White Mountains Real Estate

Get to Know Bear Paw Trail – North Country Living at its Finest

What is Bear Paw Trail?

Bear Paw Trail is a new subdivision unlike any other, located in the heart of the beautiful White Mountains in Littleton, NH.

How is the development different than a traditional subdivision?

At Bear Paw, you're not simply purchasing a parcel of land. Instead, you'll become a member of a community offering on-site private access to over 50 acres of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, hunting and more, located just steps from your front door. These amenities are exclusively for residents and their guests, so you'll be able to enjoy the natural surroundings with the peace and tranquility that nature intended.

Why was Bear Paw Trail developed?

Lloyd Thomas, founder of Bear Paw Trail, identified Littleton, NH as the perfect place to build his life with his family. He wanted sustainable land on which to work, play and explore, but knew the best way to achieve his vision was to create it with others who share the same dream of enjoying the outdoors every day, without having to pay admission or encounter large crowds.

What kind of buyer is Bear Paw Trail best suited for?

Bear Paw Trail is for people with a desire to experience the New Hampshire way of life and enjoy four-season time outdoors. It's for those who want to live and relax in a rural setting while having convenient access to dining and shopping. It's also for those who wish to be a member of a community but still maintain their own space and privacy.

What's the most unique feature of Bear Paw Trail?

The ski-tow that was recently installed allows for a lengthy downhill run without the need to load up your car or buy a lift ticket. The tow will also serve a gentler slope perfect for tubing or beginning a cross-country ski run throughout the trail system.

What would it be like to live in Bear Paw Trail?

The lots are generously sized and private. Carefully considered covenants give residents confidence that their surroundings will be quiet, relaxing, and well-tended while maintaining a distinctive character, charm, and level of sophistication throughout the development.

Will the high demand for builders make it difficult to start construction on a home?

All properties within Bear Paw Trail come with priority access to a local custom builder who can help bring your dream home to life in a more competitive timeframe than other builders, because Bear Paw Trail homes automatically move to the top of his list.

Will the current shortage of building supplies affect construction?

Enjoying and using the land is an important element of Bear Paw Trail. One of the greatest perks of the area is that the abundance of forested land provides large trees which can be selectively harvested to create custom lumber for building. With an on-site sawmill and kiln, any type or dimension of wood building products can be crafted, at a savings to the customer. This lowers the carbon footprint of the building process by eliminating shipping, while also giving you the pride of knowing that many elements of your custom home came directly from the land on which it is built.

Is Bear Paw Trail a long way from conveniences and activities like dining, shopping, skiing, hiking, boating, etc.

Bear Paw Trail is remarkable in that it feels miles away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it's just minutes from downtown Littleton, Franconia & Crawford notches, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, Moore Reservoir, Interstates 93 and 91, and much, much more.

How can interested parties learn more?

If Bear Paw Trail sounds like a place you'd like to call home, contact Badger Peabody & Smith Realty at 603-444-1294, visit www.badgerpeabodysmith.com or our Bear Paw Trail website at www.bearpawtrail.com

Brook Mountain
White Mountains Luxury Retreat
Lyman, New Hampshire

When Robert Frost, residing in a small town in New Hampshire's White Mountains, composed his poem, The Road Not Taken, surely he referred to the "less traveled" gravel road that winds through maple & evergreen forests leading to this White Mountains Luxury Retreat—known as Brook Mountain.

"A mile from any neighbor," boasted Henry David Thoreau, referring to the location of his cabin along Walden Pond—a description equally applicable to the distance of neighbors to this Shingle Style mountain residence. 

That's where the comparison ends, however. Hardly a rough-hewn cabin, this 5700 square foot Arts & Crafts residence on three levels features classic lines with a modern flair, offering superlative finishes & every amenity to exude an atmosphere of Refined Rusticity throughout: Multiple Gathering Rooms with antique fireplaces & exposed beams; a classic Cooking Kitchen with Carrera marble countertops, along with AGA, Viking & Sub-Zero appliances; a formal DR; a Library Living Room, a two-Story Folk Art Studio, 4 sumptuous Ensuites; a Botanical Conservatory; and a White Mountains vernacular Post&Beam Wrap-Around Porch and Carriage House—all featuring panoramic mountain views.

Set on 22 extremely private acres with forested trails, wild flower fields and cascading brooks, Brook Mountain is surrounded by very large acreage forested parcels, thereby ensuring its aura of unsurpassed privacy. A world onto itself, Brook Mountain is located in the mountain town of Lyman, a hamlet that claims more moose, deer, and bears than the 500 people who reside there.

