New Hampshire
We asked our Globe N.H. team to tell us their favorite things to do in the state in the summer. Here’s what they said. – The Boston Globe
It’s easy to get there. The trailhead is a stone’s throw off of I-93 and just a few miles down the road from Waterville Valley Resort, but you still feel immersed in nature.
The hike starts in a beautiful hardwood forest before opening up to the first stone ledge, where the views begin in earnest. There are tons of photo opps along the way. Then, you’re hiking on exposed rock, home to all kinds of lichen and other sensitive alpine species. There are some fun rock scrambles on this segment of the trail — nothing too crazy, but it keeps things interesting. Between peak one and peak two, you drop into an enchanted evergreen forest, and then you’re up on another long spiny rock ridge, before dropping back down into hardwood forest below.
AMANDA GOKEE
Down on the farm
Beech Hill Farm is a great place to get a scoop of ice cream during the warmer months of the year, while checking out the barnyard animals that live there. The farm is on a picturesque hillside in Hopkinton that’s also home to calves, piglets, lambs, baby goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. It feels like a real farm and smells like one too. The ice cream is delicious — 75 flavors that are all made in New England.
There’s also a walking path on the grounds. A one-mile trail passes one of the northernmost stands of Giant Rhododendron in New Hampshire, a flowering evergreen shrub, and a corn maze in the fall. And if you’re still hungry, the farm sells pasture-raised beef, pork, maple syrup, and eggs, as well.
The farm is now owned by Robert and Donna Kimball, and it’s been in their family for nine generations, which makes it one of the longest-running family-owned and operated farms, according to the family. And the next generation is already continuing that legacy: Nate Kimball is working with his grandparents to help operate the farm, after getting his degree from the University of New Hampshire in Integrated Agriculture and Business Management.
The homestead was originally built in 1800 and was renovated in the 1990s to make space for events, the ice cream barn, and other visitor areas.
AMANDA GOKEE
Tour the State House
If you find yourself with weekday free time in Concord, swing by the gold-domed State House for a tour. Wander the halls yourself, or see if Virginia Drew in the first-floor visitor center can set you up with an expert guide.
The grounds outside are dotted with historic statues and markers, and the halls inside display more than 100 battle flags, plus massive portraits and murals at every turn. But the building is more than a museum: It’s the nation’s oldest State House in continuous use — and there is a lot going on.
All under one roof, visitors can see the House and Senate, Governor and Executive Council, and Secretary of State’s office, where candidates add their names to the presidential primary ballot every four years.
The two centuries of history that plaster the State House walls serve as backdrop for the history that continues to be written there everyday. Yet there is something delightfully mundane and accessible about the whole experience.
I once saw a family from Texas take a guided tour on a whim. They paused outside Governor Chris Sununu’s office and got a personal greeting. “Hi, I’m Chris,” the state’s chief executive said to them, stopping for a quick photo under a portrait of his father, former Governor John H. Sununu.
My parents didn’t meet any Sununus on our guided tour last year, but we had a blast learning about civics and history. To make the most out of your visit, I’d suggest calling the visitor center, 603-271-2154, ahead of time since Drew’s team juggles school tours as well.
STEVEN PORTER
Sip local wines
My in-laws absolutely loved sampling locally made fruit wines, meads, and ciders at Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery on Meredith’s Main Street when we explored the Lakes Region last fall. We went for the guided tasting of seven 1-ounce pours paired with cheeses and chocolate, then stayed for lunch as well.
I’m not the biggest fan of sweet wines, so I was relieved to find some samples to be pleasantly complex. Their blueberry wine, for example, drinks like a jammy red. I’ve given away a few bottles as gifts (and kept a few more for myself).
You can often find popular Hermit Woods products at New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet locations throughout the state — including their refreshing sparkling hard cranberry apple cider — but the in-person experience in Meredith offers more variety, with indoor and outdoor spaces that invite visitors to linger. So it’s well worth stopping in.
New Hampshire has more than 40 wineries and distilleries statewide, plus more than 100 breweries, so check the state’s travel and tourism website and the Brew NH beer map to see what tasting rooms are nearby.
STEVEN PORTER
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee. Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter.
New Hampshire
Missing Berlin Motorcyclist Found Dead After Route 2 Crash: New Hampshire State Police Roundup
06/19/2026 02:16, EAST KINGSTON, BOLDUC, NATHAN RICHARD (22); ASHFORD, CONNECTICUT, 635:1,I (BURGLARY-NIGHT / HOME / WEAPON), 635:1,V (BURGLARY TOOLS-POSSESSION), 637:7 (RECV STOLEN PROP; $1501+), 637:7 (RECV STOLEN PROP; $1501+), 634:2,II (CRIMINAL MISCHIEF).
06/15/2026 19:49, RAYMOND, KETCHEN, DANA CANNEY (63); BROOKLINE, 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 264:25 (CONDUCT AFTER ACCIDENT), 265-A:2,I(B) (DUI; ADULT>.08; MINOR>.02), 172-B:3 (PROTECTIVE CUSTODY-ALCOHOL), 265-A:44 (TRANSPORTING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR MARIJUANA).
06/15/2026 21:05, GILFORD, SEXTON, JALEN R. (26); ALTON, 263:64,VI (DRIVE AFTER REV/SUS-SUBSQT), 263:64,IV (DRIVE AFTER REVOCATION/SUSPENSION; RECKLESS DRIVING), 263:1,II (LICENSE REQD; OP W/EXPIRED LICENSE W/IN 12 MONTHS OF EXPIRATION), 265:60 (SPEEDING 25 MPH OVER LIMIT OF 55 OR LESS).
