For its inaugural show in February 2024, Glimpse Gallery featured four artists hailing from the South, along with two New Hampshire painters and another from Vermont. Glimpse owner Meme Exum always intended for the space, tucked down an alley by the Capitol Building in Concord, to reflect her home region, but knew it would take time.
A little over a year later the seeds Exum and curator Christine Landry-Boullion planted to entice New England artists and buyers to Glimpse are coming to fruition.
“The trajectory’s been just straight up, positive, wonderful,” Exum said recently. “I now have a lot of folks submitting their work, and it’s giving me more flexibility with how I can create the shows.”
The choice provided by a deep well of talent allows for shows weighted between up-and-comers and established artists like Robin Whitney Fairclough, who anchored a successful show in October. It also allows for thematic balance, as with an upcoming exhibit of seven New England artists that includes the colorful abstracts of Rosie Wolf Williams alongside darker works by Talia Dinger. Williams’ paintings suggest prairie impressionism, such as the colorful movement in “Breaking Free” and “Lion and the Mouse,” an Aesop’s fable-inspired piece glowing with childlike energy.
Dinger’s mixed media works focus on monochromatic subjects and explore topics like alienation in “I’ll Miss You” and the frailty of hope in “Holding On To You,” which depicts a person hanging by a thread over a pool of lava or something equally threatening. Her three-dimensional pieces are particularly impressive, such as “Out of Time,” an eyeball-shaped, working clock spilling an acrylic tear, and the abstract chest X-ray, “Golden.”
Matthew McCain uses gray scale and shadow compellingly in “If You Go, I’ll Stay,” a foreboding work depicting either an interrogation or an illuminating moment. The main subject’s posture is ambiguous; the artist leaves interpretation up to the viewer.
“I love how people can see different things while looking at the same image, and I really try to exploit that in my artwork as much as possible,” McCain writes in his bio.
A few of McCain’s pieces are adorned with butterflies to convey nostalgia for a bygone time. Similarly whimsical are the line and circle drawings of Amy Moffett. Their simplicity is underscored by her creative process; each is begun with eyes closed, so Moffett can feel the shapes before seeing them. The works are colorful and affordable — all cost under $100.
Mark Ruddy has shown at the Glimpse Gallery before, but as with other shows, this exhibit will feature all new works.
“Every time it has to be completely different, because I don’t want people to see the same thing ever,” Exum said. “Every show has to be its own new art and the energy that it carries.”
A series of three Ruddy paintings is hung for the upcoming show. Two are of vintage pugilists, arranged around a close-up of the recently renamed Gulf of Mexico on a map. Each picture is covered with multicolored polka dots, a motif he’s used in other works to juxtapose a serious subject with something lighter.
Brenda Wilbert is both a mixed media and fine art digital artist. “A Moment of Bliss,” a treated photograph of a woman in a river drinking water from her hand, is an example of the latter. Her riotous collages employ a wide range of textures and colors, from metallic pen lines to painted fabric, watercolors and ink to stunning effect.
The works of Lakes Region artist Benjamin Archibald are a blend of realistic portraits of wildlife, such as the peacock in “Glory,” along with patterned portraits done for charity. For the latter, donors purchase one or more fingerprint spots on a piece like “Heliosa,” which welcomes patrons at Glimpse’s entryway.
“I love what he’s doing,” Exum said. “He’s taking his art to this level where he’s making it a communal process… .”
Glimpse Gallery April/May show opening reception When: Saturday, April 12, 5-7 p.m. Where: Glimpse Gallery, 4 Park St. (Patriot Building), Concord RSVP: [email protected]
This year’s picks for Best Ice Cream, Best Happy Hour Hangout, Best Ski Hill and Best Burger are big winners — but so are the readers who voted in the Best of 2025 readers’ poll. And so are all of us who now have a great list of fine dining restaurants, family dining restaurants and cheap date spots to check out.
In our poll, which ran from mid January through the end of February, we also asked you for your thoughts on the important issues such as when to eat dessert (a winning answer: “always to-go. Chocolate cake, if they got it.”) and “What Pet Should I Get?,” which elicited some awesome rhyming responses.
Most categories give you the top five winners. A few categories are supersized to give you even more reader favorites. All results are final for this snapshot of 2025 in southern New Hampshire.
Looking to find a place for excellent pizza, innovative cocktails or fabulous nail art? Check out these reader picks for the area’s very best.
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 January and February. Readers typed in the names of people, events and locations they voted for. In situations where the vote is tied or otherwise unclear, Hippo editorial staff makes an effort to determine the will of the greatest number of voters. Hippo reserves the right to disqualify individual votes, ballots and/or entries when they are incomplete or unclear, do not meet the letter or the spirit of the question asked or otherwise do not meet the requirements to make them a usable vote.
Hippo’s editorial staff makes the ultimate determination of the winners in the categories. Hippo’s advertisers play no role in the determination of the winners. All results are final.
The Best of 2025 is a celebration of all things local and is meant to serve as a snapshot of the people and places in southern New Hampshire. Large national and international chains are, for the most part, not included in the count. Information presented here is gathered from sources including the location’s website and social media pages. Double check with the spots before heading out to make sure times, locations and menu items haven’t changed.
Questions, comments, concerns? Did we get an address or phone number wrong? Do you have an idea for a new category? Let us know. Contact editor Amy Diaz at [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 to [email protected]. And, again, all results are final. Like, final final. Hey, there’s always next year.
ARTS
Best performing arts venue
Best of the best: The Palace Theatres 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com
Capitol Center for the Arts 44 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Nashua Center for the Arts 201 Main St. in Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com
Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Best theatrical production
Best of the best: A Christmas Carol at the Palace Theatre in Manchester in November and December 2024.
Nutcrackerpresented by Ballet Misha at Dana Center in Manchester.
Jersey Boys at the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its Performing Arts Series in October and November 2024
Piano Men & Women at the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its Performing Arts Series in January and February 2025
The Nutcracker presented by Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater at the Palace Theatre in Manchester as part of its Performing Arts Series in November 2024
Theater company whose shows are always a hit
Best of the best:The Palace Theatres 80 Hanover St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org. The next show in its performing arts series is Jesus Christ Superstar April 18-May 11.
Actorsingers actorsingers.org, a community theater organization based in Nashua with adult and kids productions. Next up is Disney’s Frozen Jr. from Actorsingers Youth April 11-13 and the mainstage production Legally Blonde The Musical May 2-4.
Ovation Theatre Company ovationtc.com, a Londonderry-based theater company with shows featuring actors ages kid through adult. Next up is Monty Python’s Spamalot: School Edition April 11-12 at the Derry Opera House.
Peacock Players peacockplayers.org, a Nashua-based youth theater company. Next up is Chicago Teen Edition May 9-18
The Seacoast Repertory Theatre seacoastrep.org, “is a nonprofit, professional regional theatre in historic downtown Portsmouth,” according to its website. Current offerings include The Wedding Singer The Musical Comedy running through May 4.
Majestic Theatre majestictheatre.net, “provides artistic enrichment for the community through the programming of family-oriented productions and educational opportunities,” according to the website. Next up is Jack of Diamonds April 25-27.
RB Productions Theatre Company rb-productions.com, “is a nonprofit community theater organization … [providing] experiential and educational theater opportunities for youth and young theater professionals throughout greater Concord and the state of New Hampshire,” according to the website. Next up is The Wedding Singer The Musical Comedy at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord July 11-12.
Best local place to buy art
Best of the best:League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, which will take place this year Saturday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 10, at Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury. See nhcrafts.org/annual-craftsmens-fair.
To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com. In addition to craft night classes (such as Sea Glass Art on April 9), To Share held a holiday market featuring local artists in December 2024.
Green Envy 377 Elm St. in Manchester, 722-3885, greenenvywellness.com. “Our store is proud to feature local artists and offer an array of unique goods and experiences,” according to the website.
Two Villages Art Society 846 Main St. in Contoocook, twovillagesart.org. “Our gallery in Contoocook Village (part of the town of Hopkinton), is a place to experience art, whether as an exhibitor, student, shopper, or casual visitor,” according to the website.
Art 3 Gallery 44 W. Brook St. in Manchester, 668-6650, art3gallery.com. “Art 3 Gallery is a premier retail fine art gallery showcasing one of the largest collections of art in northern New England,” according to the website.
Concord Fine Craft Gallery, League of NH Craftsmen 36 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The gallery “showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary fine craft,” according to the website.
Best local studio or other venue to make art
Best of the best: Studio 550 Art Center 550 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5597, 550arts.com. “Primarily a pottery and stained glass studio, we offer fun one-day workshops for those just looking to try it out, and year-round classes for more in-depth learning,” according to the website.
Kimball Jenkins 266 N. Main St. in Concord, 225-3932, kimballjenkins.com. “Whether through art education classes and workshops for students of all ages, exhibitions, events, or the preservation of our historic campus, Kimball Jenkins continues to serve hundreds of individuals annually while playing a critical role in the community,” according to the website.
Makers Mill 23 Bay St. in Wolfeboro, 569-1500, makersmill.org. “Makers Mill is open to all levels of makers: students, hobbyists, and professionals; providing a place where people feed off one another’s interests, curiosity, enthusiasm, ideas, feedback, and projects; and facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and learning exchanges,” according to the website.
Green Envy 377 Elm St. in Manchester, 722-3885, greenenvywellness.com. “Whether you … pour a candle or learn a new craft, we hope that you’ll come back time and time again to try something new from our revolving schedule of classes,” according to the website.
Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. “The Currier Museum is committed to connecting people with art by bringing art-making to audiences of all ages and abilities,” according to the website.
Best art gallery
Best of the best: Two Villages Art Society 846 Main St. in Contoocook, twovillagesart.org. “Our gallery in Contoocook Village (part of the town of Hopkinton), is a place to experience art, whether as an exhibitor, student, shopper, or casual visitor,” according to the website.
Art 3 Gallery 44 W. Brook St. in Manchester, 668-6650,art3gallery.com. “Art 3 Gallery is a premier retail fine art gallery showcasing one of the largest collections of art in northern New England,” according to the website.
Mosaic Art Collective 66 Hanover St. in Manchester, mosaicartcollective.com. “Mosaic offers inexpensive studio spaces, public workshops, classes, camps, open studio and community events in the gallery,” according to the website.
Concord Fine Craft Gallery, League of NH Craftsmen 36 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The gallery “showcases a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary fine craft,” according to the website.
