy vegetable to grow. As with peas, peppers should not be overfertilized.

“Some varieties of peppers benefit from staking,” he said. “Certain varieties are going to mature quicker than others. … A more advanced technique would be using black plastic mulch, like you might see on a farm. It helps to warm the soil.”

Out to harvest: According to Bernitz, peppers can be picked green and immature as long as they are full-sized and firm. They can be cut from the plant using clippers, scissors, pruners or a sharp knife and will have a short storage life of only one to two weeks.

Eat later: Peppers that are allowed to ripen on the plant, Bernitz said, will be sweeter and more nutritious. You can use them as ingredients in sandwiches or soups, or dice and combine them with tomatoes and other ingredients like garlic, onions and cilantro to create a dipping salsa for tortilla chips.

Carrots

Plant now: Carrots can be sown from seed directly outside. Since carrot seeds are so tiny, it’s easier to just sprinkle the seeds in a row rather than planting individual seeds; you can space them out as they grow, Erler said. “You pull out some of the little baby carrots in between [plants] to make sure they’re properly spaced,” she said. “You’re sacrificing a few, but you’re going to get nice, full-sized carrots.”

Watch them grow: Carrots like a soil that is rich, yet well-draining, such as a loamy soil, Erler said. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight and at least an inch of water per week.

Out to harvest: Carrots can be harvested after eight to 10 weeks, depending on how the tops look. “If that much time has elapsed and the top is really large, it’s probably done all it’s going to do,” Erler said. “You’ll just get diminishing returns if you leave it in longer, like the carrots will get hard and woody.” Ideally, you should be able to pull the carrots out of the soil by hand with little resistance, but you can loosen the surrounding soil with a garden fork if necessary. “Worst-case scenario, the top breaks off when you try to pull it out, and then you’ll just need to grab a tool to dig it out of the ground,” Erler said.

Eat later: Carrot dip

Recipe by Lisa Richards and courtesy of UNH Cooperative Extension.

Serves 6

6 carrots, shredded

1 1/2 cups nonfat yogurt, plain

1 clove of garlic, mashed

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice from 1/2 a lemon

1/2 teaspoon salt

18 4-inch celery strips

24 cherry tomatoes

Wash, peel and grate carrots. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and salt to yogurt. Stir. Add carrots to yogurt mixture. Mix well. Serve with celery, tomatoes and other vegetables, if desired.

Herbs

Plant now: Some culinary herbs can be planted outdoors now or in the next one to two weeks, while for others you’ll need to wait until steadier warm weather arrives, according to Maria Noel Groves, owner of Wintergreen Botanicals in Allenstown and author of the book Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies. If you’re starting from seeds, you can usually find information on the seed packet on how long it will take the crop to germinate (when the seedling pops out of the soil) and mature (when it’s ready to be harvested). This can take a few weeks to a month, depending on the plant.

Watch them grow: Culinary herbs can be grown and harvested on their own, while some can thrive when paired up with others. Local experts say it all comes down to the ecosystem each one prefers.

“If you’ve got Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme that like lots of sunlight, then they would be OK to go together,” said Jessica LaBrie, owner of Blackbird’s Daughter Botanicals in Barrington and a past president of the New Hampshire Herbal Network. “You might keep herbs that like a lot more watering together, like parsley and dill.”

Thyme and mint, Groves said, are among some of the herbs that can handle a bit of colder temperatures. Others prefer warmer or drier conditions.

“Mediterranean herbs are not going to survive outside right now,” she said. “Rosemary is definitely one of the ones that likes it more dry. Basil likes a hot, rich soil and lots of sun.”

Out to harvest: LaBrie said it’s a good idea to let your plants get established before you begin regularly harvesting —‌ you can usually tell by their smell or their feel.

“With a lot of herbs, if you pinch off the new growth it will grow back even bushier,” she said. “It’s like giving them a little haircut every couple of days.”

Eat later: Groves said she likes to use her herbs in all kinds of ways in the kitchen, from simply adding them to a glass of seltzer water to using them as ingredients in a variety of dishes.

“If I’m making a nice savory breakfast, maybe with eggs, I could have them with basil or sage,” she said. “If we’re making Mexican food, like tacos, then I’ll use a lot of cilantro, oregano and parsley. I also like to do some Korean and Thai-inspired meals like bowls or stir-frys with herbs.”

Kale

Plant now: Kale can be sown from seed outdoors, or it can be started inside and transplanted outdoors after around four weeks, when it gets its first sets of leaves. “Both [ways to plant] are options, but if you plant them directly in the garden they probably aren’t going to get quite as big and are going to take a little longer before you can harvest them [than if you start them indoors],” Earler said.

Watch them grow: Kale “isn’t too fussy” with its growing requirements, Erler said. Just give it a well-draining, sandy soil, at least six hours full sun, and water whenever the soil feels dry. The biggest concern with growing kale, Erler said, is pests, such as cabbage worms, aphids and certain kinds of moths. “You want to make sure you’re looking closely at the plants and scouting for insects often, at least a couple times a week, to make sure that nothing is getting out of hand,” she said. If you do find yourself with an insect problem, she said, consult your local garden store about an insecticide or a row cover.

Out to harvest: “Kale is nice because you can harvest it as you go along,” Erler said. Simply remove the leaves as desired, using a pair of gardening scissors or by twisting them off by hand. Always pick the oldest leaves first, growing from the base of the plant.

Eat later: Kale chips

Recipe by Caitlin Porter and courtesy of UNH Cooperative Extension.

Serves 4.