The owners—one a historical restorationist and MasterBuilder, the other a novelist—are fond of quoting New England's most famed writers when speaking of their beloved restoration project, Brook Mountain:

"It's all about the Lifestyle here. Lifestyle properties draw people from around the country searching for privacy and a beautiful setting from which to enjoy the natural world—and society from afar." 

In the past, notables such an heiress, (who started a renowned music camp for girls), entrepreneurs from around the world, and others live among us in privacy - living the lives they imagined for themselves—to paraphrase Thoreau.

"Brook Mountain offers the best of both worlds," explains the owners. "Like Thoreau's cabin at Walden, Brook Mountain offers Solitude, yet is located only 10 miles away from the area's award-winning culinary, retail, & sporting centers, as well as the interstates."

Come live the life you imagine at Brook Mountain!

To learn more, click here...

Winter in the White Mountains of New Hampshire brings plenty of cold-weather activities just waiting for you to enjoy at your White Mountains home. Thinking about buying a home in the White Mountains? Whether it's a primary residence or a second-home retreat, White Mountains real estate offers winter pastimes ranging from the action-packed to the laid-back. Talk to us about finding your ideal property in the White Mountains. Our agents are happy to work with you!

1. Go Skiing, Of Course!

One of the many ski resorts and centers in the White Mountains is sure to be located near your White Mountains home. We're including ski resorts where you can downhill ski and snowboard, like Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, plus Nordic centers like Jackson Ski Touring Foundation where you can ski cross-country. Browse our homes for sale in the White Mountains and don't miss our White Mountains luxury homes!  

2. Take a Sleigh Ride

Bretton Woods' Omni Mount Washington Resort is just one place to enjoy this quintessential winter activity: a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the grounds of this historic resort. Two other places to try: Nestlenook Farm in Jackson and the stables at Farm by the River Bed and Breakfast in North Conway.  

3. Try Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing offers a winter workout that will get your heart pumping. Homes in Bretton Woods are in close proximity to the snowshoeing trails at the Bretton Woods Nordic Center. Homes in Bethlehem and Lincoln are located near snowshoeing trains at Loon Mountain.

 

4. Get Cozy in Front of the Fire

Sitting in front of the fire in a White Mountains home is one of winter's pleasures. Many White Mountain homes feature fireplaces that provide a warm focal point for a family room made for aprés ski, popcorn, and the latest movie release.

5. Bundle Up for Stargazing

Many White Mountains homes have settings where the night skies sparkle with stars that are harder to see in places with more ambient light. And many White Mountains homes offer spectacular views. Put the two together and you have a home where all you have to do to stargaze in the winter is bundle up and step outside.

Après ski is as much of a New Hampshire White Mountains tradition as a sleigh ride in newly fallen snow. After a day of skiing, the fun begins with eating, drinking, and relaxing in front of a fire. When you're looking for New Hampshire ski homes for sale for your family, you may be thinking about après ski settings that cater to kids. We gathered a flurry of family-friendly places where you can unwind before another day of hitting the slopes. Our recommendations include a few exclusive listings where you can create après ski traditions in the comfort of your own home.

Bretton Woods Kids Après Ski Parties

The Mount Washington Resort at Bretton Woods offers après ski parties just for kids ages 4–12. These supervised programs take place from 3:30 to 5 PM on selected dates through the season. While the kids are enjoying live entertainment, activities, and refreshments in the Mount Washington View Room at Bretton Woods Base Lodge, parents can head to the Slopeside Pub for their own après ski.

Camp III Lodge at Loon Mountain

Families can order up burgers and other hearty fare at this rustic lodge. Try the Camp III Snowshoe & S'mores après parties that start with a guided snowshoe tour and end with hot cocoa, hors-d'oeuvres, and s'mores.

Coyote Grill at Waterville Valley

This family-friendly casual restaurant features a kids' menu and drinks plus a full menu for parents.

Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock

Kids get special après ski attention at this Woodstock with a range of alcohol-free kids' club drinks and favorites like pasta and meatballs, nachos, and pizza. What better way to treat your friends & family than creating après ski at your own White Mountains home? Our agents can help you find the right home for your needs. Start your search today! These listings show you what we mean!

