Issues → May/June 2010 → Travel → New Hampshire Bests 2010 →
New Hampshire Best Attractions 2010
Best Yarn and Accessories
HARRISVILLE DESIGNS, Harrisville
A riot of colorful wools and woven creations, this shop is set at the heart of a photogenic mill village where woolen yarn has been spun since 1794. 41 Main St. 800-338-9415 (products), 603-827-3996 (workshops); harrisville.com
Best Hiking Maps and Guides
THE MOUNTAIN WANDERER, Lincoln
Owner Steve Smith edits the AMC's White Mountain Guide and hits the trails year-round. His small shop is a trove of maps and books on hiking, biking, birding, and fishing. Check out Smith's illustrated weekly blog. 57 Route 112. 800-745-2707, 603-745-2594; mountainwanderer.com, mountainwandering.blogspot.com
Best August Christmas Shopping
LEAGUE OF NH CRAFTSMEN'S FAIR, Newbury
More than 200 of the Granite State's premier craftspeople sell their work during this nine-day extravaganza. Now in its 77th year, the show is set for August 7-15 this year at Mount Sunapee Resort. 1398 Route 103. 603-224-3375 (League), 603-763-2416 (fair office); nhcrafts.org
Best Artist Co-Op
ARTISTIC ROOTS, Plymouth
Quilted backpacks, eye-catching woven scarves, glassware, jewelry, and handmade furniture by local crafters are the reasons to check out this arts center in the middle of Plymouth's lively downtown. 75 Main St. on the Common. 603-536-2750; artisticroots.com
Best Wildlife Experience
SQUAM LAKES NATURAL SCIENCE CENTER, Holderness
Wooded paths lead to wildlife, from otters to black bears to mountain lions. You can view them safely but often up close, in ways wonderfully geared to kids. 23 Science Center Road (off Route 113). 603-968-7194; nhnature.org
Best Vintage Theater
COLONIAL THEATER, Bethlehem
One of the oldest surviving movie theaters in the U.S., this restored Art Deco facility is now a venue for art films and documentaries plus live performances, from children's storytelling to nationally known musicians. 2050 Main St. (Route 302). 603-869-3422 (office), 603-869-5603 (box office); bethlehemcolonial.org
Best Beach
WELLINGTON STATE PARK, Bristol
A lovely strand on Newfound Lake; the water is so clear that you can see fish swimming by your toes, and it's just enough out of the way to be generally uncrowded. West Shore Road (off Route 3A). 603-744-2197; nhstateparks.org
Best Family Mountaintop Excursion
LOON MOUNTAIN GONDOLA SKYRIDE, Lincoln
Pick up a treasure map before boarding the gondola to search the summit caves for legendary gold. Plus a playground, an artisans' village, walking trails, and the view from 3,050 feet. 60 Loon Mountain Road (off Route 112). 800-229-5666, 603-745-8111; loonmtn.com
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