1 bunch kale, red or curly

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Wash and completely dry kale leaves, remove stems. Tear into medium to large size pieces, place in a medium to large bowl. Add all the other ingredients and toss until kale is coated. Line a baking sheet with foil, coat with non-stick cooking spray. Spread kale onto baking sheet in a single layer. It might take two baking sheets. If using two baking sheets, make sure to rotate them halfway through the cooking time. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Lettuce

Plant now: Any type of lettuce you can buy at the grocery store is one you can also grow yourself —‌ the easiest to grow is loose leaf lettuce, as it is the quickest to mature at about four weeks.

“Lettuce … can withstand light to moderate frost and will tolerate some shade, but it really prefers a lot of sun,” Bernitz said. “Loose leaf lettuce is really good for planting in the spring, for both containers and raised beds. … You’re planting in early to mid-April, and harvesting all May and June long if you’re planting it successionally.”

Watch them grow: Depending on your variety of choice, from smaller loose leaf lettuce to larger heads, Bernitz you might need a little extra space between each for them to grow.

“Lettuce is something you don’t want to plant too deeply. The seeds should be just below the surface of the soil,” he said.

Out to harvest: Most varieties of lettuce take about 40 to 50 days and then can be harvested over and over throughout the season, according to Munroe. Like spinach, Bernitz said, lettuce is best harvested at cooler temperatures. You can harvest individual leaves or alternatively cut the entire plant at or just above the surface of your soil.

Eat later: Most lettuces can go great in salads, sandwiches or wraps. Romaine lettuce, according to information from the New Hampshire Farm to School’s Harvest of the Month program, is typically viewed as the most nutrient-rich.

Onions

Plant now: If you’re looking for a “big, supermarket size” onion, Erler said, there are two ways to plant them: You can start them from seed in a container indoors, then transport them outside after several weeks when they’ve sprouted, or you can grow them from an onion set, a tiny, immature onion bulb, which can be planted outside. Plant the seeds or sets no deeper than an inch, allowing several inches of space between each plant.

Watch them grow: Onions grow well in a rich, loamy soil, with a full day of direct sunlight. They like having plenty of water, Erler said, so make sure the soil stays consistently moist.

Out to harvest: The growing time for onions is longer than that for most other vegetables, Erler said. Expect to harvest at the end of the summer, around three to four months after planting. You’ll know they’re ready once their tops start to yellow and fall over.

Eat later: Onion casserole

Recipe by Sara Oberle, Nutrition Connections Teacher, and courtesy of UNH Cooperative Extension.

4 large onions, diced

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 cup long grain rice, cooked according to package directions

⅔ cup milk

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon salt

⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

½ cup cheddar cheese, grated

Cook rice according to package directions and set aside. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a skillet add olive oil and diced onions. Sauté for 5 minutes or until soft and translucent. In a large bowl add the sautéed onions, cooked rice, milk, black pepper, salt, and ground allspice; stir until blended. Pour into a lightly oiled casserole dish. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese begins to brown.

Peas

Plant now: Peas are considered cool-season veggies that should be planted now, according to Nate Bernitz, home horticulture outreach program manager for the UNH Cooperative Extension.

“In order to get a good crop of peas, you’d want to plant them early in the spring, to give them time to mature before it gets too hot out,” Bernitz said. “Their ideal temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees. … I’d also recommend planting peas successionally, which means making additional plantings every week or couple of weeks rather than all at once. It guarantees you a good continuous harvest, because peas are veggies you want to eat soon after they’re ready.”

Watch them grow: Bernitz said peas do best when growing on something they can climb on —‌ you can use some kind of trellis, or make your own using chicken wire, sticks or other materials. Peas shouldn’t be overfertilized, either.

“They really thrive when given that space,” he said. “I would also say that peas … do really well when grown with other crops. So peas and spinach, for example, go really well together. Peas are kind of slow growing, whereas spinach grows quickly.”

Out to harvest: Peas will flower and produce pods that can be picked when ready to be harvested. Depending on the variety, this can take around 50 to 60 days from when you plant it, although some may produce pods sooner than others, according to Justin Munroe, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Grow Nashua.

Eat later: According to Bernitz, peas will taste sweet, tender and non-starchy when ready to be harvested. Peas or pea pods can be enjoyed as a side vegetable to a protein, while pea shoots can be added in dishes like pastas or potato salads.

Radishes

Plant now: Radishes can be sown by seed outside in the spring. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil, spaced a couple of inches apart and in rows about a foot apart. “They need space,” Erler said. “If you aren’t really careful in the way that you space them, you may need to thin them out a bit [as they grow].”

Watch them grow: Radishes prefer a well-draining, sandy soil and at least six hours of full sun each day. It’s very important that radishes get enough water, Erler said, as that can directly affect how the radishes come out. “They tend to have a milder flavor and be more tender when they’ve had plenty of water,” she said. “[If they haven’t] they can end up pithy or woody and really spicy.” Give them at least an inch of water a week, more if conditions are hot or dry.

Out to harvest: Radishes have a quicker turn-around than most vegetables, Erler said, reaching maturity in as little as two to three weeks. Simply pull them out of the soil by hand.

Eat later: Radish stir-fry with sugar snap peas

Recipe by Shirley Clark of Nutrition Connections and courtesy of UNH Cooperative Extension.

Serving size ¾ cup. Serves 8.

1 tablespoon. oil

1/2 cup shallots, diced

3 cups sugar snap peas, chopped

2 cups radishes, sliced

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Wash your hands and fresh ingredients. Heat oil in large pan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add snap peas and cook 3 minutes. Add radishes and cook 3 more minutes. Stir. Add orange juice and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Serve and enjoy. Refrigerate leftovers and use within 2 to 3 days.