White Mountains Luxury Lodge, Lyman, NH

Set on over 22 acres, this 5,700-square-foot home offers three levels of living in an Arts and Crafts-style lodge residence that invites nature into every room. Ski at nearby resorts like Cannon Mountain and Bretton Woods and come home to gather in the family room, living room, and custom kitchen for your own après ski parties. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a privately sited guest suite with two full baths offers plenty of room for everyone. Contact us for more information about this luxury mountain lodge.  

226 Beechwood Drive, Bethlehem, NH

This five-bedroom, 3-bath deck home lets you create the après ski of your dreams with a custom-made sauna, a media and game room, and a great room flanked by a stone fireplace and two stories of windows. Contact us for more details about this luxury ski home.  

120 Lafayette Road, Sugar Hill, NH

Located minutes from Cannon Mountain Ski Resort, this 4-bedroom home creates the coziest après ski setting with radiant heat and an open layout where the family can wander between the kitchen, dining area, and living room. A media room on the lower level is perfect for video games and movies. Make s'mores and hot chocolate to enjoy on the outside deck under the stars. Contact us for more information about this delightful home.  

259 Crawford Ridge Road, #10, Carroll, NH

This ski-in, ski-out Crawford Ridge condo at Bretton Woods gives you everything you need for family après ski evenings, starting with a hot tub and sauna. Gather around the floor-to-ceiling fireplace to warm up after a day in the fresh powder. This unique home is steps away from the slopes with a custom designed and professionally decorated interior. Contact us for more details about this condo property.

Thanksgiving is the best time of year to put your kitchen to the test. If you're in the market for a luxury home in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a well-laid out kitchen may be on your list of criteria. These exclusive listings feature chef's kitchens that stand up to heavy-duty Thanksgiving cooking chores.

White Mountains Luxury Estate, Lyman, NH

Imagine cooking Thanksgiving dinner in this expansive eat-kitchen in the White Mountains featuring white marble countertops, custom-milled cabinetry and state of the art stainless steel appliances. A Viking range and Sub-Zero refrigerator ensure that you have all you need to cook, bake and store all your holiday meals for when guests arrive. Treat loved ones to late night Thanksgiving leftovers at the butcher block island with seating for two. This spectacular kitchen is in an equally spectacular luxury White Mountains home. Anchored by an Arts and Crafts-style lodge home, the private mountain lodge features 5,700 square feet of living on three levels. Check out all the details of this luxury home.  

226 Beechwood Drive, Bethlehem, NH

Enjoy nearly 360-degree views of the White Mountains from your open-concept home in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. This warm and welcoming kitchen features a dual-height countertop for meal preparation and serving for multiple guests. The double-door fridge with water and ice on the door bears a matching façade with the luxurious wood cabinetry. Single-door wall oven with over-top convection oven saves floor space and bending over when you need to baste the turkey. Recessed lighting ensures nothing impairs your view of the rest of the family living space or the mountain range beyond.  

120 Lafayette Road, Sugar Hill, NH

This swoon-worthy chef's kitchen is the heart of this 4-bedroom home in Sugar Hill, NH, with berry bushes and raised bed gardens just outside the kitchen door. Natural hardwood floors flow throughout the entire home, including the kitchen, where their warmth is reflected in the floor-to-ceiling cabinets. A dual-oven Viking range can handle all your holiday roasting and baking needs, while the massive granite-topped island is equipped with everything you need, like spice shelves, double-deep drawers and functional built-in cabinets.  

259 Crawford Ridge Road, #10, Bretton Woods, NH

There's everything to love about the chef's kitchen in this Bretton Woods, New Hampshire home along the Crawford Ridge. Imagine making a perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey in your Dacor gas oven with 6-burner range. Custom white-wood cabinets with decorative handles are large enough to hold a vast inventory of serving pieces for any number of holiday guests. The mosaic backsplash is unique yet matches the granite countertops where you'll prepare an endless assortment of family favorite recipes. The overhang on the countertop is perfectly suited to accommodate seating for two guests as they watch your culinary skills in action. Contact us today to schedule your viewing.

Central New Hampshire offers plenty of creepy and spooky Halloween activities for grown-ups. But what about the kids? We looked for family-friendly Halloween events in the White Mountains and found these treats especially for your little monsters.

