New winners, new categories, returning favorites — it’s time for the winners of Hippo’s Best of 2019 readers’ poll!

As we do every year, we asked you about the tastiest eats, the best entertainment options and your favorite outdoor spots. We also asked you new questions — including for your picks for the best indoor playground for kids, the best off-leash outing for dogs and the funnest local celebrity. And, after hand-counting your votes, here are the results. Looking for things to do as the weather warms up? Check out these suggestions for food, arts, shopping, hiking, biking and more.

Get even more suggestions for fun outings in our annual magazine, coming out later this spring.

And now, the winners are…

ARTS

Best Performing Arts Venue

Best of the best: Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org. The 890-seat theater opened in 1915 and is home to its own professional, youth and teen performing companies and hosts visiting theater, music, dance and comedy acts. Its next mainstage production, A Chorus Line, opens Friday, April 19.
Best of Concord: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com. The 1,304-seat theater opened in 1927 and hosts traveling theater shows, dance performances, musical and comedy acts, film screenings and more. Its next event is Celtic Woman on Friday, March 29.
Best of Manchester: Tupelo Music Hall, 10 A St., Derry, 437-5100, tupelohall.com. The 700-seat venue hosts music and comedy events and occasionally theatrical shows. Its next show is Blind Melon on Saturday, March 30, at 8 p.m.
Best of Nashua: Riverwalk Cafe & Music Bar, 35 Railroad Square, Nashua, 578-0200, riverwalknashua.com. In addition to craft cocktails and coffee, the venue has live music Thursday through Sunday and other days as scheduled. The next show is Barika and Meridian 71 on Friday, March 29, at 8 p.m.

Best Art Gallery

Best of the best: Kelly Stelling Contemporary, 221 Hanover St., Manchester, 345-1779, kelleystellingcontemporary.com. The contemporary art gallery features a variety of 2D and 3D art by emerging artists from New England and beyond. The next exhibition, “Neon Wilderness,” runs March 28 through April 26, with an opening reception on Thursday, March 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Best of Concord: League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Concord Gallery, 36 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8171, concord.nhcrafts.org. The gallery and shop features a variety of traditional and contemporary fine crafts created by New Hampshire craftspeople.
Best of Manchester: Jupiter Hall, 89 Hanover St., Manchester, 289-4661, jupiterhallnh.com. The multi-purpose arts venue features visual art exhibitions, performance art, art classes and other events. The next event is a performance by Stranger Than Fiction Improv and Comedy on Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m.
Best of Nashua: ArtHub, 30 Temple St., Nashua, 966-4429, naaa-arthub.org. The collaborative gallery and workspace features art by Nashua Area Artists Association members and other artists in the greater Nashua area. The current exhibition, “50 Shades of Green,” is on view now through April 27.

Best Live Theatrical Production

Best of the best: A Christmas Carol, Palace Theatre professional production. The show ran at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) Nov. 30 through Dec. 23.
Best of Concord: The Sound of Music. The show came to the Capitol Center for the Arts (44 S. Main St., Concord, 225-1111, ccanh.com) on Feb. 20, 2019.
Best of Manchester: Mamma Mia!, Palace Theatre professional production. The show ran at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St., Manchester, 668-5588, palacetheatre.org) April 6 through May 6.
Best of Nashua: Hairspray, Peacock Players (peacockplayers.org). The show ran May 11 through May 20 at the Court Street Theater (14 Court St., Nashua).

Best Arts Market

Best of the best: Concord Arts Market, 1 Bicentennial Square, Concord, concordartsmarket.net. The juried outdoor artisan and fine art market runs weekly on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June through September.
Best of Concord: Craftsmen’s Fair, nhcrafts.org. The nine-day craft fair is hosted by the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen at Mount Sunapee Resort (1398 Route 103, Newbury) every summer. This year it will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 11.
Best of Manchester: The Craftworkers’ Guild, 5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-8109, thecraftworkersguild.org. The craft organization holds seasonal shops featuring a variety of crafts created by local craftspeople. The next shop will run Thursday, May 2, through Saturday, May 11.
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park Art Show, nashuaareaartistsassoc.org. The outdoor art show, hosted by the Nashua Area Artists Association, is held every summer in Greeley Park (100 Concord St., Nashua). This year’s show is on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18.

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Best Salon

Best of the best: 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com
Best of Concord: Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com
Best of Manchester: Blank Canvas Salon, 1F Commons Drive, #38, Londonderry, 818-4294, blankcanvassalon.com
Best of Nashua: Fancy Nancy’s Elite Hair Designers, 295 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 891-0202, fancynancyssalon.com

Best Barbershop

Best of the best: Lucky’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz (second location at 801 Islington St., Suite 28, Portsmouth)
Best of Concord: American Barber Studios, 4 Park St., No. 2, Concord, 225-3052, americanbarberstudios.com
Best of Manchester: Dude’s Barber Shop, 1311 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 626-0533, dudesbarbershop.us
Best of Nashua: The Polished Man, 108 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 718-1468, thepolishedman.com (second location at 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, Merrimack)

Best Spa

Best of the best: Renew MediSpa, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 894-0070, renewmedispa.com
Best of Concord: Serendipity Day Spa & Float Studio, 23 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 229-0400, serendipitydayspa.com
Best of Manchester: Chill Spa, 1224 Hanover St., Manchester, 622-3722, chillspa.com
Best of Nashua: Innovations The Salon & Spa, 228 Naticook Road, Merrimack, 880-7499, innovationsnh.com

Best Tattoo Shop

Best of the best: Tattoo Angus, 179 Elm St., Manchester, 935-9398, tattooangus.com
Best of Concord: Arrows and Embers Tattoo, 117 Manchester St., Suite 3, Concord, 988-6067, arrowsandemberstattoo.com
Best of Manchester: Underworld Tattoo Co., 282 Main St., Salem, 458-7739, facebook.com/underworldtattoocompany
Best of Nashua: Mayhem Ink Tattoo, 89 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 595-8282, mayhemink.tattoo

Best Gym

Best of the best: Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com
Best of Concord: Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com
Best of Manchester: Executive Health & Sports Center, 1 Highlander Way, Manchester, 668-4753, ehsc.com (second location at 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett)
Best of Nashua: Hampshire Hills Athletic Club, 50 Emerson Road, Milford, 673-7123, hampshirehills.com

Best Workout Class

Best of the best: “Adult Group Training” at Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com. The one-hour sessions occur Monday through Friday in the early morning, mid-day and evening, plus Saturday mornings, and focus on all aspects of fitness, from mobility to strength training.
Best of Concord: “Smart Group Training” at Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com. One-hour classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the morning and evening and consist of strength and metabolic training.
Best of Manchester: “Aerial Fitness” at Kama Fitness, 55 S. Commercial St., Manchester, 702-3737, kamafitnessnh.com. The class comes in Intro, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and open levels and focuses on aerial skills like climbs, basic movements, body wraps, conditioning and strengthening and more.
Best of Nashua: “Women’s Group Training” at Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com. The women’s one-hour class focuses on building strength, mobility and cardio and is held Monday through Thursday in the morning and evening and Friday and Saturday in the morning.

Best Yoga Studio

Best of the best: Sol Power Yoga, 25 S. River Road, No. 106, Bedford, 732-6185, solpoweryoga.com
Best of Concord: Ohana Yoga, 44 Cedar St., Contoocook, 748-1539, ohanayoganh.com
Best of Manchester: YogaBalance, 135 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 625-4000, yogabalance.info
Best of Nashua: Banyan Tree Yoga, 5 Pine St., Unit 2A, Nashua, 889-1121, banyantreeyoganh.com

Best Dance Studio

Best of the best: Dimensions in Dance, 84 Myrtle St., Manchester, 668-4196, dimensionsindance.com
Best of Concord: Concord Dance Academy, 26 Commercial St., Concord, 226-0200, concorddanceacademy.com
Best of Manchester: Bedford Dance Center, 172 Route 101, Bedford, 472-5141, bedforddancecenter.com
Best of Nashua: Showcase Performing Arts Center, 5 Executive Drive, Hudson, 883-0055, showcasehudsonnh.com

BEAUTY & WELLNESS PERSONALITIES

Best Fitness Instructor

Best of the best: Adam Gray, Get Fit NH, 287 S. Main St., Concord, 344-2651, getfitnh.com
Best of Concord: Katie Behner, Pointe Barre Studio, 10 Hills Ave., Concord, 942-9288, pointebarrestudios.com
Best of Manchester: Karlene Linxweiler, Kama Fitness, 55 S. Commercial St., Manchester, 702-3737, kamafitnessnh.com.
Best of Nashua: Matt Skeffington, Dynamic Strength and Conditioning, 115 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 882-2348, dynamicsc.com

Best Barber

Best of the best: Jason Drapeau, 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com
Best of Concord: Josh Craggy, Lucky’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor, 50 S. State St., Concord, 715-5470, luckysbarbershop.biz
Best of Manchester: Jonathan Buckley, Classy Edge Barbershop, 122 Bridge St., Pelham, 508-6074, classyedge.com
Best of Nashua: Rick Lindof, The Polished Man, 108 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 718-1468, thepolishedman.com

Best Hair Stylist

Best of the best: Erin Crowley, Fancy Nancy’s Elite Hair Designers, 295 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 891-0202, fancynancyssalon.com
Best of Concord: Kae Mason, Salon K, 18 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-0099, salonkconcord.com
Best of Manchester: Samantha Courtois, 5 Diamond Salon, 915 Holt Ave., Suite 4, Manchester, 459-3367, 5diamondsalon.com
Best of Nashua: Edward Hayes, Terra Salon, 137 Main St., Nashua, 889-8738, terrasalonnh.com

