Off Season 2023

OFF SeaSon

Sunny Side

The

(First

Your

Contributors

PRODUCTION

Jennifer Gingras

Brooke Fraser

REPORTED BY

Maya Puma

Matt Ingersoll

Curt Mackail

Lily Hartman

PUBLISHER

Jody Reese jreese@hippopress.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Amy Diaz adiaz@hippopress.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Angie Sykeny

COPY EDITED BY

Lisa Parsons

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Jennifer Gingras

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Charlene Nichols

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Roxanne Macaig

Alyse Savage

SUPPORT STAFF

Tammie Boucher

guide to making the most of Y our a utumn adventures on the s eacoast

S B R O W N

Editor’s Note

Greetings and welcome to the inaugural issue of Off Season , your guide to making the most of your fall adventures on the Seacoast.

Our In Season magazine celebrated the vibrant personalities, locales and activities of summer on the Seacoast.

But as the warmth of the summer sun gives way to the crisp autumn air, our region remains brimming with life.

Inside, you’ll find the top breakfast spots to kick off your day and a closer look at our community’s farms and the ocean conservation organizations working to keep our waters clean. Experience the excitement at our charitable gambling establishments and raise a glass to the time-honored traditions of Oktoberfest as it’s celebrated on our shores. Finally, check out our event guide for a comprehensive look at the months ahead. Whether you’re a foodie, music-lover, nature enthusiast, or looking for something to do with the family, we’ve got you covered with all the details you need to plan your perfect fall itinerary. Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the best of what the Seacoast has to offer and to make this fall a fall to remember.

Sunny side up

Where to enjoy the best breakfast in the seacoast

“Breakfast is only worth having when somebody else makes it for you,” said Caroline B. Cooney, a best-selling, award-winning author. If you’re also of a mind that likes breakfast made by others, some of these interesting Seacoast breakfast spots may be your cup of tea (and serve it, too.)

THe ISlaNder Cafe

52 Main St., New Castle. Thursday through Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 603-433-3344. theislandercafe.com.

Definitely put The Islander Cafe in New Castle on your hidden-gem-ofa-breakfast-place list. Cozy, some would say quaint, and neat as a pin (much like the town itself), the cafe’s smallish dining room and patio is a favorite with locals. Visitors rave on social media about the food, service and atmosphere.

Smack in the social center of this historic community, across from the town hall and gazebo, The Islander Cafe doesn’t offer a landslide of breakfast choices, instead sticking to breakfast sandwiches and wraps, quiche, granola bowls, oatmeal, fruit, and scratch-made bread and pastry from Lil’s Cafe in

Kittery. (Lil’s is co-owned by Islander Cafe’s proprietors Deb McCluskey and her son Michael. See Lil’s Cafe profile below.)

The crullers at the Islander are excellent along with the muffins and scones. Coffee is top quality with freshly roasted beans from No. 6 Depot, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, as the foundation for espresso-based brews.

A favored choice for many is The Islander’s Dutch baby, a large, puffy pancake baked in a skillet, served as a sweet dish with fresh berries, whipped cream and maple syrup. It’s definitely sumptuous. Daily specials are usually on the board too — sometimes gravy biscuits, or avocado toast, maybe creative omelets, or whatever the kitchen fancies that day.

lIl’S Cafe

7 Wallingford Sq., No. 106, Kittery, Maine. Daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 207-7032800. lilscafe.com

Before spawning The Islander Cafe in New Castle, Deb McCluskey and her son took over Lil’s Cafe in Kittery.

“Lil’s Cafe was envisioned to be a neighborhood meeting place, a hub for locals and travelers alike to gather, eat amazing food, make lifelong friends, and return to again and again,” Deb McCluskey says.

Lil’s morning menu reflects The Islander Cafe in New Castle (described above). Breakfast sandwiches and wraps, quiche, granola bowls, oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt parfaits are the mainstays. And, like its sister cafe, Lil’s is within just a block or two of open ocean, so salt air is part of the allure too.

All of Lil’s pastries and breads are scratch-made on-site. They’re uniformly delicious. Sourdough, olive sourdough, seeded multigrain, gluten-free buckwheat, baguettes and a baker’s choice are daily offerings. Not surprising, toasts get some of the spotlight with avocado on seeded multigrain and honey cinnamon on brioche. Coffee includes the usual pours plus just about everything an espresso machine can turn out. Tea drinkers get a special nod from Lil’s matcha, chai, rooibos, and tea latte, along with the usual hot or

iced choices. Golden milk, a popular drink in India and at Lil’s, combines turmeric with cow’s milk.

Located in a former bank near the entrance gate to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in the Kittery Foreside neighborhood, the cafe also includes Lil’s Vinyl Vault on the premises. The used record emporium is found, you guessed it, in the bank’s huge former walk-in safe. Patrons waiting for a seat like to thumb through the stacks of LPs.

Lil’s Cafe is named for the late Lilian Mangos, a well-known personality who worked the order window at Bob’s Clam Hut on Route 1 in Kittery for decades. Lil’s founder and original owner, Michael Landgarten, the restaurateur who transformed Bob’s Clam Hut into a celebrated fried seafood destination during his 34 years of ownership, named his Lil’s Cafe in memory of the cashier who was arguably as famous as his seafood.

red’S KITCHeN

Red’s Kitchen + Tavern, 530 Lafayette Road, Seabrook. Daily 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Breakfast from opening until 3 p.m. 603-760-0030. redskitchenandtavern.com.

Owner John Drivas opened his family’s second Red’s Kitchen + Tavern in Seabrook in 2020. It’s been a popular destination for breakfasters ever since — also serving lunch and dinner, so don’t despair if you’re not an early riser. Red’s serves breakfast until 3 p.m.

The 240-seat Seabrook Red’s is a modern casual restaurant with an airy feel. Eggs come in all the usual American styles. And the plate-size omelets, three types of Benedicts, oatmeal, fruit and yogurt parfaits, plus good hot coffee, promise to keep most of us regular folks happy.

Pancakes, French toast, waffles and muffins, all scratch-made, are served in ample portions. Avocado toasts round out the breakfast menu.

And, if you’re so inclined, Red’s Over the Top bloody mary starts with iced spiced tomato juice. Additions of shrimp, bacon, aged cheese, pickle, pepperoncini, onion, olive and celery are why Red’s calls it over the top.

With all breakfast orders you may choose from any or all of the trinity of bacon, ham or sausage. Don’t overlook the sirloin tips, however, nor the scratchmade corned beef hash, kielbasa and Greek sausage that are special tastes here.

THe BIg BeaN KITCHeN aNd Bar

118 Main St., Newmarket, 603-659-8600, and 163 Water St., Exeter, 603418-7343. Exeter is open daily 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Newmarket is open Sunday through Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. thebigbeancafe.com.

The Big Bean’s two locations serve breakfasts that patrons tell you are the best around. The original Big Bean in Newmarket and its newer Exeter location offer scratch-made breakfast meals with flair. Both have bar seating with full liquor service along with dining tables and an ambiance that blends hip and historic.

But the food is the star.

“We are dedicated to creating unique gourmet meals seven days a week. We believe in quality ingredients, preparing food from scratch in small batches, seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade breads, and supporting local farms with our specials,” said owner Jon Wells, who founded and manages the Big Beans along with his spouse, Arley.

The Big Bean’s extensive menu choices include eggs Benedict in nine varieties, huevos rancheros, breakfast sandwiches on any of a half-dozen homemade breads, omelets, scramble bowls, pancakes and French toast, fresh muffins, and avocado toasts. The fresh avocados in all dishes, by the way, are invariably perfectly ripe, a feat not all kitchens can manage.

The Big Bean is also known for esoteric creations like The Spock (three scrambled eggs with onions, peppers, sausage and cheddar topped with hollandaise sauce), Señor Homies (a large order of home fries grilled with black beans, onions, peppers, black olives, jalapeños, cheddar, and salsa, topped with sour cream and avocado), Wouldn’t It Be Nice (a grilled burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, homemade falafel, tomato and spinach, served with tzatziki

sauce and home fries), and the Glacier (sweet potato hash over baby spinach topped with two over-easy eggs with a side of fruit).

For those turned on by Tater Tots, The Big Bean recently added a flight of tot creations to the menu. The portfolio of deep-fried potato croquettes includes Morning Tots (with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, cheese sauce, scallion and sriracha ketchup), Border Tots (with chorizo, cheese sauce, jalapeños, ranch dressing and scallion), Smoked Tots (with pulled pork, pickled red onion, chipotle BBQ aioli, goat cheese and scallion) and Garden Tots (with mushrooms, red onion, spinach, feta, garlic, roasted red peppers and rosemary drizzled with roasted garlic aioli). If none of those dressed-up spud bombs appeal to your palate, you should probably stick with the simple basket of tots. It comes with Sriracha ketchup, chipotle BBQ sauce and roasted garlic aioli.

THe frIeNdlY TOaST

113 Congress St., Portsmouth. 603-246-5285. Open daily 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. thefriendlytoast.com.

The original Friendly Toast burst onto the scene 30 years ago in Portsmouth when its funky, retro-chic decor, trendy menu and full bar service attracted a wide spectrum of customers who packed the place at peak hours (which often extended into the early morning after the bars had closed). Families, seniors and suits stood in line with old hippies, local artists, the newly emerging tattooed and pierced flock and the fashionably hip.

Today, as then, The Friendly Toast flagship in Portsmouth plates up all scratchmade items, is family-friendly, offers full bar service and favors eats skewed to the healthy and unique. One change from then to now, though, is the Toast’s shift to brunch-only hours and dishes.

Another difference from 30 years ago is the addition of 10 other Friendly Toasts spread through Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. (Check the website for exact locations.) The original concept of a fast-casualfunky-chic vibe paired with a fresh, creative menu has apparently proven quite commercially viable.

Exemplars of the Toast’s imagination in the kitchen include dishes like fried chicken on Belgian waffles with hot honey, chipotle maple sour cream, pickled onions and scallions.

The Doughnut Stop Believin’ is a breakfast sandwich on French-toasted doughnuts filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, cheddar cheese and chipotle maple sour cream, strawberry habanero jam and home fries. The Toast’s take on hash quiche isn’t quite traditional. Two crispy fried hash brown potato bowls replace the usual quiche pie crust base. They’re filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, roasted red peppers, caramelized red onions and jalapeno-jack cheese, all topped with lime crema and scallions, served with fruit salad and toast.

rOuNdaBOuT dINer & lOuNge

580 Portsmouth Traffic Circle, Portsmouth. Open daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 603-4311440. roundaboutdiner.com.

The Roundabout Diner just off the Portsmouth traffic circle serves a traditional breakfast menu with a few interesting additions. Among the standard fare are eggs any style with toast and home fries. Sides of homemade baked beans are quite tasty. Pancakes are large and very good too. If your taste runs to seafood, the Salmon Cake Benedict (deep-fried salmon cakes, poached eggs, baby spinach, rich hollandaise sauce and capers) may light up your morning.

