The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘new hampshire’

Well, another fall foliage season is winding down. As a matter of fact, your last opportunity for leaf peeping in much of New England may be this coming weekend. Here are some of my fall foliage photos taken around MacDowell Lake in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. This is a great place for family leaf peeping as they offer a playground and plenty of open space to play. If you’re in the area, check it out before the trees are bare!

If you’ve enjoyed these photos, please visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby for more.

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It sounds so quaint, so New England and everything about it is so simple; it will take you in and make you feel like you’ve been a part of the community for years. Old Home Days began in 1899 when the then Governor of New Hampshire came up with an idea to invigorate the state and its economy. While thousands of wealth seekers were trudging westward in search of their feast or folly, the small New England towns were in much need of infrastructure. With a surge in manufacturing activities and a decline in farming, New Hampshire sought to lure former residents back to their state or at the very least, entice them to help build the infrastructure that was sorely needed as the state grew. Perhaps new found riches would be used to purchase a summer home, build roads, a school or library. This was a national undertaking, which would be unique and unprecedented. Invitations were sent out to former residents around the country, inviting them back to New Hampshire for Old Home Days each year.

Today, the tradition carries on in much the same way that it did over 100 years ago. Small towns solicit their former residents to return to New Hampshire each year to participate in a celebration of traditional values and family friendly activities and entertainment. Surprisingly, former residents still flock back for several days each year to share their talent, dedication and love of their birthplace with the families and residents who currently reside in the towns where these (now) world travelers grew up. Of course, these festivities attract plenty of tourists and visitors alike – maybe they too will be lured in by the homey atmosphere of these quaint New Hampshire villages.

In Hancock, New Hampshire, the tradition started 20 years earlier in 1879. What began as a family picnic soon blossomed into a reunion of town folk, past and present. Almost 10 years before New Hampshire would officially adopt the tradition, Hancock had its own annual picnic that drew hundreds of residents. Drawing over 10,000 attendees in 1929, even former first lady Grace Coolidge returned to enjoy the festivities. Although she did not reside in Hancock, her family had ties to the town and her fond childhood memories drew her back.

In 2010, the celebration began on a Friday evening with an ice cream social in the church vestry, a magic show for kids on the common, followed by the 18th annual Hancock Has Talent show. This year, the old meetinghouse was packed as one of Hancock’s finest musical talents (now living in New York), Abbie Gardner of bluegrass band Red Molly performed a selection from her album and a surprise selection (yet to be named) from an upcoming album (she is also an award winning songwriter). So far, Old Home Days had lived up to its promise.

Saturday was an activity packed day. A kids fun run kicked off the family activities, followed by a small, but interesting parade down Main Street. There was face painting, crafts, and even a kids market where local children had the opportunity to share their talent by crafting items that they then could sell. A rock climbing wall on the common, pony rides on Norway Hill, synchronized swimming in the pond and a pie eating contest and tug-o-war on the beach kept kids entertained and laughing all afternoon long. Adults could enjoy an exhibit by local artists, historical photo exhibits, a huge book sale at the local library and shopping at the craft market.

Hungry? Fresh cut french fries and onion rings, a traditional chicken BBQ, free kettle corn and watermelon and deep fried Snickers were just a few of the offerings. Of course, a bake sale also offered tasty treats that you could take home. Spreading out on the common for a picnic, you could listen to the upbeat tempo of the American Legion Band or the soothing bluegrass melodies of Hot Mustard.

Sunday brought several new activities to round out the weekend. Old Home Days had delivered on its promise. Traditional family fun, neighbors meeting neighbors and residents past and present coming together to unite in celebrating the traditions of New Hampshire. Every summer throughout New Hampshire, everyone can enjoy Old Home Days. You don’t need to be a resident to join in the festivities, but you too may be lured in forever. Check with each town for specific dates each year.

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Folks come from all around to watch them. Some families chase them from town to town. Everyone gasps in amazement, even our youngest who has never really seen them before. Fireworks are a magical wonder that entertain kids and adults alike, putting them into a trance induced by the colorful popping noise makers that light up the nighttime sky.

This year we made it a point to be in New Hampshire in time to join the Independence Day festivities. The towns around the Monadnock Region actually coordinate their schedules in order to allow spectators to enjoy all of the festivities going on in the region. With two young kids, we decided to partake in just one, so we chose the celebration in Hancock (known as the prettiest village in New Hampshire).