Gathering of the Jack O'Lanterns and Fall Festival

• October 24–27
• Littleton, NH

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly activities and events at Littleton's Gathering of the Jack O'Lanterns and Fall Festival, sponsored by the Littleton Area Chamber of Commerce. Highlights include: The 14th Annual Boofest featuring The Real McCoy Show on Friday, October 25 at 6 PM at the Colonial Theater in Bethlehem. Kids 12 and under get in free. Native Vermonter Brent McCoy has been drawing rave reviews since 2006 with his daringly inventive stunt comedy show. Get tickets and details here. Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Main and Mill Streets on Saturday, October 26 from 2 to 4 PM. Look for the welcome signs in participating stores. Gathering of the Jack 'O Lanterns on Saturday, October 26 from 6 to 9 PM. View hundreds of carved pumpkins illuminating the banks of the Ammonoosuc River. Get a complete schedule of events here.

Conway Scenic Railroad's Pumpkin Patch Express

• October 25–27
• North Conway, NH

This Halloween excursion is right-sized for kids. Choose from three departures a day for a 20-minute ride to the pumpkin patch, where families can get off the train for a 30-minute layover. Kids can gather treats at vintage vehicle displays and choose their own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. Costumes are welcome. Departures are at 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM. Get details and a link to buy tickets here.

Waterville Valley Halloween Spooktacular

• October 26
• Waterville Valley Resort, NH

This free, all-ages Halloween celebration is geared toward families. Attendees nine and under require adult supervision. Register at the Waterville Valley Recreation Department at 3:30 PM and head for the haunted house. There's a costume contest at 4:15 and trick-or-treating at participating Waterville Valley Resort lodges. The highlight of the event are the festivities at Town Square from 5 to 7 PM. Fall weekends are a great time to view homes for sale in the White Mountains. Our agents can help you find your dream vacation home or primary residence. Contact us today to get started!  

  For homebuyers looking for homes in central and northern New Hampshire, the timing couldn't be more perfect for fall foliage drives and house hunting. In the White Mountains and Lakes Region, the best times to see the changing leaves is throughout October. Pack a lunch, hot coffee, and some cider doughnuts—and your list of homes from our exclusive listings—and head out for a day of breathtaking autumn vistas and spectacular homes. We've put together five resources to help you plan home viewings that coincide with foliage season. Looking for a primary residence or second home in Northern, Central and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire? Contact one of our offices to tap into our expertise. We've helped homebuyers for over 25 years and have over 30 full-time real estate agents.

1. New Hampshire Statewide Foliage Tracker

The foliage tracker provided by New Hampshire's state travel and tourism department is one of the most user-friendly fall foliage tools available. Use the sliding bar to select a date through late November. The color-coded map will show the state of foliage throughout New Hampshire at that time. Red indicates peak foliage, pinpointing the ideal time for a scenic drive.

2. New Hampshire Statewide Fall Scenic Drives

Nearly every region in New Hampshire offers an abundance of photo-worthy views, if you know where to look. The New Hampshire page at Visit New England offers excellent suggestions for scenic drives by region, providing links to maps and area attractions. Featured drives include the Kancamagus Highway, the Pinkham Notch Loop, and the Lake Winnipesaukee Loop.

3. White Mountains Foliage Tracker

The White Mountains are alive with color starting in early October. The region is crisscrossed with scenic drives, including the Northern Loop, the Southern Loop, and the White Mountains Trail National Scenic Byway. Your travels will take you through quintessential New England scenery, from quaint covered bridges to historic Underground Railroad sites. This area is also popular for hiking and outdoor recreation. The White Mountains tourism department maintains a White Mountains fall foliage page with user-submitted photos and a link to a foliage report.

4. White Mountains Scenic Drives

This resource from the New Hampshire state travel and tourism department describes five scenic drives in the White Mountains. There's an ambitious 142-mile multi-notch drive, plus four shorter routes including a Presidential Range Tour and the popular Kancamagus Highway Tour.

5. Lakes Regions Scenic Tours

There's nothing prettier than fall color reflected in the sparkling blue water of Lake Winnipesaukee. The Lakes Region Scenic Byway circles 97 miles around Lake Winnipesaukee, following Route 11 from Alton to Gilford. We also found a fabulous itinerary for a long weekend in the Lakes Region especially for active couples. It includes a stop in Wolfeboro to take your own private foliage tour aboard the Millie B., a 28-foot 1928 Hacker-Craft replica. Tours leave from the Wolfeboro Docks. If you're interested in real estate in scenic New Hampshire, contact us today to find out more about homes for sale in the White Mountains and the Lakes Region.