Friendliest Dentist

Best of the best: Dr. Elizabeth Spindel & Victoria Spindel Rubin, Spindel General and Cosmetic Dentistry, 862 Union St., Manchester, 669-9049, elizabethspindel.com. In many cases, votes for this mother (Dr. Elizabeth Spindel) and daughter (Dr. Victoria Spindel Rubin) dentist duo were either for both or were unclear about which Spindel voters were picking so this year they share the Friendliest Dentist title.
Best of Concord: Dr. Ray Orzechowski, 280 Pleasant St., Concord, 228-4456, rayorzechowski.com
Best of Manchester: Dr. Nicholas C. Rizos, 103 Riverway Place, Bedford, 669-4384, drnickdmd.com
Best of Nashua: Charles Pipilas, 280 Main St., Suite 311, Nashua, 881-8280

WHAT TO WEAR

Best Independent Clothing Store

Best of the best: Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co., 13 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1101, clothingnh.com
Best of Concord: Indigo Blues & Co., 902 Main St., Contoocook, 660-9290, indigobluesandco.com
Best of Manchester: Alapage, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 622-0550, alapageboutique.com
Best of Nashua: Camaraderie Boutique, 175 Main St., Nashua, 402-1908, camaraderiestyle.com

Best Independent Local Jeweler

Best of the best: Bellman Jewelers, 1650 Elm St., Manchester, 625-4653, bellmans.com
Best of Concord: Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com
Best of Manchester: Jonathan’s Jewelers, 460 Route 101, Bedford, 471-2828, jonathansjewelers.com
Best of Nashua: Scontsas Fine Jewelry & Home Decor, 169-173 Main St., Nashua, 882-3281, scontsas.com

Best Independent Shoe Store

Best of the best: Alec’s Shoes, 1617 Southwood Drive, Nashua, 882-6811, alecs-shoes.com
Best of Concord: Joe King’s Shoe Shop, 45 N. Main St., Concord, 225-6012, joekings.com
Best of Manchester: Benton Shoe Co., 814 Elm St., Manchester, 644-2550, bentonshoeco.com
Best of Nashua: The Shoebox, 17 Route 101A, Amherst, 672-6570, shoeboxnh.com

Best Secondhand Store

Best of the best: Mother & Child Clothing and Gifts, 135 Route 101A, Amherst, 886-6727, mothersays.shoprw.com
Best of Concord: Hilltop Consignment Gallery, 56 N. Main St., Concord, 856-0110, hilltopconsignmentgallery.com
Best of Manchester: OutFITters Thrift Store, 394 Second St., Manchester, 641-6691, outfittersnh.org (second location at 20 S. Main St., Concord)
Best of Nashua: Lucky Dog Thrift Shop, 23 Elm St., Nashua, 882-3647, luckydogthriftshop.com

BEST THING WE FORGOT TO ASK ABOUT: THE BEST
Best Independent Pet Store
Catherine Hilscher, Cats Kingdom, Manchester

By Lisa Redmond
lredmond@hippopress.com

For years Catherine Hilscher owned and operated the Hot Spot cafe in Bedford — until her beloved Pierre got sick.
Pierre was her purebred Persian cat who developed kidney disease. Although she understood Pierre’s eventual fate, Hilscher was on a mission to keep him comfortable. What she needed was a store that sold cat food that was highly digestible and had bio-appropriate protein content that Pierre would eat.
“There was not a lot out there,’’ Hilscher said.
So she had an idea. After taking out a small loan, she opened Cats Kingdom at 757 Mast Road in Manchester. Although Pierre died six months after her cat-centered store opened in 2015, Hilscher has helped many other pet owners keep their cats healthy and happy with holistic, protein-rich food without fillers. She also sells CBD oil, the extract from marijuana, to help more sickly cats improve their quality of life.
“I am so passionate about feeding cats right,’’ she said. “Cats have a lot of sensitivities and their intestinal tracts are different.’’
While she is the sole proprietor, Hilscher relies on the help of two volunteers — Nancy Letizia and Denise Dolinsky. Her 700-square-foot store is stocked top to bottom with healthy foods, toys and treats to be enjoyed by even the most fussy of cats. Her customers come from far and wide to shop for their feline friends, she said.
What she offers is healthy, affordable food that cats will eat, she said.
“I want to sell to everyone, whether you have $1 or $5,000,’’ she said.
If a customer needs help choosing a food to fit a cat’s digestive issues, Hilscher will search the internet for the answer.
Although she calls herself a “crazy cat lady,’’ Hilscher admits that she loves all animals. And despite her focus on felines, Hilscher does stock some dog food for customers who have both dogs and cats. But in the world of the big box stores, cats get the short end of the stick.
“There are no cat stores,’’ she said. “There is no such thing.’’
Most big box stores cater to canines, she said.
“It is a 90-10 split,’’ she said.
After several years of trying to meet the demands of running both the Hot Spot and Cats Kingdom, Hilscher finally made the decision to sell the Hot Spot to concentrate on her first love, cats.
“I have found my niche,” she said.
In her spare time she fosters cats and tries to find them “forever’’ homes.

HOME & SHOPPING

Best Car Repair Shop

Best of the best: Duncan’s European Automotive, 3 Liberty Drive, Londonderry, 434-5796, duncansauto.com
Best of Concord: Weed Family Automotive, 124 Storrs St., Concord, 225-7988, weedfamilyautomotive.com
Best of Manchester: Pro-Image Automotive, 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 968-5159, autorepaircentermanchester.com
Best of Nashua: Merrimack Auto Center, 9 Webb Drive, Merrimack, 216-9596; 150 Amherst St., Nashua, 546-0157, merrimackautocenterllc.com

Best Garden Center or Nursery

Best of the best: Cole Gardens, 430 Loudon Road, Concord, 229-0655, colegardens.com
Best of Concord: Black Forest Nursery and Garden Center, 209 King St., Boscawen, 796-2756, blackforestnursery.com
Best of Manchester: Demers Garden Center, 656 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 625-8298, demersgardencenter.com
Best of Nashua: House by the Side of the Road, 370 Gibbons Highway, Wilton, 654-9888, housebythesideoftheroad.com

Best Florist

Best of the best: Cobblestone Design Co., 81 N. Main St., One Capital Plaza, Concord, 228-5980, cobblestoneflorist.com
Best of Concord: D. McLeod Florist, 49 S. State St., Concord, 225-3721, dmflowers.com
Best of Manchester: Chalifour’s Flowers, 46 Elm St., Manchester, 623-8844, chalifours.com
Best of Nashua: Fortin Gage Flowers & Gifts, 86 W. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-3371, fortingage.com

Best Place to Buy a Unique Gift

Best of the best: Pop of Color, 816 Elm St., Manchester, 624-5999, popofcolornh.com (home decor and gifts)
Best of Concord: Capitol Craftsman & Romance Jewelers, 16 & 18 N. Main St., Concord, 224-6166, capitolcraftsman.com
Best of Manchester: Manchester Craft Market, 1500 S. Willow St., Manchester, 716-5520, manchestercraftmarket.com
Best of Nashua: Casual Cat Picture Framing & Unique Gifts, 141 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-1443, casualcat.com

BEST RESTAURANTS

Best Restaurant Overall

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best of Manchester: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoorrestaurant.com. (The Copper Door also has a location in Salem.)
Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Best New Eatery

Best of the best: Noodz, 968 Elm St., Manchester, 836-5878, find them on Facebook. Noodz opened in December 2018 in the former space of Finesse Pastries in downtown Manchester, brought to you by co-owners Joel Soucy and Nick Provencher, who opened The Birch on Elm just across the street and down a block a couple of years earlier. While The Birch on Elm touts a rotating dinner menu of globally inspired tapas, the platform at Noodz is more of a quick-service concept. Culinarily, Soucy describes the menu as a familiar and accessible take on Japanese- and Korean-inspired dishes, like ramen, dumplings, rice bowls and bao buns, all made from scratch.
Best of Concord: Chuck’s BARbershop, 90 Low Ave., Concord, 856-7520, chucks-barbershop-bar.business.site. This 1920s-inspired bar opened in a tucked away corner of Concord’s Eagle Square in February 2018. Like two other speakeasy-style establishments in the Granite State that came before it — 815 Cocktails and Provisions in Manchester, and CodeX Books. Antiques. Rarities. in Nashua — the entrance to Chuck’s BARbershop is hidden by a facade, and its interior is filled with period furniture and décor from the Prohibition era. The menu features a variety of appetizers, flatbreads, salads and desserts, in addition to barrel-aged cocktails and house-made liquors. Owner Liu Vaine said the bar’s name is a tribute to his late bartender friend Chuck Frederick Nutting.
Best of Manchester: 1750 Taphouse, 170 Route 101, Bedford, 488-2573, 1750taphouse.com. The 1750 Taphouse opened in the former space of Restaurant Tek-Nique on Route 101 in Bedford in July 2018. Its name a reference to the year Bedford was established as a town, the eatery celebrates the historical landmarks and figures of Bedford through its rustic atmosphere and menu offerings, which include wood-fired brick-oven pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive lineup of craft brews. Owner Louis Rylant, himself a Bedford resident, also owns the Sea Basket seafood restaurant in Wiscasset, Maine.
Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Café, 9 Market Place, Hollis, 465-5522, buckleysbakerycafe.com. Buckley’s Bakery & Café opened its second location in the former space of the Bank of America building near the Hollis town center in December 2018. The bakery features the same menu concept as its Merrimack counterpart, with homemade baked goods like breads, muffins, scones, croissants, pies and cakes, plus breakfast sandwiches, salads, paninis and more.

