Here’s a universal truth – no one likes to be really cold. Sure, most of us love icy air conditioning or a dip in a cool pool during the dog days of summer, but being truly cold is simply not fun. Luckily, the White Mountains area has no shortage of expert energy providers who know just how to keep you toasty, no matter what!  Today we’re happy to be providing an overview of the best local energy vendors, energy efficiency audit providers, and building professionals that can help you renovate or build a winter-ready home. Local Energy Vendors Foley Oil & Propane Foley Oil & Propane in Belmont, New Hampshire has been relied on since 1946 to keep White Mountains locals comfortable. Looking to save this winter? Check out their winter energy savings tips! Whether you need maintenance or fuel delivery, it’s just a quick call away.  Dead River For over 85 years, Dead River has been a partner to businesses and locals alike when it comes to propane, oil, service, and installations. Also, you can feel good about choosing them because they help their community through sponsorship and charity whenever possible. White Mountain Oil & Propane With a slogan ...

Based in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Life Styled is a full-scale interior design firm specializing in residential and boutique commercial design. Owner and principal designer, Ashley Kelley, is innovative in her work, thanks to an eye for quality, a superior sense of style, and a client-centered approach to business. Life Styled works in collaboration with architects and builders to execute each vision, allowing them to optimize interiors beyond the decor. From grand coastal homes to modern office spaces, Ashley and her team at Life Styled have created beautiful, award-winning interiors that are exclusive and perfectly functional for every client. Services range from room-to-room decorating and color consultations to whole-home and new construction planning and design. Today, we’re shining a light on two recent projects that have swept us off our feet, and we hope this feature allows you to feel the same… GREENLAND HOME TRANSFORMATION… This project in Greenland, New Hampshire was a complete renovation and redesign of the entire main floor. The kitchen was originally very small, there was no “formal” dining room, and the large living room was closed off from the rest of house. The clients wanted the main floor to have a more unified and welcoming ...

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: The Nutcracker: Tea and Dance Party Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Olivia Allen Dance and Fitness 437 Portsmouth Ave., Greenland Tea & Dance Parties are seasonal events open to the community! Join us some Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. to read stories about the season or holiday, have a dance party with movement and games, enjoy apple juice, tea and treats. All this fun will be followed by a craft and coloring. In the last few minutes of your magical party, take a photo in front of the seasonal backdrop with props! Chad Banks and SG603: Glow Party 5, Order of the Glowsticks Dec. 16 ...

Clark Griswold would be right at home at these Granite State displays. Here are some suggestions for places that light up Christmas with cheer with electricity, including some fantastic home lights displays that are sure to impress. Gift of Lights Where: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 Route 106, Loudon When: November 23, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Open 4:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. More information This year, the drive-thru light show will feature a 150-foot RGB Tunnel of Lights, arches, toys, numerous scenes including the popular 12 Days of Christmas & much more. Crews will spend more than 650 work hours to set up more than 520 displays & 80 different scenes. Featured attractions will also include the fan-favorite 130-foot-long infield entrance & exit tunnels with more than 25,000 lights & the opportunity to roast marshmallows & toast s'mores over open fire pits. LaBelle Lights Where: The Links at LaBelle Winery, 14 Route 111, Derry When: November 14, 2023 through January 7, 2024. Open 4:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. More information Escape the holiday chaos and experience a joyful winter wonderland at LaBelle Lights located in Derry, New ...

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: Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap Dec. 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Portsmouth Historical Society 10 Middle Street, Portsmouth Come celebrate the holidays with the Portsmouth Historical Society at our Ugly Sweater Cookie Swap! Get out your most ridiculous sweater and bring two dozen of your favorite cookies to share with participants! You’ll get a chance to show off a recipe you love and take home plenty of new cookies to try. Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and bring a batch of your favorite cookies for this festive event! Weird Themes Photography; Playing with Light Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. North Church-Portsmouth UCC 2 Congress St., Portsmouth Join ...

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: Club 3S: Wintery Mix -All Request Dance and Karaoke Party Dec. 1, 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. 3S Artspace 319 Vaughan Street, Portsmouth The weather forecast this December at CLUB 3S is a Wintry Mix in this all-request dance and karaoke party! You are driving the sleigh. Or should we say slay?! Get here early: 8 – 9pm, DJ Skooch will spin a flurry of chill holiday tunes, while taking your song requests and sign-ups for karaoke! 9 – 12pm, lose the hat and gloves and build a toasty fire on the dance floor! Karaoke performances from those who signed up will drift in throughout the night. This ...

It’s the perfect time to carry on traditions or start new ones and you’ll find no shortage of ways to get holiday spirit in the Western White Mountains. You’ll find snow covered mountains and slopes for skiing, ice skating rinks and horse drawn carriages for traditional winter experiences, a good old fashioned general store and unique stores and boutiques filled with gifts, and a variety of restaurants to suit any palate. Come spread the season’s cheer with us! This page was last updated on 12.01.23 Shop Local Bingo!  Now through December 18th Visit local businesses to do your holiday shopping to find the perfect gift, make a bingo and you’ll be entered to win! More information Pick the perfect Christmas Tree- The Rocks  The Christmas tree farm is open daily for retail sales of cut-your-own and fresh-cut trees, plus beautiful, handmade wreaths. More information Take a Photo with Santa– Mt. Washington Cog Railway Visit the Mt. Washington Cog Railway every weekend through Christmas Eve day to meet and take photos with Santa at the Base Station! More information Photo with Santa– The Christmas Loft Be sure to stop for a photo with Santa while doing some holiday shopping at the ...

