The Wiggin Farm – Tuttle Swamp Conservation Area in Newmarket is a great day hike destination in southern New Hampshire. The site has 160 acres with ~25 of them open fields. The well maintained path is a short loop circuit with some interesting remnants of the old farm and some interpretive signage along the way.
Month: October 2018
Scenic Drive – Androscoggin River (NH Route 16 Berlin, NH – Errol, NH)
The run of NH Route 16 from Berlin, New Hampshire to Errol, New Hampshire follows the path of the Androscoggin River and provides great views of the river and numerous access points for canoes and kayaks. The trip is great any time of the year but is especially nice during fall foliage season.
As you snake your way up NH Route 16 stop in Gorham, New Hampshire for picnic items or fast food before heading further north.
There is not much to see in the depressed town of Berlin, I suggest you drive by and continue north pass the paper mills on the river.
Take in the rural vistas along the river.
The Nansen Ski Jump Historic Site on the left of the road is an interesting stop. This is the first ski jump in America and has recently undergone refurbishing.
The Paul O. Bofinger Conservation Area has a large parking area and canoe access. In addition to this more developed access point there are dozens of pull offs suitable for putting in or picking up canoes.
The Androscoggin State Wayside is a nice place for a pleasant picnic or bathroom break.
Mollidgewock State Park is a great place to camp with wonderful sites right on the river.
Part of this drive encompasses the 13 Mile Woods Community Forest providing opportunities for hiking and camping in the area. From here you can stay in a number of state parks in the area, head further north to the northern forests or head back down to Berlin and North Conway.
Founders Park – Exeter, New Hampshire
Founders Park in Exeter, New Hampshire was established in 1988 to celebrate the towns 350th anniversary.
This a lovely little park on the opposite side of the river from the American Independence Museum and the River Walk. It is also on the site of the Great Exeter Dam.
Ladd-Gilman House Historical Site – Exeter, New Hampshire
In Exeter, New Hampshire The American Independence Museum contains two historic structures; The Ladd-Gilman House and The Folsom Tavern. The Ladd-Gilman House also known as Cincinnati Memorial Hall was built ~1721 by Captain Nathaniel Ladd. Ladd lived in the house until he sold it to relative Daniel Gilman in 1747. John Taylor Gilman had the honor of reading the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the Exeter Town House on July 16, 1776.
Look for the Historic Marker in downtown Exeter and find parking along the busy main street.
Taste Test – Custard Cream Biscuits
After seeing the new Doctor on the television show Doctor Who enjoy her favorite biscuit, Custard Creams, given to her from the TARDIS we decided to give them a try.
The Custard Cream Biscuit originated in Great Britain circa 1908 and is the most popular biscuit (cookie) in Britain and Ireland. There is an elaborate floral design stamped into the top of the biscuit and the filling is a vanilla flavored cream.
We both enjoyed the cookies which have a taste reminiscent of shortbread with a vanilla cream filling. I enjoyed the cookie part of the biscuit but found the filling to have a lingering artificial after taste. Alex liked both the biscuit and the filling and thought they tasted like Oreos because of the filling. All an all a good snack along with a bag of Jelly Babies while watching the latest episode of Doctor Who.