Canterbury

Canterbury, once a Shaker community, remains a fairly unpretentious sort of town. “Hands to work, hearts to God” is the saying that expressed the Shaker way of life. Although the celibate religious group that lived here from the 1780s is now gone, with the death of the last Canterbury Shaker in 1992 (Sister Ethel Hudson, at age 96, the gentle and inspiring world of the Shakers lives on in Canterbury Shaker Village. Changing exhibits, guided tours through the simple buildings, and demonstrations of crafts like broom making, oval box making, woodworking, spinning, and weaving fill a day with activities. The museum is open daily from May 1 through October 1, 10 am to 5 pm; they are also open weekends (Friday to Sunday) in April, November, and December. The Creamery Restaurant interprets over 200 years of Shaker foodways and principles at luncheon, and there’s a candlelight evening meal on Fridays and Saturdays (reservations required: (783-9511). Ask about holiday festivities, too; Herb & Garden Day, Wood Day, Mother Ann Day, Wool Day, Harvest Day, and a Canterbury Christmas are all special times to visit.

Canterbury Walks

For a quiet woodland walk, discover the 88-acre parcel owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests called Hutchins Forest. The Tree Farm Loop Trail takes about an hour and meanders through wetlands, groves, and clearings; the Burnham Brook Loop includes old stone walls, evidence of regeneration in the forest that was logged here earlier, and signs of wildlife like wood ducks, beaver, deer, grouse, and fisher (a large weasel). Look for the marks of otter and mink along the brook. The land is now managed for careful timber harvests to allow the pine trees healthy growth; wildlife will be preserved. From Interstate 93 just north of Concord take Exit 16 and turn left on Route 132. The forest entrance is six miles ahead on the right.

Loudon

The town of Loudon lies to the northeast of Concord on Route 106. The main attraction here is the New Hampshire International Speedway. Visit their Web site (www.nhis.com) to get a schedule of races, or call ahead (783-4961). Races are mostly held on weekends, from mid-April to mid-October.

Weare

Weare is a small town situated to the southwest of Concord. Its principal attraction is its compact nature center that features collections, interpretive exhibits, library, and nature trails. Special programs are also offered here during the summer months, although it is necessary to make an appointment to visit. Contact the Little Nature Museum at 59 Boyce Road, Weare, NH 03281 (529-7180).

Northwood

Northwood, yet another little town in the vicinity of Concord, located about 21 miles east of the capital city along Route 202, is known as Antique Alley for its corridor of antique shops. The town claims 800 antique dealers and craftspeople. Some of the number clearly comes from “group shops,” but there are a lot of varied stores. Exploring on foot, however, is not recommended, mainly die to the vehicular traffic in the area.

Also, on Route 4 in Northwood, two miles west of Route 202, is the entrance to Northwood Meadows Natural Area. The 600-acre preserve is filled with ponds and marshes, and offers some great nature walks.