Joy Wetzel, SCA Interpretive Ranger As Thanksgiving once again approaches to usher in the holiday season, disputes regarding the ethics of Thanksgiving are sure to resurface. Giving thanks is not an intrinsically political act, nor is it strictly American. Harvest festivities are practiced around the world. For instance, the Chinese Mid-Autumn festival has a millennia-long history; Canada’s Thanksgiving has nothing to do with pilgrims. Those of us who associate Thanksgiving with turkey, football, and parades, may struggle to understand why such a holiday is up for debate. However, engrained in American Thanksgiving is a narrative that distorts our understanding of the early interactions between English colonists and New England’s indigenous people. The story of happy Indians and pilgrims coming together for a feast to celebrate their enduring friendship, appealing as it may be, fails to recognize the injustices that Indian Americans faced then and have continued to face in the following four centuries. As a result, many people choose to shun the holiday altogether. Other Americans are seeking to celebrate it in a more conscientious manner. Though this will be different for every family and community, I will be offering some suggestions for enjoying Thanksgiving while honoring New Hampshire’s indigenous ...

Duckfeet USA From boots to slippers to sneakers and even your own custom shoe ware, these New Hampshire shops make shoes that will keep your feet warm and happy (and even stylish) this winter season. Duckfeet USA Portsmouth These shoes may be headquartered in Denmark, but they just moved into the West End of Portsmouth to walk their way through New England. Each pair of shoes is simple and functional, representative of mid-20th century Danish design with each being naturally tanned and processed by hand, allowing subtle variations in the leather. The sheep wool lining of their boots makes them the perfect addition to any Granite State winter wardrobe. White Mountain Shoes Lisbon White Mountain women's shoes are made to be worn every day. Their carefully crafted (and stylish) collections are built to reside at the front of your closet with molded footbeds, arch support and memory foam insoles. Styles like the Dear Bootie and Loyal Tall Boot are great for those snowy treks to the office or to run errands. Deerfield Leathers Deerfield This leather goods store has been selling goods primarily to the motorcycle trade, but their sheepskin footwear is also exceptional. Slip-on scuff slippers or moccasins are ...

Bundle up, grab your ugly sweater and enjoy the holiday season the New Hampshire way. Here's a roundup of our favorite holiday events, including a list of on-stage performances and concerts. Santa Express Trains Hobo Railroad in Lincoln Weekends, November 24 – December 23 All Santa Express Trains excursions are approximately 80 minutes long and aboard the train everyone will meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Additionally, all young children will receive a letter that they can complete for Santa and every young child will receive a gift from Santa on the train. Train rides start and return from Hobo Junction Station in Lincoln. Santa's Holiday Express Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway Weekends, November 24 – December 23 Ho, ho, ho! It's time to hop aboard and celebrate the Christmas spirit in the White Mountains. Santa's Holiday Express offers an hour-long seasonal journey down the Conway Branch and is perfect for families with young children. Guests will arrive in Conway and will be greeted by Santa and every child gets a goody bag, including cookies and milk. LaBelle Lights LaBelle Winery in Derry November 14 – January 7 Get into the holiday spirit at LaBelle Lights located at LaBelle Winery and ...

New Hampshire Winter Farmers Markets Find fresh produce, meats and many other local products throughout the coldest months at one of the many winter farmers markets happening around the state of New Hampshire. These markets are updated for 2023-2024 unless otherwise noted. Make sure that you check the linked website for updated hours, COVID-19 policies and possible date/location changes before you head out. Did we miss a winter market? Let us know and we'll add it to our list! You can email [email protected] or find us on Facebook. Danbury Grange Winter Farmers Market Blazing Star Grange 15 North Rd., Danbury Held the first Saturday of every month from November 2023 to May 2024 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a rain-or-shine market, but if an exceptionally large storm is predicted, the market will be held on the following Saturday. Downtown Concord Winter Farmers Market 7 Eagle Square, Concord Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market connects the community with an abundance of fresh, local products while supporting a vibrant downtown. Milford Indoor Farmers Market Milford Town Hall Auditorium 1 Union Square, Milford The market is held on select Saturdays (12/2, 12/16, 1/3, 1/27, 2/10, 2/24 ...