For something beyond traditional diner food several selections stand out.

The Danimal combines eggs, cheddar cheese, Texas mayo and ham on a grilled brioche bun. The Monte Cristo is thickly cut sourdough bread sandwiched with smoked ham and Swiss cheese, griddled in French toast batter. The pulled pork omelet is another tasty creation, packed with house-smoked pork and cheddar. The Roundabout’s Grand Marnier French Toast begins on the griddle with challah dipped in Grand Marnier cinnamon batter, finished with powdered sugar and whipped cream. The Chili Benedict is grilled cornbread topped with lumberjack chili, two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and colby-jack cheese.

The Roundabout decor is neo-diner with lots of chrome and red vinyl upholstery, a checkerboard linoleum floor and retro lighting fixtures. Ten stools at a counter line the back wall. Although it’s not an actual dining car or true old-time diner, the ambiance is convincing enough, albeit definitely new-school.

Located in what was once a Howard Johnson’s restaurant, this renovated eatery is 100 yards or so north of the Portsmouth traffic circle on the Route 1 bypass. (Note that some online maps inaccurately depict the location of the Roundabout Diner & Lounge as being near York, Maine.)

agaWam dINer

66 Newburyport Turnpike (U.S. Route 1), Rowley, Mass. Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. 978-948-7780. theagawamdiner.com.

The Agawam Diner is the real deal — an original 1954 Fodero dining car with authentic diner food to match. Little has changed through the decades. And why would it? The food is uniformly excellent, the service friendly and experienced, and the pristine structure is an architectural time capsule that isn’t so much nostalgic as refreshingly genuine.

The place is an American treasure of a sort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. About a 20-minute drive south from the Interstate 95 Hampton toll booth, the setting is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. At peak times you may wait in line among others attracted to old-style breakfasts served at a long counter with redtopped stools. Or choose a seat on one of the four-place ruby red vinyl booths, each with a window sporting red Venetian blinds and a Seeburg punch-button flip-chart jukebox.

It’s no surprise that the Agawam doesn’t lack dedicated patrons.

“We actually have customers who come here three times a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have people come from Boston and Maine, just take a ride down and visit us at the diner. And that’s really special. It’s kind of an honor to have them here,” said Ethel DePasquale, who, along with her sister Angela Mitchell, is a waitress at Agawam Diner. The two are fixtures there as much as the chicken pie that’s been made the same way for decades. On its face there’s nothing fancy about the breakfast menu here. Timetested recipes and professional short-order cooking make the most of all the egg dishes and sides you’d expect of an old-school diner. Don’s corned beef hash is a must-try. Homemade muffins, pancakes made from scratch, French toast, steak and eggs, and egg sandwiches comprise the rest of the breakfast menu. But here’s our tip: Leave room for a slice of pie or pastry to polish off your breakfast. They’re all true diner delicacies, freshly stocked in the mirrored chrome case, and taste about as good as you can get.

elepHaNTINe BaKerY

10 Commercial Alley, No. 2, Portsmouth. Daily 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 603319-6189. elephantinebakery.com.

Elephantine Bakery is an artisanal bakeshop serving breads, pastries, breakfast and lunch in downtown Portsmouth. Bakery co-owners Sherif and Nadine Farag trained in French culinary traditions but their tastes run to the Mediterranean.

“We believe in making slow food, honoring the craft, and using exceptional ingredients. We make our bread and pastries using traditional techniques, and most of what we do is by hand. Everything at the bakery is made daily from scratch,” the owners say.

Named for Elephantine Island in the Nile River, where a bakery reportedly stood 4,000 years ago, today’s Seacoast incarnation serves breakfast dishes that lie outside the norm of American fast-food diner grub.

Among the standout cuisine are eggs simit (jammy eggs, hummus, beet pistachio spread, za’atar feta, and spinach on Turkish simit bread,) poached eggs cilbir (eggs atop garlic labneh yogurt with toasted sourdough bread, Aleppo butter and parsley gremolata), a smoked salmon lox sandwich (on simit with herb cream cheese, tomato, cucumber, and red onion), and labneh granola (Greek yogurt with ancient grains granola, fruit, local honey and pistachio brittle).

Pastries including scones, lemon Danish rolls, raisin bread, croissants

and pain au chocolat also make for nice pairings with a cup of fresh-grind coffee. Delicious Egyptian bread pudding is made with croissant dough, coconut milk, coconut flakes, raisins and pistachios.

Cinnamon rolls worth waiting for (or ordering in advance) come out of the oven at 9 a.m.

on weekends only. For that matter, all the daily breads and pastries exit the ovens at 9 a.m. too, so if you want the ultimate freshness midmorning any day is your time.

Born and raised in the Seacoast, Elephantine Bakery’s culinary director ,Sherif Faraq, is a graduate of Ferrandi in Paris, where he studied bread-making and viennoiserie under the mentorship of Didier Chaput, a renowned master baker. Elephantine Bakery breads include Pain Au Levain, baguettes, a rosemary focaccia jalapeño cheddar pretzel, and

Greek olive ficelle — a snack-size loaf with Greek kalamata olives. Challah emerges from the oven on Fridays only. Challah orders are taken beginning Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.

COlBY’S BreaKfaST & luNCH

105 Daniel St., Portsmouth, Thursday through Monday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 603-436-3033. colbysportsmouthnh.com.

Colby’s often turns up in mentions of reviewers’ favorite places for breakfast. It’s a cozy dining room and seasonal outdoor patio in the heart of Portsmouth, a few blocks north of Market Square and a stone’s throw south of Memorial Bridge. Breakfast is served all day, every day. The food is consistently good, and the warm interior in a historic building is inviting.

Colby’s says it relies solely on local, fresh product.

“We only buy from local, independently owned vendors in our trading area,” says owner Jeremy Colby on the website.

The quality of the cuisine bears this out. Highlights from the menu include homemade cinnamon swirl French toast, blueberry or granola pancakes, scratch-made corned beef hash, the Reuben omelet stuffed with corned beef hash, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese with Russian dressing, and huevos rancheros with eggs atop black beans, cheddarjack cheese, a crispy tortilla, homemade salsa, sour cream and home fries.

Eggs Irish is a Benedict-style presentation with a toasted English muffin buried under corned beef hash, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Other Benedicts, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, lox and bagels, traditional egg orders and sides, a tofu scramble, oatmeal, granola and fresh fruit fill the rest of the menu.

With a small dining room, you may encounter a waiting line at peak times. Takeout is available with a call to 603-436-3033.

Kaffee VONSOllN

79 Daniel St., Portsmouth. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m to 6 p.m. 603-373-0570. kaffeevonsolln.com.

If fine coffee or tea and German pastries are your idea of a great breakfast, Kaffee Vonsolln should be on your radar. This elegant little shop within a few blocks of Portsmouth’s Prescott Park also dishes out breakfast sandwiches, fresh bagels, biscuits and the dynamic duo of breakfast sides — bacon and sausage. The café’s best-selling pastry is bienenstich — which translates to bee sting cake from the German. Traditional bienenstich is a baked confection made with leavened sweet dough, crunchy nut toppings, and sweet buttercream or custard fillings.

“We’re a family-owned café and coffee roastery committed to bringing delicious coffee and excellent pastries to our friends and neighbors in Portsmouth. As a family, we’ve tried to create the kind of café we would want to spend time in, and we think we’ve suc-

ceeded. We offer excellent coffee, delicious pastries, and the kind of cozy, friendly atmosphere that welcomes both regulars and new customers alike,” said Kaffee Vonsolln co-owner Emma-Rive Nelson who, along with her parents, purchased the business in 2016.

Emma roasts and grinds all the coffee beans in-house in small batches. For coffee lovers the aroma is delicious. Beans from Costa Rica are a house favorite. Guatemala

Antigua, Sumatra Mandheling, and the in-house Kick Blend beans range from medium to robust dark roast flavor. Kaffee Vonsolln says all its beans are ethically sourced.

THe COuNTrY VIeW

692 Portsmouth Ave., Greenland. 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m daily except closed Wednesdays. 603-431-7426. thecountryview.com.

The Country View is a regular stop for Seacoast patrons who enjoy its family atmosphere and breakfast dishes that go beyond the usual. (The Country View serves lunch too.)

Sunday mornings are especially popular, but you’ll find regulars here for breakfast any day. “American-style” best describes the kitchen’s approach.

Moderate prices add to this room’s popularity along with its named favorites like the California Bennie, the Marty Scramble (eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hash browns, baked beans and cheddar cheese topped with barbecue sauce served with grilled cornbread), the Yo’ Vinni, (poached eggs, sweet Italian sausage, sautéed onions and peppers on a grilled English muffin with hollandaise sauce) and the Route 33 Omelette (corned beef hash and Swiss cheese with hollandaise sauce).

Don’t overlook the richly flavorful chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes that come in variations including blueberry, banana nut, spiced carrot and raisin, chocolate peanut butter chip, and pumpkin nut. Cinnamon rolls, muffins from the oven, homemade baked beans and the country fried steak and eggs are well worth trying too.

Cider Hill Farm

45 Fern Ave. (off state Route 150), Amesbury, Mass., open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 978-388-5525. ciderhill.com.

Family-owned Cider Hill

Farm in Amesbury is one of the Seacoast’s most popular destinations for those seeking fresh fruit and produce, farmmade honey or maple syrup, and a range of bakery items and local dairy products. And better not forget the fresh and hard cider that is the farm speciality. They’re all available in the Cider Hill farm store, open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In 2021 Yelp named the farm the No. 1 apple picking spot in the country. In addition to apples, the farm grows other tree fruit, berries, pumpkins and gourds, flowers and a wide range of vegetables on its 145 acres. But the owners see the farm as more than just agriculture.

“What we do at Cider Hill is cultivate, nurture, and grow relationships. Growing good food is simply a byproduct of this mission and the calling of our dedicated farm family,” said second-generation owners Karen and Glenn Cook on their website.

“Environmental stewardship is also central to the farm’s operations,” they said, pointing out that the farm is nearly 90 percent self-sufficient for its electricity needs, producing power from wind turbines and 840 solar panels that feed five homes plus the entire farm operation.

About half of Cider Hill’s 145-acre farm offers pick-your-own crops. More than 10,000 fruit trees are spread across five orchards. Another 2,000 new apple and cherry trees are being added this fall. The farm plans to offer fresh cherries beginning in 2026.

The farm’s own produce, as you might expect, is available fresh when in season. If you want to pick your own produce, daily picking information is available at 978-388-5525. The farm store is accessible, and there is accessible parking near the entrance. A portion of the pick-your-own orchards is accessible, but the terrain is hilly and may not be suitable for everyone. If you plan to visit, note that pets are not allowed at the farm.

Cider Hill’s farm animals entertain all ages. A sizable flock of free-strutting chickens are housed in an open-air poultry house. Genial goats in their adjacent pen add to the fun. Tire swings, a giant sandbox and Farmer Glenn’s Trike Yard are geared for kids. Trike riders pedal around large hay bales, and sandbox toys are provided for kids who want to dig in.