Spinach

Plant now: Like peas, spinach is another cool-season vegetable you’d want to start planting now, according to Bernitz, and is another one he recommends planting successionally.

“Spinach is a great one to plant not only in the spring but also in the fall as well. Peas tend not to be great for the fall because they are a little slower to mature,” he said.

Watch them grow: Spinach will prefer shade over full sun and cooler temperatures over warm. In fact, Bernitz said spinach that has been exposed to a little bit of frost will change its overall taste.

“It tastes somewhat sweeter when exposed to some light frost and harvested in cooler temperatures,” Bernitz said.

Out to harvest: According to Bernitz, single leaves of spinach should be harvested as soon as they reach a usable size, at cool temperatures if possible. Spinach has a short shelf life, lasting just a few days in the refrigerator. It should be run under cold water and immediately refrigerated after harvest, he said.

Eat later: Spinach cooks very quickly and can go great when sauteed with other greens like collards and Swiss chard, on its own or added to dishes like scrambled eggs or soups.

Tomatoes

Plant now: If you have the space indoors, you can start planting tomatoes now. Otherwise, if you’re looking to plant seeds directly into the ground, those will need to wait a little bit longer.

“Tomatoes you don’t want to plant or transplant outdoors until the danger of frost has passed, because they will not tolerate frost,” Bernitz said. “They are veggies that people typically start growing indoors. … We recommend starting them from seed indoors under grow lights for about six to eight weeks before you transplant them out.”

Watch them grow: Tomatoes need a lot of room for their roots to grow, so if you are starting them indoors, Bernitz said, they need pots or containers at least five gallons in size.

Varieties of tomatoes are either determinate or indeterminate —‌ indeterminate varieties will continue producing new tomatoes throughout harvest season and until the threat of frost, which is normally around October but could return earlier or later than that, depending on the year and what part of the state you live in, according to Bernitz.

“Indeterminate tomatoes are common,” he said. “Determinate tomatoes are much shorter and bushier, and they produce all of their tomatoes at once, which is not really what some people like if they want to be enjoying fresh tomatoes off the vine all summer.”

Out to harvest: In general, Munroe said tomatoes can take around 60 to 75 days to be ready depending on their size, and there may be additional harvesting time depending on when the first fall frost occurs. Tomatoes should then be stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

“Our seasons have been getting longer and longer,” he said. “We’ve been growing strong through the end of September, and even this past year we were a week or two into October.”

Bernitz said some tomato varieties will drop when ripe, whereas others will cling to the plant. Most will come off the plant easily when they are ripe or close to ripe.

Eat later: A fresh homegrown tomato can be eaten by itself, Bernitz said, or cooked alongside some homegrown basil or made into a sauce for meals like pastas. Frozen tomatoes will keep for about eight to 12 months.

Tree fruits

Apples, pears, plums, cherries and certain varieties of peaches grow well in southern New Hampshire.

Plant now: Fruit trees can be planted in the spring once the snow has completely melted and the soil is thoroughly dried and workable. The best way to start growing a fruit tree, according to Emma Erler, Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist for UNH Cooperative Extension, is to plant a “grafted” tree, a branch that’s taken from a parent plant and attached to its own root system. “You could certainly try to grow [a fruit tree] from seed, but you’re probably not going to end up with a very delicious fruit,” she said. To plant the grafted tree, dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the full height of the root system and wide enough to spread the roots out. “Ideally, the part of the stem that’s just above the roots will be sitting just above soil level,” Erler said. “You don’t want [the stem] of the plant to be covered by soil at all.”

Watch them grow: Fruit trees need direct sunlight — around six to eight hours of it a day — and a well-drained soil to thrive. “A shaded area or low-lying area where water tends to pool and form puddles is not the spot for them,” Erler said. “You want a nice, open, sunny spot where the soil can dry fairly quickly.” The young tree needs water — by rain, sprinkler or watering can — at least a couple times a week. Each watering should be enough to soak at least 8 to 12 inches down into the soil. “You want to make sure you aren’t just flooding the upper inch or so of soil,” Erler said. “You want to water enough so that if you were to dig into the soil near the plant you’d see the water.”

Out to harvest: The yield from fruit trees takes some patience, Erler said; you probably won’t see any quality fruit until the tree is at least 3 to 5 years old. “The tree needs to be structurally strong first, so it’s not likely to break under the weight of the fruit or from snow or ice,” she said. One of the biggest mistakes people make when planting fruit trees, Erler said, is trying to harvest the fruit prematurely. “It’s tough to do, but you should actually be removing any fruits that start growing during the first couple of years,” she said. “When the tree is producing fruit, it’s taking energy away from the growth of the roots and the tree.”

Eat later: Fruit crisp

Recipe by Christine Parshall, Nutrition Connections Teacher, and courtesy of UNH Cooperative Extension.

Serving size 1/2 cup. Serves 6.

4 cups fruit, like blueberries, pears, apples, peaches (frozen, canned or fresh)

2 tablespoons. white or whole wheat flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup oats

1/2 stick softened margarine or butter

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Wash hands with soap and water. Grease an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan. If using canned fruit, drain juices and rinse. If using frozen fruit, thaw and drain. Scrub firm produce like apples and pears with a clean vegetable brush under running water. Gently rub tender produce, like peaches, under running water. Rinse fresh berries under running water. Slice fruit, if needed, and put in the pan. Add 2 tablespoons flour to fruit and stir in. Spread fruit evenly in pan. In a bowl, mix remaining ingredients together with a fork or hands until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit evenly. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and fruit is tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm.

