You can’t go to a new place and not try food
One of the best parts about exploring a new location is all the food you can try.If you’ve never been there, you don’t have any favorites or preconceived notions about any of the local eateries, which can be both a blessing and a curse.But thanks to the trusty Google machine and those people who like to let everyone know just how their experience was when visiting a specific establishment, we were able to do a little research before...
The Flying Goose is putting out tasty brews
It’s well documented that we are huge fans of beer. And we mean huge.So, of course, when we learned we’d be making our way up to the Lake Sunapee region for a day of fun and sun, we almost immediately began looking for a spot to find some local beer.Sure, in an area that attracts tourists from all over during the summer (and winter) months there’s got to be plenty of local watering holes to find a cold pint. But we were looking for...
After seven years, AK Plumbing is back open
For the better part of the last seven years, John Hrycuna has thought about reopening his father’s business.The plan was always for Hrycuna, the fourth generation with that name, to work alongside his dad at AK Plumbing and Heating, which his father started many years before, and eventually take it over. But in July 2010, that all changed. The elder Hrycuna was killed in an accident while riding his motorcycle in Rumney, which left...
Welcome to Market Days 2017
This is the 43rd annual incarnation of Concord’s infamous street fair of fun (just not the 43rd time the Insider has been involved).And let’s put it this way: You’re not going to want to miss a minute of the action.Over the next 16 pages (including this one), you’ll find that we’ve done a lot of the leg work for you and broken down all you need to know about this year’s festivities.But before we go too far, we want to pass along some...
This festival goes back a really long time
We all love Market Days.Add up all the food, the entertainment, the people and the fun, and it’s one heck of a three-day party.People from all over New Hampshire and beyond travel to Concord to enjoy the festivities, as it has grown into one of the premiere summer events in the state.But when it all began 43 years ago (that’s 1974 for those who don’t feel like doing the math), it was far from what it is today.Back then, it was...
Go for a run at the Capital City Classic 10K
Have a feeling you’re going to eat lots of food that you probably shouldn’t when attending Market Days? Well, sign up for the Runner’s Alley Capital City Classic 10K Road Race on Saturday and burn a few of those extra calories away.It’s the second annual race, but the first time it is taking place during Market Days. (Last year it was held the Sunday after.) The course will start in front of the State House (the very old building with...
North Main has Touch-a-Truck and roller derby
If you’re in the area of the State House, as you look down toward South Main Street, you’ll see all kinds of tents with food vendors, and items to buy, family fun – and even a spot that serves beer in the middle of Main Street. But if you turn around (don’t worry, we’ll wait), at the very top of Market Days is the intersection of North Main and Centre streets. That’s where you’ll find the ever famous Touch-a Truck. On Thursday, there...
Even more great stuff for you to check out
As you’ve already seen, there is a ton going on at Market Days this year. But there’s even more.Outside of the music, performances, food, games and good ol’ family fun, we found a few odds and ends that you may overlook when perusing around North and South Main.Don’t worry though, that’s why we’re here. To make sure you have to do the least amount of thinking as possible.Music, Movie & Poster Sale The annual fundraiser for...
Become an Intowner and held support more events
We’ve all enjoyed an Intown Concord production.Whether it’s Market Days (which, if you haven’t realized yet, runs this Thursday through Saturday right in downtown Concord), Midnight Merriment, the Discover Downtown series or Halloween Howl, you must admit the nonprofit organization puts together some pretty impressive events.And for the most part, thanks to a large group of sponsors and support from local businesses, they don’t ask...
Wander around the final show at McGowan
It’s been a good run over the last 37 years, but McGowan Fine Art will be closing it’s doors for good at the end of its latest exhibit. The show, ‘The Color of Seasons,’ featuring the work of Bruce McColl, will run through July 7, so you still have a few weeks to wander around the gallery and check out the bright and vibrant paintings McColl is known for. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10...
