New Hampshire

8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in New Hampshire

Published

3 days ago

September 5, 2024

8 Whimsical Towns to Visit in New Hampshire

Imagine a place where magic is woven into the fabric of everyday life, where wonder waits around every corner—welcome to New Hampshire. One of the gems of New England, the picturesque state is home to a collection of quirky small towns that embody the essence of charming character. Diverse landscapes, from the White Mountains to Lake Winnipesaukee, set the stage for the natural essence that drives creative expression, which can be found in communities like Hanover and Peterborough. Eight whimsical New Hampshire towns wait to be discovered, with storybook settings, covered bridges, and creativity filling the air with colorful works.

Hanover

Aerial photo of Hanover, New Hampshire.

Hanover, a small New Hampshire city along the Connecticut River, is world-renowned for its reputation as a destination driven by academic pursuit and outdoor adventure. Hanover is home to Ivy-League Dartmouth College, infusing the town with a lively arts scene, diverse dining options, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The Appalachian Trail crosses through Hanover, linking several outdoor trails and nature preserves, such as the Mink Brook Nature Preserve, providing a verdant escape with trails winding through forests and meadows, inviting exploration and wildlife spotting. In the heart of Hanover lies the historic Dartmouth Green, a hub of scholarly pursuits and community gatherings, surrounded by venerable architecture containing eras of intellectual exploration within its walls. The changing seasons reveal new iterations of a place that expresses a captivating spirit, making Hanover a delightful destination to discover any time of year.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s seaside allure is a masterful orchestration of past and present, where the saltwater rustle of the Piscataqua River meets the ephemeral hum of eclectic energy. The district’s waterfront throbs with the ebb and tide of life as sailboats and fishing vessels bob alongside trendy eateries and curious shops. In Prescott Park, gardens burst with color as newcomers meander lazily through walking paths, punctuated by seasonal arts festivals that celebrate the village’s innovative verve. At Strawbery Banke Museum, the past springs to life through meticulously restored homes and costumed roleplayers, transporting visitors to an era of simplicity and grace dating back 350 years. Portsmouth’s eccentric personality shines bright as the sea meets the shore, a captivating fusion of maritime heritage and bohemian flair.

Littleton

Littleton’s air is sweet with the scent of sugar and wondrous possibilities. The downtown area is a lively scene of independent shops and local eateries, where Chutters’ legendary candy store stands as a beacon of pure delight, its endless counter a rainbow-hued wonderland, and the local pubs are punctuated with the sounds of the rushing waters of the Ammonoosuc River. Just beyond, the Moore Reservoir’s sparkling waters encourage contemplative exploration, its scenic shores and islands a haven for boaters, fishermen, and dreamers. In the heart of Littleton, the Pollyanna Statue stands as a testament to Littleton’s tie to Eleanor H. Porter’s beloved literary heroine, embodying the community’s irrepressible optimism and can-do spirit. With the town’s motto, “Be Glad,” visitors will definitely be glad they have chosen to visit the wondrous place of Littleton, New Hampshire.

Jackson

The heart of the White Mountains cradles the resort hub of Jackson, a magical place that seems plucked from the pages of a storybook. The iconic Honeymoon Bridge, also known as the Jackson Covered Bridge, stands proudly over the town, a beloved landmark built in 1876. Jackson includes many fun activities for people of all ages, including numerous celebrations and events throughout the year, the Living Shores Aquarium, Story Land theme park, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. In addition to wintertime fun with skiing and snowboarding, Jackson Falls is a beautiful sight in the spring and summer months, cascading into view a mesmerizing series of waterfalls that invite calm strolls and sun-dappled picnics. As the mountains rise majestically in the distance, Jackson’s village center beckons visitors with rustic elegance and various dining options. A place where fantasy and reality blur, Jackson is truly a place where the boundaries of the imagination are stretched.