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Best of the best: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com
Best of Concord: Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best of Manchester: Copper Door Restaurant, 15 Leavy Drive, Bedford, 488-2677, copperdoorrestaurant.com (The Copper Door also has a location in Salem.)
Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Great Steaks, 438 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 424-0995, buckleysgreatsteaks.com

Best Family Restaurant

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Concord: Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Hooksett, New London and Dover, and two on the way in Manchester and Merrimack.)
Best of Manchester: T-Bones Great American Eatery, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 641-6100, t-bones.com (T-Bones also has locations in Derry, Hudson, Laconia and Salem.)
Best of Nashua: T-Bones Great American Eatery, 77 Lowell Road, Hudson, 882-6677, t-bones.com (T-Bones also has locations in Bedford, Derry, Laconia and Salem.)

Best Diner

Best of the best: The Red Arrow Diner, 61 Lowell St., Manchester, 626-1118, redarrowdiner.com (The Red Arrow Diner also has locations in Concord, Londonderry and Milford.)
Best of Concord: Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Road, Tilton, 286-2204, thecman.com
Best of Manchester: Airport Diner, 2280 Brown Ave., Manchester, 623-5040, thecman.com
Best of Nashua: Joey’s Diner, 1 Craftsman Lane, Amherst, 577-8955, joeysdiner.com

Best Seafood Restaurant

Best of the best: Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com (Surf also has a location in Portsmouth.)
Best of Concord: Makris Lobster & Steak House, 354 Sheep Davis Road, Concord, 225-7665, eatalobster.com
Best of Manchester: Hooked Seafood Restaurant, 110 Hanover St., Manchester, 606-1189, hookedonignite.com
Best of Nashua: The Lobster Boat Restaurant, 453 DW Highway, Merrimack, 424-5221, lobsterboatrestaurant.com (The Lobster Boat also has locations in Litchfield and Exeter.)

BEST THING WE FORGOT TO ASK ABOUT: RUNNER UP
Best Meal Delivery Kit
Beth Richards, Local Baskit, Concord

By Matt Ingersoll
mingersoll@hippopress.com

As a child growing up on her family’s vegetable garden in Des Moines, Iowa, Beth Richards of Concord was introduced to fresh, locally grown food at an early age.
Later in life, when her nonprofit job required a lot of regular travel, she became an early adopter of the meal kit concept around the year 2013. She enjoyed the convenience of having readily available home-cooked meals but wondered how New Hampshire farms and other businesses could become a part of it.
“I would try out these services, and they would talk about how local ingredients would be used, but there [wasn’t] anything actually local [to New England] that I saw anywhere in the packaging,” Richards said. “So I kept jotting down notes and beginning a business plan as early as 2014. I started to get serious about looking into running my own business, because it was really important to me to see if this could work … at a local level.”
That was how Local Baskit (10 Ferry St., Suite 120A, Concord, 219-0882, localbaskit.com) was born. Richards began forming relationships with farms like the Vegetable Ranch of Warner, Moulton Farm of Meredith and lēf Farms of Loudon to offer their fresh produce as part of her meal kits. In late 2016, she started working out of Genuine Local, a shared commercial kitchen in Meredith, and appeared at local farmers markets to gauge public feedback. She opened a storefront in Concord early the following year.
“I met a lot of people with the same feelings and experiences that I had,” she said. “People love the idea to know that they were actually getting their meals locally. You might get cherry tomatoes or something from the Vegetable Ranch, for example, and those are tomatoes that they’ve just picked, so they are nice and fresh.”
Since opening the shop, Richards has expanded Local Baskit to feature a selection of local craft beers and small food purveyors like Port City Pretzels of Portsmouth and Jack’s Crackers of Keene. The business also now occupies a small cafe adjacent to the storefront in the Concord Center office complex, and offers a regular schedule of tastings, classes, demonstrations and other events.
The meal kit delivery service has taken off in a big way too; even if you don’t live in Concord, Local Baskit has drivers that offer drop-offs to locations all over the state, from communities like Amherst and Nashua, all the way up to Gilford and Gilmanton and in several towns on the Seacoast. Weekly plans of two, three or four meals are available, and Richards said Local Baskit is also in the process of working with independent living facilities in the area to create a special “longevity basket” plan of at least two meals per week.
“Not only do meal kits have the convenience of having fresh ideas of what to have for dinner, but they help keep people on a budget when they are weekly subscribers,” she said. “We want to introduce people to new foods … and create that joy around food by being loyal to local.”

FOOD SHOPPING

Best Bakery

Best of the best: Buckley’s Bakery & Café, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com (Buckley’s Bakery & Café also has a second location in Hollis that opened in December 2018.)
Best of Concord: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330
Best of Manchester: Frederick’s Pastries, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 647-2253, pastry.net (Frederick’s Pastries also has locations in Amherst and in North Andover, Mass.)
Best of Nashua: Crosby Bakery, 51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com. Crosby Bakery will hold a grand reopening ceremony on Saturday, April 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating the new fourth-generation ownership of Ryan Morse, who is also a Nashua firefighter. The event will include free doughnut giveaways from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., while supplies last, plus a chance to win a gift card for a custom special occasion cake.

Best Butcher Shop

Best of the best: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Best of Concord: Concord Beef & Seafood, 79 S. Main St., Unit 8, Concord, 226-3474, find them on Facebook
Best of Manchester: Mr. Steer Meats & More, 27 Buttrick Road, Londonderry, 434-1444, mrsteermeats.com
Best of Nashua: The Flying Butcher, 124 Route 101A, Amherst, 598-6328, theflyingbutcher.com

Best NH-Made Food Product

Best: Ben’s Sugar Shack, 83 Webster Highway, Temple, 924-3111, bensmaplesyrup.com (Ben’s Sugar Shack features several homemade maple syrups and maple-infused products, like creams, candies, sauces and relishes.)
Runner-up: Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies, 47 Birchwood Circle, Bedford, 472-5388, laurelhilljams.com. Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies produces a variety of handmade jams and jellies using fresh local fruits and wines.
Honorable mention: Blackwater Mustard Co., 120 Tyler Road, Contoocook, 746-2349, blackwatermustardco.com. Owner Steve Cybulski produces more than a dozen flavors of gourmet mustards, like an apple cider mustard, a cranberry mustard, a hot and sweet chocolate stout mustard, a maple mustard and a dill pickle mustard.

Best Takeout

Best of the best: The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com. The Puritan Backroom’s takeout menu features chicken tenders plates, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, ice cream and more.
Best of Concord: Man Yee Chinese & Japanese Restaurant & Bar, 79 South St., Concord, 226-0001, manyeeconcord0001.com. Man Yee has takeout options like chicken, beef, pork, seafood or vegetarian lo mein; plus appetizers like spring rolls, beef and chicken teriyaki and fried or steamed dumplings; and dinner specials like udon and pad Thai.
Best of Manchester: Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Suite H, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com. The menu features a variety of hot and cold subs, plus salads.
Best of Nashua: Sweet Ginger Thai Cuisine, 6 Dobson Way, Suite E, Merrimack, 424-8035, sweetgingerthai.com. The menu includes curry dishes, noodles, fried rice, and specialty dishes like sweet ginger salmon.

DELICIOUS DISHES

Best Dish or Drink You Had in the Last Year

Best of the best: Chicken tenders at The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com. Options include regular, Buffalo, coconut, spicy or broiled, and all chicken tenders plates are served with french fries and coleslaw.
Best of Concord: Figalicious cocktail at Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com. The drink is made with Irish whiskey, black vodka, lemon juice and maple syrup, and garnished with dried fig and blue cheese skewers.
Best of Manchester: Mudslides at The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com. The restaurant’s original mudslide features Baileys Irish cream Kahlua coffee liqueur and vodka. Other options include an Almond Joy mudslide, a churro mudslide, a maple mudslide and a Milky Way mudslide.
Best of Nashua: Lobster Kristina at Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St., Nashua, 595-9293, surfseafood.com. The dish is a steamed and shucked 1¼-pound lobster flambéed with cognac, lobster stock, chives, cream and butter. It’s served with jasmine rice and grilled asparagus. Surf Restaurant also has a location in Portsmouth.

Best Barbecue

Best of the best: KC’s Rib Shack, 837 Second St., Manchester, 627-7427, ribshack.net
Best of Concord: Smokeshow Barbeque, 89 Fort Eddy Road, Concord, 227-6399, smokeshowbarbeque.com (Smokeshow Barbeque also has a location in Portsmouth.)
Best of Manchester: Goody Cole’s Smokehouse and Catering Co., 374 Route 125, Brentwood, 679-8898, goodycoles.com
Best of Nashua: Smokehaus Barbecue, 278 Route 101, Amherst, 249-5734, smokehausbbq.com

Best Breakfast

Best of the best: Tucker’s, 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 206-5757, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Concord, Dover and New London, and two more on the way in Manchester and Merrimack.)
Best of Concord: Tucker’s, 80 South St., Concord, 413-5884, tuckersnh.com (Tucker’s also has locations in Dover, Hooksett and New London, and two more on the way in Manchester and Merrimack.)
Best of Manchester: Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1958, purplefinchcafe.com
Best of Nashua: Parker’s Maple Barn, 1316 Brookline Road, Mason, 878-2308, parkersmaplebarn.com

Best Burgers

Best of the best: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in North Hampton.)
Best of Concord: Vibes Gourmet Burgers, 25 S. Main St., Concord, 856-8671, vibesgourmetburgers.com
Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Best of Nashua: Papa Joe’s Humble Kitchen, 237 South St., Milford, 672-9130, papajoeshumblekitchen.com

Best French Fries

Best of the best: Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Suite H, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in North Hampton.)
Best of Manchester: Caesario’s, 1057 Elm St., Manchester, 669-8383, caesariospizza.com
Best of Nashua: The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com (The Peddler’s Daughter also has a location in Haverhill, Mass.)