News & Notes 21/04/08

Covid-19 updateAs of March 29As of April 5
Total cases statewide83,34086,125
Total current infections statewide2,7853,287
Total deaths statewide1,2371,249
New cases2,590 (March 23 to March 29)2,785 (March 30 to April 5)
Current infections: Hillsborough County9481,083
Current infections: Merrimack County214320
Current infections: Rockingham County727826
Information from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Covid-19 news

As of April 2, all New Hampshire residents ages 16 and up can register for their Covid-19 vaccines through the state-run Vaccine & Immunizations Network Interface website, which can be found at vaccines.nh.gov. Dr. Beth Daly, Chief of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control of the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services, said during the state’s weekly public health update on April 1 that only one of three vaccines being administered —‌ the Pfizer vaccine —‌ currently has FDA approval for use in children ages 16 and 17. “Not all vaccination locations have Pfizer but many do,” she said. “A parent or legal guardian does need to come to the vaccination site with their child for those 16- and 17-year olds.” For teens that do not have driver’s licenses or non-driver’s IDs, a birth certificate or passport is required to show proof of age. Parents must also bring their own driver’s license or other document that would show proof of New Hampshire residency. By 3 p.m. on April 2, nearly 150,000 new vaccine appointments were scheduled statewide over the course of the week, including more than 42,000 for people ages 16 and up, according to a press release.

Also on April 2, Gov. Chris Sununu issued Emergency Order No. 89, an order mandating that public K through 12 schools in New Hampshire return to full-time, in-person learning for five days a week starting April 19. “We have said all along, and it has been proven, that schools can reopen safely,” Sununu said during the April 1 press conference announcing the order. “We’re providing plenty of time to allow districts and parents to plan … [and] in a few short weeks, all teachers and school staff who want the vaccine will have received their second dose.”

The state will host its third mass vaccination site at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon the weekend of Saturday, April 10, and Sunday, April 11, according to an April 5 press release. This site will be by appointment only and not open to walk-ins. Only the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered —‌ according to the release, the state hopes to vaccinate 12,000 people over the course of the weekend. Appointments can be scheduled online.

On April 5, a member of the Governor’s Office tested positive for Covid-19, according to a press release. The individual is currently quarantining and was determined not to have been in close contact with Sununu.

Tuition freeze

The University System of New Hampshire, which includes the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College and Granite State College, will freeze tuition for in-state students for the 2021-2022 academic year. According to a press release, this is the third straight year tuition has been frozen for New Hampshire residents. These schools have also committed to providing significant increases in financial aid to students, the release said. “This has been an incredibly challenging year in so many ways, and we continue to work to lessen the financial burden on our students and their families, many of whom have suffered job losses, business closures and other impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Cathy Provencher, USNH Vice Chancellor, said in the release.

Health savings

New Hampshire residents can now enroll in or change their health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and get lower pricing, according to a press release. As of April 1, anyone who is not eligible for insurance through Medicare, Medicaid or employer-based insurance is eligible for Marketplace insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and new rules have expanded coverage options for those who currently have ACA insurance. From now through Aug. 15, consumers can enroll for the first time, or resubmit their application on healthcare.gov, to take advantage of lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Ambetter, Anthem, and Harvard Pilgrim will offer deductible and out-of-pocket maximum expense credits for consumers who want to change plans within the same company, the release said. Anyone who is uninsured and has received unemployment benefits in 2021 will have access to free or reduced-cost plans. NH Navigator, a non-profit enrollment assistance group, is available to assist people with the process; call 931-3858 for free assistance.

VNA merger

Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association and Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice have merged, according to a press release. The organization is now called Granite VNA and will serve the home- and community-based health care needs of residents across 82 communities in the greater Concord area and Lakes Region of New Hampshire. More than 470 clinicians and staff members provide care through home care, hospice care, palliative care, pediatric and maternal child health and personal home services, and the agency offers community clinics and wellness programs, the release said.

State rec director

New Hampshire has its first director of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development, according to a press release from the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. In this new position, Scott Crowder will support the state’s outdoor economy as a primary way to grow the state’s workforce and attract businesses. Crowder is the founder of the North American Pond Hockey Classic, was a founding partner of Ekal Activity Center in Meredith and has served on various tourism, economic development and nonprofit boards around the state. “We have an amazing opportunity in the state to leverage our outdoor assets to enhance the lives of our residents and visitors, our communities and our overall economic position,” Crowder said in the release.

The city of Franklin will soon be home to the only whitewater park in New England, according to a report from WMUR. With construction set to begin in July, downtown Franklin will be home to Mill City Park, as well as a camping area and an amphitheater. Campsite and cabin rentals will help fund the free community adventure park, which will also feature mountain biking and climbing, the report said.

Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan will retire on April 30, according to a March 26 report in the Union Leader. He joined the department when he was 21 and has served 36 years there, becoming chief in 2016, the report said.

Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is offering a free kindergarten readiness series, Make New Friends, to any girl entering kindergarten this fall in Bow and the surrounding area at Bow Elementary School each Wednesday from April 14 to May 19 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., according to a press release. There will also be a Make New Friends group for girls in the Manchester area at the Girl Scout Discovery Zone in the Mall of New Hampshire, each Saturday from April 10 through May 15 at 1:30 p.m. No membership is required for either group. Find the series on eventbrite.com to register.

Seventh- and eighth-graders at World Academy in Nashua are learning about personal finance and banking from real-life bankers through the new “Millyard Bank University” educational series. According to a press release, the 12-week financial literacy program offers practical experience with savings and checking accounts, plus lessons on borrowing, credit scores and the banking industry as a career path. In the future, the program will be open to all students as an elective at World Academy.

