Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend. Seacoast: Portsmouth Restaurant Week April 18-27 Portsmouth Nearly 30 restaurants offer special three course prix fixe menus, as Portsmouth celebrates their restaurants in this week-long event! Pore over the menus ahead of time or choose to be surprised! This special culinary affair will not disappoint. Just be sure to make a reservation when you can, as space fills up quickly during the Seacoast’s 10-day culinary event of the season. Find local special offers from area hotels, shops, and attractions nearby, and browse through some of our participating restaurants below. Baby Animals: Heritage Breeds at the Banke April 27- May 5, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Strawbery Banke 14 Hancock St., ...

Photo by Marian Vejcik Mother's Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12. If you don't have that date circled on your calendar, take a minute to do it now. (We won't judge if you forgot.) Planning the perfect day for the perfect mom takes time, which is why we're here to help you make the day a little more special and personal for her. We aren't talking store-bought gifts or last-minute brunch reservations at the Omni Mount Washington or The Old Salt, though neither of those options are bad ideas; we're talking about spending quality time together in unique places around the Granite State. Whether you choose a date at a local tearoom, a scenic tour around Woodstock or the Isles of Shoals, or even a cozy paint night in, our curated activity list goes beyond a vase of sunflowers to make sure mom feels loved and celebrated this year.  For the tea lover Each of these tearoom experiences offer a whimsical escape from day-to-day life, and a step into a “Chronicles of Narnia” wardrobe meets “Pride and Prejudice” afternoon high tea that will lead to an abundance of relaxation and pampering. (Don't forget your fascinator — pinkies up!) Étagère ...

Bedrock Gardens Photo by Nancy Horton Bedrock Gardens 45 High Rd., Lee (603) 659-2993 Opening to the public on May 15, 2024; visit their website for 2024 visitation guidelines. Bedrock Gardens is a 37-acre private garden that is open Tuesdays through Fridays and on the first and third weekends of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The garden, which also houses a number of whimsical sculptures, has been carefully cultivated over the past 40 years. Stroll through the formal Parterre Garden, the Garish Garden, the Dark Woods and more while pausing to admire the Japanese teahouse, a gazebo, the 200-foot water works called the Wiggle Waggle and, of course, plant species from all over the world. There is a $15 suggested donation. Also, check out the schedule of special events, for a visit by The Caterpillar Lab to a Fairy and Hobbit House Festival. The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens John Hay Estate at The Fells 465 Route 103A, Newbury (603) 763-4789 Opening on Memorial Day weekend (May 25, 2024). This combination of gorgeous gardens, outdoor sculptures, nature trails and art gallery is located on a nearly 1,000-acre hillside overlooking Lake Sunapee. Discover the spectacular art of well-known ...

Barred Owl. Courtesy photo. Bird watching can be done anywhere in New Hampshire — along a nature trail, at the beach, on the mountains or in your own backyard. May is peak migration for birds here — a great time to try out this peaceful hobby. Even though the leaves are popping, birds are flocking back to the state to set up shop. Grab some binoculars and keep your eyes and ears open. Learning a few bird calls can greatly increase the chances you'll see the little (and not-so-little) guys, too. Ossipee Pine Barrens Preserve, Ossipee, Freedom, Madison & Tamworth www.ossipeelake.org A pine barren is just that – a pine forest that has survived in a challenging place. These rare barrens have dry, acidic soil that occurs in sandy deposits left by glaciers, but plenty of vegetation still lives here. Pine woods and scrub oak cohabitate with blueberry bushes and ferns in this unique ecosystem. A broad diverse swath of birds can be found here, including nocturnal whippoorwills, Eastern towhees and nighthawks. Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary, Jefferson / Whitefield www.nhaudubon.org This spot north of the notches has forests and wetlands, plus views of the presidential range, and plenty of migrating birds ...

Yogi Bear approved, these spots across the Granite State are perfect for a picnic. You'll be sure to enjoy all of the beautiful scenery while snacking on a packed meal. Just remember to carry in and carry out! Rainbow Falls, Plymouth nhfamilyhikes.com This 1.6-mile round-trip trail loop is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful stroll through scenic woods. Open year-round, this hike is family-friendly and ideal for enjoying a scenic picnic lunch at the gorgeous Rainbow Falls. The falls are about halfway along the trail, and the trail is part of the Walter-Newton Conservation Area. Enjoy pausing at one of the trailside benches and watching the rushing water pour over a granite face while refueling with a packed snack or lunch. White Lake State Park, Tamworth www.nhstateparks.org If you're looking to picnic following a fun day outdoors, make sure to check out White Lake State Park. Located in Tamworth, the park is set alongside the shores of White Lake, a glacial body of water in the heart of the Lakes Region. With a gorgeous lakeside picnic area, White Lake State Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a full day in the sun. Tarbin Gardens, Franklin Tarbin Gardens, Franklin ...

We’re back! Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend. Are you looking for the best spots to view the eclipse this upcoming Monday, April 8? Maybe some fun eclipse themed activities? Check out our eclipse events rundown here! Seacoast: Fox Run Marketplace April 6 and April 7 The Fox Run Mall 50 Fox Run Rd., Newington Over 50+ unique vendors and growing! There will be vintage toys and collectibles, antiques, sports memorabilia, TGA (professional card graders), artisan, artists, and much more! This event is inside the Fox Run Mall. UNH Ballet Showcase April 6, 7 p.m. UNH Johnson Theater 30 Academic Way, Durham Watch UNH ballet students and classes perform their end of semester showcase! Merrimack ...

