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Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Blinks Fry Doe
Hampton Beach
603.926.8933
If you’ve had a funnel cake, then you know something of the glory that is fried dough, but a funnel cake is "nothing next to a big hunk" of Blinks, where "nothing could be messier, tastier, or more satisfying." Set right along the beach, this summer stop-in has "just enough space for some fry vats and a few servers." But whether it’s "cinnamon and sugar or chocolate-sauce covered," what comes out of this kitchen is often "bigger than your head." Make it your "first stop when you get to the beach" and you’ll spend the rest of your life "searching for that flavor again."
Emery Farm
Durham
603.742.8495
Owned by the same family for 11 generations (since 1655), this farm "offers its own fresh produce all summer long." You can come and pick your own "luscious strawberries in June" or the "sweet, juicy blueberries in July and August." In spring, the farm "sells annuals and perennials from its greenhouse," and in fall, you can enjoy "local apples, the corn maze, and hay rides." To entertain the kids, there is a "delightful" petting zoo featuring "healthy and well-loved bunnies, goats, chickens, sheep, baby cows, and peacocks." Come at Christmas time to stock up on "Christmas trees and holiday wreaths." Read more.
Jumpin Jay’s Fish Café
Portsmouth
603.766.3474
Portsmouth is a fishing town with a close relationship to the ocean. Jumpin Jay’s stays open seven days a week, and local fishermen deliver the fresh catch each morning. While you’ll find "fresh oysters from Prince Edward Island," some of the seafood is imported from as far away as New Zealand. Be sure to "try the mussels made with lemongrass" or the "delicious blackened swordfish." There are usually at least four "wonderful" catches of the day, and you get to choose how you want it cooked, and in what sauce. Be sure and order the key lime pie for dessert. Read more.
Keene’s Pumpkin Festival
Keene
603.358.5344
Go walking through a pumpkin wonderland during this annual festival and "small-town tradition that’s been going on for years." This festival has set the world record over and over again for the "most lit jack-o-lanterns in one place." Imagine, then, late-fall foliage and over "25,000 lit jack-o-lanterns all along the main street," which some consider "one of the prettiest in all New England." Everyone who attends is "encouraged to carve their own pumpkin and bring it to the festival to include as part of the world record count." All the "vendor stands benefit non-profit organizations." Read more.
Puritan Backroom
Manchester
603.669.6890
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the "portions are huge" at this family-owned restaurant, which has its origins in a roadside ice cream and candy shop dating back to 1917. The "homemade" ice cream available today is "still made according to the original recipes." Sweet tooth aside, though, the chicken tenders are "delicious," and "many believe that this is where chicken tenders were invented." Be on the lookout for other weekly specials like haddock au gratin and stuffed peppers. They offer take-out, so you can go "across the street to the park and picnic" when the weather’s nice. Read more.
Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.