See Saw Art 66 Hanover St. in Manchester, seesaw.gallery. “See Saw Art is a 120-square-foot exhibition space located within Mosaic Art Collective…. See Saw Art features invitational and open call exhibitions on a monthly basis,” according to the website.
ENTERTAINMENT
Best bookstore
Best of the best: Gibson’s Bookstore 45 S. Main St. in Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com
Bookery 844 Elm St. in Manchester, 836-6600, bookerymht.com
Balin Books 375 Amherst St. in Nashua, 417-7981, balinbooks.com
The Lost Page Found Bookshop 10 Church St. in Goffstown, 714-5295, find them on Facebook
Toadstool Bookshop 12 Depot Square in Peterborough, 924-3543, toadbooks.com
Best bowling alley
Best of the best:Lakeside Lanes 2171 Candia Road in Manchester, 627-7722, lakesidelanes.com
Yankee Lanes 216 Maple St. in Manchester, 625-9656, manchester.yankeelanesentertainment.com
Merrimack Ten Pin Center 698 DW Highway in Merrimack, 262-1464, merrimacktenpin.com
Boutwell’s Bowling Center 152 N. State St. in Concord, 224-0941, boutwellsbowl.com
Leda Lanes 340 Amherst St. in Nashua, 889-4884, ledalanes.com
Best local casino
Best of the best:Revo Casino and Social House 1279 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 668-6591, revocasino.com/revo-manchester. Revo Casino also has locations in Dover, Keene, Lebanon and Conway.
The Brook 319 New Zealand Road in Seabrook, 474-3065, livefreeandplay.com
Gate City Casino 55 Northeastern Blvd. in Nashua, 943-5630, thegatecitycasino.com
Merrymac Games & Comics 550 DW Highway in Merrimack, 420-8161, merrymacgc.com
The Comic Store 55 Lake St. in Nashua, 881-4855, find them on Facebook
Gorilla Games 61 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-5369, gorillagamesnh.com
Best place for games — arcade, card or board
Best of the best: Boards and Brews 941 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5184, boardsandbrewsnh.com
Fun Spot 579 Endicott St. North in Laconia, funspotnh.com, 366-4377
Tycoon Arcade 195 McGregor St., Suite 201, in Manchester, 401-4866, tabletoptycoon.com/pages/arcade
Block Party Social 51 Zapora Drive in Hooksett, 263-5419, blockpartysocial.com
Diversions Puzzles & Games 123 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 766-6220, diversionsgames.com. There are other locations in Somersworth and South Portland, Maine.
Best mini-golf
Best of the best: Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com.
Chuckster’s Ice Cream & Miniature Golf 53 Hackett Hill Road in Hooksett, 210-1415, chucksters-hooksett.com
Chuckster’s Family Fun Park 9 Bailey Road in Chichester, 798-3555, chuckstersnh.com
Mini Links at LaBelle Winery 14 Route 111 in Derry, 672-9898, labellewinery.com
Aloha Mini Glow Golf Mall of New Hampshire, 1500 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 606-8922, alohaminiglowgolf.com
Who or what is the G.O.A.T.?
We asked voters to prove they weren’t bots by answering the above question. Some took it quite literally, telling us what the acronym means (“greatest of all time”), some specified the animal and some answered The Goat Bar & Grill in Manchester. Of the voters that specified a person or thing as the G.O.A.T., it will surprise no one in Patriots Nation that “Tom Brady” was the overwhelming answer. Other people with multiple votes include:
Simone Biles Taylor Swift Cristiano Ronaldo Michael Jordan Lionel Messi LeBron James Larry Bird Jesus Not Tom Brady And quite a few variations on “I am the G.O.A.T.”
As one person summed it up, “Brady, Jordan, Messi, Gretzky, Mays”
Muhammad Ali got a few votes, as did Derek Jeter, Daddy Yankee, Wayne Gretzky, Eli Manning and pizza. We also got a few “You are the GOAT,” which is nice, thank you.
Some of the fun one-off votes include: “That iconic smell after a rainstorm” “Tater Tots – Nature’s most perfect snack food – is the greatest iteration of potatoes, ever.” “Probably iced lavender lattes honestly” “Keanu Reeves is the all time GOAT” “Mister Rogers” “SANDLER” “Chocolate cake”
Best record store
Best of the best:Pitchfork Records 2 S. Main St. in Concord, 224-6700, pitchforkrecordsconcord.com
Music Connection 1711 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 644-0199, musicconnection.us
The Infectious Groove 76 Route 101A in Amherst, 718-0109, theinfectiousgroove.com
Bull Moose 1981 Woodbury Ave. in Portsmouth, 422-9525, bullmoose.com
Skele-Tone Records 50L N. Main St. in Rochester, 948-1009, skeletonerecs.com
Bull Moose 34 Plaistow Road in Plaistow, 898-6254, bullmoose.com
Best smoke shop
Best of the best: Twins Smoke Shop 80 Perkins Road in Londonderry, 421-0242; 9 W Alice Ave. in Hooksett, 421-0242; twinssmokeshop.com.
Smoker’s Haven 105 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 518-8872; 4 Main St. in Manchester, 621-5293; 1092 Suncook Valley Highway in Epsom, 736-9748; 441 Amherst St. in Nashua, 402-1942; 245 Union Ave. in Laconia, 527-8311; 1176 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 606-1697; 34 Manchester Road in Derry, 404-6116; 2 E. Otterson St. in Nashua, 417-6667; 9B Ashuelot St. in Keene, 352-8320; 979 Union St. in Laconia, 527-8171; 6D Dobson Way in Merrimack, 513-1902; smokershaveninc.com
Castro’s Back Room 972 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-7854; 132 Bedford Center Road, Suite B, in Bedford, 472-3378; 5 Depot St. in Concord, 225-6522; 119 Main St. in Nashua, 881-7703; castros.com
Two Guys Cigars Smoke Shop 304 S. Broadway in Salem, 898-2221; 15 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 891-2122; 741 Lafayette Road in Seabrook, 474-8222; 2guyscigars.com
Wild Side Smoke Shop 1356 Elm St. in Manchester, 518-7249
BEAUTY
Best barber shop
Best of the best:Faded Armor Barber Co. 2075 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 854-8990, fadedarmorbarberco.com
Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 178 Route 101 in Bedford, 233-7991, thepolishedman.com
Black Clover Barber Co. 604 DW Highway in Merrimack, 809-0457, blackcloverbarberco.com
Ritual Grooming 14B Broad St., Suite D, in Nashua, 365-4319, ritualgroomingnh.com
Best salon
Best of the best: Blank Canvas Salon 1F Commons Drive in Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com
Salon North 102 Bay St. in Manchester, 483-3011, 102salonnorth.com
The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com
BABE The Studio 79 S. River Road in Bedford, babethestudio.glossgenius.com
Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com
Best spa
Best of the best:Renew MediSpa 23 B Crystal Ave. in Derry, 931-4345, renewmedispa.com
Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com
Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com
Serendipity Day Spa and Float Studio 23 Sheep Davis Road in Pembroke, 229-0400, serendipitydayspa.shop
Innovations Salon and Spa 228 Naticook Road in Merrimack, 880-7499, innovationsnh.com
Where they do a good brow
Best of the best: Beauty Works 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 275-8672, beautyworksnh.com
Renew MediSpa 23 B Crystal Ave. in Derry, 931-4345, renewmedispa.com
Resilient Artistry 679 Mast Road Manchester, find them on Facebook
Pellé Medical Spa 159 Frontage Road in Manchester, 627-7000, pellemedicalspa.com
Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com
Where they make your nails look fabulous
Best of the best: Glossy Nails 1 S. River Road in Bedford, 935-8383, glossynails.net
Quince Nails & Spa 50 S. Willow St., Unit 8, in Manchester, 232-5699, quincenailsandspamanchester.com
Glossy Nails 655 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 518-5557 glossynails.net
Exotic 9 Nails 30 Crystal Avenue, Suite 6, in Derry, 425-7731, exotic9nails.com
Chill Spa 1224 Hanover St. in Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com
Best tattoo shop
Best of the best: Arrows & Embers Tattoo 117 Manchester St., Suite 3, in Concord, 988-6067, arrowsandemberstattoo.com
River Rose Tattoo 679 Mast Road Manchester, find the business on Instagram, where you can connect directly with the artists
New Inkland Tattoo Co. 1358 Elm St. in Manchester, 518-7493, find them on Facebook
Blood Oath Tattoo 15 Pleasant St. in Concord, 227-6912, bloodoathtattoo.com
Wayne’s Tattoo World 6 West Broadway in Derry, 432-4828, waynestattooworld.com
Best car wash
Best of the best: Infinity Car Wash & Detailing 763 Second St. and 47 Elm St., Manchester, 669-3235, find them on Facebook
Royal T Car Wash 20 Folsom Road in Derry, 425-6844, royaltcarwash.com.
Golden Nozzle Car Wash 24 Loudon Road in Concord, 856-8462, and 165 London Road in Concord, 225-4757, goldennozzlecarwash.com. New Hampshire locations also include Dover, Exeter, Goffstown, Manchester, Nashua, Rochester and Hooksett.
ScrubaDub Car Wash 113 N. Broadway in Salem, 898-4243, scrubadub.com/salem-car-wash
Kerner’s Car Wash & Quick Lube 66 S. Beech St. in Manchester, 877-312-2199, and 40 S. Beech St. in Manchester, 877-312-2199, and 708 Second St. in Manchester; kernerscarcare.com.
Best workout space
Best of the best: Collective Studios 4 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 216-2345, thecollective-studios.com
Impact-X Performance 150 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 247-9334, impactxperformance.com
Strive Indoor Cycling 10 Hills Ave. in Concord, striveindoorcycling.com
Barre Life 944 Elm St. in Manchester, barrelifenh.com
2 Home Fitness 2 Home Ave. in Concord, 219-7224, 2homefitness.com
Humble Warrior Power Yoga 155 Dow St., Suite 102, in Manchester, 218-3928, humblewarriorpoweryoga.com. Other New Hampshire locations include in Bedford and Exeter.