New life, new joy

Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. I have found the increase in sunlight hours and warmer weather to be invigorating, inspiring hope and infusing optimism. I’ve noticed more people are out when I am out on my neighborhood walks, often with dogs or baby strollers, and strangers exchange friendly greetings in passing. My walking partner and I have optimistically started a couch-to-5K app regimen. My elderly mother has resumed her daily laps around the driveway, slowly regaining strength and endurance as she shakes off the winter and arthritic deconditioning from months spent indoors. And my husband is carefully tending and planting fig cuttings to grow more fruit trees.

Additionally, with 40.1 percent of New Hampshire’s total population with at least one dose, and 19.2 percent fully vaccinated, according to an April 4 report from NPR, and now all residents age 16 and older eligible, I sense the heightened anticipation for our return to some semblance of the pre-Covid “normal.” And while we patiently wait for all our family and friends to get vaccinated, I am excited to resume safe, outdoor socializing with others, including backyard barbecues and evenings around a firepit, all facilitated by the warmer weather, as social interactions are a really vital contributor to our mental health and well-being.

We know that the pandemic has resulted in many of us feeling isolated and lonely, with increased stress and anxiety, thus necessitating learning healthy ways to cope with stress and build resilience; and sometimes requiring professional assistance. Connecting with others, talking with people we trust about our feelings, and sharing our concerns through meaningful conversation are powerful coping tools. Unwinding, whether alone or with friends, undertaking activities we find enjoyable and doing good and helping others are also helpful for our well-being, as are efforts to take care of our bodies, such as regular physical activity, eating healthfully, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding excessive alcohol, tobacco and other substance use.

Finally, connecting with community can be really impactful. For me this has manifested as returning to church after a year to resume playing music with others, thanks to being fully vaccinated. And so I returned to accompany the lone keyboardist who has carried on this past year; the other musicians and singers are looking forward to returning once they are vaccinated, as well. In my faith, Easter Sunday is of monumental significance, and the new life and new joy of the occasion was evident in the upbeat and celebratory music and rhythms that stirred clapping and swaying and inspired hope for new beginnings.

As the warmth and wonder of spring unfold, what new opportunities will you be exploring?

Best of 2021

Let’s try something new.

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

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

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

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

ARTS

Best Performing Arts Venue

Best of the best: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org

  • Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com –
  • Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
  • Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com
  • The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., and 131 Congress St., Portsmouth, 436-2400, themusichall.org

Best Drive-in Venue for Live Entertainment

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

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

Best Virtual Performance

Best of the best: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org.

  • Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com
  • Bob Marley, comedian, bmarley.com
  • Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
  • Recycled Percussion, instrumental junk rock band, New Year’s Eve show, recycledpercussion.com

Best Place to View Art

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

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

Best Place to Buy Art

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

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

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

Best Bookstore or Comic Book Store

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

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

Community Event You’re Most Looking Forward To

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

Best Bar for Live Music

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

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

Best Bar With an Outdoor Deck

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

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

Best Sports Bar

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

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

Best Sports Book

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

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

RESTAURANTS

Best Restaurant

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

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

Best New Eatery

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

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

Best Fine Dining

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

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

Best Diner

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

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

Best Seafood Restaurant

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

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

Best Pub

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

  • The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
  • Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net
  • The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
  • The Wild Rover Pub, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com

DELICIOUS DISHES

Best Dish or Drink You Had in the Last Year

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

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

Best Barbecue

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

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

Best Breakfast

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

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

Best Breakfast Dish

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

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

Best Burgers

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

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

Best Fish & Chips

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

  • The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
  • The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
  • Goldenrod Restaurant Drive-In, 1681 Candia Road, Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
  • Petey’s Summertime Seafood & Bar, 1323 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 433-1937, peteys.com

Best Mac & Cheese

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

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

Best Pizza

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

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

Best Sandwich

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

  • The Garden at the Nashua Garden, 121 Main St., Nashua, 886-7363, find them on Facebook @thenashuagarden603. This vegetarian sandwich features tomato, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, pickles, onion, lettuce and sprouts.
  • Steak and cheese sub at Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com. Featuring custom-blended shaved steak with either melted American or provolone cheese, this sub can be customized even further by adding teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
  • Roast beef sandwich at Bentley’s Roast Beef, 134 Route 101A, Amherst, 883-2020, bentleysroastbeef.com. Bentley’s uses grain-fed Midwestern beef for its sandwiches, which are available in multiple sizes on toasted sesame or onion rolls, or on Syrian bread.
  • CBC at T-Bones Great American Eatery, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100; 39 Crystal Ave., Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road, Hudson, 882-6677; t-bones.com. The CBC features fried chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a toasted bun. (The Bedford, Derry and Hudson T-Bones locations all received votes in this category for the CBC, but you can also get this sandwich at the locations in Concord, Laconia and Salem.)

Best Subs

Best of the best: Nadeau’s Subs, 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 100 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; 1095 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-4411; nadeaus.com (Nadeau’s Subs also has a fifth location in Exeter and a sixth location that opened inside McLaughlin’s Country Market in Concord in January 2021.)