With over 80 years of excellence, Polly’s Pancake Parlor has become the premier place to find light, fluffy pancakes and other incredible, local foods.  A Brief History The settlement of the land where Polly’s is situated dates back to the 1800’s. Brigham Hildreth was its first owner and he named it Hildreth Farm. It was run as such until Brigham’s son and daughter-in-law had a daughter named Lucy who married a man named Wilfred “Sugar Bill” Dexter. At that point, it became Hildex Farm, which combined their two last names. Later on, Lucy passed away and Wilfred (who has since made maple into one of the main farm crops) remarried and the two had a daughter; Pauline “Polly” Taylor. Polly of Polly’s Pancake Parlor! The Polly’s we know and love officially came into being in 1938 amid the Great Depression when the twice-named farm began to partially market itself as a tearoom and pancake destination. It was a rousing success!  Polly’s has always been run by the same family. Over the years even after its namesake passed away, an expanded menu, a longer season, the addition of pancake mix production, and many other developments would occur due to the ingenuity ...

Made in Massachusetts Gifts! This one’s for the ladiiiiieeeees!! Let’s get gift-y with all the female figures in our lives by treating them to something wonderful! With so many lovely items to choose from in our largest gift guides this season, we have a feeling you’ll win the jackpot with any of these locally-made and thoughtfully selected items! ADVENT CALENDAR Whether you are surrounded by freshly fallen snow or are dreaming of it, a specially curated selection of Bixby Chocolate will help make the countdown to the Holiday Season all the sweeter!  SHOP PORTER LUNCH BOX BYO lunch with a bento-inspired kit from Forest + Ash—with a 4-cup capacity and dividers, lunch stays crisp and clean. Three separate compartments with enough space for sandwiches, salads, fruits, veggies or snacks. SHOP FLEUR CUFF This hand-formed cuff from Where Watermelons Grow, features stunning floral motifs. Also available in baby and kid sizes for a Mama & Me gift set! SHOP BEBO HATS Adorable Bebo Hats for babies and kids are available in a variety of colors, and are topped with white faux poms that completes the look! For all the littles in our lives, these are so cute! SHOP WILDWOOD OYSTER CO.’S ...

Join Our Local Shopping Bingo! Celebrate the Holidays by Supporting Your Community! The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and coming together as a community. This year, let’s make it even more special by embracing the spirit of giving back and supporting local businesses. We’re excited to introduce our Shop Local Bingo, a fun and engaging way to encourage everyone to shop at our beloved local stores and businesses. Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable by not just giving gifts but also giving back to our community. Why Shop Local? Support Your Neighbors: Every purchase you make at a local business directly supports your neighbors and community members. By shopping locally, you’re contributing to the growth and prosperity of your own community. Unique and Personal Gifts: Local stores often offer one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, and personalized gifts that can’t be found in big-box retailers. Give your loved ones something special that reflects the unique character of the White Mountains. Boost the Local Economy: When you shop at local stores, you’re helping to create and sustain local jobs. Your contribution helps to strengthen the local economy and keeps the community vibrant and thriving. Personalized Service and Expertise: Local shop owners and ...

Photo by David J. Murray/Clear Eye Photo One town in New Hampshire really pulls out all the stops for Christmas with a month of events ranging from musical performances to ice skating. Vintage Christmas once again showcases the magical Candlelight Stroll, now in its 44th year, at Strawbery Banke Museum and live small gathering holiday shows at The Music Hall's landmark Historic Theater and the intimate Music Hall Loft on Congress Street. It all takes place in elegant and festive downtown Portsmouth, which also happens to have some excellent independent stores for Christmas shopping. Here are a few of this year's events: November 24 through December 30: 33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest Celebrate the sweetest season by joining Portsmouth Historical Society for the 33rd Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition. Gingerbread creations will be displayed at the Discover Portsmouth Welcome Center and throughout downtown in the windows of shops and restaurants. This year's theme is “Portsmouth Past, Present and Future.” Vote for your favorite designs in the People's Choice awards and participate in a downtown scavenger hunt with a chance to win a gift card to a variety of Portsmouth retail locations. Every day in December: Labrie Family Skate The ...