SHOPPING
Best independent clothing or shoe shop
Best of the best:Alec’s Shoes 1617 Southwood Drive in Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com
Joe King’s Shoes 45 N. Main St. in Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com
Kelly’s Kloset online business with a pickup spot at 10 Maurais St. in Hooksett, kellysklosetllc.com
Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. 13 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-1101, gondwanaclothing.com
Alapage 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 622-0550, alapageboutique.com
Best locally made product
Best of the best: Ben’s Maple Syrup from Ben’s Sugar Shack, 8 Webster Highway in Temple, 924-3111, bensmaplesyrup.com
Chocolate from Loon Chocolate 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com
Blackwater Mustard from the Blackwater Mustard Co. blackwatermustardco.com
Chocolate at Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St. in Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St. in Manchester, granitestatecandyshoppe.com
Chocolate at Dancing Lion Chocolate 917 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us
Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies 195 McGregor St. in Manchester, laurelhilljams.com
Independent shop where the customer service keeps you coming back
Best of the best:Kelly’s Kloset online business with a pickup spot at 10 Maurais St. in Hooksett, kellysklosetllc.com
BABE The Studio 79 S. River Road in Bedford, babethestudio.glossgenius.com
The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com
Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.
Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com
Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Best new eatery
Best of the best:Dishon Bakery 915 Elm St. in Manchester, 600-1773, dishonbakery.com
Lost Cowboy Brewing Co. 546 Amherst St. in Nashua, 600-6800, lostcowboybrewing.com
La Vaka Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com
Honey Cup Cafe & Tearoom 150 Bridge St. in Manchester, 836-6008, honeycupnh.com
Republic Brewing Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com
Best fine dining restaurant
Best of the best:Hanover Street Chophouse 149 Hanover St. in Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com
Buckley’s Great Steaks 438 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com
Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com
Bedford Village Inn 2 Olde Bedford Way in Bedford, 427-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com
Best eatery from which to get takeout
Best of the best: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 623-3182 for takeout.
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.
Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
MORE STANDOUT EATERIES
Best date night restaurant
Best of the best:Cotton 75 Arms St. in Manchester, 622-5488, cottonfood.com
The Crown Tavern 99 Hanover St. in Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com
Firefly Bistro & Bar 22 Concord St. in Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com
Buckley’s Great Steaks 438 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com
The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com
Restaurant that brings the heat
Best of the best:Daw Kun Thai 93 S. Maple St., No. 4, in Manchester, 232-0699
Destination India Restaurant and Bar 14 E. Broadway, Unit A, in Derry, 552-3469, dineatdestinationindia.com. A second location is at 320 Lafayette Road in Hampton.
KS Kitchen 1105 Elm St. in Manchester, 512-5577, kskitchennh.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Curry Leaf 6 Pleasant St. in Concord, 715-5746, curryleafus.com
La Vaka Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com
Thai Food Connection 1069 Elm St. in Manchester, 935-7257, thaifoodconnection.com. There is also a location at 254 Wallace Road in Bedford, 488-1862.
Restaurant with the best outdoor seating
Best of the best: The Crown Tavern 99 Hanover St. in Manchester, 218-3132, thecrownonhanover.com
The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com
Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Restaurant with the best shareable plates
Best of the best:Stella Blu 70 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, 578-5557, stellablu-nh.com
Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.
The Birch on Elm 968 Elm St. in Manchester, 826-1958, birchonelm.com
Granite Tapas & Cocktail Lounge 1461 Hooksett Road, Suite A6, in Hooksett, 232-1421, find them on Facebook
Local Street Eats 112 W. Pearl St. in Nashua, 402-4435, local-streeteats.com
Thirsty Moose Taphouse 795 Elm St. in Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com/manchester. Other locations are in Portsmouth, Dover, Merrimack and Exeter.
A WORLD OF EATS
Best Asian food
Best of the best:Asian Breeze 1328 Hooksett Road, No. 41, in Hooksett, 621-9298, asianbreezenh.com
Chen’s Garden 956 Second St. in Manchester, 836-5608, chensgardennh.com
Lilac Blossom Restaurant 385 E. Dunstable Road in Nashua, 888-9588; 650 Amherst St. in Nashua, 886-8420; lilacblossom.us
Thai Food Connection 1069 Elm St. in Manchester, 935-7257, thaifoodconnection.com. There is also a location at 254 Wallace Road in Bedford, 488-1862.
Asahi 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 437-1688, asahinh.com
North Garden Chinese Restaurant & Lounge 715 Mast Road in Manchester, 668-1668, northgardenrestaurant.com
Best Greek food
Best of the best: Amphora Restaurant & Taverna 55 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 537-0111, amphoranh.com
Fotia Greek Taverna 401 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 461-3007, fotiagreektaverna.com
The Gyro Spot 1073 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3869, thegyrospot.com
Ya Mas Greek Taverna & Bar 275 Rockingham Road in Salem, 635-4230, yourmythbeginsatyamas.com
Al Basha Mediterranean Grill 379 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 391-5613, albashamedgrill.com
Best Indian food
Best of the best: Curry Leaf 6 Pleasant St. in Concord, 715-5746, curryleafus.com
Destination India Restaurant and Bar 14 E. Broadway, Unit A, in Derry, 552-3469, dineatdestinationindia.com. A second location is at 320 Lafayette Road in Hampton.
Taj India 967 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-2677, tajindia.co
Kashmir Indian Cuisine 396 S. Broadway in Salem, 898-3455, kashmirindianfood.com
Kathmandu Spice 379 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 782-3911, ktmspice.com
Best Italian food
Best of the best: Villaggio Ristorante Italiano 677 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 627-2424, villaggionh.com
Lucciano’s Ristorante & Bar 4 Orchard View in Londonderry, 432-2442, luccianoscafe.com
Fratello’s Italian Grille 155 Dow St. in Manchester, 624-2022, fratellos.com. There is also a location at 799 Union Ave. in Laconia.
Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano 11 Depot St. in Concord, 228-3313, 044bc0e.netsolhost.com
Trattoria Amalfi 385 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-5773, tamalfi.com
Best Mexican food
Best of the best:La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill 865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182, vallartamexicannh.com
La Vaka Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack 837 Second St. in Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Smokehaus Barbecue 278 Route 101 in Amherst, 249-5734, smokehausbbq.com. There is also a location at 13 Main St. in Dublin.
Smokeshow Barbecue 231 S. Main St. in Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbbq.com
Goody Coles Smokehouse 374 Route 125 in Brentwood, 679-8898, goodycoles.com
603 Bar-B-Q 126 Hall St., Unit A, in Concord, 333-5387, bbqnh.com
Best bowls
Best of the best:Buba Noodle Bar 36 Lowell St. in Manchester, 935-7864, bubanoodle.com. There is also a location at 148 N. Main St. in Concord, 219-0064.
Troy’s Fresh Kitchen 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, in Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com. There is also a location at 11 Manchester Road, Unit 2, in Derry, 552-3959.
Poké Spot 655 S. Willow St. in Manchester, pokespotnh.com. There is also a location at 270 Amherst St. in Nashua.
Crazy Noodle 44 Nashua Road, Unit 6, in Londonderry, 965-4914, crazynoodlehouse.wordpress.com.
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.
Best breakfast
Best of the best: Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 DW Highway in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com. A location at 2028 Woodbury Ave. in Newington is slated to open in September, according to the website.
MaryAnn’s Diner 29 E. Broadway in Derry, 434-5785; 4 Cobbetts Pond Road in Windham, 965-3066; 3 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Salem, 893-9877; 1 Craftsman Lane in Amherst, 577-8955; maryannsdiner.com
Riverhouse Cafe 167 Union Square in Milford, 249-5556, damngoodgrub.com
Red Arrow Diner 61 Lowell St. in Manchester, 626-1118; 112 Loudon Road in Concord, 415-0444; 137 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 552-3091; 149 DW Highway in Nashua, 204-5088; redarrowdiner.com.
Best brunch
Best of the best: Tucker’s 95 S. River Road in Bedford, 413-6503; 80 South St. in Concord, 413-5884; 238 Indian Brook Road in Dover, 413-5470; 1328 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 206-5757; 360 DW Highway in Merrimack, 413-6477; 207 Main St. in New London, 413-5528; tuckersnh.com. A location at 2028 Woodbury Ave. in Newington is slated to open in September, according to the website.
The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com
The Friendly Toast 4 Main St. in Bedford, 836-6238, thefriendlytoast.com
Firefly Bistro & Bar 22 Concord St. in Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com
The Moka Pot at City Hall Pub 889 Elm St. in Manchester, 782-7881, find them on Facebook.
Best burgers
Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
BAD BRGR 1015 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8806, bad-brgr.com
The Barley House 132 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
River Road Tavern 193 S. River Road in Bedford, 206-5837, riverroadtavernbedford.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 South Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com
Restaurant or food shop that is a cheese lover’s paradise
Best of the best: Angela’s Pasta, Cheese & Wine 815 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com
Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com
Tuscan Market 9 Via Toscana in Salem, 912-5467, tuscanbrands.com/tuscan-markets
C’est Cheese 845 Lafayette Road in Hampton, 964-2272, cestcheesenh.com
Cheese Louise 76 Congress St. in Portsmouth, 427-8615, eatcheeselouise.com. Other New Hampshire locations include North Conway and Conway.
Best chicken tenders
Best of the best: Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 623-3182 for takeout.
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
Charlie’s of Goffstown 1 Pinard St. in Manchester,606-1835, charliesgoffstown.com
Vintage Pizza 241 Candia Road in Manchester, 518-7800, vintagepizzanh.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com
Best fish and chips
Best of the best: The Lobster Boat Restaurant 453 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-5221; 273 Derry Road in Litchfield, 882-4988; lobsterboatrestaurant.com
The Peddler’s Daughter Irish Restaurant & Pub 48 Main St. in Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com
Where the french fries are so good they can be the whole meal
Best of the best:Republic Brewing Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
The Town Cabin Pub & Restaurant 285 Candia Road in Candia, 483-4888, towncabin.com
Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.
River Road Tavern 193 S. River Road in Bedford, 206-5837, riverroadtavernbedford.com
Best mac & cheese
Best of the best:Mr. Mac’s 497 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com
The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
O Steaks & Seafood 11 S. Main St. in Concord, 856-7924, osteaksconcord.com
Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.
New England’s Tap House Grille 1292 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com
The Barley House 132 N. Main St. in Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com
Best pizza
Best of the best:Alley Cat Pizzeria 486 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com
900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria 50 Dow St. in Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com
Vintage Pizza 241 Candia Road in Manchester, 518-7800, vintagepizzanh.com
Constantly Pizza 39 S. Main St. in Concord, 224-9366, constantlypizza.net
The Pizza Man Bar & Grill 850 E. Industrial Park Drive, Suite 3, in Manchester, 623-5550; 254 W River Road in Hooksett, 626-7499; thepizzamandelivers.com
Where they make the best sandwiches
Best of the best: Pressed Cafe 216 S. River Road in Bedford, 606-2746, pressedcafe.com. Other New Hampshire locations include 108 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road in Nashua (drive-thru only), and 1 Artisan Drive in Salem, 458-5922.