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

Best Tacos

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

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

Restaurant That Can Make You Love Vegetables

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

SWEET TREATS

Best Bakery

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

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

Best Candy or Chocolate Shop

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

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

Best Doughnuts

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

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

Best Ice Cream

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

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

DRINKS

Best Beer Selection at a Retail Store

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

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

Best NH Brewery

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

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

Best NH-made Beer Variety

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

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

Best NH-made Cider and Mead

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

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

Best NH Winery

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

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

Where They Make Your Coffee Perfect Every Time

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

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

EATING OUTDOORS & FOOD TO-GO

Best Restaurant to Get Takeout From

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com

  • Troy’s Fresh Kitchen & Juice Bar, 4 Orchard View Drive, Unit 6, Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com
  • Union Street Takeout, 90 Union St., Manchester, 260-7663
  • Georgia’s Northside, 394 N. State St., Concord, 715-9189, georgiasnorthside.com
  • Lilac Blossom, 385 E. Dunstable Road, Nashua, 888-9588; 650 Amherst St., Nashua, 886-8420; lilacblossom.us

Best Food Truck

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

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

Restaurant with the Best Outdoor Seating

Best of the best: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0180, cheersnh.com

  • The Crown Tavern, 99 Hanover St., Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com
  • Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
  • 603 Brewery, 42 Main St., Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com
  • Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com (The Copper Door Restaurant also has a location in Salem.)

Best Farmers Market

Best of the best: Concord Farmers Market (concordfarmersmarket.com) Held on Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Capitol Street in Concord (near the Statehouse), from May to October. The 2021 market is tentatively set to begin on Saturday, May 1.

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

OUTDOOR FUN

Best Farm for Pick-Your-Own

Best of the best: Sunnycrest Farm, 59 High Range Road, Londonderry, 432-7753, sunnycrestfarmnh.com. Pick-your-own opportunities include apples, strawberries, blueberries and cherries.

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

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

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

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

Best City Park

Best of the best: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov. Originally a private zoo and amusement park, Benson Park reopened in 2010 as a town park for recreational use and is now a popular spot for hiking, dog walking, fishing and picnicking.

  • White Park, 1 White St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov. Amenities include a basketball court, a seasonal pool, walking trails and an ice skating rink.
  • Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. Amenities include baseball and softball fields, a playground, picnic areas, walking trails and a tennis court.
  • Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Amenities include walking trails around Dorrs Pond, as well as a baseball diamond, a running track and two playgrounds.
  • Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

Best State Park

Best of the best: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9874, nhstatesparks.org/visit/state-parks/bear-brook-state-park. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, Bear Brook State Park is 10,000 acres and features more than 40 miles of trails. Activities include biking, hiking, swimming, camping and fishing.

  • Hampton Beach State Park, 160 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, 926-8990, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/hampton-beach-state-park. Activities include swimming, fishing, picnicking and RV camping.
  • Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park. This park features more than 5,000 acres of land and trails with a variety of landscapes.
  • Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/wellington-state-park. Wellington State Park offers hiking trails, picnic areas and volleyball and horseshoe courts, and is also known for having the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system.
  • Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd., Rye, 436-7406, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/odiorne-point-state-park. This park offers gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and also features the Seacoast Science Center.

Best Campground

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

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

Best Bike Trail

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

  • Goffstown Rail Trail, Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org. The trail runs for more than seven miles from Goffstown to Manchester.
  • Londonderry Rail Trail, Londonderry, londonderrytrails.org. About six miles of this trail runs through North Londonderry.
  • Windham Rail Trail, Windham, windhamrailtrail.org. The Windham Rail Trail is 4.1 miles and is a core part of the longest paved abandoned rail bed in the Granite State, as the Windham, Derry and Salem rail trails collectively run about 11 miles.
  • Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features about eight miles of trails.

Best Hike in Southern New Hampshire

Best of the best: Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey/Dublin, 532-8862, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/monadnock-state-park. The 3,165-foot mountain features more than 35 hiking trails of various levels of difficulty leading to the summit.

  • Pack Monadnock, Miller State Park, 13 Miller Park Road, Peterborough, 924-3672, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/miller-state-park. The oldest state park in New Hampshire, Miller State Park features three hiking trails and a 1.3-mile paved, driveable road to the 2,290-foot summit.
  • Mount Major, Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike. This 1,785-foot peak offers panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • Mount Uncanoonuc Trails, Mountain Road, Goffstown. The North Uncanoonuc Trail, about a 0.6-mile hike, is steep in some spots and is known for its wilderness and panoramic views of Goffstown. The South Uncanoonuc Trail is slightly longer (about 0.8 miles) and is a snowmobiling and ATVing trail that features views of Mount Monadnock from a distance.
  • Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park features eight miles of walking trails, forest, open fields and wetlands.

Best Spot for a Mini Hike

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

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

Best Spot for a Long Run

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

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

Best Lake to Canoe or Kayak

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

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

Best Route for a Motorcycle Ride

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

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

Best Off-Roading Trail

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

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

Best Ski Hill

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

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

Best Spot for Cross-Country Skiing

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

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

Best Snowmobile Trail

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

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

Home & Garden

Best Car Repair

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

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

Best Garden Center or Nursery

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

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

BEAUTY, WELLNESS & FASHION

Best Barbershop

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

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

Best Independent Clothing and/or Shoe Store

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

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

Best Jewelry Shop

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

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

Best Second Hand Shop

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

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

Best Salon

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

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

Best Spa

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

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

Best Workout Space

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

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

KIDS

Best Place to Take Kids

Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, 669-4820, nhahs.org. Museum dedicated to the science, technology, history and culture of aviation, with interactive exhibits and educational programs.

SEE Science Center, 200 Bedford St., Manchester, 669-0400, see-sciencecenter.org. Museum focused on technology, engineering, mathematics and more with interactive exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs.