Picnic tables are found on the main lawn, under the picnic tent, and in the upper courtyard. You may bring your own food or enjoy items from the food truck or farm store. (No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.)

The farm’s annual Sweet Halloween happens Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 when a kids’ not-so spooky trick-or-treat experience includes sweets and prizes for costumes.

“We really do have a little something for everyone. The crisp air, a brimming farm store, the aroma of hot doughnuts, and apples being pressed are easily our favorite things about autumn on the farm,” said farm spokesperson Valerie Rosenberg.

Turning the tides

how new hampshire’s coastal organizations contribute to marine conservation

The Seacoast serves as a hub for marine conservation efforts, with the Gulf of Maine a focal point of interest and concern. A number of organizations operate in this region, contributing to research on marine ecosystems. One of the most prominent is The Blue Ocean Society

The Blue Ocean Society’s mission is to protect marine life in the Gulf of Maine through research, education and inspiring action. The Society was founded in 2001 by naturalists Jen Kennedy and Dianna Schulete, who specialized in whale research.

“We were the only ones studying whales on Jeffery’s Ledge, which is a really important feeding ground … so we decided we wanted to start our own organization to do our own research but also teach people in the community about whales,’’ Kennedy said. “Kind of use whales as the hook to inspire people to protect not only the whales but the rest of the ocean and the planet as a whole.”

This organization conducts whale watches via charter boats or survey cruises. During these trips to the Gulf of Maine the naturalists on board take photographs to track and identify whales based on natural markings. They also monitor other marine life, weather conditions and human interaction with the whales.

“For whales the most documented threat are vessel strikes, so getting hit by boats, and also entanglement in fishing gear, but pollution is also something that can contribute to harm,” Kennedy said. “There was a whale in the past that ate a plastic trash bag and that was the cause of death; also there is research out there that whales are eating a lot of microplastics in their food.”

There are many ways humans can lessen their impacts on the lives of whales, such as u sing less disposable plastic, using less energy and driving less to decrease the effects of climate change, supporting legislation that will provide funding for research, and simply picking up after oneself.

The Blue Ocean Society has many hands-on opportunities, internships and ways to volunteer to learn more about the ocean. It conducts whale watching trips in Rye to educate thousands of people and document hundreds of whales. The Blue Ocean Discovery Center in Hampton Beach offers an in-person ocean experience featuring sea stars, crabs and other animals people can interact with, as well as exhibits including a 100-gallon observation tank, a lobster trap demonstration, an Atlantic white sided dolphin skeleton and more. Naturalists there can answer questions “talking individually to

people … so they hopefully develop a better appreciation for the animals out there and more long term try to protect them,” Kennedy said. The organization has also been successful with their beach cleanup programs and other events as well as having an increasing number of volunteers. Last year the organization led more than 500 beach cleanups from southern Maine to northern Massachusetts with the help of volunteers. The organization also contributes to the International Coastal Cleanup held in September and October.

“The international coastal cleanup has been going on since the mid 1980s and New Hampshire has been involved since the very beginning,” Kennedy said. “It’s a great way to have people come up their local coastline and also know they’re involved in this worldwide effort.”

The cleanup consists of volunteers picking up any trash or debris on the beach and recording what they picked up and where they found it. Scientists can use the data collected over long periods of time to understand the dangers to marine life and how they can help.

The Seacoast Science Center, at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, represents another aspect of the region’s commitment to understanding and safeguarding the Gulf of Maine’s marine environment. Operational for more than 31 years, the organization aims to inspire the general population to care about the conservation of Earth. The center’s programs and events are based at Odiorne Point State Park, which allows the staff to use local examples to teach lessons about the ocean and planet.

“Through hands-on experiences and experiencing the wonder and the beauty of fascinating plants and animals here on our coast in New Hampshire they gain a deeper sense of appreciation of our planet and are inspired to help preserve and protect it,” chief communications officer Karen Provazza said.

Some exhibits that were highlighted by Provazza are Our Dynamic Gulf of Maine, The End of the Sea, and Restoring Reefs. The Dynamic Gulf of Maine highlights that the gulf is one of the fastest-warming bodies of water on the planet and what is being done to help. The End of the Sea is a favorite amongst the guests as it includes interactive touch tanks, mock tide pools and a water table that guests can explore while a naturalist provides information on marine life. The Restoring Reefs Gallery discusses the importance of healthy reef systems in tropical waters and the Gulf of Maine. The center has several events throughout the year that teaches people of all ages about the importance of protecting marine life. It’s

the center’s 21st year of hosting Bio Blitz, a biological survey of Odiorne Point State Park that allows people of all ages to learn and explore. Other events include a rescue run race for marine mammals that supports the Marine Mammal Rescue Program, a federally authorized response institution for any marine mammals that are stranded on the shore from Essex, Massachusetts, to the Maine border. Another signature event is the Our World Ocean Celebration, a festival with hands-on activities about ocean resources.

“I think what’s really unique about the Seacoast Science Center is that it’s small enough to be able to have personal connections with our visitors to have those one-on-one conservations,” Provazza said. “Engaging people, having those conversations and giving them hands on opportunities I think are the most impactful ways to create those sticky memories.”

The Seacoast Science Center has more than just exhibits and events, as it offers an assortment of camps during school vacation weeks, and other programs. A popular example is the center’s wildlife kayak tours, where peo ple are introduced to ways to safely and respectfully view wildlife. Kayaks are launched at Odiorne Point State Park; equipment is included and the tour lasts two-and-a-half hours, recommended for ages 12 and up. A new

program being introduced on the third Thursday of every month starting in September is called “Nature at Night;” it will be after hours and will have a new theme every month.

“One of the things that is really important to us is making sure the Science Center is accessible to everyone so if there are community members that might not otherwise be able to come we wanted to provide those opportunities for anybody,” Provazza said.

The Center is constantly recruiting volunteers to teach programs, watch over the exhibits and the touch tanks and engage with the visitors. A success of the Center is the Marine Science Fellowship offered to high school students. This is a semesterlong course that goes in depth on different marine science topics and provides students with hands-on experience to guide their studies in the future. The center also has free digital resources for students and teachers and offers families lesson plans, activities and activity sheets to help students learn about marine life. The Teacher Learning Connection program offers choice boards that educators can use in their classrooms.

“We’re just really grateful to be a highly respected institution with a now over-30-year track record of being a resource to our community, and we take that very seriously,” Provazza said.

The Farm at Eastman’s Corner

267 South Road, Kensington, at the intersection of Route 150 and South Road, open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 603-347-1909. eastmanscorner.com

The Farm at Eastman’s Corner is a destination farm stand more than a traditional farm. In fact, “non-traditional” describes much of the establishment’s methods and means. For starters, The Farm at Eastman’s Corner is a nonprofit business governed by a board of community members. Founded by the late philanthropist Alan Lewis and his spouse, Harriet, in 2013, the company says the couple saw this site in their hometown as a means to support the local economy, demonstrate environmental sustainability and carry on the Lewis Family Foundation’s legacy of charitable works and donations. All profits from The Farm at Eastman’s Corner go back to the community.

The farm has no fields or gardens that it manages itself, with the exception of a pick-your-own blueberry patch. Instead, you’ll find the casual-style farm store stocked with local purveyors’ fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy products, pasture-raised beef, pork and chicken, fresh eggs and local wines. (The farm does have six state-of-the-art greenhouses that it rents to local farmers.)

A variety of grocery staples and personal-care products are also on the store’s shelves. The farm store kitchen turns out scratch-made soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast bowls, kids’ specials and sweet treats. There’s an upstairs dining room, outdoor porch and patio, and a gazebo for picnics. Some made-to-order food items may be ordered online. The online menu

includes hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies and a kids’ section.

For fun, you can explore the animal barn, a short walk across the parking lot, home to a herd of friendly Nigerian Dwarf goats and two Vietnamese potbellied pigs. Abutting the barn is the aptly named Cluckingham Palace, where a flock of New Hampshire Red laying hens strut around their pen and you can see them up close. Funhouse mirrors, floor chimes for jumping on to make music, and a playground attract youngsters.

For public-minded groups the farm may offer free use of its upstairs seating area. For private events like weddings, family celebrations and corporate gettogethers, a restored antique barn is available for rent.

Also part of the nonprofit company that launched The Farm at Eastman’s Corner is the nearby Alnoba, an upscale retreat offering a variety of leadership and team development workshops and events. The retreat includes an impressive outdoor sculpture garden with more than 40 major works from the Lewis family collection. You can tour the expansive collection set in the woods and explore its walking trails from a parking area at 24 Cottage Road. Entrance fee $15. Check alnoba.org for times and details.

Ordinar y people can do extraordinar y things for children. You don’t need to be an expert to speak up for a child who experienced abuse or neglect.

If you have the heart to help, we’ll teach you the rest. Join us.

Gambling for good

new hampshire’s charitable gambling establishments deal a winning hand for nonprofits

Casinos are illegal in New Hampshire. Unless the casino is classified as a “charitable gaming” enterprise under state law.

Several New Hampshire statutes combine to allow charitable gaming establishments in New Hampshire to operate just like true commercial casinos on the condition that they fork over 35 percent of their take to listed, state-approved nonprofit companies. Another 10 percent of charitable gaming’s gross revenue must be paid to the State Lottery Commission, which applies it to public education funding.

New Hampshire is home to 14 charitable gaming establishments, three of which are in the Seacoast. During the state’s 2023 fiscal year that ended June 30, charitable gaming statewide produced $23.3 million given to charities and nonprofits and another $18.2 million for New Hampshire’s public school system, according to the lottery commission. More than 275 nonprofit companies appear on the state’s Tier 1 list of groups eligible to receive funds from casinos. Casinos are free to choose their charity partners that will receive funding.

Charitable gaming casinos may offer table games of chance like blackjack, craps, roulette and poker. Wagering through Bingo, Lucky 7 machines, Keno and so-called historical horse racing machines is also allowed. (The horse racing machines are essentially slot machines that determine payouts based on randomly chosen, actual results from one of hundreds of thousands in a video database of past races. The player picks what he or she thinks is a winning result from the race and the machine shows a short video clip that informs of a win or not.)

And when sports betting was legalized in the state during 2019, the New Hampshire Lottery exclusively partnered with DraftKings to run sportsbook wagering on behalf of the state. Sportsbooks operated by DraftKings are found at The Brook in Seabrook and Filotimo casinos in Dover and Manchester. There are no live teller windows at the sportsbook locations. Instead, bettors place their wagers using video betting kiosks

THe BrOOK IS THe BIggeST

The largest Seacoast casino is The Brook, the former Seabrook Greyhound Park that dropped the dogs in 2010, switching to simulcast race betting and charitable gaming. The old dog track rebranded itself as The Brook in 2019 after being acquired by Eureka Casino Resort — a Mesquite, Nevada, commercial casino operator.

Since its takeover by Eureka, The Brook had a makeover, transforming itself into an entertainment destination that, in addition to the lure of wagering, features live shows, concerts and dining.

