With the hustle and bustle of the holidays upon us there is always so many things in the area to enjoy, beyond the Black Friday specials and the Small Business Saturdays. With tons of shops that feature our local artisans, be sure to take a stroll on our quaint Main Street. One of my family's favorites is Chutters, which of course has the longest candy counter in the world, but also wonderful local made foods and unique gift idea! A great place to find a unique ornament for your tree. Our family has a tradition of giving each child a new ornament for the tree each year. We try to pick something from our travels or something to symbolize an event in the past year. And when they move out into their first home they will get a box of their ornaments to have on their tree. There's Nest too, with a great selection of fine gifts, kitchen gadgets and local artisans and even ornaments. There is Sterling works to find that beautiful piece of unique jewelry or for that unique piece of custom hand crafted elegance. And oh the food… Plenty of yummy options to choose from. One of my favorites is The French Sisters. With their delicious soups and sandwiches, this is a great place to stop for a bite. And if you are looking for a sweet treat you can get just a slice of cheesecake or cookie, or you can buy the whole thing that will be sure to be a hit at any gathering. And if you are cheesecake lover, they are all amazing! One of my favorites though is the lemon square. My mouth is watering just thinking of it. [caption id="attachment_3334" align="alignleft" width="300"] Schilling Beer Company[/caption] If you are in the mood for a good burger, Bailiwicks is a great spot. I personally love the rancher burger and the fried pickles are just out of this world. Or maybe you would enjoy a wood fired pizza from Schilling Beer Company. I love the maple chicken bacon pizza and the Erastus beer. But the Cheese slate or pretzels shouldn't be missed either. There is also Millers Fare for a great sandwich or a prepared meal to go. Try Chang Thai for some sushi… I tried it and even liked the eel! In Littleton we have a very charming Holiday Parade that takes place right on Main St. There is of course Santa, but floats that are made up and of course marching bands. It starts at noon on the 27^th of November. This year theme is "Fifty years ago". And be sure to not miss out on the delightful local production of The Nutcracker at The Littleton Opera house on December 4-6. And if you're looking to cut your own tree we have so many great places to choose from.

• Finnigan's Firs in Bethlehem on Cherry Valley Road
• Hidden Meadows Farm 253 Hill Road Bath
• Mountain Star Farms on Route 112 in Woodsville
• The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem. My family had holiday pictures taken there last year. Very picturesque. And we have gotten many trees from here.
• Windy Ridge on Benton Road in North Haverhill. If they have their donuts, be sure to have one. They are out of this world! It's another family tradition to apple pick her every year.

Be sure to call ahead to verify hours of operation and availability! Remich Park has so much to offer in the winter with tubing or sliding and if you don't have one you can rent one right there for just a few dollars. There is even an ice rink and you can rent your skates right there too. You can even go and visit Santa at Santa's Village in Jefferson. They have winter hours on Saturday and Sunday. This was a fun family tradition to go here for my family for decades. I have never been in the winter and think this would be a great new adventure for us. How about a romantic sleigh ride at Mt Washington Hotel? Or how about and exhilarating zipline tour? [caption id="attachment_3336" align="alignright" width="300"] Cannon Mountain[/caption] And don't forget all of amazing skiing. Within 60 minutes you have so much to choose from

• Cannon Mountain
• Bretton Woods
• Loon Mountain
• Burke Mountain
• Attitash
• Sunday River
• Waterville Valley
• Jay Peak - Be sure to check out the indoor waterpark… one of my family's favorites.

There is also snow shoeing and cross country skiing in beautiful settings of The Franconia Inn and Ski Hearth Farm. Maybe you want to give snowmobiling a try…this is a wonderful way to get out and see the "off the beaten path". Things you would never see driving around. Check out these locations:

• NH Sled Adventures in Lincoln NH
• Northern Extremes Snowmobiling with two locations--Bretton woods and Bartlett

There is even the climbing wall at North Country Climbing Center if you don't want to brave the elements and want to be active. And be sure to check out First Night in St. Johnsbury just 20 minutes away. There is something for everyone all day long ending with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Littleton is a year-round destination with as much or as little to do as you please!

Read more about Angela Spencer here.