Over a thousand people pounce upon the tiny town center beginning at 6PM when the Ice Cream Social begins and the band starts striking a tune. Kids can join in on a reading of the Declaration of Independence – if you can pry them away from the ice cream. We arrived a bit after 8PM, so were able to take advantage of $2 sundaes or what was left over to make sundaes. We followed the herd scurrying to find a place on the lawn that slopes down to Norway Pond.

We were ill prepared, without a blanket for comfort or warmth and we certainly didn’t have any bug spray…oh well…maybe the mosquitoes like ice cream. As we settled in we were surprised to see kids swimming and playing at the beach below. I’m not sure exactly how cold the water was, but I suppose we’ll find out one of these days. There were lots of kids running around, but our kids were focused on their ice cream!

With anticipation in the air, the crowd roared as the first boom lit up the sky. Little did we know that this would be just a 10-minute warning. The kids were dripping with anticipation and excitement. The show began just as the kids were about to burst; the crowd fell silent. Exploding packets of colored light soared above the pond, illuminating the black evening sky. The brilliant colors criss-crossed like a well choreographed dance. All eyes were fixated upward; our youngest didn’t even turn away once. Fireworks are like candy – kids can never get enough.

This was our first 4^th of July in New Hampshire. Small towns, friendly faces and traditional family oriented activities – just one reason why I love New Hampshire so much. So, next time you’re looking for a simple Independence Day celebration, why not head out to one of the many small towns in New Hampshire. You might never leave.

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We were visiting New Hampshire last week as we gear up for our move later this summer.  During the visit I had a conversation with one of our readers who was looking for more articles on New Hampshire activities – that in turn got me thinking about my childhood trips to New Hampshire and a few of the fun attractions that helped shape my love for the Granite State.  Here are three fun family summer attractions that you can visit in an easy day trip from anywhere in New England.

Castle in the Clouds – Nestled high above Lake Winnipesaukee, this 16-room turn of the century mansion offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.  With over 45 miles of trails traversing the 5500-acre property (the Brook Path trail is a short waterfall hike suitable for the entire family), you’re sure to find the perfect spot for a family picnic.

Yankee Magazine has also named the Carriage House Cafe the best in New England, so if you opt-out of the family picnic, you can enjoy a diverse bistro-style menu (including a special kid’s menu) while admiring the spectacular view.  Castle in the Clouds opens daily (10AM-4:30PM) beginning June 14th (currently open weekends only).  A Grounds Pass is $5 (age 7 and up).  Add another $10 for a Castle Tour (ages 15 and up).  Kids 6 and under are free).

Clark’s Trading Post is an institution.  Opened in 1928, they have been entertaining families for generations (at least four in our case).  Conveniently located in Lincoln, NH in the heart of the White Mountains, Clark’s offers a variety of activities for all members of your family (most are best suited for kids 3 and up). 

Of course, the main attraction for more than 50 years has been the Bear Show.  This is a one-of-a-kind production that you won’t want to miss.  For the train lovers in the family, there is also the White Mountain Central Railroad’s short 30-minute adventure into Wolfman Country!  The Wolfman is a legend in these parts – make sure that all kids stay safely inside the train.

 You can also browse the many museums, visit Merlin’s House or check out the new Wolfie’s Segway Park and Safari.  Admission is $18 for most (age 6 and up), $7 for ages 3-5 and free for kids under 3.  The Bear Shows have started again this year, but be sure to check their calendar before heading out to avoid disappointment.

Looking for a casual outing?  Try Weir’s Beach.  Located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, this popular weekend destination can get a bit crowded in the height of summer and during fall foliage, but will busy the kids for an entire day.  So, where do I start – it isn’t just a beach destination, but also offers lots of activities, including cruises, train rides, an arcade, waterslides, mini-golf, go-carts, baloon rides and lots of  interesting shops.  Be sure to check out the special events schedule (avoid motercycle week unless you really love motercycles).

The only downside is that costs can add up quickly.  Although the beach is free, you’ll have to pay for parking (lot and metered street parking available) and most other activities.  Be sure to get there early as spaces fill quickly and tickets sell out quickly during peak times.

Be sure to check back with us in the near future for more extensive reviews of each of these attractions.  Summer 2010 here we come!

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Today we headed out right after breakfast for our mid-morning meeting and tour of the rock outcroppings of New Hampshire. At least this is how our four year old saw it; we are in our second phase of house hunting and had several houses to see. Of course, we let the kids judge the yards and surprisingly, the rocks seem to have been their focus. Whatever distracts them while we concentrate on the mission is just fine with us. Planning for a “boring” day requires some special considerations. Read the rest of this entry »