Mike Cataldo, a vice president of marketing employed by Eureka Casino Resort and a manager at The Brook, said it is America’s largest charity casino.

“Year to date, The Brook has given over $4 million to charities like Rockingham Meals on Wheels, Haven, and Make-a-Wish. Since Eureka Casino Re-

sort purchased the property in 2019, it has given over $13 million to New Hampshire 501(c)(3) non-profit companies,” Cataldo said.

“But The Brook is more than just a casino. Although it does have over 500 gaming machines, a 20-table poker room, and a large table games pit with blackjack, craps, roulette, and more, The Brook is a year-round entertainment destination. In the last year, The Brook unveiled Seasons Showroom, an intimate and luxe 250-seat entertainment venue. In that short time, the showroom has hosted Boston sports icons Robert Parish and Tim Wakefield, comedy legends like Rob Schneider, Jeremy Piven, and Jay Pharoah, and musicians of great renown, such as Thunderstorm Artis and Fia.

“The Brook is also home to the largest sportsbook in 300 miles. We are New Hampshire’s flagship DraftKings sportsbook, with a large outdoor deck replete with fire pit and a cinema size screen perfect for watching all the games,” Cataldo said.

THe BrOOK reVeNue ON THe upSWINg

“Business continues to grow,” Cataldo said. “The summer saw an influx of visitors and vacationers to the Seacoast, and as a result charitable contributions also continue to rise. Recently, we gave $114,000 to the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, $117,000 to the Hampton PTA, and $109,000 to YMCA Camp Lincoln, all local charities, just to name a few. These are substantial increases from just a few years ago.

“As a hospitality company, guest experience is our number one priority. … We take guest feedback very seriously, with the goal being to give them the amenities they ask for and create a fun atmosphere where guests and employeeowners build relationships that last years,” Cataldo said. “We’ll continue to add amenities such as an additional specialty restaurant, introduce large-scale parties and food festivals, and add unique special events and even bigger headliners as we round out the entertainment experience.”

Cataldo also pointed out that Eureka is an employee-owned business. It is the only casino in the country with an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP,) he said.

W H ere T H e Br OOK lead S OTH er S are f O ll OWIN g

The Brook is an example of where charitable gaming casinos are likely headed in New Hampshire, say industry observers like PlayUSA.com. Charitable gaming casinos generally believe the future looks promising for upscale gambling destinations that provide more than just the opportunity to place bets or play casino games, according to

industry analysts.

Ocean Gaming Casino and Aces & Eights Casino, both Hampton Beach establishments offering games of chance, have their sights set on expansion and expanded offerings for customers too.

“Ocean Gaming Casino on Hampton Beach was acquired by Granite State Gaming & Hospitality in May 2023. With unmatched views of the ocean, the casino offers historic horse racing machines, table games including blackjack, roulette, and the only live craps game in New Hampshire. There is also a full-service restaurant and bar featuring some of the best pizza on the beach and a wide selection of cocktails and beers,” said Rick Richards, the company’s vice president of operations.

Live horse racing is shown on video screens although horse racing and sportsbook wagering is not provided in the casino. A function room accommodates up to 100 for private parties

Richards said, “Granite State Gaming & Hospitality’s team of industry veterans is laser focused on providing a premium hospitality and entertainment experience to both locals as well as summer visitors. The casino recently received approval to expand the facility and has been working on a first-floor renovation plan which will add some of the most popular historical horse racing titles as well as other amenities for guests. The work is anticipated to begin in the fall and is expected to be complete by Memorial Day.”

“This expansion will, in large part, support our efforts to increase Ocean Gaming Casino’s contributions to the many worthy nonprofits in the community. Through August 2023, the casino has contributed approximately $700,000 to local nonprofits and we are confident that number will increase next year after the renovation is complete,” Richards said.

Among the some 35 recipients reported by Ocean Gaming Casino to have received donations are American Legion Post #35, Hampton; BPO Elks #146, Manchester; Richie McFarland Children’s Center, Stratham; Rye Lions Club; Sacred Heart School, Hampton; Rockingham County Law Enforcement Officers Association; Friends of the East Kingston Public Library; The Order of Daedalians Granite State Flight 53; Seeds of Faith, Inc., Somersworth; and Sisters of the Holy Cross, Inc., Manchester.

SeaCOaST CaSINO guIde

• the Brook, 319 new Zealand road, seabrook. sunday through thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. friday and saturday, 8 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. 603-474-3065. marketing@eurekanh.com. livefreeandplay.com

• Ocean Gaming Casino, 81 ocean Blvd., hampton. 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. 603-601-6690. yvonne@g2-gaming.com. oceangamingcasino.com.

• Aces & Eights Casino, 169 Ocean Blvd., hampton. noon to 1 a.m. daily. 603-770-5057. acesandeightscasino@gmail.com. acesandeightscasinos.com.

aCeS & eIgHTS CaSINO expaNdINg TOO

Aces and eights is known as the dead man’s hand in poker history, says the Hampton Beach casino that takes its name there from.

“While the make-up of poker’s Dead Man’s Hand has varied throughout the years, it has traditionally been described as a two-pair poker hand, consisting of a red and black ace and two black eights. The pair of aces and eights, along with the queen of hearts, were reportedly held by Old West folk hero, lawman and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickock when he was murdered while playing a game,” Aces & Eights Casino says on its website.

The casino at 169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, is owned by Lupoli Companies, headed by the founder of Sal’s Pizza, Salvatore N. Lupoli. What was a lone pizza shop founded by Lupoli in Salem, New Hampshire, has grown since 1990 into 40 locations across New England and a wholesale commissary selling to schools, grocery stores and other commercial institutions. Sal’s Pizza is the largest manufacturer of fresh pizza in New England, according to the company.

Lupoli Companies also added real estate development to its core business along the way, recently being named the 4th largest commercial developer in Massachusetts by Boston Business Journal.

Lupoli Companies own the entire block at 169 Ocean Blvd., which includes Aces & Eights Casino and the Hampton Beach Casino property. Sal Lupoli, chief executive officer and president of Lupoli Companies in May described a potential $400 million redevelopment plan for the central beachfront commercial block. As for Aces & Eights Casino, a 14,000 square-foot renovation opened in July. The company unveiled 92 new historical racing slot machines and additional roulette, blackjack and poker tables. The casino is open noon to 1 a.m. daily.

Food options at Aces & Eights casino include an appetizer and sandwich menu served from 2 until 8 p.m. Beer, wine and cocktails are also served. The renovation of Aces & Eights also included upgrades to its outdoor deck and an announce-

Applecrest Farm Orchards

133 Exeter Road (Route 88), Hampton Falls. Farm store open daily yearround, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seasonally from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 603-926-3721. applecrest.com.

If you’re looking for the widest assortment of apple varieties picked from trees by yourself or a farmhand, Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls is your place. Some 20,000 apple trees provide more than 40 kinds of the fruit — from heirloom strains to modern hybrids. Applecrest was named the best apple picking spot in New England by allrecipes.com in 2021.

This 200-acre fruit and vegetable grower is the oldest and largest apple orchard in the state, tracing the planting of its first tree to 1913, says the enterprise. Four generations of the Wagner family have since worked the farm land. (The farm’s lineage before the Wagner orchards goes back 400 years or so, to the colonial era.)

Nearly a century ago the so-called Apple Train ran a weekly route from Boston to the rolling orchards of Applecrest Farm. People mostly drive here now, but the farm remains New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard. It’s the oldest continuously operated in America. dedicated to their simple mission of sustainably growing the finest fruit and vegetables available.

Thousands of do-it-yourself pickers flock to the place to personally select their favorite apples and other crops including blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pumpkins, gourds, vegetables and flowers depending on the season.

Add a modern specialty grocery store with fresh produce to the scene with scratch made in-house bakery delectables, a homemade ice cream stand open through the end of October, and a beautiful rolling landscape and you have a worthy destination even if apples aren’t your chief concern. In addition to farmgrown produce, Applecrest’s farm store sells local dairy, pasta, meat and seafood products.

Applecrest has long been known for its hand-crafted pies made with grown-onthe farm fruit. Recipes dating back 75 years from former farm owner Oma Wagner’s storied family kitchen bible remain the foundation of the enterprise’s bakery. From start to finish, every bakery item including pies is made from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients, Applecrest says.

During the Thanksgiving season Applecrest offers fresh, free-range, humanely raised turkeys from local farms. Prepared scratch-made side dishes and desserts to suit a holiday meal are also available, as are the turkeys, by advance reservation. For extracurricular interests, Applecrest Farm Orchards offers trail-less crosscountry skiing with advance permission. Hunting is also permitted by permission only. Applecrest says it grants its own hunting licenses only to control animal populations and protect its trees. The few licenses granted go to families who rely on them to feed themselves through the winter, Applecrest says. To be added to the hunting waiting list, call the farm at 603-926-3721.

Dogs are allowed on most of Applecrest property, including the apple orchards, but are prohibited in other picking areas. Parking and the farm store are accessible, although some picking areas may not be.

SUNDAY

Grilled Twin Pork Chops$11.99

Served with Mashed Potatoes & Veg

MONDAY

Burger Night - $9 Hamburger or Cheeseburger includes lettuce & tomato, additional toppings extra

TUESDAY

Taco Tuesday & Ladies Night

$3 Tacos All Day - 8pm-Close

1/2 Price Drinks for the Gals

WEDNESDAY

Spaghetti & Meatballs$10.99

Served with Garlic Bread

THURSDAY

Wing Night - $11.99 For a Dozen Wings

FRIDAY

Fish n Chips - $15.99

12oz Prime Rib - $26.99

SATURDAY

12oz Prime Rib - $26.99

Roasted Half Chicken$15.99 with mashed potatoes & vegetable

*Not available 5-8pm daily

From lederhosen to lager

The seacoast taps into oktoberfest

On Saturday, Oct. 14, clad in lederhosen and dirndls, beer-lovers will gather at Newburyport Brewing Co. to drink out of large steins, eat bratwurst and pretzels with beer mustard, and enjoy cornhole and other outdoor games while a traditional 12-piece German brass band performs live — yes, it’s the return of Oktoberfest season.

Since the very first event took place in early 19th-century Germany, this fall tradition has grown into a worldwide phenomenon celebrating Bavarian culture through its beers and foods. This will be Newburyport Brewing Co.’s 12th annual Oktoberfest — for the second consecutive year, a portion of proceeds from beer sales and glass stein purchases will benefit Newburyport Youth Services. It’s just one of several similar celebrations happening across the Seacoast over the course of the next several weeks.

The centerpieces of just about every Oktoberfest event are German-style beers. About a week before the event Newburyport Brewing Co. plans to roll out its seasonal Oktoberfest beer release: a rich amber-colored lager brewed with Vienna and Pilsner malt.

“It’s nicely balanced, light and 4 and a half percent [ABV], so [it’s] super drinkable,” brewery co-founder Bill Fisher said of the beer. “It’ll be on tap only … [and] it will be available for about three weeks here in our tasting room.”