In the early 19th century, Conway was the main town and North Conway was only one of its outlying settlements, but successive waves of artists, skiers and shoppers turned what was once a village into the tourism hub of the White Mountains.  North Conway, Train Station, winter, Schooler Park, New Hampshire, Like so much else in the region, it all began with the Wiley Slide. On the night of Aug. 28, 1826, a wild storm raged through Crawford Notch, causing an avalanche that killed the entire Wiley family. In the days before photography, newspapers and magazines sent artists to portray the scene. Their often-exaggerated depictions of the White Mountains, as well as the allure of the tragedy, began to draw tourists, among them artists.   One of these was Benjamin Champney, who was so taken by the scenery of the Saco Valley that he bought a house in North Conway in 1853. He painted the mountain landscapes from every angle, even occasionally setting up his easel in the middle of North Conway's then-unpaved main street. Champney's style was influenced by the Hudson River School of artists, and his enthusiasm for the beauty of the White Mountains began to draw others ...

The museum's Franconia Notch location is open from Memorial Day through end of ski season. New England is steeped in skiing lore, spanning more than a century of winter pursuits. That shared history creates a nostalgic bond between generations, a thread of treasured memories connecting anyone who has ever attached their feet to a pair of skis or snowboard. Consider the ever-evolving disciplines of skiing and snowboarding, the dramatic improvements in lifts, grooming and snowmaking, and in gear and clothing, making winter sports safer but no less thrilling. Consider the legendary locations, from Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, Shawnee Peak/Pleasant Mountain in Maine and Suicide Six in Vermont to New Hampshire's own Mittersill, Wildcat, Black Mountain, Gunstock and Cranmore, the litany of ski clubs like the Massa-Schussers and the Skidaddlers, and groundbreaking programs like Burke Mountain Academy and Carrabassett Valley Academy. Then consider the fascinating cast of characters, from pioneers like Joe and Brooks Dodge, Dartmouth Outing Club and Appalachian Mountain Club members, Katharine Peckett, Hannes Schneider and Jake Burton Carpenter to competitors such as Andrea Mead Lawrence, Bill Koch, Jessie Diggins, Bode Miller and Mikaela Shiffrin. The permanent displays at the Eastern SlopeBranch of The New England Ski Museum offer ...

Deacon Sam Hill has a sour look on his face in the old photo. Hill was born in 1808 and looks to be roughly 60 years old, which dates the picture to the early days of photography when smiling was not fashionable. Most people grimaced or tried to look serious while they waited the several minutes necessary to capture their likeness. Or perhaps scowling Sam was unhappy about the upcoming nuptial of his daughter, Mary Eliza, to J.P. Kimball. A note written to Hill by his future son-in-law seeking consent for the marriage still survives. This written approach seems cowardly to me. If the future son-in-law lacked the courage to ask the stern deacon face-to-face, putting his plea in writing wouldn't seem to help his cause. I know little about Hill other than he was a blacksmith and a deacon in his local church. Sam Hill had the title “Deacon” engraved onto his headstone suggesting he was immensely proud of this elected office. Old records indicate Hill was chosen as deacon in 1853 and served in that capacity until his death in 1882. The records also indicate that the ministry work was divided among the elders of the church with ...

Fifteen years ago, I was almost giddy about the news of a fight inside the Strafford County jail. The pair trading words and blows were two people well known in the New Hampshire political circle at the time. Gary Dodds violated bail conditions after he faked his own disappearance during a run for Congress. Leeland Eisenberg walked into Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign office in Rochester with a fake bomb strapped to his chest and held five staffers hostage and was serving three years. The fight was about an argument over the role of county government. Because, in the Granite State, well, of course THAT was the topic of the fight. With that, I walked into the office of New Hampshire Magazine in the Manchester Millyard and pitched an idea to the editor at the time, Rick Broussard. What if we did a monthly column that explored the cultural, sociological and trends of New Hampshire politics as well as the characters? He agreed to let me try one. Roughly 180 columns later, this one is my last. A new editor, with a new vision, deserves a chance for new voices. And so do you, the readers. But I want to ...

The Nashua Center for the Arts in downtown Nashua opened to the public in April with a ribbon cutting and tours of the building for donors and special guests and a performance with many local performers on hand. Ruby Shabazz, left, and Fee the Evolutionist, both of Nashua, along with John Henry, of Northwood (not shown) on video, were performing during the show. Photo by Allegra Boverman During an encore performance at Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club in Portsmouth on a recent rainy evening, The Blind Boys of Alabama ripped through a funky, blues-drenched cover of Stevie Wonder's “Higher Ground.” Audience members clapped along, some raising their hands in a welcoming gesture, soaking up the positivity and energy exuded by the five-man powerhouse band. Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club in Portsmouth held multiple concerts with Herbie Hancock and his band, with a full house each time. The space is airy and atmospheric. Photo by Allegra Boverman The Blind Boys, a gospel act that's been going strong for generations, reimagined Wonder's song — which touches on themes of rebirth and reincarnation — to create a soulful, electrified celebration. Jimmy's is one of several new, smaller-sized venues across the state. Longstanding New ...