Best Greek Cuisine

Best of the best: Athens Restaurant, 31 Central St., Manchester, 623-9317, athensnh.com
Best of Concord: The Gas Lighter Restaurant, 204 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8854, find them on Facebook
Best of Manchester: Amphora Restaurant, 55 Crystal Ave., Derry, 537-0111, amphoranh.com
Best of Nashua: Main Street Gyro, 215 Main St., Nashua, 579-0666, mainstreetgyro.com

Best International Cuisine

Best of the best: Matbah Mediterranean Cuisine, 866 Elm St., Manchester, 232-4066, matbahcuisine.com. This Ottoman-Turkish restaurant features kebabs, sandwiches, wraps, salads, cold and hot appetizers, Turkish coffee, baklava and more.
Best of Concord: Siam Orchid Thai Bistro, 12 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1529, siamorchid.net. This Thai restaurant offers stir-fried noodle dishes, soups, salads, appetizers, fried rice, curry dishes and more.
Best of Manchester: Taj India, 967 Elm St., Manchester, 606-2677, tajindia.co. This eatery specializes in a variety of authentic Indian dishes, like tandoori chicken, coconut shrimp, variations of biryani, several naan breads and more. Taj India also has a location in Nashua.
Best of Nashua: Sweet Ginger Thai Cuisine, 6 Dobson Way, Suite E, Merrimack, 424-8035, sweetgingerthai.com. The menu includes curry dishes, noodles, fried rice, and specialty dishes like sweet ginger salmon.

Best Mac & Cheese

Best of the best: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese, 497 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 606-1760, mr-macs.com (Mr. Mac’s also has locations in Portsmouth and in Tyngsborough, Mass.)
Best of Concord: O Steaks & Seafood, 11 S. Main St., Concord, 856-7925, magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com (O Steaks & Seafood also has a location in Laconia.)
Best of Manchester: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery, 58 Route 27, Raymond, 244-2431, thetuckaway.com
Best of Nashua: Mr. Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese, 440 Middlesex Road, Tyngsboro, Mass., 978-939-6227 (Mr. Mac’s also has locations in Manchester and Portsmouth.)

Best Noodle Bowl

Best of the best: Noodz, 968 Elm St., Manchester, 836-5878, find them on Facebook
Best of Concord: Siam Orchid Thai Bistro, 12 N. Main St., Concord, 228-1529, siamorchid.net
Best of Manchester: Pho Golden Bowl, 12 Lake Ave., Manchester, 622-2000, phogoldenbowlnh.com
Best of Nashua: Pho Street, 427 Amherst St., Suite 11, Nashua, 718-8678, phostreetrestaurant.com

Best Pizza

Best of the best: Alley Cat Pizzeria, 486 Chestnut St., Manchester, 669-4533, alleycatpizzerianh.com
Best of Concord: Constantly Pizza, 39 S. Main St., Concord, 224-9366, constantlypizza.net (Constantly Pizza also has a location in Penacook.)
Best of Manchester: 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria, 50 Dow St., Manchester, 641-0900, 900degrees.com
Best of Nashua: Nashua House of Pizza, 40 E. Hollis St., Nashua, 883-6177, nashuahouseofpizza.com

Best Sandwich

Best of the best: Steak & Cheese sub at Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Suite H, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com. A shaved steak sandwich with your choice of American or provolone cheese. Subs can also be customized with teriyaki or barbecue sauce.
Best of Concord: Super Junior at Beefside Restaurant, 106 Manchester St., Concord, 228-0208, beefsidenh.com. A roast beef sandwich with American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on a seeded roll.
Best of Manchester: Bánh mì at The Local Moose Cafe, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com. The sandwich features local pork, pickled carrots and radishes, cilantro, cucumbers, Sriracha mayonnaise and honey ginger mayonnaise on a house-made baguette.
Best of Nashua: Roast beef sandwich at Bentley’s Roast Beef, 134 Route 101A, Amherst, 883-2020, bentleysroastbeef.com. Four sizes are available, including a Junior, a Regular, a Giant and a 12-inch sub roll.

Best Subs

Best of the best: Nadeau’s, 776 Mast Road, Manchester, 623-9315, nadeaussubs.com (Nadeau’s also has three other locations in Manchester, plus one in Concord and one in Exeter.)
Best of Concord: Cimo’s South End Deli, 250 South St., Concord, 856-8020, find them on Facebook
Best of Manchester: Sub Station, 1292 Hooksett Road, Suite H, Hooksett, 625-1800, substationhooksett.com
Best of Nashua: Bill Cahill’s Super Subs, 8 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 882-7710, find them on Facebook

Best Tacos

Best of the best: Dos Amigos Burritos, 26 N. Main St., Concord, 410-4161, dosamigosburritos.com (Dos Amigos Burritos also has locations in Dover, Portsmouth and Newburyport, Mass.)
Best of Concord: Hermanos Cocina Mexicana, 11 Hills Ave., Concord, 224-5669, hermanosmexican.com
Best of Manchester: El Rincón Zacatecano Taquería, 10 Lake Ave., Manchester, 232-4530, elrinconzt.com
Best of Nashua: California Burritos Mexican Grill, 35 Lowell Road, Hudson, 402-2130, californiaburritosnh.com (California Burritos Mexican Grill also has two locations in Nashua.)

SWEET TREATS

Best Candy/Chocolate Shop

Best of the best: Granite State Candy Shoppe, 13 Warren St., Concord, 225-2591, granitestatecandyshoppe.com (Granite State Candy Shoppe also has a location in Manchester.)
Best of Concord: Kellerhaus, 259 Endicott St. N, Laconia, 366-4466, kellerhaus.com
Best of Manchester: Van Otis Chocolates, 341 Elm St., Manchester, 627-1611, vanotischocolates.com
Best of Nashua: Nelson’s Candy and Music, 65 Main St., Wilton, 654-5030, nelsonscandymusic.com (Nelson’s Candies assumed new ownership in January and was renamed Nelson’s Candy and Music.)

Best Cookies

Best of the best: The Black Forest Café & Bakery, 212 Route 101, Amherst, 672-0500, theblackforestcafe.com
Best of Concord: The Crust and Crumb Baking Co., 126 N. Main St., Concord, 219-0763, thecrustandcrumb.com
Best of Manchester: Dulces Bakery, 424 Chestnut St., Manchester, 606-2613, find them on Facebook
Best of Nashua: Buckley’s Bakery & Café, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com (Buckley’s Bakery & Café also has a second location in Hollis that opened in December 2018.)

Best Desserts

Best of the best: Buckley’s Bakery & Café, 436 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 262-5929, buckleysbakerycafe.com (Buckley’s Bakery & Cafe also has a second location in Hollis that opened in December 2018.)
Best of Concord: Bread & Chocolate, 29 S. Main St., Concord, 228-3330
Best of Manchester: Frederick’s Pastries, 25 S. River Road, Bedford, 647-2253, pastry.net (Frederick’s Pastries also has locations in Amherst and in North Andover, Mass.)
Best of Nashua: Frederick’s Pastries, 109 Route 101A, Amherst, 882-7725, pastry.net (Frederick’s Pastries also has locations in Bedford and in North Andover, Mass.)

Best Locally Made Donuts

Best of the best: Klemm’s Bakery, 29 Indian Rock Road, Windham, 437-8810, find them on Facebook
Best of Concord: Brothers Donuts, 426 Central St., Franklin, 934-6678, find them on Facebook
Best of Manchester: The Local Moose Café, 124 Queen City Ave., Manchester, 232-2669, thelocalmoosecafe.com
Best of Nashua: Crosby Bakery, 51 E. Pearl St., Nashua, 882-1851, crosbybakerynh.com (Crosby Bakery will hold a grand reopening ceremony on Saturday, April 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., celebrating the new fourth-generation ownership of Ryan Morse, who is also a Nashua firefighter. The event will include free donut giveaways from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., while supplies last, plus a chance to win a gift card for a custom special-occasion cake.)

Best Ice Cream

Best of the best: Hayward’s Homemade Ice Cream, 7 Daniel Webster Highway, Nashua, 888-4663, haywardsicecream.com (Hayward’s also has a location in Merrimack that held its grand opening on March 16. A third location is in Milford, but managed by different family members.)
Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com
Best of Manchester: The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Nashua: The Big 1, 185 Concord St., Nashua, thebig1icecream.com

DRINKS

Best Beer Selection (at bar/restaurant)

Best of the best: New England’s Tap House Grille, 1292 Hooksett Road, Hooksett, 782-5137, taphousenh.com
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in North Hampton.)
Best of Manchester: The Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com (The Thirsty Moose also has locations in Dover, Exeter and Portsmouth, and a fifth location just opened in Merrimack.)
Bests of Nashua: The Flight Center Beer Café, 97 Main St., Nashua, 417-6184, flightcenterbc.com

Best NH Winery

Best: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (LaBelle Winery also has a location in Portsmouth.)
Runner-up: Zorvino Vineyards, 226 Main St., Sandown, 887-8463, zorvino.com
Honorable mention: Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com

Best NH Tasting Room

Best of the best: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (LaBelle Winery also has a location in Portsmouth.)
Best of Concord: Lithermans Limited Brewery, 126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 219-0784, lithermans.beer
Best of Manchester: Ancient Fire Mead & Cider, 8030 S. Willow St., Building 1, Unit 7-2, Manchester, 204-4223, ancientfirewines.com
Best of Nashua: Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com

Best NH Distillery

Best: Flag Hill Distillery & Winery, 297 N. River Road, Lee, 659-2949, flaghill.com
Runner-up: Tamworth Distilling, 15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth, 323-7196, tamworthdistilling.com
Honorable mention: Smoky Quartz Distillery, 894 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, 474-4229, smokyquartzdistillery.com

Best NH Cider or Mead

Best: Ancient Fire Mead & Cider, 8030 S. Willow St., Building 1, Unit 7-2, Manchester, 204-4223, ancientfirewines.com
Runner-up: Moonlight Meadery, 23 Londonderry Road, No. 17, Londonderry, 216-2162, moonlightmeadery.com
Honorable mention: North Country Hard Cider, 3 Front St., No. 160, Rollinsford, 834-9915, northcountrycider.com

Best NH Made Beer

Best: Burn the Ships Smoked IPA (Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com; this IPA is brewed with cherry-wood smoked malt and three varieties of hops.)
Runner-up: Misguided Angel New England IPA (Lithermans Limited Brewery, 126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 219-0784, lithermans.beer; this IPA is brewed with Golden Promise, Oats, White Wheat and Vienna malts and Citra, Mosaic and Simcoe hops.)
Honorable mention: Safe Space New England IPA (Concord Craft Brewing Co., 117 Storrs St., Concord, 856-7625, concordcraftbrewing.com; this IPA has a citrusy aroma from late-addition hops and a taste bursting with tropical fruits.)

