Not our name, but our passion
The Old Allenstown Meeting House in Allenstown, New Hampshire lies adjacent to Bear Brook State Park on Deerfield Road. The meeting house has a unique slanted floor directing views towards the pulpit. The building was built in 1815 and was used for both religious and town business. The building makes for an interesting stop when visiting Bear Brook State Park for its architecture and history. It is located across the road from the entrance to the park museum complex.
When I was looking for a house away from the rat race I came across a lovely two story in Raymond, New Hampshire. What sold me was the view from the deck overlooking the Exeter River. Dreams of swimming and canoeing in the beautiful little waterway led me to the purchase.
The Exeter is a 40.5 mile long river rising from its headwaters in Chester, New Hampshire and flowing into the Squamscott River before entering Great Bay. Putting in at Sandown, New Hampshire at the Route 121A bridge makes a nice weekend afternoon paddle.
The river continues on through wooded countryside with my house one of the few right on the riverbank.
Keep an eye open for wildlife along the river, wild turkeys are common. I have even seen a moose about a half mile from my house.
The river is small, winding and can be hazardous during spring flood. There are several beaver dams that must be lifted over and dangerous strainers can sometimes block the entire width of the river.
The river finally reaches the town of Exeter, New Hampshire where there are many restaurants some of which have a great view of the river.
A great small New Hampshire river worth a paddle.
The Taylor Mill State Historic Site is located in the Ballard State Forest in Derry, New Hampshire.
You cannot miss the mill as it is right off Island Pond Road in Derry. About 100 yards from the mill there is a small parking area with a port-a-potty and a short trail leading to the mill.
Good fishing in the small pond on the way to the mill.
A short five minute walk brings you to the pond and mill.
Robert Taylor for whom the mill is named bought the property in 1799 and started operation of the “up and down” sawmill in 1805.
There are demonstrations at the site every other Saturday during the summer. A modern mill is brought in to provide a comparison of the technology advancement from 1805 to today.
The 1805 era mill is fascinating to see in operation. The sluice gates are opened to the pond, the waterwheel starts to turn and the saw blade starts to cut.
The interpretive volunteer was wonderful with Alex explaining the differences between modern and colonial saw mills and reviewing the history of the site.
Mack’s Apples in Londonderry, New Hampshire is a family operated farm that has been in the Mack family since 1732. It is our go to place for pick your own apples every fall. Mack’s is the quintessential New England autumn destination. Not only does it have the best apple picking opportunities but there is a farmstand that opens mid-August, an ice cream stand and several trails that wind around the property and connect with some well maintained town trails.
At any of the U-Pick stations pick up a bag (credit cards accepted) and go out into the fields and fill the bag. Pack a picnic lunch, there is no better spot for a picnic than under an apple tree. After picking go back to the station to pay (overfilling the bags will cost extra). Pumpkins are also available per pound.
J & F Farms in Derry, New Hampshire is our local farm stand and working farm selling produce, meat, eggs, milk and baked goods all locally grown if not from the farm itself. The farmstand was voted best in the state by the Granite State FFA. We make a pilgrimage here at least once per week during the summer for the farm fresh produce especailly during corn and tomato season.
Be sure to sample the other products including meat, milk and eggs. The bakery goods are also very good.
Outside of the stand activities such as a small petting zoo, pick your own strawberies and a corn maze are great fun for the little ones.