The holiday season is fast approaching, and you know what that means – Santa is checking his list for who is naughty or nice. Shop locally this holiday season and support the local businesses and artisans who call the western White Mountains home. Who doesn’t want a unique item from the White Mountains? Lincoln Sign Company For a truly unique gift for a business owner in your family or a fun sign for your home, visit Lincoln Sign Company for a beautiful custom sign. From business signs to house numbers to ski chalet and vacation home names, Lincoln Sign Company can do it all. The full-service shop does it all from design to production to installation and maintenance. Call or email the shop to schedule an appointment to create the ultimate custom holiday gift for your favorite loved ones or even yourself. Polly’s Pancake Parlor For over 75 years, Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill has been serving up world-famous pancakes smothered in real New Hampshire maple syrup. Did you know you can actually take home many of the delicious food products to recreate your favorite Polly’s breakfast at home? You can shop at the restaurant or at home! While ...

Comfy + Cozy Gifts! This one’s for the ladiiiiieeeees!! Let’s get gift-y with all the female figures in our lives by treating them to something wonderful! With so many lovely items to choose from in our largest gift guides this season, we have a feeling you’ll win the jackpot with any of these locally-made and thoughtfully selected items! MATTE GLASS VESSEL CANDLES These matte glass candles from YAM Collective are the perfect way to modernize your living space! Plus, they can be cleaned and reused as decor, planters, and containers or re-poured once the wax has burned completely. Hand poured in Maine. SHOP ADVENT CALENDAR Whether you are surrounded by freshly fallen snow or are dreaming of it, a specially curated selection of Bixby Chocolate will help make the countdown to the Holiday Season all the sweeter!  SHOP FAUX FUR THROW AND PILLOW Fabulously cozy faux fur throws and pillows make a great addition to any bed or sofa during New England’s cool winter months. Available at Summer House Furnishings. SHOP CASHMERE TRAVEL WRAP Luxuriously soft and endlessly versatile, this cashmere Travel Wrap will make anyone happy as they wrap themselves up in the colors of the season. SHOP ******** ...

Kiddo Gifts! This one’s for the ladiiiiieeeees!! Let’s get gift-y with all the female figures in our lives by treating them to something wonderful! With so many lovely items to choose from in our largest gift guides this season, we have a feeling you’ll win the jackpot with any of these locally-made and thoughtfully selected items! ADVENT CALENDAR Whether you are surrounded by freshly fallen snow or are dreaming of it, a specially curated selection of Bixby Chocolate will help make the countdown to the Holiday Season all the sweeter!  SHOP JANEGEE’S CLEAN BEAUTY ESSENTIALS HOLIDAY GIFT SET These janegee essentials (hand cream, sweet stick, floral water) give you a daily dose of healthy goodness to keep your skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and nourished throughout the winter months. SHOP WILDWOOD OYSTER CO.’S BLACK LEATHER CLUTCH This Maine-inspired, responsibly-sourced Kodiak leather clutch holds all of the small essentials and sports a fun yet fashion-forward and classy print! Choice of wristlet color. SHOP JANEGEE’S CLEAN BEAUTY ESSENTIALS HOLIDAY GIFT SET These janegee essentials (hand cream, sweet stick, floral water) give you a daily dose of healthy goodness to keep your skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and nourished throughout the winter months. SHOP WILDWOOD ...

Pampering & Self Care Gifts Here at Seacoast Lately, we love a good self care moment. From beautifully-scented handmade soaps, to healing teas, calming face products, aromatherapy experiences, and more, let’s browse a lovely variety of relaxing, soothing, nurturing, and pampering gifts! BAREFOOT SCIENTIST GIFT SET Self care starts at your feet, and the collection of Barefoot Scientist products available at Barefoot Medical Spa will take care of your at home foot care needs! SHOP IMAGE SKIN CARE’S MD RESTORING EYE MASKS $55 Rapidly refresh, firm, and soothe tired eyes while reducing the appearance of fine lines and visible signs of fatigue with these cooling hydro-gel eye masks from Blush! SHOP LAVENDER & PINK SALT AROMATHERAPY PINK SALT CANDLE  Enjoy the aromatherapy of coconut and soy wax scented with lavender, vanilla, and ylang ylang essential oils, and infused with Himalayan pink salt. Mainely Simple candles are vegan and scented without the use of any synthetic fragrances. Made in Maine! SHOP LONGEVITY SCULPT GUA SHA TOOL Handcrafted from purple fluorite, the Longevity Gua Sha Tool forms to the curves of your face, contouring and lifting sagging or puffiness. SHOP DEAD SEA SALT  Hydrate and soften the skin with a restorative, mineral-rich ...