Best NH Brewery

Best of the best: Able Ebenezer Brewing Co., 31 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 844-223-2253, ableebenezer.com
Best of Concord: Lithermans Limited Brewery, 126 Hall St., Unit B, Concord, 219-0784, lithermans.beer
Best of Manchester: Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
Best of Nashua: Spyglass Brewing Co., 2 Townsend West, Unit 8, Nashua, 546-2965, spyglassbrewing.com

Best Beer Shop

Best of the best: Bert’s Better Beers, 1100 Hooksett Road, Suite 105, Hooksett, 413-5992, bertsbetterbeers.com
Best of Concord: Concord Craft Brewing Co., 117 Storrs St., Concord, 856-7625, concordcraftbrewing.com
Best of Manchester: Lazy Dog Beer Shoppe, 27 Buttrick Road, Suite B4, Londonderry, 434-2500, lazydogbeer.com
Best of Nashua: The Beer Store, 433 Amherst St., Nashua, 889-2242, thebeerstorenh.com

Where They Make Your Coffee Perfect Every Time

Best of the best: The Inside Scoop, 260 Wallace Road, Bedford, 471-7009, theinsidescoopnh.com
Best of Concord: True Brew Barista & Café, 3 Bicentennial Square, Concord, 225-2776; 45 S. Main St., Concord, 715-5833; truebrewbarista.com
Best of Manchester: Café la Reine, 915 Elm St., Manchester, 232-0332, cafelareine.com
Best of Nashua: Pressed Café, 108 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 718-1250; 3 Cotton Road, Nashua, 402-1003; pressedcafe.com (The Cotton Road location is drive-thru service only; Pressed Café also has a location in Burlington, Mass.)

OUTDOOR FOOD FUN

Best Farm for Pick-Your-Own

Best of the best: Lull Farm, 65 Broad St., Hollis, 465-7079, livefreeandfarm.com (Pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and strawberries are available when in season. Lull Farm also has a seasonal farm stand in Milford.)
Best of Concord: Carter Hill Orchard, 73 Carter Hill Road, Concord, 225-2625, carterhillapples.com. Pick-your-own blueberries, peaches, apples and raspberries are available when in season.
Best of Manchester: Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 434-7619, macksapples.com. Known for being New Hampshire’s oldest family-run farm, Mack’s Apples was founded back in 1732. Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins are available from mid-August through October.
Best of Nashua: Brookdale Fruit Farm, 41 Broad St., Hollis, 465-2240, brookdalefruitfarm.com. Pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are available when in season.

Best Food Festival or Event

Best of the best: Glendi, stgeorge.nh.goarch.org. For more than three decades, this Greek food festival has been a staple of Manchester, featuring traditionally made dishes by members and volunteers of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, like pastichio, barbecue chicken, lamb shanks, gyros and more. The festival will return for its 40th year on Friday, Sept. 13, through Sunday, Sept. 15, at the church, at 650 Hanover St. in Manchester.
Best of Concord: Market Days Festival, intownconcord.org. This three-day summer street festival features family-friendly games and activities all up and down Main Street in Concord, plus miniature golf, outdoor movies and more than 200 local vendors. The festival will return for its 45th year Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22.
Best of Manchester: Hippo de Mayo Taco Challenge. Attendees of this annual street festival can enjoy $2 tacos from more than 50 local restaurants and vote on their favorite. The event has been rebranded as the Intown Taco Tour, and will return to downtown Elm Street in Manchester on Thursday, May 2, from 4 to 9 p.m. Visit intownmanchester.com/taco-tour-2019.
Best of Nashua: St. Philip Greek Food Festival, stphilipnh.org. Enjoy homemade Greek food options, live Greek music and dancing and more at this annual festival. This year’s festival is scheduled for Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at the church, at 500 W. Hollis St. in Nashua.

Best Summer-Only Eats

Best of the best: Cremeland Drive In, 250 Valley St., Manchester, 669-4430, find them on Facebook. Cremeland Drive In opened for the season on March 11. The menu includes homemade ice cream, fried clams, burgers, hot dogs, seafood plates and more.
Best of Concord: Arnie’s Place, 164 Loudon Road, Concord, 228-3225, arniesplace.com. Arnie’s Place opened for the season on Feb. 21. The menu features homemade ice cream, burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, barbecue plates and more.
Best of Manchester: Clam Haven, 94 Rockingham Road, Derry, 434-4679, clamhaven.com. Clam Haven opened for the season on March 20. The menu includes fried seafood plates like clams, haddock, shrimp, scallops, lobster tails, calamari and more, as well as salads, sandwiches and burgers.
Best of Nashua: King Kone, 336 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 420-8312, find them on Facebook. King Kone opened for the season on March 16. The menu features dozens of flavors of soft-serve ice cream that are rotated out consistently every week, as well as “razzle” mix-ins, sundaes, frappes, hot dogs and chili.

Best Farmers Market

Best: Concord Farmers Market, concordfarmersmarket.com; dates are usually from the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, on Capitol Street in downtown Concord. The 2019 market is tentatively scheduled for May 4.
Runner-up: Nashua Farmers Market, downtownnashua.org/nashuafarmersmarket; this year’s market will kick off on June 16, and will be held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street, between Temple and Pearl streets. The end date for the season is dependent on first frost, but the market usually runs through mid-October.
Honorable mention: Bedford Farmers Market, Bedford, bedfordfarmersmarket.org; the market is usually held on Tuesdays, from early June through early October, at St. Elizabeth Seton Church (190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford).

FOOD PERSONALITIES

Best Bartender

Best of the best: Neal Brown, The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com
Best of Concord: Corey Garland, The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in North Hampton.)
Best of Manchester: Liam Fitzpatrick, The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Nashua: Sara Howard, Rivermill Tavern, 11 Wilton Road, Milford, 213-5163, find them on Facebook

Best Chef

Best of the best: Corey Fletcher, Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best of Concord: Daniel Dionne, The Centennial Hotel and The Granite Restaurant & Bar, 96 Pleasant St., Concord, 227-9000, graniterestaurant.com
Best of Manchester: Nicole Leavitt, Purple Finch Cafe, 124 S. River Road, Bedford, 232-1958, purplefinchcafe.com
Best of Nashua: Michael Buckley, Michael Timothy’s Dining Group (Buckley’s Great Steaks in Merrimack; Buckley’s Bakery & Café in Merrimack and Hollis; MT’s Local Kitchen & Wine Bar in Nashua; and Surf Restaurant in Nashua and Portsmouth.)

Best Waiter or Waitress

Best of the best: Crystal Cyr, The Pizza Man of Hooksett, 254 W. River Road, Hooksett, 626-7499, thepizzamandelivers.com
Best of Concord: Bill Wishart, Revival Kitchen & Bar, 11 Depot St., Concord, 715-5723, revivalkitchennh.com
Best of Manchester: Tiffany Plagenza, The Puritan Backroom Restaurant, 245 Hooksett Road, Manchester, 669-6890, puritanbackroom.com
Best of Nashua: Sara Howard, Rivermill Tavern, 11 Wilton Road, Milford, 213-5163, find them on Facebook

ENTERTAINMENT

Best Bookstore or Comic Book Store

Best of the best: Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 S. Main St., Concord, 224-0562, gibsonsbookstore.com
Best of Concord: MainStreet BookEnds of Warner, 16 E. Main St., Warner, 456-2700, mainstreetbookends.com
Best of Manchester: The Bookery, 844 Elm St., Manchester, 836-6600, bookerymht.com
Best of Nashua: The Toadstool Bookshop, 614 Nashua St., Lorden Plaza, Milford, 673-1734, toadbooks.com (The Toadstool Bookshop also has locations in Peterborough and Keene.)

Best Escape Room

Best of the best: Escape Room Concord, 240 Airport Road, Concord, 225-2271, escaperoomconcordnh.com
Best of Concord: Escape Hour House, 401 Gilford Ave., Gilford, 707-1254, escapehourhouse.com
Best of Manchester: Granite State Escape, 245 Maple St., Manchester, 935-7455, escapenh.com
Best of Nashua: Key to Escape, 3 Bud Way, Unit 21, Nashua, 809-4018, keytoescape.com

Best Haunted House

Best of the best: Spooky World presents Nightmare New England, Mel’s Funway Park, 454 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, 424-7999, nightmarenewengland.com (Attractions include haunted houses, haunted hayrides, zombie paintball and more. 2019 dates TBA but typically run Thursdays through Sundays, from late September through the weekend following Halloween.)
Best of Concord: Haunted Overload, DeMeritt Hill Farm, 20 Orchard Way, Lee, 855-504-2868, hauntedoverload.com (Features both daytime and nighttime scares attendees encounter while following a heavily wooded trail. 2019 dates TBA but typically run Thursday, Friday and Saturday for two weeks leading up to Halloween night.)
Best of Manchester: Screeemfest, Canobie Lake Park, 85 N. Policy St., Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com/screeemfest (Known as one of the largest Halloween events in New England, with usually five haunted attractions available at night, plus games, live music, a “monster parade” and more. 2019 dates TBA but typically run the weekend of or around Halloween.)
Best of Nashua: Fright Kingdom, 12 Simon St., Nashua, 809-1173, frightkingdom.com (Features a variety of haunted attractions, plus games, photo opportunities, trick-or-treating and a children’s costume parade. 2019 dates TBA but typically run each weekend in October leading up to Halloween. Fright Kingdom also hosts a “Dinner and a Haunt” event in February around Valentine’s Day.)

