Welcome to summer! It's a wonderful time of year in New Hampshire. With so many fun outdoor activities and beautiful weather, we are lucky to call this place "home". We thought we'd start a new series called, "My Ideal Day" and ask our agents about some of the fun things they like to do each season. First up to bat: Jerry Love

PSR: What are some of the summer activities you enjoy in the Central New Hampshire and Squam Lake areas? 

Jerry: Having five grandsons, and living in the Lakes Region, I often take the boys fishing at Squam or Baker River. It's one of our favorite summer pastimes. We also like hiking in the White MountainNational Forest and along parts of the Appalachian Trail. It's an activity that the whole family can enjoy. [caption id="attachment_3712" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Squam River Bridge // Flickr[/caption]

PSR: What are some of the "must do" items on your list every summer?

Jerry: Breakfast at Polly's Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill; camping at the Chamberlain Forest; ice cream at Moose Scoops in Warren; visiting the Warren Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Center operated by NH Fish & Game Department; and kayaking on the Baker River. Some of these we like to do more than once!

PSR: When someone visits the Holderness office and asks for rainy day activities, what's your first response?

Jerry: Two things come to mind immediately. The first is the Old Country Store & Museum in Moultonboro Corner. This is where you can spend a whole day exploring the nooks and crannies of this turn-of-the-century general store. Jars and jars of penny candy, dill pickles in a huge wooden barrel, a huge wheel of sharp cheddar cheese that can be bought by the slice, and para"fun"alia that you just can't find anywhere else. [caption id="attachment_3713" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Jars of Stick Candy at the Old Country Store & Musem // Flickr[/caption] The other spot is in Meredith, called Funspot. The world's largest arcade will keep you and the kids busy all day long. You'll never be able to play all the games you want in one day, so you'll end up hoping that it rains again tomorrow. Since there's great food onsite, you never even have to leave. And I'll guarantee you'll be hoarse before the end of the day from hollering, and not at the kids, but with them!

PSR: What places or events have you always want to try, but haven't?

Jerry: The Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain and the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington. I'm born and raised in New Hampshire and I still haven't tried either one! I've been up the Auto Road on Mount Washington, but not the Cog... [caption id="attachment_3714" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mt. Washington Cog Railway // Flickr[/caption]

PSR: What places and events have brought your family the most pleasure in the summertime?

Jerry: The "places" are all of the above! The event? It's likely "GrandCamp" where all of my children (7 + spouses) and grandchildren (also 7) visit for a week of fun and adventure on our small organic farm. From camping to fishing, to harvesting all the strawberries you'd ever want to eat. We host a "lobstah" feed under a tent in the backyard and everyone prunes and tends to their own fruit trees in the orchard. There's really no greater pleasure than spending the summer days here in New Hampshire with my family. Sometimes I have to stop, pinch myself and say, "Can you believe it, Jerry? You live here!"