Concord is an exchange student destination
When Loic Servais and Clemence Castaigne arrived in Concord last August, neither really knew what to expect.Sure, both had done quite a bit of research about the New Hampshire state capital, but the Belgian exchange students were about to embark on a whole new world that can’t be summed up on the internet.“At first I was like ‘Where is that?’ ” Servais said.The two came to Concord as part of the Cultural Homestay International...
CRTC students going to national competition
We can all agree that being a teacher is not the easiest of jobs.So when a young student is interested in molding young minds, educators like Valerie Koch wants to do everything she can to keep them on that career path.Koch is the Teacher Preparation Program instructor at the Concord Regional Technical Center and founder of Educators Rising New Hampshire, an organization that “cultivates highly skilled educators by guiding young...
Capital Area Wellness Coalition: Pick up a Concord Trail Passport
Did you know that there are 31 trails in the city of Concord? I didn’t. An even bigger surprise came when I first hiked the Marjory Swope Park Trail and saw the beautiful view of Mt. Monadnock in one direction and Penacook Lake in the other. What? I get these kind of views without trekking up to the White Mountains . . . this is great! Whether you want to bike, hike, snow shoe, cross country ski, bird watch, letter box or check out...
Bulletin Board: Where readers can post to other readers
Attend pollinator workshop Saturday There will be a pollinator workshop at the Audubon’s McLane Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Master Gardner Meg Miller will help teach you how to identify and support bees, butterflies and other native pollinators in a New England garden. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. For more, visit nhaudubon.org/calendar/ pollinator-workshop. Laura Deming Summer baseball signups ongoing...
This week in Concord History
June 20, 1841: More than 1,000 people gather at the Old North Church to hear a lecture by John. H.W. Hawkins, a self-proclaimed “reformed inebriate” who is now a silver-tongued missionary for temperance. June 20, 1983: Gov. John Sununu says he has no plans to punish the 1,000 state employees who are back at work after calling in sick with “Sick of Sununu” flu. At the state hospital, some workers were replaced by members of the...
Book of the Week: ‘Stalking Ground’
Stalking GroundMargaret Mizushima2016, 310 pagesFiction, Mystery Mattie Cobb and her police dog Robo set out to help find a missing woman, Adrienne Howard, Deputy Ken Brody’s girlfriend. The search leads them up into the Colorado mountains as a snowstorm begins and night is falling. Why would Adrienne go hiking alone in this part of the forest and not tell anyone where she was going? Was there foul play involved? Mattie and Robo must...
Visit a working studio, listen to an artist speak
Before McGowan Fine Art calls it a career, the longtime gallery has lined up a few final opportunities for all you art fans out there.Two of McGowan’s more well-known artists, Melissa Miller and Bruce McColl, will be taking part in informative events this week.Miller will host an open studio event at her creative space at the Loft at Orr & Reno, in the Smile Building on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. “I like the casual atmosphere of the...
These exhibits are worth the price of admission
By now, it’s likely pretty clear that we’re big fans of the arts.That’s why we travel to a different gallery or art installations in the city each week to take pictures of the latest exhibits to share with all of you. You’re welcome.And since this issue is celebrating the local art world, we figured this would be a good time to remind you of all the great displays going on right now.Over the last month or two, we’ve shot some pretty...
Two new additions to the Big Bicycle Project
If you’re keeping track of all the Big Bicycle Project creations, we found a couple more for the list. This colorful collection (left) put together by [?] sits in the middle of the Penacook traffic circle, while Patricia, created by the National Junior Art Honor Society at Rundlett Middle School is in front of Gibson’s Bookstore. Word on the street is that more sculptures will be added soon, so stay tuned.
More summer camp options for the kiddos
Last week, in our annual Summer Guide, we told you about a handful of local summer camps that your kids would greatly enjoy attending. We’re talking about places like the N.H. Audubon, McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and Evo Rock and Fitness, along with Condord and Bow parks and recreation programs and Concord Crew. Going into it, we knew there would be others, and soon it was clear that there were enough to make this a two-part...