MUSICIANS

Best Local Band

Best: Donaher, power pop, smarturl.it/donaher. The band is currently recording the follow-up to its debut album and will announce live show dates later this spring.
Runner-Up: Shelf Life, top 40 covers of all genres from the past 50 years, facebook.com/shelflifenh. The band’s next show is at Molly’s Tavern (35 Mont Vernon Road, New Boston) on Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m.
Honorable mention: Miketon and The Night Blinders, folk/alt-country, miketon.net. The band’s next show is Saturday, March 30, at 8 p.m. at Central Ale House (23 Central St., Manchester).

Best Local Solo Performer

Best: Brad Bosse, acoustic/rock, facebook.com/bradbossemusic.His next show is Friday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at Hampshire Hills (50 Emerson Road, Milford).
Runner-up: Ryan Williamson, acoustic singer-songwriter, ryanwilliamsonmusic.com. His next show is Friday, April 5, at 6 p.m. at Backyard Brewery (1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester).
Honorable mention: Tristan Omand, Americana, tristanomand.com. He will play an album release show for his sixth album, So Low, at The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter) on Friday, April 19, at 8 p.m.

EVENTS

Best Community Event

Best of the best: Market Days Festival, intownconcord.org. This three-day summer street festival features family-friendly games and activities all up and down Main Street in Concord, plus miniature golf, outdoor movies and more than 200 local vendors. The festival will return for its 45th year Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22.
Best of Concord: Midnight Merriment, intownconcord.org. A downtown holiday event for all ages that comes to Main Street in Concord each year, with carolers, a s’mores station, food samples and more. This year’s date TBA but Midnight Merriment typically takes place in early December.
Best of Manchester: Litchfield Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Celebration, litchfieldnh.gov. The event features wreaths, crafts, holiday music, s’mores over a fire pit and more. This year’s date TBA but it typically takes place in early December.
Best of Nashua: Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll, downtownnashua.org. This annual downtown event is always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day and features live music, food, holiday shopping, a candlelight stroll down Main Street and a tree-lighting ceremony.

Best Parade

Best of the best: Memorial Day Parade, Litchfield, litchfieldnh.gov. The parade is typically held on Memorial Day itself and includes a service of remembrance led by community members.
Best of Concord: Concord Christmas Parade, concordnh.gov. The parade is typically held in mid- to late November.
Best of Manchester: Manchester Christmas Parade, intownmanchester.com. The parade, which is typically held in early December, also features the Santa Claus Shuffle, in which runners and walkers travel down Elm Street in Santa suits.
Best of Nashua: Fourth of July Parade, Amherst, amherstnh.gov. The parade is always scheduled on the Fourth of July itself.

Best Fireworks Display

Best of the best: Manchester Independence Day Celebration, manchesternh.gov. The annual event features fireworks at Arms Park, in addition to live music and entertainment.
Best of Concord: Concord Fourth of July Celebration, concordnh.gov. The annual event features fireworks at Memorial Field, in addition to live music and entertainment.
Best of Manchester: Fourth of July Fireworks, Derry, derry-nh.org. The suggested viewing areas, according to the town, include Hood Commons, Folsom Road, Crystal Avenue and along Tsienneto Road.
Best of Nashua: Fourth of July Celebrations, Nashua, nashuanh.gov. The annual event features fireworks at Holman Stadium, plus field day activities and live music.

Best Local Holiday Tradition

Best of the best: Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll, downtownnashua.org. This annual downtown event is always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day and features music, food, holiday shopping, a candlelight stroll down Main Street and a tree-lighting ceremony.
Best of Concord: Midnight Merriment, intownconcord.org. A downtown holiday event for all ages that comes to Main Street in Concord each year, with carolers, a s’mores station, food samples and more. This year’s date TBA but Midnight Merriment typically takes place in early December.
Best of Manchester: Litchfield Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Celebration, litchfieldnh.gov. The event features wreaths, crafts, holiday music, s’mores over a fire pit and more. This year’s date TBA but it typically takes place in early December.
Best of Nashua: Milford Pumpkin Festival, milfordpumpkinfestival.org. This three-day event has become a beloved fall tradition for the town of Milford for three decades, with local vendors, live entertainment, carved pumpkin lightings, scavenger hunts and more. Most festivities take place along the Milford Oval and the surrounding streets. The festival will return for its 30th year from Friday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 13.

CELEBRATIONS

Best Place to Hold a Kid’s Birthday Party

Best of the best: Nuthin’ But Good Times!, 746 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 429-2200, nuthinbutgoodtimes.com. An indoor playground and party venue.
Best of Concord: Krazy Kids, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com. An indoor playground and party venue.
Best of Manchester: Cowabunga’s, 725 Huse Road, Manchester, 935-9659, mycowabungas.com (second location at 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett). An indoor inflatable playground.
Best of Nashua: Showcase Performing Arts Center, 5 Executive Drive, Hudson, 883-0055, showcasehudsonnh.com. A dance education center.

Best Place to Hold a Grown-Up’s Birthday Party

Best of the best: Manchester Firing Line, 2540 Brown Ave., Manchester, 668-9015, gunsnh.com. An indoor firing range.
Best of Concord: Escape Room Concord NH, 240 Airport Road, Concord, 225-2271, escaperoomconcordnh.com
Best of Manchester: Boards and Brews, 941 Elm St., Manchester, 232-5184, boardsandbrewsnh.com. A board game cafe.
Best of Nashua: Boston Billiard Club & Casino, 5 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 943-5630, bostonbilliardclubcasino.com. A casino gaming and billiards center that serves food and drink.

Best After-Work Hang-Out Spot

Best of the best: Strange Brew, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (second location at 43 Lafayette Road, North Hampton)
Best of Manchester: Backyard Brewery, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com
Best of Nashua: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 221 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 595-1202, budweisertours.com

Best First Date Spot

Best of the best: Mint Bistro, 1105 Elm St., Manchester, 625-6468, mintbistronh.com
Best of Concord: Concord Craft Brewing Co., 117 Storrs St., Concord, 856-7625, concordcraftbrewing.com
Best of Manchester: Firefly American Bistro & Bar, 22 Concord St., Manchester, 935-9740, fireflynh.com
Best of Nashua: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (second location at 104 Congress St., Portsmouth)

Best Spot for a Romantic Night Out

Best of the Best: Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Best of Concord: Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano, 11 Depot St., Concord, 228-3313, angelinasrestaurant.com
Best of Manchester: Hanover Street Chophouse, 149 Hanover St., Manchester, 644-2467, hanoverstreetchophouse.com
Best of Nashua: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com (second location at 104 Congress St., Portsmouth)

Best Wedding Venue

Best of the best: Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford, 472-2001, bedfordvillageinn.com
Best of Concord: Dell-Lea Weddings & Events, 81 Pleasant St., Chichester, 435-8479, dell-lea.com
Best of Manchester: Castleton Banquet & Conference Center, 58 Enterprise Drive, Windham, 685-4483, castletonbcc.com
Best of Nashua: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst, 672-9898, labellewinerynh.com

KIDS & FAMILY

Best Place to Take Your Kids

Best of the best: Krazy Kids, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com. An indoor playground and party venue.
Best of Concord: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, 2 Institute Drive, Concord, 271-7827, starhop.com. Museum focused on astronomy and aviation with interactive exhibits, simulations, an observatory, planetarium and more.
Best of Manchester: Canobie Lake Park, 85 N. Policy St., Salem, 893-3506, canobie.com. Opening day for the amusement park is Saturday, May 4.
Best of Nashua: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson. The 166-acre municipal park features forest trails, a playground and a small animal farm.

Best Indoor Play Area

Best of the best: Krazy Kids, 60 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, 228-7529, gokrazykids.com. An indoor playground and party venue.
Best of Concord: Jump N Joy, 477 Province Road, Laconia, 527-8020, jumpnjoynh.com. An indoor inflatable playground.
Best of Manchester: Cowabunga’s, 725 Huse Road, Manchester, 935-9659, mycowabungas.com (second location at 1328 Hooksett Road, Hooksett). An indoor inflatable playground.
Best of Nashua: Nuthin’ But Good Times!, 746 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack, 429-2200, nuthinbutgoodtimes.com. An indoor playground and party venue.

Best Kids’ Summer Day Camp

Best of the best: Melody Pines Day Camp, 510 Corning Road, Manchester, 669-9414, melodypines.com
Best of Concord: New Hampshire Audubon Nature Day Camp, held at Massabesic Audubon Center, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, and McLane Audubon Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, 224-9909, nhaudubon.org
Best of Manchester: Granite YMCA, Allard Center of Goffstown, 116 Goffstown Back Road, Goffstown, 497-4663, graniteymca.org/locations/allard-center-of-goffstown
Best of Nashua: YMCA Camp Sargent, 141 Camp Sargent Road, Merrimack, 880-4845, campsargent.org

Best Family/Kids Events

Best of the best: Market Days Festival, held in downtown Concord every summer, features food, shopping and free entertainment. This year’s festival is Thursday, June 20, through Saturday, June 22. Hosted by Intown Concord, intownconcord.org.
Best of Concord: Deerfield Fair, one of the largest and most well-attended agricultural fairs in New Hampshire, with carnival rides, live entertainment, food and more. This year’s fair is Thursday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, 34 Stage Road, Deerfield, deerfieldfair.com.
Best of Manchester: Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta, held in Goffstown in October, features all kinds of pumpkin-related fun in the downtown area, including the main event, the regatta, during which teams from local groups and businesses race in boats made from giant pumpkins in the Piscatacuog River. 2019 dates TBA. Hosted by Goffstown Main Street Program, goffstownmainstreet.org.
Best of Nashua: Milford Pumpkin Fest, held in downtown Milford on Columbus Day weekend, features giant pumpkins, craft fairs, talent shows, fireworks and a haunted trail. Hosted by the Granite Town Festivities Committee, milfordpumpkinfestival.org.

