By: Justess Jacobson – May, 2016
Summer is approaching, and with the quick arrival of warm weather and beautiful sunshine, you’ll want to spend your time with those you love! Whether it’s a family date, or a romantic one, here are some great ideas that will get you outside and in the heart of the city!
1. Muse Paintbar and a nice dinner.
Muse Paintbar is located on Hanover Street here in the Queen City, and is quite the experience. You look at the selection of the paintings and choose which one you want to do. The painting you choose are only available on certain nights, so be careful when you look at the paintings. Once you buy tickets, the fun begins. The instructor teaches you and guides stroke by stroke to complete a painting. This is a lot of fun even if you don’ t like art (or can’t even draw, like me). The best part: They serve alcohol. You can sip on wine while drawing the Eiffel Tower, or you can drink a nice Mamosa while painting a lighthouse! Sometimes all the fun is watching all the other people! Highly recommended! *This is a 21 or over activity*
After leaving the paintbar, there are various restaurants within the next few blocks. Elm Street is a block down, offering any form of cuisine. Most restaurants also offer outdoor seating. My highest recommendation would be the Hanover St. Chophouse, which is located about a block away from the paintbar! Excellent food, be aware it is more expensive, but well worth the money!
2. Ice Cream and a walk!
Here in the queen city there are only 2 places that are worth getting Ice cream: The Puritan and Cremeland! The Puritan, which is located on the Hooksett border, offers fantastic homemade ice cream available in various flavors. After getting a great cone from the Puritan, head on over and walk around Livingston Park that offers a 1-mile trail around Dorrs Pond! It’s family friendly and also offers a playground, and a swimming pool!
Cremeland, located on the city’s East side is a classic! Offering soft serve ice cream, sundaes, specials, and fried foods, it will be sure to make your belly happy and full! Want to work off the calories and enjoy the nice summer day? The Riverwalk, which has two points of entry, is a great walk! It starts right next to Fishercat Stadium, and leads you across the Merrimack River, and over onto the west side of the city. Continuing the walk, there is a new addition that leads you 5 miles into Goffstown! Excellent views of the Piscataquog River! Quiet, and peaceful! Many bicyclists on the trail and family/pet friendly as well!
3. Day at the lake!
Though this next one isn’t located in the Queen City itself, those living in and near the Queen City will have to agree.. it is not a summer unless you’ve spent a day at “the Lake” AKA Lake Winnipesaukee. Ellacoya Beach, located in Gilford, NH is a great place. Enjoy a nice scenic view of the lake, while putting your toes in crystal clear water. With boats cruising by in a distance there are always fun waves to jump in! After soaking up the sun for a bit it’s always nice to grab a bite to eat! Head down to Weirs Beach and grab a bite on the boardwalk! You can also play some arcade games, and sit on the lake for a nice lunch. There are upscale restaurants for a romantic night on the water! In addition to a day at the lake, also enjoy a ride on the lake in one of the mailboats and get a tour of the lake and it’s historic stories! Fun for the whole family or a day out with your significant other!
4. Farmers market and a make your own dinner!
One of the greatest things about the city is its never ending supply of fresh food! The Farmers Market which runs from late spring until early fall, offers the seasons freshest foods! Fresh fruits, vegetables are available to your liking. After picking your food and browsing the copious amounts of stands, go home and create a new dinner! Most of the owners will have recipes upon request that are traditional in the Granite State! Great way to get your kids involved, or a nice quiet night after a day at the market!
5. Fishercats game! Baseball, fireworks, ice cream, prizes, contests… Where can you find all of this in one? At a Fishercats game! These local baseball games take place all throughout the spring and summer and are a heck of a good time. Not a bad seat in the house, the stadium offers you great view of the whole game! They often run contests and offer door prizes for the whole family! Great food, ice cream, and beer are all available at the concession stands. There is also a bouncy house on campus that is fun for the kids, and not to forget the most fun part: BASEBALL! This family friendly activity is great for bringing the whole family, or cozy up against your date and watch the game under the summer sky! After the game, the stadium offers fun fireworks that light up the whole city. You cannot be disappointed when you go to a game!