Think of the fun you’ll be having this summer
Summer is a great time to be a Granite Stater.While our love for Concord and all there is to do in the state capital is well documented, it turns out there’s tons of great places to visit, things to do and new experiences to be had outside the city limits.Shocking, we know.And even though the summer season isn’t officially here yet, it’s never too early to start the planning process – you want to get the most out of the warmest months...
Running for Riley event to be held Sunday at White Park
Riley Duquette is a 5-year-old boy who likes techno music and when his mom, Karly, plays the piano, and goes to school at Mill Brook Elementary.But when Riley was diagnosed with Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorder at about 6 months old, the prognosis was not good.“He’s already outlived his life expectancy,” Karly said.His condition is extremely rare – only 1 in 55,000 children are diagnosed. It has left him with poor eye sight, deaf in...
You don’t want to miss this improv show at Hatbox Theatre
We all enjoy a good laugh.Whether it’s a joke, someone making an ill-timed comment or one of those YouTube videos of people falling down (but not getting seriously hurt), something funny to help us get through the day is always appreciated.So if you’re in the mood to have your face muscles sore from constant laughter, you might want to check out the “Meet the Newbies” improv show at Hatbox Theatre on Friday. Because when people are on...
Old school vs. new school
You’re either old school or new school when it comes to the world of music. Sure, you can like both, but more often than not, your allegiances side with one or the other. But it won’t really matter if you go to Concord High this Saturday, because the music created by talented artists from both eras will be filling the air. And some pretty talented local kids will be ripping up the stage with impressive dance moves. Vibes of Style is...
Nothing says summer like outdoor concerts
One of the best things about the summer months is all the time we get to spend outside.There’s so much to do around here, it’s hard not to want to enjoy the fresh air from sunup to sundown – and beyond.And soon, you’ll be able to move and groove to the sweet sounds of some great local bands thanks to three outdoor concert series.When all three are up and running, there will be some weeks when you’ll be able to make your way to four...
Mill Brook sculpture exhibit hits 20 years
Most people who find their way to Mill Brook Gallery and Sculpture Garden don’t just stumble across it.Sure, we all know about it, but the out-of-towners aren’t likely to cross its path. It’s about as far from downtown as you can get, and it’s next to pretty much nothing.With that being said, a simple Google search for Concord NH art galleries will give you an address – along with some of the other places in town to find some great...
Go Try It: Take a hike on the Forest Society property
Like most of you, we’ve been itching to get outside and explore.Concord is home to so many great trails and parks, the possibilities for getting lost in nature are endless. But one spot we’ve never checked out and have heard a lot about is the Merrimack River Outdoor Education and Conservation Area, which is part of the Society for the Protections of New Hampshire Forests.Located off Portsmouth Street, we thought it might be a...
Tasty Brews: We found Lagunitas Fusion 39 at Area 23
As you know, we get some pretty tough assignments with this job – but having a cold beer on the clock is definitely not one of them.That’s okay though, we deserve a little reward once in a while, as does everyone at the end of a tough work day.So we meandered up to the bar at Area 23 last week looking for something new and different to wet our whistle, in the name of Insider science, of course.And it didn’t take long for one brew in...
Penacook Farmers Market opens Monday
There’s nothing quite like wandering around a farmers market and finding all kinds of great stuff to put in your belly.It’s actually one of the things we look forward to the most when spring arrives – because it means the warm weather is finally here to stay.And soon, fans of the Penacook Farmers Market will be able to find all kinds of locally grown foods when the market opens for the year on Monday. The Penacook market has a much...
The Concord Co-op is the place to be Saturday
If you’re familiar with the nonprofit world, you understand that it isn’t easy on the fundraising front.With limited staffs and resources, putting together an event that people want to attend and donate to is quite the undertaking.Sure, nonprofits located in Concord host some great events – Souperfest (Concord Coalition to End Homelessness), Walk A Mile in Her Shoes (Crisis Center of Central New Hampshire) and Dan Zanes concerts (the...