06/16/2026 02:40, PORTSMOUTH, LANE, MICHAEL CORY (29); HUBBARDSTON, MA, 631:3 (RECKLESS CONDUCT), 265-A:2,I(A) (DUI-IMPAIRMENT), 265:79,I (RECKLESS OPERATION).
06/16/2026 17:16, GILFORD, COSTARELLI, ROBERT L. (55); EAST BRIDGEWATER, MA, 631:2-B,I(A) (DV; SIMPLE ASSAULT; BODILY INJURY OR PHYSICAL CONTACT), 634:2,III (CRIMINAL MISCHIEF).
New Hampshire
Concord City Manager Receives ‘Satisfactory’ Review, 2.5% Raise, But Sabbatical Request Gets Trimmed
Schultz said she “highly respects” Aspell, too, but there was a “dissonance between reality” when eyeing what the public and city employees were earning.
Ward 6 City Council Aislinn Kalob, too, would not be voting for the increase, saying it had been “heavily on my mind since we’ve had our nonpublic sessions,” which lasted about six hours of work. She appreciated Kretovic clearly outlining the job of city manager. But people were frustrated with the city manager, and she saw that in the comments in online forums.
“I do feel, after really digging into this, and learning about his job,” she said, “and thinking toward the future when, eventually, at some point, somebody new will be sitting in that seat, we are the ones who direct policy and he is the one that implements it… there is anger out there that should be directed more toward us.”
Kalob said, too, a room full of firefighters, upset about their contract, also made voting for the wage increase something she could not consider.
Michele Horne of Ward 2 echoed similar concerns to Schultz, saying there was significant “wage disparity” between the public and staff and the city manager. She also agreed with Kalob’s point that previous councils created this contract.
Sunflowers are my absolute FAVORITE flowers. I truly feel like they have magical uplifting abilities. Hence, why I’ve always kept fresh sunflowers in my house, brightening up my kitchen table or even my TV stand.
Obviously, it was a dream of mine to have my maternity photos taken in a sunflower field. They reflect sunshine and exude happiness.
Not to mention, one of my favorite quotes is about sunflowers! “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.” Helen Keller
A beautiful reminder to keep an optimistic outlook on life and not dwell on the negative.
So, you can imagine the joy I felt when I learned that New Hampshire had its very own Sunflower Festival at Coppal House Farm in Lee!
About the Sunflower Festival:
During the summer, the farm transforms into a sea of golden blooms, giving visitors the chance to wander through thousands of sunflowers, snap photos, enjoy local food vendors, artisan crafts, listen to live music, and experience one of New Hampshire’s most beautiful summer traditions.
Other unique activities on the itinerary? Sip-n-snip! Guests can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail of their choice and cut their own fresh bouquet of flowers.
Or maybe you’re a yoga fan? You can join a 60-minute sweat session from Lee, New Hampshire yoga instructors right in the heart of the flower field.
And because the farm grows oilseed sunflowers for culinary oil (which they harvest in the fall months), the flowers only stay at their peak for a brief window, making the festival a limited-time experience, according to the festival organizers…
What makes this event even more special is the reason behind it. The festival started as a way to share the beauty of the sunflower fields, but it has grown into something much bigger. Organizers say the event has raised more than $90,000 for Make-A-Wish New Hampshire over the years and now shares a portion of its proceeds with several local nonprofit organizations serving the Seacoast community.
Anyone who knows me knows that paying it forward is something that’s incredibly important to me. It’s right up there with my love of sunflowers because both fill my cup in the best way. So, when I found out this festival celebrates my favorite flower and gives back to the community, I knew I had to share it.
Sunflower Festival Details:
This festival only runs from Saturday, July 25th until Sunday, August 2nd. You can get the full list of activities and more on the Coppal Farm website.
Daily Field Hours
10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
(last admission at 6PM because fields close at 6:30)
Weekend Tickets (prepurchased online – day before)
$12 per person ages 13 & older
$10 per person ages 5-12
$10 per person Seniors (65+) & Military
4 yrs & under are always free
Weekend Tickets (purchased day of – online or at farm):
$16 per person ages 13 & older
$14 per person ages 5-12
$14 per person Seniors (65+) & Military
4 yrs & under are always free
includes: access to sunflower fields, craft fair, food vending area, tented shade area, picnic area, farm animals, & live music
Weekday Tickets (prepurchased online – day before)
$8 per person ages 13 & older
$6 per person ages 5-12
$6 per person Seniors (65+) & Military
4 yrs & under are always free
Weekday Tickets (purchased day of – online or at farm)
$12 per person ages 13 & older
$10 per person ages 5-12
$10 per person Seniors (65+) & Military
4 yrs & under are always free
What tickets include:
Access to sunflower fields, food vending area, tented shade area, picnic area, and farm animals
READ MORE: A Classic Fairy Tale Comes To Life At Portsmouth’s Prescott Park This Summer
This festival might just leave you smiling long after you leave the fields!
What Flowers Thrive in New England
See what flowers thrive in New England weather: Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Gallery Credit: Logan
14 of the Best New Hampshire Farms Offering Locally Grown Strawberries
14 of the Best New Hampshire Farms Offering PYO Strawberries
Gallery Credit: Sarah Sullivan
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