We are pleased to chat with our clients, the homeowners of 43 Stallion Drive in Lisbon, NH. They have owned their home for a couple of years now and it has been extensively renovated for modern living. They now offer this very private, one-level living home, move-in ready, to you. To get a sense of what is like to live in Lisbon, NH, we asked a few questions: P&S: At this time, you feel the time is right to leave the Lisbon community. What led you to this decision? Sellers: We would like to spend some more time in warmer climates. It's a tough decision, as we love the area and this is where we raised our family. We are ready to turn the page and check out a new chapter in our lives. P&S: Why is it great to live in Lisbon, NH? What did you enjoy about the Lisbon area in the White Mountains of New Hampshire? Sellers: We are centrally located to so many great opportunities. You can be as busy or relaxed as you like! And in Lisbon, you are just minutes from Littleton to the North and Woodsville to the south for larger services, hospitals and more. P&S: Where do you shop and dine in Lisbon community and why do you enjoy those places? Sellers: We take advantage of the Thai Kitchen on Main Street and the Lisbon Village Pizza & Restaurant. Both have good food and great service! We have a small grocery store in town for quick trips, as well as two gas stations. But we are also just 15 minutes from larger box stores (Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot) and Mom and Pop shopping in Littleton and Woodsville. P&S: What did you look forward to the most when you came home? Sellers: It is the location and feeling of security and comfort. We know we can entertain and not bother our closest neighbors—and run into town quickly and pick up a pizza for unexpected company in just minutes. We love that we are able to keep our vehicles out of the elements with the two-car garage and easy-to-plow driveway. P&S: What events can you recommend to people coming into the community? Sellers: The annual Lilac Time in May over Memorial Day weekend brings out everyone to enjoy all that is on display from crafts to some local entertainment. Lisbon Regional School sports are widely followed and supported in the community and we've always enjoyed watching the games and being part of the community at large. There are sports programs from fall to spring from Kindergartners and up! In the summer, there are outdoor concerts once a month in town, a great community swimming pool with lessons in the summer and much more. P&S: What tips would you give to new people coming into the community? Sellers: We have enjoyed our community very much by getting involved with the local community through school events and activities and the local Lisbon Lions Club. There are a number of groups that welcome new members from the Lions Club, Friends in Council, Lisbon Main Street, Lisbon Historical Society, the Lisbon Stump Jumpers (snowmobile club) and more. As I said before, you can be as busy as you want to be! P&S: What were the favorite features of your home? What did you enjoy the most? Sellers: The comfortable feeling of the home in general. The laundry on the main floor (could be moved to basement as the hook-ups are still there) is convenient. The access to two full baths. The family room in the basement with the wood heat—super cozy in the winter. The three-zone heating system with a separate zone for the 50-gallon hot water tank. Spacious kitchen and open living area. This is a house that "lives large" once you are inside! So we invite you, come on in check it out with your agent.

What can you pack into the last week of summer at your White Mountains home? Plenty, especially since Labor Day gives you a three-day weekend right at the end of August. Try these staycation ideas on for size. And remember that September is a wonderful month for White Mountains adventures. It's also a great time to look for White Mountains homes for sale. As White Mountains real estate experts, we're ready to help you find your White Mountains home—whether your goal is a primary residence or a second-home retreat.

Explore a River Gorge in North Woodstock

The one-mile loop trail at Lost River Gorge and Boulder Cave follows a boardwalk path along a river gorge lined with boulders, caves, and old-forest trees. Adults and kids can explore 11 naturally formed boulder caves, including one called the Lemon Squeezer famous for its 13-inch opening. Be forewarned that the boardwalk has more than 1,000 stairs in total. You can cover as much or as little of the trail as you like. The gorge is open through October 20, 2019. Get all the details here.

Take the Train to the top of Mt. Washington in Bretton Woods

When you board the Mount Washington Cog Railway, you're stepping into history. This National Historic Engineering Landmark is a railway train that ascends to the summit of Mount Washington. The journey begins at Marshfield Base Station where passengers head to their assigned platform to board coaches that replicate the design of early 1900s-era cars. The ride up and down takes about an hour. Once you reach the summit, you'll have an hour to take in the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding Whites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Get all the details and purchase tickets here.

Explore Franconia State Park in Lincoln & Franconia

Famous for the site of the Old Man of the Mountain (the historic profile collapsed in 2003), Franconia State Park is also known for two standout attractions you shouldn't miss: The Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. You can put both on a late-summer or early-fall staycation itinerary. The Flume is a natural, 800-foot-long gorge with walls that extend up to 90 feet. Start at the visitor center to access the two-mile boardwalk trail where you can view the boulders, rocks, waterfalls, and pools that make up the gorge. Get all the details about schedules and tickets here. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway has been a favorite summer activity since 1938. An eight-minute ride ascends more than 2,000 vertical feet to bring passengers to the summit of Cannon Mountain. From more than 4,000 feet up, you can enjoy jaw-dropping views from an observation deck and walking paths. On a clear day, visitors can see mountains as far away as Maine, New York, and Canada. Get all the ticket details here.