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

Best Outdoor Spot to Let Kids Run Around and Be Crazy

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

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

Best Kids Summer Day Camp

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

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

Pets

Best Doggie Day Care

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

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

Best Dog Groomer

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

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

Best Place to Let Your Dog Go Off Leash

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

Best On-Leash Dog Outing

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

  • Benson Park, 19 Kimball Road, Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov. Originally a private zoo and amusement park, Benson Park reopened in 2010 as a town park for recreational use and is now a popular spot for hiking, dog walking, fishing and picnicking.
  • Livingston Park, 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Amenities include walking trails around Dorrs Pond as well as a baseball diamond, a running track and two playgrounds.
  • Windham Rail Trail, Windham, windhamrailtrail.org. The Windham Rail Trail is 4.1 miles and is a core part of the longest paved abandoned rail bed in the Granite State, as the Windham, Derry and Salem rail trails collectively run about 11 miles.
  • Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org. The Beaver Brook Association features more than 35 miles of trails across more than 2,000 acres of forest, fields and wetlands within the towns of Hollis, Brookline and Milford.

PERSONALITIES

Most Innovative Chef

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

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

Restaurant with the Friendliest Staff

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

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

Butt-kicking-est Fitness Instructor

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

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

Best Barber

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

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

Best Hair Stylist

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

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

Friendliest Dentist

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

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

Friendliest Mechanic

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

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

Best Local Music Act

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

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

Best Comedian Who Lives Local-ishly

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

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

LIVING HERE

Coolest Free Historic Site or Monument

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

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

Thing NH Does Better Than Anyone Else

Best of the best: Live free or die.

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

Best Thing We Forgot to Ask About

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

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

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

The Fine Print
This survey is for entertainment purposes only and all results are final.

The results of Hippo’s readers poll are based on readers’ answers to a poll conducted online in February. Readers typed in the names of people and locations they voted for. In situations where the vote is tied or otherwise unclear, Hippo editorial staff makes an effort to determine the will of the greatest number of voters. Hippo reserves the right to disqualify individual votes, ballots and/or entries when they are incomplete or unclear, do not meet the letter or the spirit of the question asked or otherwise do not meet the requirements to make them a usable vote.

Hippo’s editorial staff makes the ultimate determination of the winners in the categories. Hippo’s advertising staff and its advertisers play no role in the determination of the winners. All results are final.

The Best of 2021 is a celebration of all things local and is meant to serve as a snapshot of the people and places in southern New Hampshire. Large national and international chains are, for the most part, not included in the count.

Questions, Comments, Concerns
Did we get an address or phone number wrong? Do you have an idea for a new category? Let us know. Contact editor Amy Diaz at [email protected]. Corrections will appear on the first page of the news section in future issues. Is your favorite category missing? Categories change regularly, with some categories taking a sabbatical and new categories introduced, so please send your suggestions for a category for next year. And, again, all results are final.

Staying live

Playing through, and past, the pandemic

If a Concord bar is offering live music, there’s always the possibility that Andy Laliotis will get involved. He’s a member of several groups, and a regular presence at open mic nights. If a friend is playing, he’s always ready to jump on stage and jam.

The guitarist is a Capital City native and musical mainstay, dating back to his early days with Lamont Smooth, a band that marked its 25th anniversary this year. He’s part of several other acts; currently, they include Grateful Dead channeling Blue Light Rain, the roots acoustic Diamond Joe and Menthol Rain, which formed, then folded, at the end of 2020.

“Covid lasted longer than that band did,” Laliotis said in a recent phone interview. “It’s too bad, man; we were sounding good. Mostly, we were playing a lot of covers. It didn’t work out, but I’ll be playing with some of those guys again soon, so maybe we can talk about getting together again.”

A hunger to play defines Laliotis, and it’s managed to keep him busy during the pandemic. Between Penuche’s Ale House, Area 23, and the occasional Manchester show, there were gigs enough to keep him sane — but just barely.

“It’s been a core group of guys getting together,” he said. “With weather hopefully getting nice and the vaccine happening, there’s hope we can get out there and play more and more. But it’s been a lot of duo shows.”

On April 10, a power trio version of Lamont Smooth will perform at Penuche’s — Laliotis, his brother Chris and Scott Seeley, the band’s original bass player. They’re listed on the bar’s chalkboard schedule under an alias.

“Maybe there’s a little too much confidence in what we can do, but it is limited capacity,” Laliotis said. In later months, “we look forward to getting back at it with the full band again — we’re a six-piece.”

In February the band contributed a 15-minute video to Bank of NH Stage’s Local Band Mixer, part of the venue’s Mud Season Sampler. Concord performers Dusty Gray Band, The Special Guests with Lucas Gallo, Mallory Weiss, Andrew North & the Rangers, Supernothing, Will Hatch & Co, Bosey Joe, Trade, and Ethyric & B.Snair all appeared.

“We had to be in and out in an hour,” Laliotis said, “but it’s actually good to be in there again playing.”

A fresh outbreak of Covid cases in the state caused the cancellation of a scheduled Blue Light Rain show at Bank of NH Stage in early December.

Lamont Smooth will also do an outdoor show at Area 23 on May 8. He’s a big fan of the out-of-the-way Concord tap room and restaurant, which hosts local performers several times each week. Venue owner Kirk McNeil “helped us a lot last summer, booking us a bunch of times with different acts,” he said. “You get so used to playing a lot of shows and when it’s gone, that creative outlet all the other stresses in life kind of build up on you, you know?”

Consistent with his ubiquity, Laliotis will join Jared Steer and Friends a week after the Lamont Smooth show at Penuche’s on Saturday, April 17.

“We’ll be doing Dead and Jerry Garcia Band, as well as other stuff,” he said.

His Dead tribute is in its 13th year.

“I get to make a set list of my favorite tunes, and it’s good to be playing with my friend Rob [Farquhar], who’s the original bass player,” Laliotis said. “When we started, it was supposed to be a one-off gig, but it just stuck.”