The Bridge Cafe 1117 Elm St. in Manchester, 647-9991, thebridgecafe.net
Patz Deli & Catering Find them on Facebook, where they announced in a Feb. 26 post that they were closing their Elm Street location and moving to a bigger space. Follow them for details.
USA Subs 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550, usasubs.com
Best steaks
Best of the best: Buckley’s Great Steaks 438 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com
Hanover Street Chophouse 149 Hanover St. in Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com
The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100; 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; 39 Crystal Ave. in Derry, 434-3200; 77 Lowell Road in Hudson, 882-6677; 311 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-3444; 1182 Union Ave. in Laconia, 528-7800; t-bones.com
O Steaks & Seafood 11 S. Main St. in Concord, 856-7925, osteaksconcord.com
Best subs
Best of the best:Nadeau’s Subs 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315; 110 Cahill Ave., Manchester, 669-7827; 673 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 644-8888; 89 Fort Eddy Road in Concord, 606-4898; 49 Portsmouth Ave. in Exeter, 580-4445; nadeaussubs.com
USA Subs 66 Crystal Ave., Derry, 437-1550, usasubs.com
Bill Cahill’s Super Subs 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710, find them on Facebook
The Pizza Man Bar & Grill 850 E. Industrial Park Drive, Suite 3, in Manchester, 623-5550; 254 W River Road in Hooksett, 626-7499; thepizzamandelivers.com
Great American Subs 44 Nashua Road, Unit 3, Londonderry, 434-9900, greatamericansubsnh.com
Best tacos
Best of the best:La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Los Reyes Street Tacos & More 127 Rockingham Road, Unit 15, in Derry, 845-8327, losreyesstreettacos.com
La VaKa Mexican Restaurant 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 218-3994, lavakamex.com
California Burritos Mexican Grill 655 S. Willow St., Suite 103, in Manchester, 722-2084; 2 Cellu Drive in Amherst, 417-6151; 101 Factory St. in Nashua, 718-8745; 35 Lowell Road in Hudson, 402-2130; californiaburritosnh.com
Restaurant that can make you love your vegetables
Best of the best: Troy’s Fresh Kitchen 4 Orchard View Drive, No. 6, in Londonderry, 965-3411, troysfreshkitchen.com. There is also a location at 11 Manchester Road, Unit 2, in Derry, 552-3959.
The Green Beautiful 168 Wilson St. in Manchester, 606-1026, greenbeautifulcafe.com
Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro & Bar 35 Portwalk Place in Portsmouth, 427-8344, greenelephantnh.com
The Sleazy Vegan at Pembroke City Limits, 134 Main St. in Pembroke, thesleazyvegan.com. The Sleazy Vegan also operates a food truck.
Greenleaf 54 Nashua St. in Milford, 213-5447, greenleafmilford.com
SWEET TREATS
Best candy or chocolate shop
Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe 13 Warren St. in Concord, 225-2591; 832 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3885; granitestatecandyshoppe.co
Van Otis Chocolates 341 Elm St. in Manchester, 627-1611; 15 S. Main St. in Wolfeboro, 515-1045, vanotis.com
Dancing Lion Chocolate 917 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-4043, dancinglion.us
Loon Chocolate Center Entrance, 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com
Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery 53 Washington St., Suite 100, in Dover, lickeesnchewys.com
Nelson’s Candy and Music 65 Main St. in Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com
Pearls Candy & Nuts 58 Range Road in Wilton, pearlscandy.com
Best cookies
Best of the best: Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com; also a location at 580 Lafayette Road in Hampton, 601-6878
Lighthouse Local 21 Kilton Road in Bedford, 716-6983, lighthouse-local.com
Black Forest Cafe & Bakery 212 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-0500, theblackforestnh.com
Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe 436 DW Highway in Merrimack, 262-5929; 9 Market Place in Hollis, 465-5522; buckleysbakerycafe.com
Social Club Creamery 138 N. Main St. in Concord, 333-2111; 51 Elm St., Unit 105, in Laconia, 619-5098; socialclubcreamery.com
Best locally made doughnuts
Best of the best: New Hampshire Doughnut Co. 410 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-8968; 2 Capital Plaza in Concord, 715-5097; nhdoughnutco.com
Klemm’s Bakery 29 Indian Rock Road in Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com
The Bakeshop On Kelley Street 171 Kelley St. in Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com
What the Fluff! Donuts 87 Amherst in Manchester, find them on Facebook
Brothers Donuts & Deli Shop 426 Central St. in Franklin, 934-6678, facebook.com/brothersdonuts
Best ice cream
Best of the best:Moo’s Place Homemade Ice Cream 27 Crystal Avenue in Derry, 425-0100; 15 Ermer Road in Salem, 898-0199, moosplace.com
Puritan 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 623-3182, puritanbackroom.com
Hayward’s Ice Cream 7 DW Highway in Nashua, 888-4663; 364 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-5915; haywardsicecream.com
The Inside Scoop 260 Wallace Road in Bedford, 471-7009, theinsidescoopnh.com
Goldenrod Restaurant 1681 Candia Road in Manchester, 623-9469, goldenrodrestaurant.com
FOOD SHOPPING
Best bakery
Best of the best:Bearded Baking Co. 819 Union St. in Manchester, 647-7150, beardedbaking.com; also a location at 580 Lafayette Road in Hampton, 601-6878
Klemm’s Bakery 29 Indian Rock Road in Windham, 437-8810, klemmsbakery.com
The Bakeshop On Kelley Street 171 Kelley St. in Manchester, 624-3500, thebakeshoponkelleystreet.com
Dishon Bakery 915 Elm St. in Manchester, 600-1773, dishonbakery.com
Crosby Bakery 51 E. Pearl St. in Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com
Best butcher or cheese shop
Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Mr Steer Meats & More Route 102 (enter via Buttrick Road) Londonderry, 434-1444, mrsteermeats.com
Angela’s Pasta, Cheese & Wine 815 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com
Wicked Good Butchah 209 Route 101 in Bedford, 488-1832, wickedgoodbutchah.com
Brother’s Butcher 8 Spit Brook Road in Nashua, 809-4180; 142 Lowell Road in Hudson, 577-1130; brothers-butcher.com
Best specialty food shop
Best of the best: Angela’s Pasta, Cheese & Wine 815 Chestnut St. in Manchester, 625-9544, angelaspastaandcheese.com
Loon Chocolate Center Entrance, 195 McGregor St., No. 121, in Manchester, 932-8887, loonchocolate.com
Saigon Asian Market 476 Union St. in Manchester, 935-9597
Tuscan Market 9 Via Toscana in Salem, 912-5467, tuscanbrands.com/tuscan-markets
Concord Food Co-Op 24 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-6840, concordfoodcoop.coop
Dishon Bakery 915 Elm St. in Manchester, 600-1773, dishonbakery.com
DRINKS
Best beer selection at a retail shop
Best of the best: Bert’s Better Beers 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 413-5992, bertsnh.com
The Packie 581 Second St. in Manchester, 232-1236, thepackienh.com
East Derry General Store 50 E. Derry Road in Derry, 432-5302, eastderrygeneralstore.com
The Beer Store 433 Amherst St. in Nashua, 889-2242, thebeerstorenh.com. There is also a location in Salem.
The Packie 88 W. River Road in Hooksett, 518-8069, thepackienh.com
Best NH brewery
Best of the best: 603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com
To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, tosharebrewing.com
Republic Brewing Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com
Spyglass Brewing Co. 306 Innovative Way in Nashua, spyglassbrewing.com, 546-2965
Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
Best NH winery
Best of the best: LaBelle Winery 345 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-9898; 14 Route 111 in Derry, 672-9898; labellewinery.com
Zorvino Vineyards 226 Main St. in Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com
Flag Hill Distillery & Winery 297 N. River Road in Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com
Fulchino Vineyard 187 Pine Hill Road in Hollis, 438-5984, fulchinovineyard.com
Appolo Vineyards 49 Lawrence Road in Derry, 421-4675, appolovineyards.com
Best cocktail
Best of the best: C.R.E.A.M. at Industry East 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com. This drink is made with Mi Campo tequila, ancho verde, cucumber, lemon and jalapeño.
Mudslide at Puritan Backroom Restaurant 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant. This drink is made with Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua coffee liqueur and vodka and is offered in flavor variations.
Blood Orange Cosmo at Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com. This drink is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, blood orange liqueur, cranberry juice and fresh squeezed lime.
Religion and Politics at Stashbox 866 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8109, stashboxnh.com. This drink is made with gin or mezcal, lemon, orange, carrot, honey and ancho.
Angel Dust at Industry East 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com. This drink is made with Reposado tequila, hibiscus, guava, ancho, black pepper and citrus.
Best margaritas
Best of the best: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com.
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill 865 Second St. in Manchester, 935-9182, vallartamexicannh.com
Amigos Mexican Cantina 20 South St. in Milford, amigosmilford.com
Where they make a great bloody mary
Best of the best: Firefly Bistro & Bar 22 Concord St. in Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com
The Friendly Toast 4 Main St. in Bedford, 836-6238, thefriendlytoast.com
New England’s Tap House Grille 1292 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com
The Village Trestle 25 Main St. in Goffstown, 497-823, villagetrestle.com
The Foundry Restaurant 50 Commercial St. in Manchester, 836-1925, foundrynh.com
Bistro 603 345 Amherst St. in Nashua, 722-6362, bistro603nashua.com
Restaurant with the most innovative cocktails
Best of the best: Industry East 28 Hanover St. in Manchester, 232-6940, industryeastbar.com.
Stashbox 866 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8109, stashboxnh.com
815 Cocktails & Provisions 815 Elm St. in Manchester, 782-8086, 815nh.com
Copper Door 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoor.com
The Birch on Elm 968 Elm St. in Manchester, 826-1958, birchonelm.com
Where they make your coffee perfect every time
Best of the best:Flight Coffee Co. 209 Route 101 in Bedford, 836-6228, flightcoffeeco.com. There is also a Goffstown location.
Hometown Coffee Roasters 80 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 703-2321, hometownroasters.com
O’Shea’s Caife & Tae 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 540-2971, osheasnh.com. There is also an Amherst location.