Take in an Iconic County Fair in Lancaster

The Lancaster Fair has been a New Hampshire Labor Day tradition for a whopping 147 years. Held over Labor Day weekend, the fair-to-end-all-fairs sprawls over 65 acres one mile north of the junction of Route 2 and Route 3 in Lancaster. Every kind of traditional county fair event and activity can be found at the Lancaster Fair, including a Little Miss Lancaster Fair pageant and a demolition derby. From horse shows to midway rides, there are activities to fill multiple family staycation days. Get a complete schedule here. For admission information, head here.

Summer in the White Mountains is melting away like butter on a just-steamed ear of corn. Grab the season with both hands with these classic activities to enjoy from your White Mountains home. Looking for White Mountains real estate? From luxury homes to our newest listings, you'll find the White Mountains home of your dreams at Peabody & Smith. Start your search today!

1. Hiking, Of Course!

You may hanker for a strenuous vertical hike or opt for a more leisurely valley stroll. You might want to head out for an hour or for the whole day. Whatever your hiking style, you'll find a White Mountains trail to fit the bill. Chances are your White Mountains home is located near a trailhead. Check out these trails for starters. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water and food, and follow all safety guidelines.

2. Summer Fairs and Festivals

Nothing says summer in the White Mountains better than an outdoor festival. From blueberry festivals to a steampunk fair, here are four happening in August.

Attitash Blueberry Fest, August 3 in Bartlett

Attitash Mountain Resort will hold its 8th annual blueberry festival August 3 from 10 AM to 9 PM. This all-day event is free and includes a cornhole tournament, a blueberry pie baking contest, and a blueberry pie eating contest. Live music will be provided by CRUSH, a Dave Matthews tribute band that takes the stage at 3 PM. Attitash Mountain Resort is located on Route 302 in Bartlett. Fun fact: "Attistash" is a Native American word for "blueberry."

Annual Summer Crafts Festival, August 10 and 11 in Lincoln

The Village Shops and Town Green in Lincoln will be the site of the 27th annual Summer Craft Festival, featuring the works of more than 100 juried artisans. This rain-or-shine event takes place August 10 from 10 AM to 5 PM and August 11 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is free. You'll find everything from jewelry to furniture, all hand-crafted.

Railway to the Moon Steampunk Festival, August 17 and 18 in Bretton Woods

The Mount Washington Cog Railway makes a perfect setting for steampunk festival. Steampunk blends sci fi and fantasy with technology and design inspired by the 19th-century Age of Steam. You'll see inventive costumes, antique bicycles and machines, and an array of performers. The festival is free, but you can buy tickets for a live action steampunk adventure aboard a steam engine. Dubbed "Among the Clouds," this interactive experience will have you solving puzzles as you meet steampunk characters along the journey.

Lancaster Fair, August 29 through September 2 in Lancaster

A New Hampshire Labor Day tradition, the Lancaster Fair has delighted visitors of all ages for 147 years. This iconic county fair checks all the boxes. There's a tractor pull, a truck pull, and a big rig pull. There's a demolition derby. Two stages will provide a running schedule of live music. The week-long event also includes livestock exhibitions, sheep dog trials, agricultural exhibits like the county's largest pumpkin, and 4-H programs. Get all the admission details here.

3. Outdoor Live Music

There's something magical about sitting outdoors under a summer evening sky and listening to live music. That's one reason why you can choose from so many different ways to hear outdoor music—check out this calendar to see what we mean. One featured event we want to tell you about is the White Mountains Boogie n' Blues Festival, August 16 through 18 in Thornton. The largest outdoor blues festival in New Hampshire is celebrating 23 years as an annual event packed end-to-end with blues artists. The event takes place in a natural amphitheater located on a 72-acre pasture in the Pemigewasset River Valley. This year's festival includes Soul Box, the Danielle Nicole Band, JP Soars and the Red Hots, Kat Riggins and Blues Revival, Chris Beard, the Blackburn Brothers, Joanna Connor, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, Walter Trout, Jumping Johnny Sansone, the Proven Ones, and Elvin Bishop and the Big Fun Trio. Get tickets and all the details here.