Wolfeboro

The joys of lakeside living spring to life in Wolfeboro, America’s oldest summer resort town. Softly lapping waves and sun-kissed docks entice visitors to unwind on Lake Winnipesaukee’s shores while boutique shopping and waterfront dining temptations await eager visitors. Cate Park’s lush grounds and bandshell concerts add to Wolfeboro’s carefree rhythm, as does the Wright Museum of World War II, offering unique historical perspectives into American experiences during the war. Other museums in this relaxing town include the New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Libby Museum of Natural History, the oldest natural history museum in New Hampshire. On top of its many cultural attractions, Wolfeboro offers an abundance of relaxing outdoor activities, which include boating, skiing, fishing, and hiking, along with the many trails scattered throughout the lakeside. Wolfeboro has an offbeat magnetism revealed through its rich culture and natural beauty, making it an idyllic retreat that leaves the heart and soul full of joy.

Peterborough

Creativity reigns supreme in Peterborough, as this center of art and culture pulsates with inspiration. Galleries and theaters burst with innovative expression, while the residents’ eclectic vibe fosters a thriving local scene. Miller State Park’s ancient forests and the majestic summit of Pack Monadnock call upon explorers to hike and discover panoramic vistas. Meanwhile, the Mariposa Museum takes spectators on a global journey, sharing folk art, culture, and artifacts that reflect Peterborough’s worldly attraction. With such a spiritual richness, Peterborough has no shortage of majestic scenery, having many nature trails and well-maintained parks. This convergence of nature and culture gives Peterborough a wondrous allure that captivates the imagination of creatives and anyone seeking inspiration in a vibrant artistic community.

Exeter

Exeter exudes a colonial influence amidst modern vitality. With antique architecture creating the backdrop for a vibrant downtown filled with many shops and cafes, Exeter invites exploration to visitors from around the world. The Exeter River winds its way through the city, a shimmering ribbon of water where the sight of both kayaks and strollers are as common in the town as the many pubs and eateries that dot the streets. At the American Independence Museum, Exeter’s revolutionary spirit is palpable, with treasures like a Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and other artifacts on display. With each step, the town’s colorful past and lively present intersect, creating a captivating display of experience that draws visitors into its allure.

Keene

A festive spirit lingers throughout Keene as the city’s legendary Pumpkin Festival conjures magic each autumn season. But Keene’s allure extends beyond this beloved bash, with a lively downtown that pulses with eclectic shops, restaurants, and local camaraderie. Along the Ashuelot River, a scenic park that invites outdoor enthusiasts to wander and play, while Keene State College’s historic campus injects a dose of intellectual curiosity and communal vitality into the mix. As the neighborhood’s warm, welcoming energy envelops you, it’s clear that Keene is a place where connection and joy are always in season, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic New England appeal and a healthy dose of whimsy.

Whimsical Towns Await Discovery

New Hampshire’s quirky towns are a delight to discover, full of charm and character. The state’s serene natural landscape sets a stage for exploration, with majestic mountains giving way to peaceful lakes and winding rivers. In this beautiful setting, places like Keene and Portsmouth have the spirit to thrive, each bursting with a distinct personality. This New England state’s raw majesty, artistic community, and quaint warmth come together to create a captivating atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor to these spellbinding destinations.

Source link

New Hampshire

Holy Cross football falls to New Hampshire

Published

6 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Press Room

Holy Cross football falls to New Hampshire

WORCESTER, Mass. — Holy Cross football played their first game of the season at Fitton Field on Saturday. It was a game you could see live on Spectrum News 1.

The Crusaders were looking for their first win of the season against the University of New Hampshire.

It was a low-scoring first half, but Holy Cross bounced back in the third quarter.

Senior running back Jordan Fuller scored on a nine-yard run to give the Crusaders a 13-7 lead.

Then, senior quarterback Joe Pesansky, who finished with 301 yards on the day, connected with senior tight end Jacob Petersen for a 71-yard touchdown. Petersen finished with a career-best 110 yards on six receptions.

The Crusaders were up 20-14 in the fourth quarter until UNH regained the lead. The Wildcats would go on to win 21-20. Holy Cross falls to 0-2 on the season.