PETS

Best Doggie Daycare

Best of the best: American K9 Country, 336 Route 101, Amherst, 672-8448, americank9country.com
Best of Concord: Paws on Pine, 913 Pine St., Contoocook, 568-4022, pawsonpinenh.com}
Best of Manchester: All Dogs Gym & Inn, 505 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 669-4644, alldogsgym.com
Best of Nashua: Cloud K9, 29 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 424-6166, cloudk9.net

Best Dog Groomers

Best of the best: Sarah’s Paw Spa, 16 Manning St., No. 104, Derry, 512-4539, sarahspawspa.com
Best of Concord: Bark Now! Dog & Cat Grooming, 237 S. Main St., Concord, 229-3700, barknow.com (Bark Now! also has a location at Birch Hill Pet Resort in Northfield.)
Best of Manchester: Jess’ Groom Room, 330 Charles Bancroft Highway, Litchfield, 341-8879, find them on Facebook
Best of Nashua: Cloud K9, 29 Columbia Circle, Merrimack, 424-6166, cloudk9.net

Best Place to Let Your Dog Go Off-Leash

Best of the best: Hooksett Dog Park, 101 Merrimack St., Hooksett, 668-8019, hooksett.org
Best of Concord: Terrill Park Dog Park, Terrill Park, 7 Manchester St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov
Best of Manchester: Derry Dog Park, Fordway and Transfer Lane, Derry, 432-6136, derrynh.org
Best of Nashua: Merrimack Dog Park, Wasserman Park, 116 Naticook Road, Merrimack, 882-1046, merrimackparksandrec.org

Best On-Leash Dog Outing

Best of the best: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, hudsonnh.gov/boards/bensons. Benson Park opened in 2010. The former property of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, a private zoo and amusement park open for much of the early half of the 20th century, the park is now a popular area for hiking, dog walking, fishing and picnicking.
Best of Concord: White Park, 1 White St., Concord, concordnh.gov. This 20-acre park has several amenities, including the largest playground in the city, a seasonal pool, baseball fields, basketball courts and walking trails. During the wintertime the middle of the park transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink.
Best of Manchester: Goffstown Rail Trail, goffstownrailrail.org. The Goffstown Rail Trail runs about 5½ miles from the western end of Goffstown to the Manchester city line, serving as a walking and biking path that connects Pinardville, Grasmere and Goffstown Village.
Best of Nashua: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua, nashuanh.gov. This 325-acre park is bordered on the north side by the Nashua River, and includes forest, wetlands and open fields as well as paved areas for walking and biking.

NIGHTLIFE

Best Bar for Live Music

Best of the best: The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com. Live music is featured every Tuesday at 9 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Upcoming shows include Manchester death metal band Conforza on Thursday, March 28, and Jamaican-American rapper and actor Canibus on Friday, March 29.
Best of Concord: Area 23, 254 N. State St., Concord, 552-0137, thearea23.com. Live music is featured every Friday and Saturday at various times in the afternoons and evenings. Upcoming shows include rock group Off the List on Saturday, March 30.
Best of Manchester: Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St., Manchester, 666-4292, strangebrewtavern.net. Live music is featured several nights each week. Upcoming shows include Peter Parcek on Friday, March 29, and Mr. Nick & the Dirty Tricks on Saturday, March 30.
Best of Nashua: Riverwalk Café and Music Bar, 35 Railroad Square, Nashua, 578-0200, riverwalknashua.com. Live music is featured every Thursday through Sunday. Upcoming shows include Grammy Award-winning folk singer Dom Flemons on Thursday, March 28, and six-piece psychedelic funk band Barika on Friday, March 29.

Best Bar with an Outdoor Deck

Best of the best: The Derryfield Restaurant, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-2880, thederryfield.com
Best of Concord: Downtown Cheers Grille & Bar, 17 Depot St., Concord, 228-0181, cheersnh.com
Best of Manchester: Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St., Manchester, 644-3535, murphystaproom.com
Best of Nashua: The Pasta Loft Restaurant, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com (The Pasta Loft also has a location in East Hampstead.)

Best Pub

Best of the best: The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com
Best of Concord: The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern, 132 N. Main St., Concord, 228-6363, thebarleyhouse.com (The Barley House also has a location in North Hampton.)
Best of Manchester: Wild Rover Pub, 21 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 669-7722, wildroverpub.com
Best of Nashua: The Peddler’s Daughter, 48 Main St., Nashua, 821-7535, thepeddlersdaughter.com (The Peddler’s Daughter also has a location in Haverhill, Mass.)

Best Sports Bar

Best of the best: Billy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 34 Tarrytown Road, Manchester, 622-3644, billyssportsbar.com
Best of Concord: The Draft Sports Bar and Grill, 67 S. Main St., Concord, 227-1175, draftsportsbar.com
Best of Manchester: The Thirsty Moose Taphouse, 795 Elm St., Manchester, 792-2337, thirstymoosetaphouse.com (The Thirsty Moose also has locations in Dover, Exeter and Portsmouth, and a fifth location just opened in Merrimack.)
Best of Nashua: Boston Billiard Club & Casino, 55 Northeastern Blvd., Nashua, 943-5630, bostonbilliardclubcasino.com

Best Regular Event at a Bar

Best of the best: Comedy Night (The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, 909 Elm St., Manchester, 625-0246, theshaskeenpub.com; held Wednesday nights, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The next comedian to appear will be Tommy McNamara, on Wednesday, April 3.)
Best of Concord: Open Mic Night (Area 23, 254 N. State St., Concord, 552-0137, thearea23.com; held Wednesday nights, from 6 p.m. to midnight.)
Best of Manchester: Trivia Night (Backyard Brewery & Kitchen, 1211 S. Mammoth Road, Manchester, 623-3545, backyardbrewerynh.com; held Wednesday nights, from 7 to 9 p.m.)
Best of Nashua: Trivia Night (The Pasta Loft Restaurant, 241 Union Square, Milford, 672-2270, pastaloft.com; held Tuesday nights, at 6:30 p.m.)

OUTDOORS

Best City Park

Best of the best: White Park, 1 White St., Concord. The 20-acre park offers a sledding hill, skating rink, baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelter, playground, pool, soccer field and walking trails.
Best of Concord: Rollins Park, 116 Broadway St., Concord, 225-8690, concordnh.gov (parking is at 33 Bow St., Concord). Features walking trails, a full-sized playground, baseball, softball and field hockey fields, and the city’s largest public pool.
Best of Manchester: Livingston Park, Hooksett Road, Manchester, 624-4444, manchesternh.gov. The park features a baseball diamond, a soccer field, walking paths, a running track, two playgrounds and a swimming pool.
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. The 125-acre park features hills for sledding, sports fields for baseball and softball, a tennis court and more.

Best State Park

Best: Pawtuckaway State Park, 128 Mammoth Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org. It features more than 5,000 acres of land and hiking trails.
Runner-up: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with more than 10,000 acres of land and 40 miles of trails.
Honorable mention: Wellington State Park, 614 West Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org. Features volleyball and horseshoe courts, and a peninsula nature trail with picnic areas, fishing areas and more.

Best Picnic Spot

Best of the best: Benson Park, 19 Kimball Hill Road, Hudson, 880-1600, hudsonnh.gov. Features more than 150 acres of land and includes ponds, walking trails in the woods, a playground and a dog park.
Best of Concord: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with more than 10,000 acres of land and 40 miles of trails.
Best of Manchester: Lake Massabesic, Route 101, Exit 2, Bypass 28, Manchester, 624-6444, manchesternh.gov. Features several marked trails that range in length from a half mile to more than three miles.
Best of Nashua: Greeley Park, 100 Concord St., Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov. The 125-acre park features hills for sledding, sports fields for baseball and softball, a tennis court and more.

Best Sledding Hill

Best of the Best: Deerfield Country Club, 625 Mammoth Road, Manchester, 669-0235, derryfieldgolf.com
Best of Concord: White Park, 1 White St., Concord.
Best of Manchester: Mack’s Apples, 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, 434-7619, macksapples.com
Best of Nashua: Roby Park, Spit Brook Road, Nashua, 589-3370, nashuanh.gov

Best Bike Trail/Place for a Bike Ride

Best of the best: Nashua River Rail Trail, in Nashua. It connects Nashua to Ayer, Massachusetts, with more than 12 miles of paved rail trail.
Best of Concord: Bear Brook State Park, 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, 485-9869, nhstateparks.org. The largest developed state park in New Hampshire, with more than 10,000 acres of land and 40 miles of trails.
Best of Manchester: Windham Rail Trail, accessed at the Windham Depot in Windham. This 4.1-mile trail is the anchor section of the Granite State Rail Trail.
Best of Nashua: Mine Falls Park, Whipple Street, Nashua. The 325-acre park includes forest, wetlands and open fields. It’s bordered on the north side by the Nashua River. There are about eight miles of trails in the forest.

Best Easy Hike in Southern New Hampshire

Best: Mount Major, off Route 11, Alton. The main trail is 1.5 miles to the 1,785-foot peak, which offers panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Runner-up: Pack Monadnock, 13 Miller Park Road, Peterborough. Three hiking trails and a 1.3-mile paved, driveable road lead to the 2,290-foot summit.
Honorable mention: Uncanoonuc Mountains, Goffstown. The north peak is 1,325 feet and the south peak is 1,320 feet.