The Moka Pot at City Hall Pub 889 Elm St. in Manchester, 782-7881, find them on Facebook.
Revelstoke Coffee 100 N. Main St. in Concord, revelstokecoffee.com
NIGHTLIFE
Best happy hour hangout
Best of the best:The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 404 S. Main St. in Concord, 715-1999; t-bones.com
To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com
603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com
Best restaurant, brewery or bar for live music
Best of the best:The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, tosharebrewing.com
The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com
Strange Brew Tavern 88 Market St. in Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net
The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
Best live music venue
Best of the best: Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com
BankNH Pavilion 72 Meadowbrook Lane in Gilford, 293-4700, banknhpavilion.com
Capitol Center for the Arts 44 S. Main St. in Concord, 225- 1111, ccanh.com
The BNH Stage 16 S. Main St. in Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com
Nashua Center for the Arts 201 Main St. in Nashua, 800-657-8774, nashuacenterforthearts.com
Rex Theatre 23 Amherst St. in Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org
Pembroke City Limits 134 Main St. in Pembroke, 210-2409, pembrokecitylimits.com
The Flying Monkey 39 S. Main St. in Plymouth, 536-2551, flyingmonkeynh.com
Best bar with an outdoor deck
Best of the best: The Derryfield Restaurant 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
Backyard Brewery and Kitchen 1211 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
Bernie’s Beach Bar 73 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, 926-5050, berniesnh.com
603 Brewery & Beer Hall 42 Main St. in Londonderry, 404-6123, 603brewery.com
Best pub or bar
Best of the best:The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com
The Wild Rover 21 Kosciuszko St. in Manchester, 669-7722, find them on Facebook
To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, tosharebrewing.com
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
Best spot for a cheap date
Best of the best: The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
To Share Brewing Co. 720 Union St. in Manchester, 836-6947, tosharebrewing.com
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant 909 Elm St. in Manchester, 625-0246, shaskeenirishpub.com
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant 139 DW Highway in Nashua, 891-0055; 1875 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 623-7705; 545 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 628-6899; 44 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 965-3477; 35 Manchester Road, Suite 5A, in Derry, 421-0091; 172 Hanover St. in Portsmouth, 427-8319; lacarretamex.com.
Best spot for a group outing
Best of the best: Tupelo Music Hall 10 A St. in Derry, 437-5100, tupelomusichall.com
The Barnyard Venue 285 Old Candia Road in Candia, 483-4888, candiabarnyardvenue.com
Boards and Brews 941 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-5184, boardsandbrewsnh.com
Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com
Republic Brewery Co. 72 Old Granite St. in Manchester, 836-3188, republicbrewingcompany.com
The Stumble Inn Bar & Grill 20 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 432-3210, stumbleinnnh.com
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com
Best late night eats
Best of the best:Red Arrow Diner 61 Lowell St. in Manchester, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com.
Red Arrow Diner 112 Loudon Road in Concord, 415-0444, redarrowdiner.com.
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
KS Kitchen 1105 Elm St. in Manchester, 512-5577, kskitchennh.com
The Gyro Spot 1073 Elm St. in Manchester, 218-3869, thegyrospot.com
HAPPENINGS
Best food festival
Best of the best: Taco Tour Manchester This event takes place in May — Thursday, May 8, this year — and features restaurants selling tacos at locations in downtown Manchester from 4 to 8 p.m. for $3 each. See tacotourmanchester.com.
Glendi This annual celebration of Greek food and culture at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral (650 Hanover St. in Manchester; stgeorgenh.org) is slated to take place this year Friday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Send summer offer in style with the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, a celebration of New England foods of all kinds with, of course, the spotlight on seafood. This year’s event will be held Sept. 5 through Sept. 7. See seafoodfestivalnh.com.
New Hampshire PoutineFest This celebration of poutine in all its forms was held in October 2024 at the Budweiser Brewery in Merrimack. Check back with poutinefest.com for details on this year’s event (tickets sell out fast a few months before the event).
Milford Pumpkin Festival This annual celebration of fall and pumpkins takes place at locations in downtown Milford including in the oval in October. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
Best farmers market
Best of the best:Concord Farmers Market The Capitol City’s outdoor summer farmers market will run on Capitol Street, next to the Statehouse, Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to noon, May 3 through Oct. 25. See concordfarmersmarket.com.
Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market Derry’s farmers market is held at 1 West Broadway on Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., June 4 through Sept. 24. See derryhomegrown.org.
Candia Farmers Market Candia’s market takes place on the third Saturday of the month, June through October, 9 a.m. to noon, at 55 High St. in Candia. The July 19 market will include an artisan fair as will the Oct. 18 market, which will also include a mini Octoberfest. See candiafarmersmarket.org.
Bedford Farmers Market The Bedford market takes place in the parking lot of Murphy’s Taproom, 393 Route 101 in Bedford, and will run Tuesdays, from 3 to 6 p.m., May through October. See bedfordnhfarmersmarket.org.
Contoocook Farmers Market The market takes place Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, at Maple Street School during the winter (October through May) and at the Riverway Park gazebo during the summer (June through September), according to the market’s Facebook page.
Best community event
Best of the best: Market Days Festival in downtown Concord This event featuring music, food, vendors, family activities and more takes place this year June 26 through June 28. See marketdaysfestival.com.
Milford Pumpkin Festival This annual celebration of fall and pumpkins takes place at locations in downtown Milford including in the oval in October. See milfordpumpkinfestival.org.
The Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off & Regatta This event takes place each October in downtown Goffstown and includes a race of carved-pumpkin boats on the river. This year’s event is Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. See goffstownmainstreet.org/pumpkin-regatta.
Pizzastock A production of The Jason R. Flood Memorial, Pizzastock has a tagline of “Healing Through Music, Connecting With Community” and its events have been both a celebration of local music and outreach for mental health and suicide prevention. Recently the “Pizzastock — 4 Bands, 4 Generations, 4 Mental Health” show took place at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry. Check with pizzastock.org for upcoming events.
Taco Tour Manchester This event takes place in May — Thursday, May 8, this year — and features restaurants selling tacos at locations in downtown Manchester from 4 to 8 p.m. for $3 each. See tacotourmanchester.com.
KIDS & FAMILY
Best place to take your kids
Best of the best: Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com
Fun City 553 Mast Road in Goffstown, 606-8807, funcitygoffstown.com
Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com
Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com
Best historic or cultural attraction for an all-ages family crowd
Best of the best:Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
Strawbery Banke Museum 4 Hancock St. in Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org
Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org.
Millyard Museum 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum-2.
SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, see-sciencecenter.org.
Best outdoor spot to let kids get out their energy
Best of the best:Benson Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark
Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, manchesternh.gov, 624-6444
Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820. The museum’s parking lot and outdoor area allow views of takeoffs and arrivals at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
White Park 1 White St. in Concord, concordnh.gov, 225-8690
Hampton Beach in Hampton, hamptonbeach.org
Best playground
Best of the best:Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, manchesternh.gov, 624-6444
White Park 1 White St. in Concord, concordnh.gov, 225-8690
Benson Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark
Don Ball Park 14 Humphrey Road in Derry, 432-3136, derrynh.org
Griffin Park 111 Range Road in Windham, windham.recdesk.com
Best spot for all-ages family fun
Best of the best:Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
Canobie Lake Park 85 N. Policy St. in Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com
Fun Spot 579 Endicott St. North in Laconia, funspotnh.com, 366-4377
Mel’s Funway Park 454 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-2292, melsfunwaypark.com
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com
Best restaurant for the whole family
Best of the best:Puritan Backroom 245 Hooksett Road in Manchester, puritanbackroom.com, 669-6890 for the restaurant.
Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 25 S. River Road in Bedford, 641-6100, t-bones.com
T-Bones Great American Eatery 39 Crystal Avenue in Derry, 434-3200, t-bones.com
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com
Best summer day camp for kids
Best of the best: “Flights of Discovery” camp at Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org, 669-4820
Hooksett’s Best After School and Summer Camp 1271 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 851-3783, hooksettsbest.com
Dimensions in Dance 84 Myrtle St. in Manchester, 668-4196, dimensionsindance.com
Executive Health and Sports Center 1 Highlander Way in Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com
PETS
Best doggie day care
Best of the best:Pawquet’s Play & Stay 302 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 216-1147, pawquetsplaystay.com
All Dogs Gym & Inn 505 Sheffield Road in Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com
American K9 Country 336 Route 101 in Amherst, 672-8448, americank9country.com
The Barking Dog 208 Londonderry Turnpike in Hooksett, 833-370-1124, thebarkingdog.com/locations/hooksett
Superdogs Daycare 637 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-1515, superdogsdaycare.com
Best dog groomers
Best of the best:Sarah’s Paw Spa 16 Manning St. in Derry, 512-4539, sarahspawspa.com
Pawquet’s Play & Stay 302 Rockingham Road in Londonderry, 216-1147, pawquetsplaystay.com
Pawtopia Pet Grooming Salon & Boutique 244 Sheep Davis Road in Concord, 227-6140, find them on Facebook
Poochie’s Dog Grooming 123 Nashua Road in Londonderry, 229-9804, poochiesspa.com
Honey Dog Salon 9 Triangle Lane in Manchester, 674-9718, salonhoneydog.com
All Dogs Gym & Inn 505 Sheffield Road in Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com
Best pet retail shop
Best of the best:Woofmeow Family Pet Center 19A Manchester Road in Derry, 965-3218, woofmeownh.com. Woofmeow also has a location in Dover.
Sandy’s Pet Food Center 141 Old Turnpike Road in Concord, 225-1177, sandyspetfood.com
The Wholistic Pet 341 Route 101 in Bedford, 472-2273, thewholisticpet.com
Pets Choice 454 DW Highway in Merrimack, 424-7297,petschoicenh.com
Cat’s Kingdom 679 Mast Road in Manchester, 935-8321, catskingdomonline.com
Food for Pets 468 S. Main St. in Manchester, 647-4700, and 76 Route 101A in Amherst, 673-7387, foodforpetsnh.com.
Best place to let your dog off leash
Best of the best: Hudson Dog Park inside Benson Park 19 Kimball Hill Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov
Derry Dog Park Fordway and Transfer Lane in Derry, 432-6136, derrynh.org
Hooksett Dog Park 101 Merrimack St., Hooksett, 485-8471, hooksett.org. This park is open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk
Nashua Dog Park One Groton Road (Route 111A) in Nashua, nashuadog.org
Best on-leash dog outing
Best of the best: Benson Park 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark According to the website: “Benson Park is a 166-acre, passive recreational spot open to the general public and is the pride of the local residents.” Leashed dogs welcome.