Several Seacoast-area breweries this fall are hosting their own Oktoberfest celebrations or may just be introducing limited beer releases. At Loaded Question Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, visitors are invited from Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22, for Erntezeit, a threeday festival named after the German word meaning “harvest time.” Flannel shirts are a must for the event, which will be celebrating two classic beer styles that traditionally come out in the fall — Oktoberfests and fresh-hop beers (the latter refers to those that are brewed with undried hops freshly picked from the vine).

“We will be grilling up sausages and warm soft Bavarian-style pretzels,” Peter Mead of Loaded Question Brewing said. “We will be tapping different guest taps each day to keep it interesting.”

In Amesbury, Mass., the growing number of craft breweries over the last few years has prompted the city’s Chamber of Commerce to introduce its own Oktoberfest passport program, which began on Sept. 15 and is due to run through Oct. 3. According to Chamber executive director Sheila Beach, passport booklets can be picked up at any one of the more than 25 participating businesses throughout Amesbury, which include all four of its breweries in addition to restaurants, bars and even record shops, salons and boutiques. Get a “stamp” or a sticker for each purchase from the business, and return the booklets to the Chamber office by Oct. 5 for a chance

to win prizes. One purchase, Beach said, equals one raffle ticket.

“We have beer steins, gift cards and lots of other fun things, and so it’s just an awesome way for us to kind of promote shopping local like we always do,” Beach said. “Last year was the first year we did it, and we had some really great feedback from the community … just telling us how much fun it was for them, and that it’s kind of an excuse to get out there and meet business owners. … We’re looking forward to just expanding on what we started last year.”

So where did this Oktoberfest tradition come from, anyway? And what exactly counts as an Oktoberfest beer? We spoke with several Seacoast breweries to get some answers.

“marCH Beer”

The most common beer style traditionally associated with Oktoberfests is known as a märzen, a lager that’s characterized by its deep golden or amber color and malty flavor, fostering a sweet, bready-like aroma and palate that makes it a popular choice among beer lovers once the air turns crisp and cool.

But despite the style being synonymous with Oktoberfests, the word “märzenbier” actually means “March beer,” as it was historically brewed in the spring. According to The Oxford Companion to Beer, an encyclopedia edited by Garrett Oliver and published by Oxford University Press, a Bavarian decree issued in the year 1553 by the duke at the time prohibited new beer from being brewed between the dates of April 23 and Sept. 29. This was due in part to the risk of fires, in addition to the threats of wild yeasts and bacteria, during the hot weather. As a result, märzens would be brewed in March and lagered, or stored, until the end of the summer.

Craft brewers, especially those stateside, have today come to create their own modern interpretation of the traditional märzen, commonly referred to as a festbier.

“Typically, märzens tend to be a little heavier in body, with a little bit higher of an ABV,” said Nicole Carrier, co-founder and president of Throwback Brewery in North Hampton. “Festbiers came about in Germany because people were drinking a lot and they wanted people to drink more, right, so they are paler, crisper and lighter. … Here, there’s definitely a very laser-like focus on whatever your interpretation of an Oktoberfest or a festbier is.”

Throwback Brewery’s seasonal release, “Heidi Go Seek,” is an Americanstyle lagered Oktoberfest featuring a balance of bready Munich and Vienna malts, along with spicy, tea-like hops, underscored by a light honey sweetness.

“Part of the beauty of owning a craft brewery is just being able to be creative and do your own riff on a particular style. I think a lot of breweries have actually done that with Oktoberfests,” Carrier said. “For us, we like more balanced beers, and so we thought our Oktoberfest should walk the line between hops and malt, so that’s why we ended up with something that we call more of an Americanized Oktoberfest. … It’s less sweet than a traditional märzen. It has a lighter body, a little bit less ABV, but then the hops are definitely balancing those caramelized, toasty malted notes. … It’s just a really great fall beer.”

With locations in Portsmouth and Somersworth, Earth Eagle Brewings recently rolled out October Skies, a German-style amber lager inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest that uniquely features a hint of cinnamon to marry the rich taste of the malt.

RiverWalk Brewing Co. in Newburyport, which held its annual Oktoberfest celebration on Sept. 23, has several seasonal releases. They’re available both in cans and on draft, likely within a couple more weeks depending on availability, according to owner and founder Steve Sanderson. In addition to their festbier, there’s Black Ox, a Munich-style dunkel, or dark lager; and a pre-made radler, a lower-alcohol option featuring beer mixed with carbonated lemonade.

“The Black Ox … is kind of special because we utilize locally produced

malt in this beer. It’s coming out of a malthouse up in Maine called Blue Ox,” Sanderson said. “The malt is really, really complex and flavorful, and the beer ends up with a super drinkable kind of quality to it. … A lot of people who don’t like dark beer typically enjoy this one because it’s so easy to drink. It’s not cloying and doesn’t overwhelm you.”

THe fIrST OKTOBerfeST

The origins of Oktoberfest can be traced back to Munich, Germany, during the early 1800s. The first event was not even organized as a beer festival — rather, it was a wedding.

According to the original Oktoberfest website, King Ludwig I of Bavaria married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The couple was wed at the site of what would later become known as Theresienwiese (translated to “Theresa’s Meadow”), the official Oktoberfest grounds in Munich. Their celebration, which included a horse race, was so well-received that the demand for more events immediately grew. Soon it became an annual destination for agricultural entertainment.

A major defining year for the festival was 1841, when Spaten Brewery introduced its amber märzen at the event. By 1872 Spaten was the first brewery to call it an Oktoberfest beer.

Today the Munich Oktoberfest has grown into a massive, multi-week affair, spanning 16 to 18 days from mid-to-late September through early October and attracting more than six million visitors from around the world. The event returned in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year, it began on Sept. 16 and is expected to last through Oct. 3.

“The scale of the real deal is something that’s hard to comprehend without being there,” said Sanderson, who traveled to Germany to attend Oktoberfest some 15 years ago. “The quote-unquote beer tents hold like 10,000 people each. There’s like 10 or 12 of them, and on weekends they are full. … People will reserve tables there for their whole families who have been going to the same tent for years, and then there’s a whole midway there with games and rides. … It was just so much fun. Everybody was singing, they knew the songs, the bands playing were great, and the food was fantastic.”

u p CO m IN g O KTOB erfe ST C ele B ra TIONS a N d OTH er B eer fe STIV al S

Prost! Check out this list of Oktoberfest celebrations and fallthemed festivals happening at Seacoast-area breweries over the next several weeks. Do you know of any coming up soon that did not make this list? Tell us about them at editor@seacoastscene.net.

• Now through Tuesday, Oct. 3 : The Amesbury, Mass., Chamber of Commerce presents the second annual Amesbury Oktoberfest Passport program. Pick up a passport booklet at any one of the more than 25 participating businesses throughout Amesbury and get a “stamp” or a sticker for each purchase. Return the booklets to the Chamber office (16 Millyard No. 1, Amesbury) by Thursday, Oct. 5, for a chance to win prizes — one purchase, or “stamp,” equals one raffle ticket. See amesburychamber.com for more details, or look for the Oktoberfest logo when visiting each participating business.

• Saturday, Sept. 30 : Stripe Nine Brewing Co. will present its annual Brew Fest in the Orchard at DeMerritt Hill Farm (20 Orchard Way, Lee), with general admittance from 1 to 4 p.m. and VIP admittance at noon. More than 30 local breweries are expected to attend, offering a wide variety of options alongside seasonal foods and live music from Matty & the Penders. Tickets are $45 general admission, $65 VIP admission and $20 for designated drivers. Visit stripeninebrewing.com.

• Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 8 : Join Stoneface Brewing Co. (436 Shattuck Way, Newington) for its annual Oktoberfest celebration . Visit the brewery throughout the week to enjoy food specials, limited-edition merchandise and several

specialty releases, including Stoneface’s festbier, hefeweizen and bourbon barrel-aged Oktoberfest. There will also be a DJ on Sunday, Oct. 8, from noon to 3 p.m. Visit stonefacebrewing.com.

• Saturday, Oct. 7 : Food Truck Festivals of America presents the inaugural Smuttynose Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival at Smuttynose Brewing Co. (105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton). General admission is from noon to 5 p.m., with VIP admittance beginning at 11 a.m. More than two dozen New England-area food trucks will dish out fan favorites while Smuttynose serves its own craft beers. Also included will be lawn games, music and other family-friendly activities. General admission tickets are $5 in advance and $10 on the day of the event, while VIP tickets are $25. Children ages 10 and under are free. Visit foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com/smuttynose.

• Saturday, Oct. 7 : The Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival returns for an 11th year to Swasey Parkway in Exeter, with general admission from 1 to 4 p.m. and VIP admittance beginning at noon. Organized by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Exeter Parks & Recreation Department, the festival brings together craft breweries and beer enthusiasts from all over the region for a day of sampling beers of all styles and tastes. Local restaurants join in on the fun by offering samples of their own homemade chilis. Advance registration is $45 general admission and $60 VIP admission, while day-of-event registration is $55 general admission and $70 VIP admission. To sample chilis only, admission is $10, while designated drivers and kids and teens ages 6 and up are $15 (admission is free for kids ages 5 and under). Visit powderkegbeerfest.com.

• Saturday, Oct. 14 : Head to Newburyport Brewing Co. (4 New Pasture Road, Newburyport, Mass.) for its 12th annual Oktoberfest celebration , a family-friendly event happening all day long, from noon to 10 p.m. There will be special beer releases, a live German brass band, dancing, two food trucks, traditional food options like bratwurst and pretzels with beer mustard, and stein hoisting competitions for men and women with the chance to win $25 Newburyport Brewing Co. gift cards. Your $10 ticket, along with glass stein purchases and a portion of beer sales, will benefit Newburyport Youth Services. Tickets will be available in advance online and at the door the day of the event. Visit nbptbrewing.com.

• Saturday, Oct. 14 : The New Hampshire Brewfest returns for a 15th year to Cisco Brewers (35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth), with general admittance from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and VIP admittance at noon. Advance admission ranges from $60 to $80 and includes access to tastings from nearly 50 New England-area craft breweries. Food options from local food trucks will also be available at an additional cost, and a live DJ will be present. Designated drivers receive $20 admission. Proceeds support both the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the scholarship fund of the New England District of the Master Brewers Association of Americas. Visit nhbrewfest.com.

• Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22 : Loaded Question Brewing Co. (909 Islington St., Suite 12, Portsmouth) presents Erntezeit , a three-day festival named after the German word meaning “harvest time.” Flannel shirts are a must for this event, which will be celebrating two classic beer styles that traditionally come out in the fall — Oktoberfests and fresh-hop beers (the latter refer to beers that are made with undried hops freshly picked from the vine). There will also be food options like grilled sausages and warm soft Bavarian-style pretzels. Visit loadedquestionbrewing.com.

VISIT a SeaCOaST BreWerY

For the most up-to-date details on availability of each seasonal brew, be sure to visit each individual brewery’s website or social media pages.

