Summer’s here and gone like the blue petals on a hydrangea. Autumn does not officially begin until Sept. 22, but by Labor Day weekend, we’re already kissing the warm weather goodbye, hoping we can squeeze in another beach trip before it’s time to tear down the patio furniture. Here are some of our favorite memories from days just gone by.
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor has reached the age where he cracks jokes about his senior status.
“My doctor said I might start having trouble moving my stools,” Taylor said as he slid a small wooden one across the stage at BankNH Pavilion in July.
Taylor and his band performed two sets packed with hits, including “Fire and Rain,” “Shower the People” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” For “Steamroller,” he strapped on an electric guitar, crouched down low like a guy half his age, and traded blues licks with lead guitarist Michael Landeau.
The only people acting their age was Taylor’s audience: Twenty minutes before the band closed with a stunning a cappella performance, the Gilford crowd was leaving in waves for the parking lot.
— Mike Cote, editor
Live Free with Fresh Eyes
It was a full-circle moment to have not only family and friends at our Best of NH event this year, but also my new niece, Millie (perhaps a future editor in training?). It’s my first time being an auntie, outside of my not blood but basically blood niece (best friends’ babies count, too), and I’ve loved spending this summer watching her experience New Hampshire through her eyes.
Inspired by Millie’s childlike wonder and “firsts,” I’ve also been carving out time to finally visit places I’ve written about in these pages over the years for the first time. Vegan black raspberry ice cream at Memories in Kingston. Flower delights at Fuller Gardens in North Hampton. Lavender goodies from Pumpkin Blossom Farm in Warner. I’m blessed to experience this state with each issue that we publish, but to walk it out like a reader like you is absolutely priceless.
— Emily Heidt, managing editor
A Swift Adventure
The stars perfectly aligned in a stroke of luck that serves as a testimony for the travel point system. My mom and I threw our clothes into backpacks, and it was only when we were on the flight to Edinburgh that we had a moment to say “I can’t believe we’re doing this … this is crazy!” We were on our way to see Taylor Swift.
During our swift stay, we explored like never before. We saw everything, ate haggis (and found out what it was after) and made friends with everyone we met. The concert was incredible, and my mom said it was the best show she had ever seen. The deafening roar of the 73,000-person crowd still has my ears ringing, and we danced so hard that the British Geological Society picked up seismic activity.
Going to the Eras Tour and making incredible memories with my mom is something I could’ve only imagined in my “Wildest Dreams.”
— Elisa Gonzales Verdi, assistant editor
The Kindness of Strangers
Traveling to live shows solo usually means I’m at the mercy of whatever vibe materializes that evening. If I’m stuck in a downpour or lost, I have to rely on the goodwill of others. My first concert this season was June 11 in Gilford with The Pixies and openers Cat Power and Modest Mouse. As I headed up the uneven grassy hill at dusk, I lost my footing, spilled my bag and toppled my drink. Like a flash, before I could finish thinking “so that’s how tonight is gonna go,” someone happily invited me to keep my drink in the cup holder on their lawn chair. New Hampshire’s music fans are the best around.
— Emily Reily, assistant editor