Livingston Park 244 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov/parks According to the website: “Livingston Park spans 131 acres in Manchester’s north end. This community park serves as home to athletic leagues, hosts large events, and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The park includes Dorrs Pond, which is open for fishing and ice skating (weather permitting).”
Lake Massabesic Trail a 3.7-mile loop with parking in the Massabesic Center parking lot (though dogs are not allowed on any Audubon trails), according to alltrails.com
Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, nashuanh.gov, 589-3370 According to the website: “The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands, and open fields and is bordered on the North by the Nashua River and the south by the Mill Pond canal system.”
Joppa Hill Farm Hiking Trails in Bedford and Amherst. Find a trail map online at plcnh.org, under “our properties.”
OUTDOORS
Best farm for pick-your-own
Best of the best: Sunnycrest Farm 59 High Range Road in Londonderry, 432-9652, sunnycrestfarmnh.com
Mack’s Apples 230 Mammoth Road in Londonderry, 432-3456, macksapples.com
Brookdale Fruit Farm 41 Broad St. in Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com
Lull Farm 65 Broad St. in Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com
Carter Hill Orchard 73 Carter Hill Road in Concord, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com
McQuesten Farm 330 Charles Bancroft Highway in Litchfield, 424-9268, find them on Facebook
Best garden center
Best of the best: Demers Garden Center 656 S. Mammoth Road in Manchester, 625-8298
Lake Street Garden Center 37 Lake St. in Salem, 893-5858, lakestreet.com
Shady Hill Greenhouses 1 Adams Road in Londonderry, 434-2063, shadyhillgreenhouses.com
The House by the Side of the Road 370 Gibbons Highway in Wilton, 654-9888, housebyshop.com
Black Forest Nursery 209 King St. in Boscawen, 796-2756, blackforestnursery.com
Wentworth Greenhouses 141 Rollins Road in Rollinsford, 743-4919, wentworthgreenhouses.com
Best city park
Best of the best:Livingston Park 156 Hooksett Road in Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov
White Park 1 White St. in Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov
Greeley Park Concord Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Benson Park 19 Kimball Hall Road in Hudson, 886-6000, hudsonnh.gov/bensonpark
Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Best state park
Best of the best:Bear Brook State Park 61 Deerfield Road in Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org
Pawtuckaway State Park 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org
Hampton Beach 160 Ocean Blvd. in Hampton, 227-8722, nhstateparks.org
Franconia Notch State Park 260 Tramway Drive in Franconia, 823-8800, nhstateparks.org
Odiorne Point 570 Ocean Blvd. in Rye, 436-7406, nhstateparks.org
Best bike trail or spot for a bike ride
Best of the best: Goffstown Rail Trail Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org, 5.5 miles of trail
Windham Rail Trail windhamrailtrail.org, 4.1 miles of trail
Londonderry Rail Trail londonderrytrails.org, 4.5 miles of trail
Derry Rail Trail traillink.org, 3.6 miles of paved trail
Mine Falls Park Whipple Street in Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov
Best bike shop
Best of the best: Goodale’s Bike Shop 14B Broad St. in Nashua, 882-2111, trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/goodalesnashua
S&W Sports 296 S. Main St. in Concord, 228-1441, swsports.net
Bike Barn 720 Union St. in Manchester, 668-6555, bikebarnusa.com
Cycles Etc. 288 N. Broadway in Salem, 890-3212; 450 Second St. in Manchester, 669-7993; cyclesetc.com
Buchika’s Bike 166 DW Highway in Nashua, 324-1620; Buchika’s Ski & Bike, 340 S. Broadway in Salem, 893-5534; buchika.com
Best hike in southern New Hampshire
Best of the best: Mount Monadnock 169 Poole Road in Jaffrey, 532-8862, nhstateparks.org
Mt. Major in Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike
Andres Institute of Art 106 Route 13 in Brookline, 732-0216, andresinstitute.org
Pawtuckaway State Park 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org
Pulpit Rock Conservation Area New Boston Road in Bedford, plcnh.org/pulpit-rock-trails
Best trail or park for a winter hike
Best of the best:Lonesome Lake Trail in Franconia Notch State Park in Franconia, 823-8800, nhstateparks.org
Massabesic Lake area Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail 27.3 miles of trail from Auburn to Manchester, nhstateparks.org
Pulpit Rock Conservation Area New Boston Road in Bedford, plcnh.org/pulpit-rock-trails
Beaver Brook 117 Ridge Road in Hollis, 465-7787, beaverbrook.org
Goffstown Rail Trail Goffstown, goffstownrailtrail.org, 5.5 miles of trail
Best ski hill
Best of the best: Pats Peak Ski Area 686 Flanders Road in Henniker, 428-3245, patspeak.com
Best of the best:Candia Woods Golf Links 313 South Road in Candia, 483-2307, candiaoaks.com/candia-woods-course
Derryfield Country Club 625 Mammoth Road in Manchester, 669-0235, derryfieldgolf.com
Stonebridge Country Club 161 Gorham Pond Road in Goffstown, 497-8633, golfstonebridgecc.com
Beaver Meadow Golf Club 1 Beaver Meadow Drive in Concord, 228-8954, bmgc.golf
Hidden Creek 17 Morgan Road in Litchfield, 262-9272, hiddencreeknh.com
Pembroke Pines Country Club 45A Whittemore Road in Pembroke, 210-1365, pembrokepinescc.com
PERSONALITIES
Most inventive chef
Best of the best:Chris Viaud at Greenleaf 54 Nashua St. in Milford, 213-5447, greenleafmilford.com
Corey Fletcher at Revival Kitchen & Bar 11 Depot St. in Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Bobby Marcotte at The Tuckaway Tavern and Butchery 58 Route 27 in Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Jeff Martin at Stash Box 866 Elm St. in Manchester, 606-8109, stashboxnh.com
Rick Korn at Rick’s Food & Spirits 143 Main St. in Kingston, 347-5287, rickskingston.com
Restaurant with the friendliest staff
Best of the best: Nuevo Vallarta Mexican Restaurant 791 Second St. in Manchester, 782-8762, vallartamexicannh.com
Stash Box 866 Elm St. in Manchester, stashboxnh.com, 606-8109.
The Hop Knot 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com
Second Brook Bar & Grill 1100 Hooksett Road in Hooksett, 935-7456, secondbrook.com
The Nest Family Cafe 25 Orchard View Drive, Unit 1, in Londonderry, 552-3828, thenestfamilycafe.com
Butt-kicking-est fitness instructor
Best of the best: Brianna Benoit at Brie B Fit 11 Rockingham Road, Suite 201, inWindham, briebfit.com
Laura Collins at The Collective Studios Apple Tree Shopping Center, 4 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 216-2345; 125 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-3321; thecollective-studios.com
Leah Larner at The Collective Studios Apple Tree Shopping Center, 4 Orchard View Drive in Londonderry, 216-2345; 125 S. River Road in Bedford, 782-3321; thecollective-studios.com
Julie Lepage of JL Fitness, a personal trainer and coach, who trains at Impact-X Performance 150 Nashua St. in Londonderry, 247-9334, impactxperformance.com. Find her at facebook.com/JLepageFit/.
Biliana Mihaylova at 2 Home Fitness 2 Home Ave. in Concord, 219-7224, 2homefitness.com.
Best barber
Best of the best: Mackenzie Maguire atBlack Clover Barber Co. 604 DW Highway in Merrimack, 809-0457, blackcloverbarberco.com
Melanie Rose atFaded Armor Barber Co. 2075 S. Willow St. in Manchester, 854-8990, fadedarmorbarberco.com
Kym Lozada at Get Faded Barber Shop 282 W. Hancock St. in Manchester, 628-2867, getfadedbarbershop.co
Jake Birch at Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 178 Route 101 in Bedford, 233-7991, thepolishedman.com
Benny D’Ambrosio at Polished Man Barbershop & Lounge 707 Milford Road, No. 3A, in Merrimack, 718-8427, thepolishedman.com
Best hair stylist
Best of the best: Katie Terrio atBABE The Studio 79 S. River Road in Bedford, babethestudio.glossgenius.com
Amy Rigo at The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com
Jake Doble at Blank Canvas Salon 1F Commons Drive in Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com
Chandell Cater at The Loft Hair Studio 106½ S. State St. in Concord, 784-5061, thelofthairstudionh.com
Meagan Daley at The HairHaus Salon 6 Mohawk Drive inLondonderry, 234-1799, find them on Facebook or Instagram.
2 Having a variety of things to do — “Making you appreciate the outdoors and locally created art and food and wonderful handmade everything by super friendly and talented people”
3 Being free — “Being Income Tax FREE!!”
4 Being a great place to live — “Being a kick ass community”
5 “Everything” — “Everything, we’re perfect”
Friendliest dentist
Best of the best: Danielle London of London Family Orthodontics 502 Riverway Place in Bedford, 622-2100, londonfamilyorthodontics.com
Dr. Elizabeth Spindel and Dr. Victoria Spindel Rubinat Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry 862 Union St. in Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com
Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos at the Office of Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos, D.M.D. 103 Riverway Place in Bedford, 669-4384, drnickdmd.com
Dr. Shannon Arndt at Arndt Dental 280 Pleasant St., Suite 4, 228-4456, arndtdental.com
Dr. Andrew Albee at Suncook Dental 119 Pembroke St. in Suncook, 485-CARE (2273), suncookdental.com
Friendliest mechanic
Best of the best:Robert Brien at German Autowerks 263 S. Main St. in Concord, 228-2834, germanautonh.com
Dan Weed at Weed Family Automotive 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com
Jeff Fluet at Romie’s Auto Repair 71 W. Hollis St. in Nashua, 883-8458, romiesautorepair.com
Mike Alton at Pro-Image Automotive 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 644-8480, proimageautomotive.com
Bill Morin at Morin’s Service Station 1091 Valley St., Manchester, 624-4427, morinsservicestation.com
Best local musical act
Best of the best:Nostalgia Lane nostalgialaneband.com The band bills itself as playing the top 100 hits of the 1990s and 2000s, including rock, pop, reggae and dance music. Catch them Saturday, April 19, at Wally’s in Hampton and Friday, May 30, at The Goat in Manchester.