Best Tough Hike in Southern New Hampshire

Best: Mt. Monadnock, Jaffrey and Dublin, 532-8862, nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/monadnock-state-park. At 3,165 feet, Mt. Monadnock is one of the prominent peaks in southern New Hampshire and a popular year-round destination for hikers since the 19th century. There are more than 35 hiking trails of varying difficulties that lead to the mountain’s summit. The daily fee to Monadnock State Park is $5 per person, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children ages 5 and under and for New Hampshire residents over 65. A season pass is also available for $60.
Runner-up: Mt. Major, Alton, blog.nhstateparks.org/mt-major-family-friendly-hike. Mt. Major stands at about 1,785 feet and provides great views of Lake Winnipesaukee on clear days. The hike consists of the Mt. Major trail, about 1.5 miles long, and the Boulder Loop trail, about 1.6 miles long.
Honorable mention: The Uncanoonuc Mountains, Goffstown, goffstowntrails.com. These twin summits are the highest points in Goffstown, North Uncanoonuc at about 1,324 feet, and South Uncanoonuc at about 1,321 feet.

Best Outdoor View

Best: Mount Monadnock, Jaffrey. New Hampshire’s most-climbed mountain, with a summit of 3,165 feet.
Runner-up: Mount Major, off Route 11, Alton. The main trail is 1.5 miles to the 1,785-foot peak, which offers panoramic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Honorable Mention: Mount Washington, located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains in the township of Sargent’s Purchase. With an elevation of 6288 feet, it’s the highest peak in the state.

BEST THING WE FORGOT TO ASK ABOUT: HONORABLE MENTION
Best Makeup Artist
Jaci Lee, 5 Diamond Salon, Manchester

By Lisa Redmond
lredmond@hippopress.com

Jaci Lee has been fascinated by makeup since she was a child, but it wasn’t until she went to a salon before her high school prom and got rave reviews from a stylist about her makeup that her future was set.
“The stylist complimented me and asked me who did my makeup,’’ Lee said. “She was surprised when I said I did it myself.’’
After graduating from high school Lee began a hair and makeup internship with the same salon. When her colleague and friend, Samantha Courtois, opened 5 Diamond Salon in Manchester about four years ago, Lee took the leap with her. It was the best move she ever made, she said.
Lee, 26, of Derry, has developed a much-sought after style of applying makeup that uses a person’s natural beauty and enhances it — just ask U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. While on the 2016 presidential campaign trail, Sanders needed help with his hair and makeup before an appearance on Face the Nation, which was being filmed in New Hampshire.
“They called our salon for help,’’ Lee said. “Sam did his hair and I did his makeup — just a little foundation to even out his skin color.”

Lee said her earliest memory of makeup was as a young child she sat in rapt attention watching her grandmother apply her makeup.
“I’ll never forget how she smiled when she put on the blush,’’ Lee said.
By the eighth grade, Lee, enthralled by art, was using her own face as her canvas. She began experimenting with different looks, such as rainbow makeup, she said.
“I can only imagine how I looked,’’ she said.
Today she spends her weekdays doing hair and makeup in the salon and her weekends at weddings doing the hair and makeup for the bride, bridesmaids and some groomsmen who need a touch up.
“I just love it when the bride looks in the mirror after I’m done and she smiles,’’ Lee said. “I just want them to feel their best on their wedding day.”
People misunderstand the complexities of hair and makeup, she said.
“You need to know color, facial shapes and sizes, and skin tones,’’ she said.
As she continues to expand her skills, Lee is learning about eyelash extensions and airbrush makeup.
“I’m always changing it up,’’ she said.
While happy at the salon, Lee would like to work on a movie set, do the makeup for models during a runway show and travel to a foreign country to learn other styles of hair and makeup.
“I just want to continue learning,’’ she said.

NOTABLE LOCALS

Best Mechanic

Best of the best: Mike Alton, Pro-Image Automotive, 254 Sheffield Road, Manchester, 968-5159, autorepaircentermanchester.com
Best of Concord: Chuck Nelson, P&N Automotive Services, 140 Pleasant St., Concord, 225-4313
Best of Manchester: Justin Lemay, Black Widow Customs, 51 Kosciuszko St., Manchester, 624-0400, blackwidowcustoms.com
Best of Nashua: Chad Tanguay, Merrimack Auto Center, 9 Webb Drive, Merrimack, 216-9596; 150 Amherst St., Nashua, 546-0157, merrimackautocenterllc.com

Best NH-Based Sports Team

Best: New Hampshire Fisher Cats, AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball team, nhfishercats.com. The 2019 season home opener is on Thursday, April 4, against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Home field is Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, 1 Line Drive, Manchester.
Runner-up: Manchester Monarchs, East Coast Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, manchestermonarchs.com. The next home game is on Friday, April 5. Home ice is at the SNHU Arena, 555 Elm St., Manchester,
Honorable mention: Nashua Silver Knights, Nashua-based Futures Collegiate Baseball League team, nashuasilverknights.com. The 2019 season home opener is on Wednesday, May 29, against Brockton Rox. Home field is Holman Stadium, 67 Amherst St., Nashua.

Funnest NH-Based Personality

Best: Dianne Plansky, news correspondent and weatherperson for the weekly “Litchfield What’s Up?” news broadcast on Facebook, facebook.com/groups/LitchfieldNH.
Runner-up: Juston McKinney, comedian, justonmckinney.com. His next local show is at the Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 S. Main St., Concord, on Saturday, May 4.
Honorable mention: Nick Lavallee, comedian, theotherdude.com. His next local show is on Saturday, April 13, at the Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket.

LIFE IN NH

Best Cultural Site

Best: Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St., Manchester, 669-6144, currier.org. The art museum features European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculptures, including works by Picasso, Monet, O’Keeffe and other notable artists.
Runner-up: Strawbery Banke Museum, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth, 433-1100, strawberybanke.org. The 10-acre outdoor history museum is situated on what was once Puddle Dock, New Hampshire’s oldest waterfront neighborhood, inhabited from the 1630s to the 1950s.
Honorable mention: America’s Stonehenge, 105 Haverhill Road, Salem, 893-8300, stonehengeusa.com. The 4,000-year-old stone construction, likely the oldest man-made construction in the United States, was built by an ancient people as an astronomical calendar to determine solar and lunar events of the year.

Favorite Hidden Gem

Best of the best: Manchester Firing Line, 2540 Brown Ave., Manchester, 668-9015, gunsnh.com. An indoor firing range.
Best of Concord: The Gas Lighter Restaurant, 204 N. Main St., Concord, 228-8854, find them on Facebook. A Greek cuisine restaurant.
Best of Manchester: The Craftworkers’ Guild, 5 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, 472-8109, thecraftworkersguild.org. The craft organization holds seasonal shops featuring a variety of crafts created by local craftspeople. The next shop will run Thursday, May 2, through Saturday, May 11.
Best of Nashua: Andres Institute of Art, 98 Route 13, Brookline, 673-8441, andresinstitute.org. It features New England’s largest outdoor public sculpture park.

Best Place to Take Someone to Convince Them to Live in Southern New Hampshire

Best: White Mountains (particularly in the fall)
Runner-up: Portsmouth
Honorable mention: Lake Winnipesaukee

Best Thing About Living in New Hampshire

Best: The seasons. Readers love New Hampshire’s seasons, whether they’re fans of all four seasons or have their favorites (fall appears to be the winner, with summer, spring and even winter having their fans).
Runner-up: The people. “Wonderful, friendly people,” as one reader said.
Honorable mention: The geography. The lakes, oceans, scenic beauty and especially the mountains earned a lot of praise. “Beautiful place with beautiful people!” one reader said.

THE FINE PRINT
The vote
The results of Hippo’s readers’ poll are based on readers’ answers to a poll conducted online in February. Readers typed in the names of people and locations they voted for. In situations where the vote is tied or otherwise unclear, Hippo editorial staff makes an effort to determine the will of the greatest number of voters. Hippo reserves the right to disqualify individual votes, ballots and/or entries when they are incomplete or unclear, do not meet the letter or the spirit of the question asked or otherwise do not meet the requirements to make them a usable vote. Hippo’s editorial staff makes the ultimate determination of the winners in the categories. Hippo’s advertising staff and its advertisers play no role in the determination of the winners. All results are final.
This survey is for entertainment purposes only and is meant to serve as a snapshot of the people and places in southern New Hampshire at the moment the survey is conducted. Details about business, events and people listed may change between the time of the vote and publication.

Bests
The Best of 2019 is a celebration of all things local. Large national and international chains are, for the most part, not included in the count. Smaller chains with at least two-thirds of their locations in New Hampshire are eligible, as are businesses with two locations one of which is in New Hampshire. The “Best of the Best” designation goes to the person, place or thing that receives the most votes in the category. “Best of Manchester,” “Best of Nashua” and “Best of Concord” are awarded to the next top entries located in those areas. In categories with a “Best,” “Runner-up” and “Honorable Mention,” those there are the top vote-getters in that category.

Geography
Here, roughly, is the designation of “Manchester,” “Concord” and “Nashua” areas:
• Manchester area includes Manchester, Goffstown, Auburn, Candia, Bedford, Hooksett, Raymond, Litchfield, Derry, Londonderry, Windham, Salem, New Boston, Francestown and towns to the east along Route 101 to include towns on Route 125.
• Concord area includes Concord as well as Bow, Pembroke, Contoocook, Dunbarton, Hopkinton, Loudon, Boscawen, Chichester, Weare, Henniker, Suncook, Lee and some towns in the Lakes Region.
• Nashua area includes Nashua as well as Merrimack, Amherst, Milford, Hollis, Brookline, Hudson, Mason and Wilton.

Questions, Comments, Concerns
Did we get an address or phone number wrong? Do you have an idea for a new category? Let us know. Contact editor Amy Diaz at adiaz@hippopress.com. Corrections will appear on page 4 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 along. And, again, all results are final.