The team is back on the road next Saturday to take on Bryant University. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

Source link

New Hampshire

Forecasters: It Will Be A Dandy Weather Week In New Hampshire

Published

13 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Press Room

Forecasters: It Will Be A Dandy Weather Week In New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH — The weather this week in New Hampshire appears to be fine, including on Tuesday, the state primary, which means there will be no excuses for not getting out and voting.

The chilly spell continues Monday, with temperatures in the lower 70s in Concord, the capital region, and on the Seacoast, and slightly higher temperatures in Nashua. The skies, though, will be sunny, and wind gusts will be as high as 20 mph across the state. Overnight lows will be in the low 50s.

Early commuters can expect patchy fog between 3 and 5 a.m. on Tuesday. Highs will be in the upper 70s, and skies will be mostly clear. Overnight lows will be in the upper 40s.

A warmup begins on Wednesday: Sunny skies, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s and lows in the lower 50s.

It will be slightly warmer on Thursday, with more sunny skies, highs in the mid-80s, and lows in the upper 50s.

Similar weather is expected on Friday and Saturday.

For your convenience, the most up-to-date weather conditions are readily available on every Patch.com site in the United States. This includes the 14 New Hampshire Patch news and community websites for Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Exeter, Hampton, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Salem, Windham, and Across NH. We post local weather reports for New Hampshire every Sunday and Thursday and publish alerts if needed.

Source link

New Hampshire

2024 NH state primary is Tuesday: Here’s our voters guide

Published

20 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Press Room

2024 NH state primary is Tuesday: Here’s our voters guide

The 2024 New Hampshire state primary is upon us. From the governor’s race to U.S. House and state representative battles, the Seacoast will see plenty of contested races on the ballot with the winners advancing to the general election.

Here’s what you need to know.

When is the New Hampshire state primary?

The state primary is on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

How to vote in the primary

New Hampshire residents can vote at their designating polling place on Election Day.

More: Seacoast polling times and places listed here

Registered Democrats and Republicans must vote in their respective party’s primaries. Undeclared voters can choose a Democratic or Republican ballot.

You can find sample ballots here, and you can check your voter information here.

If you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and domiciled in a New Hampshire town or city ward, you may register to vote on Election Day at your polling location. You must fill out a voter registration form and show proof of identity, age, citizenship and having established a domicile. If you don’t have the documents with you on Election Day, you may prove those qualifications by completing an affidavit.

If you meet certain qualifications, you may also vote by absentee ballot.

Here is a guide.

U.S. House primary elections in NH

First Congressional District

The Republican primary for New Hampshire’s First Congressional District features seven candidates: Russell Prescott, Joe Kelly Lavasseur, Chris Bright, Walter McFarlane, Hollie Noveletsky, Andy Martin, and Max Abramson.

The winner will face incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas.

Second Congressional District

Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern are vying for the Democratic nomination for New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District.

There are 13 candidates on the Republican side. They are Tom Alciere, Gerard Beloin, Michael Anthony Callis, Randall Clark, Casey Crane, Robert D’Arcy, Bill Hamlen, William Harvey, Vikram Mansaramani, Jay Mercer, Jason Riddle, Lily Tang Williams, and Paul Wagner.

What voters need to know: NH races for governor, Congress get heated and personal

NH governor’s races for Democrats and Republicans

There is a contested primary in both the Republican and Democratic primaries for governor.

In the Republican primary, Kelly Ayotte and Chuck Morse lead a crowded field that includes Shaun Fife, Robert Wayne McClory, Richard A. McMenamon II, and Frank Negus Staples.

Whoever wins will face either Joyce Craig, Cinde Warmington, or Jon Kiper, all running in the Democratic primary, in November.

More: NH races for governor, Congress get heated and personal: What voters need to know

NH Executive Council

The Republican primary for Executive Council District 4, which includes Lee and Barrington, features six candidates: Terese Bastarache, Robert Burns, John Reagan, John Stephen, Ryan Terrell, and Ross Terrio. The winner will face Democrat Jim O’Connell in the general election.