Blue Light Rain also provides Laliotis with a chance to play with another musical brother, George — Lamont Smooth’s original drummer and a big reason he found music as a teenager.

“He picked up the guitar and I was around,” he said, “then I started getting more and more into going to shows.”

Lamont Smooth released one album, in 2003, and Laliotis has hopes of returning to the studio for a follow-up.

“There are so many songs we haven’t even touched,” he said.

The band’s eponymous record is on TouchTunes, a digital jukebox that’s in every Waffle House in the country, among other places. It’s surprisingly popular, even now, Laliotis said.

“I get random texts from people all over the country saying that they played it in North Carolina or somewhere else, because it’s in boxes all across the country,” he said. “It’s pretty wild.”

Andy & Chris Laliotis and Scott Seeley
When: Saturday, April 10, 8 p.m.
Where: Penuche’s Ale House, 16 Bicentennial Square, Concord
More: $15 at headlinerscomedyclub.com
Andy Laliotis appears with Jared Steer & Friends at Penuche’s on Saturday, April 17

Featured photo: Andy Laliotis. Photo by Cory MacEachern Ghelli.

The Father (PG-13)

Anthony Hopkins is heartbreaking and Olivia Colman is heartbroken in The Father, a sad but excellent movie that is nominated for six Oscars.

Anthony (Hopkins) is a retired man living in London and Anne (Colman) is his daughter — this much feels certain. But, after a fight with yet another caregiver, has Anthony gone to live with Anne or has she come to live with him? And is it just her sharing the apartment with the increasingly agitated Anthony, who feels certain she’s trying to wrest his flat from him, or is her husband (maybe Mark Gatiss or maybe Rufus Sewell) there as well? Anthony and the patient if increasingly despondent Anne frequently butt heads, leading Anthony to tell whomever’s around how much better he gets along with his other daughter Lucy — but Anne’s silence whenever Lucy is mentioned suggests that there’s more to her absence than just a busy schedule.

That Anthony is constantly losing his watch may sometimes feel a little too nail on the head for his lost grip on time — he relives moments over again and forgets who people are or how long it’s been since he’s seen them last. He is a man grasping at sand and still sinking. The movie (and Hopkins’ strong performance) lets us feel his confusion, frustration and sense of complete disorientation. The story has the build of a psychological mystery thriller and works even though we understand what the mystery is that Anthony seems unable to unwravel.

Likewise, Colman puts us inside of Anne’s grief. Her love for her father, their relationship difficulties, her frustration with his limitations, her conflicted thoughts about what is truly best for him (and for her) — we can see all of this, often just from a look on Colman’s face or the way her eyebrows raise during a smile. The very last time she’s on screen, she gives this little nod that does the work of a whole speech.

The Father is not a fun movie but it is exceptionally well-made and so well-performed that it is an engrossing watch even when it is achingly sad. A

Rated PG-13 for some strong language and thematic material, according to the MPA at filmratings.com. Directed by Florian Zeller with a screenplay by Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller (from the play of the same name by Zeller), The Father is an hour and 37 minutes long and is distributed by Sony Pictures Classics. It is screening in theaters (including via Red River Theatres’ virtual cinema) and available for rent.

Especially special effects

The Oscar’s visual effects nominees offer some good examples of films that were able to transcend the “TV-ness” of 2020.

Because the nominees provide great answers to “what should we watch tonight?” I’m spending the pre-awards ceremony (on April 25) weeks running through this year’s nominees. I previously discussed two of the visual effects nominees — Tenet (available for purchase and coming to HBO Max on May 1) and Mulan (available on Disney+ and for purchase). Both wowed with their visuals, Mulan perhaps more for costuming (for which it’s also nominated) and set design. Tenet’s coolest element is its use of characters traveling in opposite directions through time in the same scene (and if that makes no sense, buckle up for the “time travel and stuff”-ness of this movie), which would probably make it my pick in this category.

Other visual effects nominees:

• Love and Monsters It’s so cool this sweet, sorta silly creature movie/love story got a nomination. A 20-something guy hikes through some 80 miles of a monster-infested California to see the girl he’s loved since high school in this fun, sort of optimistic movie with an “end of the world” premise. The monsters are pretty well-rendered too. The fun movie night movie is available for rent or purchase.

• The Midnight Sky I can see why this total bummer of a George Clooney movie received a nomination: It features bleakly beautiful shots of the Arctic (where Clooney’s scientist is the final remaining human — maybe) as well as a storyline that takes place on a spaceship with occasional scenes of weightlessness and space-walks. But I have a hard time recommending this downbeat end-of-the-world movie (available on Netflix, if you’re in just too good a mood).

• The One and Only Ivan This Disney+ family live action film (or, you know, “live action” since the photo-realistic animals are CGI creations, according to a New York Times story) is based on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan who made art. The Ivan here (voiced by Sam Rockwell) is the star attraction in a fading mall circus run by human Mack (Bryan Cranston) and filled with other animals (voiced by the likes of Helen Mirren, Phillipa Soo, Chaka Khan, Ron Funches and Danny DeVito). This older elementary family movie is probably adequately entertaining for family movie night (despite some moments of sadness with sick moms and poachers and the like).

I discussed where to find best picture and best animated feature nominees and the films that received acting nominations in the March 18 issue and last week (March 25) tackled most of the other “mainstream movie” categories. (Find them all at hippopress.com.) Programming updates: Red River Theatres in Concord now has multi-category nominee The Father available via its virtual cinema as well as fellow nominees Minari and Collective. Nominated short films may be available as well starting April 2.

Featured photo: The Father

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