Justin Jordan Find him on Facebook @justinjordanmusic. Jordan, a Manchester-based singer, bassist and acoustic guitarist, is known for his country and rock stylings. He performs solo as Justin Jordan Music, in the duo 21st and 1st, and in his band Small Town Stranded. See him on Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the Copper Door in Bedford and Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. at the craft fair in the Hampshire Dome in Milford.
Recycled Percussion recycledpercussion.com. The Laconia-based band placed third on Season 4 of America’s Got Talent, the highest for a non-vocalist group. Catch them at a variety of venues including their own CAKE Theatre in Laconia.
Small Town Stranded Find them on Facebook. Catch them Saturday, May 3, at 8:30 p.m. at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester and Saturday, June 21, at 8 p.m. at Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton Beach.
Nicole Knox Murphy nkmsings4u.com. See her Friday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Auburn Pitts in Auburn and on Saturday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. Pizza Man in Manchester.
Best local comedian
Best of the best: Bob Marley Bob Marley lives in Maine and regularly performs in New Hampshire. See him at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on Friday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 17, at 5:30 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. See bmarley.com.
Juston McKinney McKinney lives in New Hampshire, according to justonmckinney.com, where you can find his schedule. See him on Saturday, May 24, at 8 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia.
Matt Barry See mattbarrycomedy.com and find him on Instagram. Upcoming shows include Headliners Comedy Club in Manchester on Saturday, April 12, and Saturday, April 26, at Chunky’s in Manchester.
Jimmy Dunn See jimmydunn.com for upcoming shows and follow him on Facebook
Joe Nahme Find him on Facebook for upcoming shows. Catch him at Shaskeen in Manchester on Wednesday, April 16.
Best locally performing DJ
Best of the best: DJ Mike Benoit A DJ with Main Event DJ, amainevent.com/mike-benoit. Catch him at Bonfire Restaurant, 950 Elm St. in Manchester, 217-5600, bonfiremanch.com, on Friday, April 11, 9 p.m. Find him on Instagram.
Dan Pelletier A DJ with Main Event DJ, amainevent.com/mike-benoit. Find him on Facebook.
Chad Ardizzoni A DJ with Get Down Tonight Entertainment, getdowntonight.com. Find him on Facebook and Instagram.
DJ Keith at East Side Club, 750 Massabesic St. in Manchester. Find the club on Facebook. DJ Keith emcees the karaoke nights at East Side Club on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
DJ Swaydai regularly emcees karaoke nights at The Hop Knot, 1000 Elm St. in Manchester, 232-3731, hopknotnh.com.
Rick Lee A DJ with Main Event DJ, amainevent.com/rick-lee.
Nazzy of Nazzy Entertainment, nazzydjs.com. Catch Nazzy at the FIT Walk Against Hunger in Veterans Memorial Park in Manchester on Sunday, May 18; at the Concord Pride 5K at the Statehouse in Concord, and at the Market Days kickoff event in downtown Concord on Friday, June 27.
Best NH-based (or northern New England-based) visual artist
Best of the best:Karen Jerzyk Photo karenjerzykphoto.zenfolio.com.
Alma Lyons is a freelance illustrator (with work that includes fantasy/sci-fi and self expressive pieces). Find Lyons’ work on Instagram at @almahowell_ .
Jon Brooks a New Boston sculptor, jonbrooks.org.
Emily Parsons a poet and visual artist (mostly paintings) who performs at events including at Hop Knot in Manchester, where she performs at a weekly open mic. Find her on Instagram at @poetsolaire.
LIVING HERE
Coolest historic site or monument you can visit for free
Best of the best: NH Statehouse 107 N. Main St. in Concord, 271-2154, gc.nh.gov/nh_visitorcenter. Stop by between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. on weekdays to see if a docent is available for a guided tour or take a self-guided tour.
Stark Park North River Road in Manchester, starkpark.com. According to the city’s website, “The western lower 15 acres of Stark Park consists of the ‘Walk in the Woods’ trail network for walking (with or without your dog), jogging, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing, and mountain bike riding. Along the trail, stop to enjoy “Molly Stark’s Wildwoods,” an outdoor nature playspace for children behind the Stark Farm Community Garden that includes the artistic work of Tom LeComte from Laurel Hill Studio.” During the summers Stark Park has hosted a “Summer Concert Series” on Sunday afternoons.
Mount Washington The Sargent’s Purchase-located 6,288.2-foot mountain is the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S., according to Wikipedia. The Sherman Adams Summit Building is at the top of Mount Washington and includes a gift shop, water refilling station, shelter for hikers, Mount Washington Observatory Museum and more, which open for the season in May, according to nhstateparks.org. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is a private road; find information on tours and other experiences at mt-washington.com.
The Old Man of the Mountain Exit 34B from Interstate 93 in Franconia Notch. The rock formation on Cannon Mountain fell in 2003 but in Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza a series of steel profiler rods recreate the look of the profile, according to oldmannh.org.
Hannah Duston Memorial Site 298 US Route 4 in Boscawen. The “Hannah Duston Memorial was erected in 1874 and is the first publicly funded statue in New Hampshire … the statue commemorates the escape of Hannah Duston, who was captured in 1697 in Haverhill, Mass., during the French and Indian War,” according to nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/hannah-duston-memorial-historic-site.
Best local museum
Best of the best: Currier Museum of Art 150 Ash St. in Manchester, currier.org. The Currier’s permanent collection contains more than 15,000 items as well as exhibitions, which currently include “Ann Agee: Madonna of the Girl Child” (on display through June 5) and “Nicolas Party and Surrealism: An Artist’s Take on the Movement” (April 10 through Sept. 1), according to the website.The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $20 for regular admission; $15 for 65+ and students; $5 for ages 13 to 17, and free for children 12 and under. On the second Saturdays of each month New Hampshire residents are admitted free.
Aviation Museum of New Hampshire 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, aviationmuseumofnh.org. The museum is operated by the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society and “aims to preserve and popularize the region’s rich aviation heritage,” according to the website. Located near the airport, the museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.
Millyard Museum 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, manchesterhistoric.org/millyard-museum-2. Run by the Manchester Historic Association, the museum “tells the story of Manchester from its earliest inhabitants to the present day” including a look at Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. and a gallery of rotating exhibitions (such as “All Bottled Up! The History of Bottling in Manchester,” which opens on April 16). The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for 65+ and college students and $5 for ages 12 to 18, and is free for children under 12.
SEE Science Center 200 Bedford St. in Manchester, see-sciencecenter.org. Billed as “hands-on science fun for everyone to enjoy,” SEE features a variety of exhibits with interactive elements such as “Sun, Earth, Universe,” “Physics Fun,” “Dinosaurs” and more as well as a Lego recreation of the Manchester Millyard circa 1900, according to the website. Through May 25, the museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (open seven days a week in the summer). Admission costs $14 per person ages 3 and up.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire 6 Washington St. in Dover, childrens-museum.org. The museum “offers two floors of … hands-on exhibits where you can explore nature, STEM, pretend play, art, world cultures, and more for ages 0 to 10,” according to the website. The museum offers play sessions Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. to noon. Admission costs $14.50 for everyone over 12 months old and $12.50 for ages 65+, and is free for children under 12 months.
Thing we forgot to ask about
Best Dance Studio: Dimensions in Dance 84 Myrtle St. in Manchester; dimensionsindance.com, 668-4196. The studio offers camps and classes for the youngest dancers (“Twos in Tutus”) through adult. Dimensions is also the home of Ballet Misha (balletmisha.com), a dance company that presents productions such as the recent Cinderella at the Concord City Auditorium.
Best consignment store: Chic Boutique Consignment 126 S. River Road in Bedford, chicboutiqueconsignments.com; 935-7295. The boutique focuses on luxury brand items, such as the Christian Louboutin pumps, Marc Jacobs micro leather tote and Lilly Pulitzer dresses listed recently. Chic Boutique also has stores in Portsmouth and in Bridgewater, Mass.
Best New Hampshire Jams and Jellies: Laurel Hill Jams and Jellies (laurelhilljams.com) offers a wide variety of flavors: fruit (such as Wicked Good Blueberry Jam), tea (Earl Grey, chamomile) and cocktails (banana rum jam, margarita jelly). See the website for all the offerings. A showroom for the company is located at 195 McGregor St. in Manchester and is open Mondays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Today is Record Store Day! You can score special releases including some that will only be sold at indie record stores. See recordstoreday.com for updates on this year’s titles. According to that website, local participating stores include Metro City Records, 691 Somerville St. in Manchester (which will be open special hours, 9 a.m .to 2 p.m.) and Pitchfork Records, 2 S. Main St. in Concord (opening at 8 a.m. on Record Store Day) as well as Music Connection in Manchester; Toadstool in Peterborough; Bull Moose in Plaistow and Portsmouth; area Newbury Comics and more. See recordstoreday.com.
Thursday, April 10
Described as a “unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion,” Dallas Brass performs at Stockbridge Theatre in Derry tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30. See stockbridgetheatre.showare.com.
Thursday, April 10
The Merrimack Valley/Purple Finch Flute Choir performs tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Nashua Public Library (2 Court St., Nashua, 589-4600, nashualibrary.org). This concert is free and open to the public.
Friday, April 11
The teens of Ovation Theatre Company (ovationtc.com) present Monty Python’s Spamalot School Edition this evening at 7 p.m. and tomorrow, Saturday, April 12, at 1 and 7 p.m. at the Derry Opera House (29 W. Broadway in Dery). See derryoperahouse.org for tickets.
Friday, April 11
Comedy star Paula Poundstone performs at the Chubb Theatre (Chubb Theatre at CCA, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $23.
Saturday, April 12
The Stonyfield Organic Earth Day 5K steps off at 9 a.m. today. The race, held by Millennium Running, also features a kids’ fun run and is followed by an Earth Day Fair with games, vendors and more. See millenniumrunning.com/stonyfield5k.
Saturday, April 12
The Manchester True Collaborative Center (72 Concord St., Manchester, manchestertrue.org) is hosting a Bug Out Basics workshop today from noon to 2 p.m. Learn how to create a bug out bag and valuable emergency preparedness tips.
Saturday, April 12
The New Hampshire Philharmonic presents “Drawn to the Music —The Planets” featuring visuals by local students paired with Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” today at 2 p.m. and tomorrow, Sunday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at Seifert Performing Arts Center in Salem. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $10 for students. See nhphil.org.
Saturday, April 12
There’s a Punk Rock Masquerade Ball tonight at Terminus Underground (134 Haines St., Nashua, newhampshireunderground.org) starting at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15.