Contested NH State Senate race in greater Seacoast

Bill Gannon and Emily Phillips are facing off in the Republican primary for State Senate District 23, which represents Brentwood, Chester, Danville, East Kingston, Epping, Fremont, Kensington, Kingston, Newton, Sandown, Seabrook, and South Hampton. The winner will meet Democrat Brenda Oldak in the November election in a heavily Republican district.

Contested NH House races in greater Seacoast

There are several contested state representative primary races.

In Rockingham County District 6 (Brentwood), Allen Cook and Thaddeus Paul Riley are facing off in the Republican primary for who will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Eric Turer in November.

In Rockingham County District 32 (Brentwood, Danville, Fremont), Republicans Melissa Litchfield and Scott Wallace are competing for the nomination to face Democrat Diana West.

More: Brentwood Republicans face off in two competitive NH House primaries

In Rockingham County District 10 (Newfields, Newmarket), Democrats Michael Cahill, Ellen Read, Lela Porter Love, and Toni Weinstein are running for three spots. Those who advance will appear on the November ballot with one Republican candidate, Jeanene Cooper.

More: Democratic voters in Newmarket, Newfields have 4 choices for 3 spots in NH House primary

In Rockingham County District 11 (Exeter), Linda Haskins, Julie Gilman, Gaby Grossman, Mark Paige, and Katrina Heinrich are running for four spots in the Democratic primary. The winners will face Republicans Robert Goeman, Brian Griset, and William Smith.

More: Exeter voters: to choose from 5 Democrats running for 4 NH House seats

In Rockingham County District 29 (Hampton), the Republican primary features Nicholas Bridle, David Hagen, Ken Sheffert, Bruce Theriault, and George Attar. The four candidates who garner the most votes will compete against Chris Muns, Mike Edgar, Alan Scott Blair, and Erica de Vries in the general election.

In Rockingham County District 40 (Hampton, Seabrook), Linda McGrath and Richard Sawyer are facing off in the Republican primary. Whoever comes out on top will run against Democrat John Patrick Carty in the general election.

In Rockingham County District 30 (Seabrook), Republicans William Fowler, Jason Janvrin, Aboul Khan, and Matt Sabourin are running for two spots. The winners will face Democrats Bob Albright and Justin Gregory Packard in November.

More: Hampton and Seabrook Republicans face off in competitive NH House primaries

In Strafford County District 10 (Durham), Timothy Horrigan, Loren Selig, Marjorie Smith, Wayne Burton, and Gale Bailey are running for four seats. There are no Republicans running, so the four winners will be unopposed in November.

More: Durham has 5 Democrats to choose from for 4 seats in NH House

In Strafford County District 11 (Dover Ward 4, Madbury, Lee), Democrats Erik Johnson, Thomas Southworth, and Janet Wall are running for three spots in the primary. It is no longer a contested primary after fourth candidate Andrew Kennedy suspended his campaign, but he will still appear on the ballot due to his late exit. They will face Republicans Joe Bazo, Denis Grenier, and Bill Taylor in the general election in November.

More: NH House candidate in Dover area who faced police investigation drops out of race

In Strafford County District 15 (Dover Ward 2), Alice Wade and Lucas Veitch are vying for the Democratic nomination. Whoever wins will face Republican Keith Mistretta.

More: Alice Wade, Lucas Veitch compete for Dover Ward 2 state rep Democratic nomination

In Strafford County District 19 (Rochester Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6), Daniel Fitzpatrick, John Larochelle, Melena Lugo, and Seph Warren are competing in the Democratic primary. The three who advance to the November primary will be running against Republicans Kelley Potenza, David Walker, and Jenny Wilson.

More: What Rochester voters need to know about 4 Democrats in NH House primary

Strafford County sheriff

Three Democrats seeking to become the next Strafford County sheriff nominee are competing in the primary: Steven Bourque, Tracy Hayes, and Kathryn Mone. Voters will decide which will be on the ballot in November against Republican Scott Tingle.

More: Here are 3 Democrats running for Strafford County sheriff

Source link