On April 8, the Granite State will be in the path of a solar eclipse for the first time since 1959. The Great North Woods will be in the path of totality, which means the region will experience night-like darkness for the full three minutes and fifteen seconds that the moon blocks the sun’s light. The remaining majority of the state will experience over 95% coverage of the sun for the duration of the eclipse. This once-in-a-lifetime solar event is one you don’t want to miss! Don’t wait around for the next one (in 2079!)- here are some places across the state where you can view the eclipse (in your protective Eclipse Glasses, of course!). State Parks In the path, or partial path, of the eclipse Great North Woods Parks ! Adroscoggin Wayside, Errol ! Beaver Brook Falls Wayside, Colebrook ! Coleman State Park, Stewartstown ! Deer Mountain Campground, Pittsburg ! Dixville Notch State Park, Dixville % Eisenhower Memorial Wayside, Carroll % Forest Lake State Park, Dalton % Jericho Mountain State Park, Berlin* (gates are open, no facilities) ! Lake Francis State Park, Pittsburg ! Milan Hill State Park, Milan ! Mollidgewock State Park, Errol % Moose Brook State Park, ...

Even if you haven’t visited the White Mountains region, you may have experienced some of Scott Rice’s work. Scott is the owner of Woodstock Inn Brewery, which makes its delicious beer available across New England. However, his involvement with the community began long before he started his business.  Scott has been in the area since 1974 and shows no signs of leaving. He said, “I worked at the Jack O’ Lantern Resort during my college summers. After college in 1976 I started working as a ski instructor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and here in the summer until around 1980 when I decided to buy our house and go out on my own. Our community is very, very important to my wife and me and I love seeing how my kids are now following down the same path.” You’re family too Scott’s business is a lot like him. It’s warm, open, and focused on the best possible experience for his family, his team, his guests, and his larger community. “We are a family business that tries to treat our employees as family and hope that they treat our customers as their family. Many of our customers have become our family over ...

Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend. Seacoast: Cider Flights and Tasty Bites March 23, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. The Dover Children’s Museum 6 Washington St., Dover The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is pleased to offer a unique, grown-up-only, fundraising event this spring. “Cider Flights & Tasty Bites”  is a special collaboration with North Country Hard Cider Company. The event, hosted at the Children’s Museum amongst its two floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits, will feature tasty four-ounce locally crafted cider pours from North Country Hard Cider paired with tasty bites from local restaurants. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire’s exhibits and programs. Crocus Flower Paint Night March ...

Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren't sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won't want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you're looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we're only looking at what's going on this weekend. This weekend a double whammy event weekend with St. Patrick's Day and Maple Weekend! Find out what's happening for St. Patrick's day here: St. Patrick's Day Events Find your local sugar shack for Maple weekend here: Maple Weekend Seacoast: Maple Day at Applecrest Farm March 16, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Applecrest Farm 133 Exeter Rd., Hampton Falls ‘Tis the season for a Maple Day celebration! Head over to Applecrest Farms to enjoy all things maple. With sales on NH maple products, featured vendors, free crafts and scavenger hunts, free maple beer tastings and more, this is a maple extravaganza that you won't want to miss. Open Art in the ...

By: State of NH Parks Community Recreation Bureau To help create the SCORP, we worked with UNH’s Recreation Management and Policy program (https://www.facebook.com/unhrmp/) to survey thousands of NH outdoor recreationalists and every day this week, we’re going to share with you a different priority area they helped identify. 1. A recent example of “The Recreation Experience,” whose goal is to “Foster recreation development, planning and management goals that aim to project and enhance investments in outdoor recreation throughout New Hampshire” , is Odiorne Point State Park’s playground, The playground has a brand-new play structures for ages 2-12, including a 3-bay swing set, overhead climber, see-saw, balance beam, park benches and landscaping. Funding for the project was provided through the Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Program -LWCF. Read more about the SCORP here, and read the full SCORP here.) Odiorne Point State Park playground The LWCF State Assistance program provides 50/50 matching grants to state and local governments for renovation, development and acquisition of outdoor recreational opportunities. NH State Parks produces a SCORP every five years to be eligible to receive LWCF support. The Town of Nelson was a recent LWCF grantee from New Hampshire. Funds helped the town ...

Are you itching to get out and try something new, but aren’t sure where to look and what to do? Have no fear, “Spontaneity” is here! Every week, we provide a region-by-region breakdown of events and activities from across the Granite State that you won’t want to miss. From arts and crafts, to hole-in-the-wall music venues, our short list will have something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking to do. If you see something you like, make sure you act fast- we’re only looking at what’s going on this weekend. Seacoast: Weird Phishes March 9, 9 p.m. The Stone Church 5 Granite St., Newmarket Weird Phishes is exactly what it sounds like – the iconic melancholy rock songs of Radiohead completely reborn as danceable, crunchy jams. With full-album performances, unexpected mashups, and gluey funk-driven improvisation, their jam-heavy take on alt-rock classics has sparked unexpected energy in audiences across the northeast. A quick glance at the band’s social media gives a glimpse into why this unlikely mashup proves worthwhile. “Bought tickets on a whim because I love both bands, had wanted to check out the club and thought it would be amusing. I was not expecting such incredible musicianship and ...