Save the Date! Saturday, April 19
Concord’s Giant Indoor Yard Sale will take place Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Everett Arena (15 Loudon Road, Concord). Admission is $5 per adult, according to the event’s Eventbrite page. See facebook.com/CapitalEventsNH.
The Manchester public is invited to share ideas and feedback on the Downtown Sidewalk Improvement Project at two public sessions on Friday, April 18, at the Spotlight Room (96 Hanover St.), according to a Monday, April 7, story in the Manchester Ink Link. The Project focuses on the block bordered by Elm, Chestnut, Concord and Manchester streets, the article said, and the visioning sessions will be hosted by the Manchester Economic Development Office, the Department of Public Works, and Plan NH. The first session will be from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and the second from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
QOL score: +1
Comment:“Public outreach is a requirement of the $1.8 million federal grant that’s supporting the project,” the article said, and the funding is “explicitly designated to enhance pedestrian infrastructure….”
Two more warm destinations
Avelo Airlines (aveloair.com) announced on April 3 that it has added two new non-stop routes from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: Wilmington (NC) International Airport (ILM) and the Grand Strand’s Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). Flights to Wilmington will fly out of Manchester on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights to Myrtle Beach will leave Manchester on Mondays and Fridays. The press release stated that one-way fares started at $39.
QOL score: +1
Comment:These two new routes bring Avelo’s services to North Carolina to four, according to the press release, including Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) in Charlotte.
… If they can get there
WMUR reported on April 5 that the FAA said an Avelo Airlines flight from MHT to Concord, North Carolina, was illuminated by a laser about 15 miles from the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport on Friday, April 4, around 9:40 p.m. Laser light can interfere with pilots’ vision.
QOL score: -1
Comment:“Anyone who shines a laser at an aircraft can face fines up to $11,000 per violation” and other penalties, WMUR said.
Maple sap thief on the loose
Sugarmomma’s Maple Farm in Northwood reported the theft of 1,200 gallons of maple sap from a collection tank back in March. “Between 11 and 5 today someone stole 1,200 gallons of sap on Route 43, between Lucas pond road and Route 4,” the farm posted on its Facebook page on March 11. In a Monday, April 7, story in the Union Leader, Sugarmomma’s producer Debra Locke said she reported the theft to Northwood’s police department. In the story, the police chief is quoted as saying that the case remained open and there were no other reports of sap thefts in the area. Locke said the sap would have produced 30 to 35 gallons of syrup, according to the story.
QOL score: -1
Comment: If you have any information about the missing sap, call the Northwood Police Department at 942-8284, the story said.
QOL score: 60
Net change: 0
QOL this week: 60
What’s affecting your Quality of Life here in New Hampshire?
The Big Story: By the time you read this we’ll know if Houston won its first ever basketball title or if it’s three times this century for Florida. UH got there overcoming a 14-point deficit with 8:17 left to stun Duke 70-67, while Florida’s 41-27 second-half blitz erased an 8-point halftime deficit to beat Auburn 79-73. On the women’s side after eight hard-to-believe years of UConn not winning, the title is finally back again after crushing South Carolina 72-59 to win their 11th title overall behind 41 from Azzi (Elmer) Fudd (24) and PaigeBueckers (17).
Sports 101: In NikolaJokic’s latest astonishing feat, he posted the third ever 60-point game triple double (61-10-10) game in a two-OT loss to the T-Wolves. Name the other two 60-point triple-d guys.
News Item –Red Sox Week: (1) They won five straight after starting 1-3. (2) Rookie KristianCampbell entered the week hitting .355 with four doubles, two homers, six RBI. 3) Garrett Crochet was not quite in the groove, but he did go eight while grinding out a needed 6-2 win over Baltimore. 4) The RaffyDevers hysteria after his 0-for-19 start ended when he went 10 for 19 with four doubles and a homer in the winning streak.
News Item – Celtics Update: Having won nine of 10 the C’s are heading to the playoffs on a roll.
It should be noted, though, that the teams beaten in their first ever 6-0 road trip during the streak were a combined 78 games under .500. So not exactly overwhelming competition. But it still defies logic that at 32-7 they’re better on the road than they are on the parquet at 26-13. DerrickWhite buried number 267 vs. Memphis to become Celtics record holder for most ever three-point shots made in one season.
A Little History – 60 Wins: If the C’s win two of their last four, they’ll be the first Celtics team with back-to-back 60-win seasons since the second Big 3 did it in 2007-08 and 2008-09. Before that it was the Bird-led group doing it three times between 1983-84 and 1985-86, as Larry’s group was in the midst of doing it six times in seven seasons. Prior to that the Havlicek-Cowens C’s did it twice (’72-’73 and ’74-’75). The Russell-era team won 60 just three times despite winning 11 titles in 13 years.
The Numbers:
69.9 – best this century team FG percentage shot by Milwaukee when they went 51 for 74 in a 133-123 win over Phoenix.
70 – consecutive games scoring over 20 by OKC’s ShaiGilgeous–Alexander to break MichaelJordan’s all-time NBA record.
895 – career goals by AlexanderOvechkin after passing WayneGretzky’s unsurpassable 894 to be the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer.
… Of the Week Awards
Thumbs Up – Red Sox Owner John Henry: For finally acting like the big market owner he is by spending big on free agent AlexBregman and by locking up Crochet and Campbell with six- and eight-year deals last week.
Thumbs Down – Bonehead Move of the Week – JaysonTatum: For not having the discipline to keep it zipped before getting a technical foul at the worst possible time after a 15-point lead had slipped to 9 with 2:55 left to give the KevinDurant-less Suns a free point and the ball on Friday.
Random Thoughts:
With both on hand, Friday was Where Are They Now? Night at TD Garden. The “They” are those not admitting now they were behind the push a few years back for the Celtics to trade JaylenBrown for BradleyBeal. Brown dominated him and others by scoring 31 points to Beal’s measly one point on Friday. For the year it’s Beal 17 per to Brown’s 22.6 while also contributing much more on the boards and on D. Reminds all of what BillParcells famously said: “if you listen to people in the cheap seats, sooner or later you’ll wind up there with them.” Bullet dodged.
Sports 101 Answer: The other 60 triple double guys are LukaDoncic (2022) and JamesHarden (2018).
Final Thought – Parcells Headed to Patriots Hall of Fame: You can be magnanimous and say, thank you. Or you can be combative and say, what took so long?
Either way, thanks to Pats owner BobKraft for putting their personal history behind them to set in motion the induction of BillParcells into the Patriots Hall of Fame this summer.
Yes, there was him igniting the border war nonsense. But that was actually a good thing, as it made the Jets-Pats rivalry even better. But in resurrecting a moribund fan base after the disastrous VictorKiam era you can make a case his four-year tenure, which concluded with a Super Bowl trip, makes him the fifth most important Patriot behind Billy Sullivan, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and DrewBledsoe. So well deserved, Tuna, and good job, Bob, for making it happen.
Chris Pappas, four-term Democratic congressman for New Hampshire’s 1st District, will run for Senate in 2026. The seat won’t have an incumbent as Sen. Jeanne Shaheen decided not to run again. Pappas released a video on April 3 on his social media accounts and at his Senate campaign website, chrispappas.org, announcing his campaign.
Five eggs
Three more eggs joined the nest of the peregrine falcons at the Brady Sullivan tower in downtown Manchester — one each on April 1, April 5 and April 7, according to a log recording action at the nest. These new eggs joins the two laid March 22 and March 27. You can watch the couple and their progress at the Peregrine cam at nhaudubon.org/education/birds-and-birding/peregrine-cam, where the New Hampshire Audubon offers three live views of the nest with support of Peregrine Networks and Brady Sullivan Properties, the website said. The log also has a link to a document with basic information about the nest and a look back at previous seasons of peregrine falcons that have occupied it and the chicks that hatched there.
Deadline extended
The deadline has been extended for Intown Concord’s “Get Married At Market Days.” Apply by April 30 to get married on Friday, June 27, at the city’s downtown Market Days event and receive a package that includes a wedding night stay at Hotel Concord, a reception space at the Cantin Room at the BNH Stage, a live band for the first dance, an ice cream wedding cake from Social Club Creamery and crudité and fruit platters from Duprey Hospitality. See marketdaysfestival.com.
Mural fest
Arts Build Community in Manchester will hold its 10-day 2025 Community Canvas Mural Festival in the Queen City’s downtown Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 17, according to an email about the event. The Festival will feature “10+ large-scale murals, interactive art installations, youth workshops, community storytelling, and a vibrant block party finale,” the release said. “We’re not just painting walls — we’re building connection, identity, and joy,” said Arts Build Community founder James Chase in the statement. See artsbuildcommunity.com.
Clean up
The Manchester Urban Ponds Restoration Program will hold spring pond and park cleanups, according to an email from the organization. The cleanups are scheduled for Saturday, April 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Nutts Pond and Precourt Park; Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Black Brook and Blodget Park, and Saturday, May 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at McQuesten Brook and Wolfe Park, the email said. Find information about joining the cleanups at manchesternh.gov/Departments/Sewer-and-Stormwater/Pond-Restoration/Cleanup-Events.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant at 1 Bicentennial Square in Concord will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the city on Friday, April 11, from 3 p.m. to midnight, with margarita and Modelo specials and a free T-shirt for the first 100 guests, according to margs.com.
Tickets are on sale now for the New Hampshire Gay Men’s Chorus spring concert series, called “Celebrations!” The first concert will take place at Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newington on Saturday, May 31, at 7 p.m. with subsequent shows at the Rex Theatre in Manchester on Sunday, June 1, at 3 p.m.; Saturday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Nashua, and Sunday, June 8, at 3 p.m. at BNH Stage in Concord. See nhgmc.com.
Manchester Historic Association’s annual meeting on Wednesday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the Millyard Museum (200 Bedford St., Manchester; manchesterhistoric.org) will feature a look at the new exhibit “All Bottled Up! The History of Bottling in Manchester” with more than 100 glass bottles from Manchester that reflect the city’s liquor, soda, dairy and other bottling businesses, according to the website. Call 622-7531 or email [email protected] to RSVP.
USAF Major Carl Stidsen, retired, will speak about his time commanding a Titan II missile crew in Arizona in a program called “Life in a Cold War ICBM Site: On the Nuclear Bullseye,” on Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire, 27 Navigator Road in Londonderry, according to a press release. Admission costs $10 per person. See aviationmusemofnh.org.