BareWOlf BreWINg

12 Oakland St., Amesbury, Mass., 978-572-6520, barewolfbrewing.com

Find this family- and friends-owned brewery on the first floor of an antique mill building in the city of Amesbury, Mass. BareWolf features a constantly rotating tap list and production space where beers are brewed in small batches, along with a light food menu and a full calendar of events.

BreWerY SIlVaTICuS

9 Water St., Amesbury, Mass., 978504-2337, silvaticusbeers.com

Located in downtown Amesbury, Mass., this brewery and taproom can be identified by the iconic smokestack that towers overhead. Brewery Silvaticus focuses on rustic ales and fine lagers, with full pints, a menu of small bites and an outdoor dog-friendly beer garden along the Powwow River.

CHapel + maIN BreWpuB

83 Main St., Dover, 842-5170, chapelandmain.com

Established in 2017, Chapel + Main is an independently owned brewpub

located inside the Janetos Superette plaza, on the corner of Chapel and Main streets in downtown Dover. It’s open six days a week and also features a full menu of scratch-cooked comfort dishes, from sandwiches, soups and salads to plated entrees.

CISCO BreWerS

35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, 380-7575, ciscobrewersportsmouth. com

With a full food menu, an outdoor patio, an indoor pub space and plenty of beer options, Cisco Brewers is known for hosting a variety of special events throughout the year — chief among them is perhaps the New Hampshire Brewfest, returning to the grounds for a 15th year on Saturday, Oct. 14.

THe Czar’S BreWerY

2 Center St., Exeter, 583-5539; 10 Pierce St., Dover, 842-4062; theczarsbrewery.com

Arriving in Exeter just before Christmas Day 2019, this craft brewery and eatery is dedicated to

providing all kinds of ales and lagers sourced from local ingredients. A second location, featuring a 20-foot bar, opened in Dover earlier this year.

deCIduOuS BreWINg CO.

12 Weaver St., Suite B, Newmarket, 292-5809, deciduousbrewing. square.site

Find this craft brewery inside the Weaver’s Row shopping plaza, the point of access just off the junction of Elm and Main streets in New-

market. Deciduous is open five days a week for onsite and to-go service.

earTH eagle BreWINgS

175 High St., Portsmouth, 5022244; 350 Route 108, Suite 208, Somersworth, 841-5421; eartheaglebrewings.com

Established in 2012, Earth Eagle Brewings opened its first location just steps away from the heart of Market Square in downtown Portsmouth, where today you’ll find a festive beer garden and a cozy pub offering burgers, hot dogs and more. In 2021, the brewery expanded to a second location — dubbed “Earth Eagle North” — at Barclay Square on Route 108 in the city of Somersworth. That spot features a large restaurant and boasts a regular schedule of special events, like Wednesday trivia nights, Thursday open mic nights and live music most weekends. As of this past May, it’s also where you’ll find the brewery’s homebrew supply shop. Earth Eagle Brewings hosts an annual Sausage Fest, always timed on the third Saturday of Septem -

STeIN HOISTINg COmpeTITIONS

a mong the traditions of several o ktoberfest celebrations is a stein hoisting competition — or, as it’s known in g ermany, masskrugstemmen (pronounced “ mahss -kroogstem-men”). Participants are given a stein filled to the top with beer that they must hold by the handle out in front of their bodies, parallel to the ground, for as long as possible. t he person who can hold it for the longest time without breaking form or spilling their stein is declared the winner.

according to the u s steinholding association’s official rules, you must only grip the handle of the stein with one hand. the current national record is 21 minutes and 17 seconds, set in 2018 by michael tyler at the central Park oktoberfest in new York city.

d uring n ewburyport Brewing c o.’s annual o ktoberfest celebration on o ct. 14, there will be two separate stein hoisting competitions for men and women, with the chance to win $25 brewery gift cards for each. Brewery co-founder Bill f isher said signups will be available on the day of the event. n ewburyport Brewing c o. also sponsors a stein hoisting competition at the annual s ave o ur r iver f estival, a fundraiser organized by n ewburyport c ornhole to benefit the m errimack r iver Watershed c ouncil. Wayne m c c arthy of Portsmouth, last year’s champion clocking it at just a hair over 7 minutes, ended up going on to win the ussa m assachusetts s tate s teinholding c hampionship the following month, making him eligible to compete at the national level.

s tein hoisting competitions have increased in popularity in recent years as strength endurance contests. t he u s s teinholding a ssociation, founded in 2015, promotes the sport by providing training tips and resources on where you can go to compete.

ber in line with the first day of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Seasonal beer offerings include October Skies, a German-style amber lager with a hint of cinnamon that’s inspired by the traditional Oktoberfest.

e mp TY pINT Bre WIN g C O .

17 Second St., Dover, emptypintbrewing.com

This four-barrel brewery in the heart of Dover brews many styles of beer, from IPAs and pale ales to stouts, sours and more. A wide variety of options is normally available at any given time.

g arr ISON C ITY BeerWO r KS

455 Central Ave., Dover, 3434231, garrisoncitybeerworks.com

Named after its city nickname, Garrison City Beerworks is a seven-barrel nanobrewery and street taco kitchen in downtown Dover. You’ll find a constant rotation of beer offerings here, from its tried and true New England-style IPA to fruited sours, saisons, stouts and lagers. The taproom is open six days a week, for both outdoor patio and indoor seating.

greaT rHYTHm BreWINg CO.

105 Bartlett St., Portsmouth, 4309640, greatrhythmbrewing.com

This Portsmouth craft brewery is perhaps best known for its signature New England-style IPAs, but you’ll also find plenty of classic lagers, fruited sour ales, stouts and a wide variety of other

options. Their seasonal Oktoberfest release is a märzen-style lager with a rich amber hue and pronounced bready malt aroma.

lIarS

BeNCH Beer CO.

459 Islington St., No. 4, Portsmouth, 294-9156, liarsbenchbeer.com

Founded in 2016 by UNH roommates Dane Nielsen and Dagan Migirditch, Liars Bench Beer Co. is housed in an old plumbing warehouse in Portsmouth’s West End. The brewery offers an ever-rotating selection of traditionally inspired ales and lagers, along with a food menu “built for the beer drinker and their brethren,” according to its website, with options like hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks and more.

lOaded QueSTION BreWINg CO.

909 Islington St., Suite 12, Portsmouth, 852-1396, loadedquestionbrewing.com

In business for about five and a half years, Loaded Question Brewing Co. was founded on the belief that great beer mimics life and every beer has its place. A wide variety of beer styles are available throughout the year — their seasonal Oktoberfest release is known as Hochzeit (named for the German word meaning “wedding,” in honor of the original märzen brewed for the wedding of the crown prince of Bavaria). It’s a traditional amber lager crafted with German Pilsner and Munich malt for a clean, rich, bready flavor and dry finish.

mIll 77 BreWINg

77 Elm St., Amesbury, Mass., 617669-4235, mill77brewing.com

Co-founded and -owned by a group of four friends, this craft brewery and taproom in the heart of downtown Amesbury, Mass., just celebrated its first anniversary in business on Sept. 9. Mill 77 offers several seasonal brews around Oktoberfest season, including its own festbier, plus a pumpkin ale and double dry-hopped anniversarythemed IPA — all three are currently available in limited quantities in cans as well as on tap at the brewery.

NeWBurYpOrT BreWINg CO.

4 New Pasture Road, Newburyport, Mass., 978-463-8700, nbptbrewing.com

Bill Fisher and Chris Webb met about 20 years ago while playing music in the Newburyport, Mass., area, and went on to co-found Newburyport Brewing Co. in 2012. One of the

fastest-growing craft breweries in the area since then, Newburyport Brewing Co. has won multiple awards and is regularly included in top lists for beer sales in the Bay State and across the country. According to Fisher, the brewery’s seasonal Oktoberfest release is expected to roll out the week of Oct. 7, about a week before its annual celebration, and will be on tap only for approximately three weeks.

OmNIum BreWINg

460 High St., Somersworth, 6027455, omniumbrewing.com

Arriving in Somersworth in late 2022, Omnium Brewing features a centrally located taproom along with a full-service restaurant and bar and an outdoor patio. It’s open five days a week and features a wide selection of brews, from lagers to sours.

OuTrIder Beer CO.

35 Main St., Amesbury, Mass., 978792-5917, outriderbeer.com

New to Amesbury, Mass., Outrider became the fourth overall purveyor of craft beer in the city when it opened its doors earlier this year. Co-founders Anthony Lauring and Carl McCowen met while working at a brewpub in 2008, and have been friends ever since. Outrider Beer Co. offers its own brews in a wide variety of different styles, along with a food menu of small plates, salads, large plates, sandwiches and more.

THe pOrTSmOuTH BreWerY

56 Market St., Portsmouth, 4311115, portsmouthbrewery.com

The Portsmouth Brewery has been offering handcrafted beers and delicious food in a lively atmosphere since 1991. Its seasonal Oktoberfest release is a true-to-style märzen brewed exclusively with 100 percent grain from Blue Ox Malthouse of Lisbon Falls, Maine. The beer showcases their Dark Munich malt, which features a graham cracker sweetness and deep, rich flavor; and their Light Munich malt, which adds a subtle toasted profile for a medium-bodied, slightly dry finish.

rIVerWalK BreWINg CO.

40 Parker St., Newburyport, Mass., 978-499-2337, riverwalkbrewing.com

Founded in 2012 by Steve and Betsy Sanderson, RiverWalk Brewing Co. got its start in Amesbury, Mass., before soon moving to its current spot in neighboring Newburyport. The state-of-the-art taproom features a full kitchen with a variety of different food options, in addition to an outdoor beer

garden. RiverWalk features several specialty beer releases around Oktoberfest season — there’s the festbier, known for being a modern, more approachable take on a traditional märzen, according to Steve Sanderson, as well as the Black Ox, a Munich-style dunkel featuring a combination of black malt and Munich malt sourced from Blue Ox Malthouse of Lisbon Falls, Maine.

SaWBellY BreWINg

156 Epping Road, Exeter, 583-5080, sawbellybrewing.com

Just off Route 101 in Exeter, Sawbelly Brewing gets its name from the fish on the town seal — the original seal’s image, designed by Albert N. Dow around the year 1926, features a sawbelly, another name for an alewife fish, according to the brewpub’s website. Sawbelly Brewing offers a variety of styles of beers brewed onsite, along with a full food menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients and beer pairings.

Sea dOg BreWINg CO.

5 Water St., Exeter, 793-5116, seadogbrewing.com

Although it has a greater presence in Maine, with brewpubs in five cities and towns statewide, Sea Dog Brewing Co. of Exeter is known for its dining and bar areas on two levels overlooking the Squamscott River. The brewpub features beers in a wide range of different styles, along with a food menu offering items like burgers, sandwiches and other pub fare.

SmuTTYNOSe BreWINg CO.

105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton, 436-4026, smuttynose.com

Established in 1994, Smuttynose Brewing Co. is situated on the historic Towle Farm, where there is also a full-service restaurant. The company gets its name from Smuttynose Island, one of the Isles of Shoals. Smuttynose

Brewing Co. offers a wide range of different beer options — its seasonal Oktoberfest falls “somewhere in between an amber märzen and the lighter festbier,” with a rich maltiness and biscuit-like aroma, according to its website.

STONefaCe BreWINg CO.

436 Shattuck Way, Newington, 427-9801, stonefacebrewing.com

Find this craft brewery just off the Spaulding Turnpike in the tiny Seacoast town of Newington. Stoneface Brewing Co. is open five days a week, featuring a tasting room and onsite production facility where a variety of beer styles are brewed. In addition to New Hampshire, Stoneface beers can be found in nearly a dozen other states nationwide.

STrIpe NINe BreWINg CO.

8 Somersworth Plaza, Somersworth, 841-7175, stripeninebrewing.com

Located next to City Hall in downtown Somersworth, Stripe Nine Brewing Co. features a rotating lineup of craft beers alongside a food menu of wood-fired pizzas, salads, shareable appetizers and more.

THrOWBaCK BreWerY

7 Hobbs Road, North Hampton, 379-2317, throwbackbrewery.com

Throwback Brewery got its start in 2011 when founders Annette Lee and Nicole Carrier started selling beer in a small warehouse space. They have since moved across the street onto the 12-acre Hobbs Farm, which features a picturesque 19th-century barn and a farm-totable restaurant. Throwback’s seasonal release for Oktoberfest season is known as “Heidi Go Seek,” a light, crisp and toasty brew that walks the perfect balance of bready Munich and Vienna malts with spicy tea-like hops, underscored by a very light honey sweetness.

WHYm CrafT puB & BreWerY

853 Lafayette Road, Hampton, 601-2801, whym.beer

Whym’s name is an acronym for the four basic ingredients of any well-crafted beer — water, hops, yeast and malt. Founder and coowner Alex Aviles and his wife, Gretchin, opened Whym in 2013 in Portsmouth and later moved to its current spot in Hampton. In addition to its rotating lineup of craft brews, Whym has a full food menu, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted burgers and sandwiches to house plated entrees.

Kellie Brook Farm

1024 Portsmouth Ave, Greenland. The farm website says it is always open. Call or email for information. 603702-0342. kelliebrookfarm@comcast. net. kelliebrookfarm.com

Kellie Brook Farm is a wellestablished Seacoast producer of free-range pork and poultry. Owner Tim Rocha first grew vegetables and Christmas trees as a part-time occupation in addition to his full-time professional position after he bought 30 acres in Greenland. Then, in 1997, fleeing the corporate world for good, Rocha returned to his first love — full-time farming. (Rocha grew up on a family dairy farm in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)

Now considered to be what some call the pork king of the Seacoast, Rocha added poultry, cows and pigs to his farm’s portfolio a little more than 10 years ago. As business evolved, pork and poultry became the mainstays of Kellie Brook Farm’s production.

“Our pork, chicken and turkey are all naturally raised. That means they aren’t fed growth stimulants, hormones, antibiotics or animal byproducts. In fact, we feed our livestock alternative feeds such as bread, yogurt, apples, pumpkins and other vegetables as much as possible. Every day becomes a Thanksgiving buffet for our animals at Kellie Brook Farm,” Rocha said. “Our pigs eat good. When local farms enter the gleaning season, much of that produce is given to our pigs in order to avoid food waste. That means our pigs eat farm-to-table veggies. These locally sourced feeds, when combined with a non-medicated grain, make for a slower-growing animal and cuts of meat that are juicy and full of flavor. That taste just can’t be bought at a supermarket,” he said.

Tim and daughter Kellie (for whom the farm is named) are regulars at farmers markets in Portsmouth and Exeter and winter farmers markets in Rollinsford and Stratham. (Visit seacoastharvest.org/market for a full list of local farm market times and places.) At farmers markets you’ll find Kellie and Tim cooking up fresh bacon, sausage, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and offering prepared foods like turkey chili, barbecued spare ribs, Bolognese sauces, chicken liver pate, and bone broth in addition to frozen packaged meat.

The farm’s products are available throughout the Seacoast at farm stands including Barker’s Farm in Stratham, Heron Pond Farm in South Hampton, and the Farm at Eastman’s Corner in Kensington.

Or you may order online at kelliebrookfarm.com. After making your selections, the farm sends you an invoice and you go to the farm to pick up and pay for your products. Orders for Thanksgiving turkeys are being taken now, the farm says. A limited number of turkeys are available and reservations are first come, first served.

To have Kellie Brook Farm products shipped directly to you, sign up with Three River Farmers Alliance at threeriverfa.com. In addition to delivering Kellie Brook Farm products directly to consumers, Three River Farmers Alliance, a farmer-owned aggregate food hub in the Seacoast, provides a wide range of locally sourced food from small and mid-sized producers to homes, restaurants, regional institutions and community partners.

Autumn awaits

Your seacoast event guide for fall activities

arT

• The Seacoast Art Association (130 Water St., Exeter) presents a monthly themed group show. The show for September is “Mystery Kits,’’ which consists of works by artists who are challenged to create art using only the contents of a mystery kit put together by the gallery. October’s show is “Keeping it Local,” and throughout November and December they will be presenting “Big Gifts Come in Small Packages ” Artists are challenged to create beautiful and affordable work that customers can purchase for no more than $100. The Seacoast Art Association is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit seacoastartist. org.

• The New Hampshire Art Association (136 State St., Portsmouth) displays new artwork monthly. They are presenting a “Biennial One” exhibition that will take place until Sunday, Oct. 1, and Nancy Barilul will present “Hand Picked: New Floral Works” at The Art Center (1 Washington St., Suite 1177, Dover) now through Tuesday, Oct. 31. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Visit nhartassociation.org.

• Isabel from Cheeky Neighborhood is running a “Modern Rug Hooking Workshop” that will take place on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 2992 Lafayette Road, Unit 3, Portsmouth. Beginners and experts alike are welcome to unleash their creativity and learn the fundamentals and techniques of rug hooking. Tickets are $60 per person. Visit seacoastartspot.com.

• BareWolf Brewing (12 Oakland St., Amesbury, Mass.) is hosting a Beer Mug Painting class on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Beer lovers will design a piece of art that they can fill with their favorite beer

from the brewery. Tickets are $20. Visit eventbrite.com/e/beer-mugpainting-at-barewolf-brewing-cotickets-696171827677.

• Maundy Mitchell Photography shows portraits of their clients to help them see their own beauty and power. They will be presenting an exhibition at the Galletly Gallery (34 Dr. Childs Road, New Hampton) called “Alternative Process Photography” now through Saturday, Oct. 14. This exhibit represents members of the New Hampshire Society of Photographic Artists.

• Seacoast ArtSpot (2992 Lafayette Road, Unit 3, Portsmouth) is hosting a Felted Cozy Coffee Cup Couple class on Friday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., where participants will create fun felted pieces of art. The space is also hosting a Thankful Pumpkins Paint Night on Friday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., where participants will create their own whimsical pumpkin painting with Jody Mueller. Tickets are $35 and $30 for seniors. Visit seacoastartspot.com.

• “Seen and Heard,” sponsored by Women’s Caucus for Art, NH Chapter, Northeast Region, is occurring at The Art Center (1 Washington St., Suite 1177, Dover) now through Tuesday, Oct. 31. This exhibit includes work from Maundy Mitchell’s “Knitted Together” proj-

ect. There will be an artist reception on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m.. Visit newhampton.org/arts/ galletly-gallery.

• 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth) is a nonprofit organization that is committed to showing and supporting art and entertainment that is bold and emerging, as well as creating a space where ideas are exchanged. On the first Friday of every month, 3S Artspace presents “Art ’Round Town” in their gallery, where new art is displayed from 5 to 8 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 1, explore the “Be Beast” collection by artist Sammy Chong, who created drawings of endangered species in human shape to show them as a dominant species in a fictional reality. Each event is free to the public. Visit 3sarts.org.

faIrS & feSTIValS

• The Alliance for Greater Good (South Mill Pond, Portsmouth) is hosting a PNH 400 Lantern Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. This family-friendly event lights up “400 years of community kindness” and includes face painting, a DJ and lantern decorating. The event will further benefit children in local schools and the Seacoast Mental

Health Center. It is free to the public. Visit portsmouthnh.com/event/pnh400-lantern-festival.

• Applecrest Farm (133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls) launches several fall festivals starting in September that run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October. Check out the Harvest Moon Festival on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. From Oct. 7 through Oct. 9, a 3-Day Holiday Weekend & Great Pumpkin Carve is taking place. You can explore the Fall Foliage Spectacular on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15, Fall Harvest Festival & Great Pumpkin Carve on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22, and Hunter’s Moon Fall Harvest Closer on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29. The festivals include live music by bands such as Bow Junction, The Green Heron Bluegrass Band, Ensuing Heroes, and Rockspring, as well as family-friendly corn mazes, tractor rides, cornhole, baked treats and more. Visit applecrest.com.

• Check out The Great Portsmouth 400 Community Picnic on Sunday, Oct. 1, from noon to 3 p.m. at Leary Field (Parrott Ave., Portsmouth). The event includes kidfriendly lawn games, food and live entertainment. The event is free to the public. Visit portsmouthnh400.org/ press-releases/portsmouth-nh-400thinc-plans-great-portsmouth-nh-400 -community-picnic-free-and-opento-the-public-on-sunday-october-1-2023.

• Trailfest 2023 at Burly Farms (245 N. River Road, Epping) is a popular festival that celebrates the great outdoors and is great for families and all other nature enthusiasts. It takes place on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free to the public. Visit seltnh.org/trailfest.

• The Holiday on the Seacoast show will take place on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun-

day, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rim Sports Complex (311 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton). There will be artisans, craftsmen and specialty food artists. Tickets are $5 entry for the whole weekend and kids under 14 get in free. Visit applecrest.com/ festival-schedule.php.

fIlm

• Fathom Events has several special screenings this fall at Regal Fox Run (45 Gosling Road, Newington). The exorcist (R, 1973) celebrates its 50th anniversary with screenings on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4 and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. The house of 1,000 Corpses (R, 2003) celebrates its 20th anniversary with screenings on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 4 and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m.

The birds (R, 1963) celebrates its 60th anniversary with screenings on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 and 7 p.m and Monday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. scarface (R, 1983) celebrates its 40th anniversary with screenings on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3 and 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.

• Watch a new film at Flagship Premium Cinemas, Wells (75 Wells Plaza, Wells), such as a haunting in venice (PG-13, 2023), which was released on Wednesday, Sept. 13; The exorcist: believer (R, 2023), coming out on Friday, Oct. 6; and taylor swift The eras tour (PG-13, 2023) coming out on Friday, Oct. 13.

• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) will host the 21st annual New Hampshire Film Festival from Thursday, Oct. 12, to Sunday, Oct. 15. in several venues around Portsmouth. Attendees can enjoy over 100 films, Q&As with cast and crew, panels and workshops, and many parties and events. The festival was recently named an Academy Award Qualifying Festival for the Short Film Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Festival day passes start at $38. Visit nhfilmfestival.com/about-us.

• Coming this fall to The Screening Room (82 State St., Newburyport, Mass.) are roots of Fire, a musical documentary about fighting for cultural survival to

bring back dying traditions; stop Making sense, a newly restored, 4K version of the 1984 Talking Heads concert film; and Lakota nation vs. the united states, a testament to land and people who endured its “removal, exploitation and genocide.” Visit newburyportmovies.com.

fOOd & drINK

• Stroll through the summer farmers markets in Portsmouth (1 Junkins Ave.) through Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to noon; in Durham (66 Main St.) through Oct. 2 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.; in Exeter (316 Water St) through Oct. 26 from 2:30 to 6 p.m.; and in Dover (Guppey Park, 110 Portland Ave.) through Oct. 4 from 2:30 to 6 p.m. At the market, vendors sell baked goods, honey, eggs, maple syrup, meat, vegetables and more. Visit seacoasteatlocal.org.

• Beer for History returns to the American Independence Museum’s Folsom Tavern (164 Water St., Exeter) on Thursdays, Oct. 5, Oct. 19, Nov. 2 and Nov. 16. Each day will have a different schedule, from an escape room to tavern trivia to colonial tavern games. It will be a fun time for the whole family. Each event’s featured brewer will be offering attendees three different types of beer. Visit independencemuseum.org.

• The 11th Annual Powder Keg Beer and Chili Festival returns on Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at Swasey Parkway in downtown Exeter. There will be a selection of craft beers, spiked seltzers and other canned drinks. Local restaurants, artisans and vendors create unique chili to try. Tickets are $45 for prepurchase general admission and $55 at the door. VIP admission is $60 in advance and $70 at the door. Chilionly admissions are $10 and $15 at the door. Visit powderkegbeerfest. com.

• Apple Harvest Day returns for the 39th year on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Central Ave. in downtown Dover. This event features more than 300 vendors, food, live entertainment and more. Visit dovernh.org/apple-harvest-day.

• Cisco Brewers Portsmouth (35 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth) is hosting its 15th Annual NH

3 Great Shops in One Seacoast NH Destination!

Route 1 Antiques

Come visit our historic properties filled with a wide variety of antiques, art and collectibles. Our eclectic shops feature over 100 dealers offering buyers a true shopping destination.

3 Great Shops in One Seacoast NH Destination!

Route 1 Antiques

Dealers welcome • Tax Free NH

Come visit our historic properties filled with a wide variety of antiques, art, and collectibles. Our eclectic shops feature over 100 dealers offering buyers a true shopping destination.

Route

Dealers welcome • Tax Free NH

- Since 1975106 Lafayette Road Hampton Falls, NH 03844 • (603) www.route1antiques.com

. Since 1975 .

Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm Closed Tuesdays

Hampton Falls, NH 03844 • (603) 601-2554

106 Lafayette Road Hampton Falls, NH 03844 (603) 601 2554

The Collector’s Eye

Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm Closed Tuesdays

The Collector’s

The Collector’s Eye

. Since 1973 . Antiques, Collectibles, Gifts

132 Portsmouth Avenue

Stratham, NH (603) 772- 6205

www.collectorseye.com

Open Wed-Mon 10am - 5pm

- Since 1973Antiques, Collectibles, 132 Portsmouth Avenue Stratham, NH • (603) 772-6205 www.collectorseye.com

Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm Closed Tuesdays

The Brickhouse

www.collectorseye.com

Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm Closed Tuesdays

The Brickhouse

The Brickhouse - Opening April 2023 76 Lafayette Road Hampton Falls, NH 03844 603-926-0366

Open Fri & Sat 11am-4pm

SUMMER WET SLIPS & TRANSIENTS

YEAR-ROUND STORAGE

RACK STORAGE & VALET SERVICE

RV STORAGE STORAGE ON REQUEST

HAMPTON RIVER MARINA OFFERS QUICK ACCESS TO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE AREA’S RICHEST FISHING GROUNDS.

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR HAMPTON BEACH, RESTAURANTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING VENUES. VISIT US AT HAMPTONRIVERMARINA.COM

Brewfest on Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. The festival is organized by brewers for beer lovers. The event includes food trucks and New England craft breweries, and raises funds for the Prescott Park Arts Festival and the New England District of the Master Brewers Association of America. Tickets start at $20. Visit ciscobrewersportsmouth.com.

• Enjoy beer, music, games and food at the Twelfth Newburyport Oktoberfest at Newburyport Brewing Co. (4 New Pasture Road, Newburyport, Mass.) on Saturday, Oct. 14, from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $10. Visit portsmouthnh.com/ event/oktoberfest-at-newburyportbrewing-co-2.

• Enjoy some tacos with your favorite brew at the Seacoast Taco Festival: Day of the Dead hosted by Smuttynose Brewing Co. (105 Towle Farm Road, Hampton) on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 6 p.m. The event includes taco vendors, activities for kids, margaritas, craft beer, and more. Tickets start at $15. Visit eventbrite.com/e/seacoasttaco-festival-day-of-the-dead-tickets-577647498217.

lITeraTure

• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) presents Heather Cox Richardson on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. She is a historian and author of Letters From an American, which explains how America teeters on the brink of autocracy. Tickets cost $54.50. Author Carl Safina arrives on Sunday, Oct. 29, to discuss his friendship with an orphaned screech owl, which inspired the book Becoming Wild, highlighting humanity’s connection with the world. Tickets cost $54. Visit themusichall.org.

• Water Street Bookstore (125 Water St., Exeter) presents a book talk and signing for of time and turtles by Sy Montgomery and

Matt Patterson. The illustrated book blends science, memoir, philosophy and different cultures together through stories of injured turtles and their rescuers. This event will take place on Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.

• Portsmouth Book & Bar (40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth) is hosting a Hoot Night on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m., one of New Hampshire’s longest-running poetry series. On Sunday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. check out Seacoast Noir at the Bar, where host Zakariah Johnson and other authors read excerpts from their mystery, crime fiction and true crime work. The event is free to the public. Visit bookandbar.com.

• Lore of the Jack-o’-Lantern Release Party with Doctor Gasp is coming to The Word Barn (66 Newfields Road, Exeter) on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. A musical performance and reading of the book will take place to celebrate the audio release of Lore of the Jack-o’-Lantern The Word Barn presents Anna Tivel on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 7 to 9 p.m. She is an Oregon-based songwriter and poet who tells stories about human hope and achievement through her songs. Tickets start at $16. Visit thewordbarn.com.

muSIC

• Enjoy a night with The Last Revel, a group of three independently talented singer-songwriters who mix folk, indie rock, and oldtime string band; tickets start at $14. They’ll be playing at The Word Barn Meadow (66 Newfields Road, Exeter) on Friday, Sep. 29. The Word Barn will also be hosting folk and acoustic artist Vance Gilbert on Saturday, Oct. 14, tickets start at $15; Americana, funk, jazz, and folk band The Midnight Wrens on Saturday, Oct. 21, tickets start at $16; Irish altfolk instrumentalist and songwriter Anna Mieke on Thursday, Nov. 2, tickets start at $16; folk, country, and indie rock artist Maya De Vitry on Thursday, Nov. 16, tickets start at $16. All events run from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit thewordbarn.com.

• 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth) presents songwriter Jonathan Coulton on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. He is a masterful songwriter who has created music for The

Good Fight and BrainDead television series, Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical, and Portal video games. What’s more, pianist Miki Sawada takes the stage on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. She is on her Gather Here Tour across all 50 states and explores how classical music relates to America. Tickets are $18 for members and $20 for general admission. Visit 3sarts.org.

• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth), hosts several live music events throughout the year. Singer-songwriter Caitlin Canty, who plays a mix of folk, country ballads, and blues, is performing on Friday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m., tickets start at $28; folk artist Lilli Lewis plays on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m., tickets start at $23; contemporary American rock musician and songwriter Willy Porter performs on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $28; blue-eyed soul band The Righteous Brothers take the stage on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $63.50. Visit themusichall.org.

• The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom (169 Ocean Blvd., Hampton Beach) presents Voyage – The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m., tickets start at $19; Brit Floyd – The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show, a rock tribute band, on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m., tickets start at $29; Rumours of Fleetwood Mac on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m., tickets start at $25; Lita Ford, a rock and heavy metal solo artist, with special guest Gary Hoey on Friday, Nov. 10, at 8.m., tickets start at $25; singer, songwriter, producer, performer, and country artist Mitchell Tenpenny plays on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.; tickets start at $35. Visit casinoballroom.com.

• Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues Club (135 Congress St., Portsmouth) brings fine dining, jazz and blues music, and a lively atmosphere to the Seacoast community in an old, artistic and intimate venue. Guitarist Sue Foley plays on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m., jazz-influenced Gullah music band Ranky Tanky plays on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m., southern band Bywater Call plays on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. All tickets start at $10. Visit jimmysoncongress.com.

THeaTer

• Starting Sunday, Oct. 8, 3S Artspace (319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth) is hosting a Couch to Mic – Adult Comedy Performance Training for all experience levels. Participants will work with Stephanie Lazenby over four weeks to write and rehearse their own comedy material. Tickets cost $200 and there is currently a waitlist for registration. Visit 3sarts.org.

• The Players’ Ring Theatre (105 Marcy St., Portsmouth, playersring.org) presents outside Mullingar through Oct. 15; gay bride of Frankenstein Oct. 20 through Nov. 5; granite state Proud Nov. 10 through Nov. 19, and What the Dickens Nov. 25. Shows are from Friday to Sunday and tickets are $28 for general admission.

• On Monday, Oct. 16, enjoy Comedy Open Mic Night at Portsmouth Book & Bar (40 Pleasant St., Portsmouth) at 7:30 p.m., where up-and-coming stand-up comedians perform. The event is hosted by Jake Valeri, a Portsmouth-based comedian. Visit bookandbar.com.

• From Oct. 20 to Oct 22 Pontine Theatre presents “We Love Trees,” a story about a copper beech tree in Somerville, Mass., that later became the anchor for Symphony Park. This toy theater piece was made by John Bell and Trudy Cohen in collaboration with Daniel Sedgewick and Marji Gere, two musicians. Visit pontine. org.

• The Seacoast Repertory Theatre (125 Bow St., Portsmouth) presents bat boy, a quirky and humorous rock musical, through Oct. 29. Tickets go from $35 to $60, depending on seating location. They are also showing Passing strange, a risky musical about sex, drugs, and rock music, through Oct. 21. Tickets go from $35 to $60, depending on seating location. Visit seacoastrep.org or call 433-4472.

• The Music Hall (28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth) presents Opera Connection: Madama Butterfly on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 5:30 p.m. Dennis Neil Kleinmanm, an Opera expert/ writer-producer will discuss Madama Butterfly. Tickets cost $15. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 17, enjoy The sound of Music musical by the Ogunquit Playhouse. Show days and times vary. Visit themusichall.org.