now available on www.VisitNH.gov and www.Agriculture.nh.gov
Visitors Can Easily Locate Farmstands, Wineries, Gardens, Fairs, Events and More by Region
Looking for a farm stand to buy fresh produce for dinner as you’re traveling through the seacoast? How about finding a dairy farm to buy cheese as you head north for the weekend? Or discovering what fairs and events or garden tours are happening in the Monadnock region? Thanks to the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development (DTTD) and the State’s Department of Agriculture’s new resource guides, making travel plans centered on agriculture, tasty local foods, and gardens in New Hampshire just got a whole lot easier..
The New Hampshire Garden Guide is the ultimate resource guide for all things bright and colorful – for green thumbs and those who just enjoy the beauty of a thriving garden. The new map/guide makes it convenient to find sources of plants and gardening supplies, educational opportunities, special events, and stunning gardens to roam – all identified and categorized by region of the state.. The Taste of New Hampshire Agriculture Map provides a resource guide for visitors to experience New Hampshire agriculture at its best – with listings on crop and animal farms of all types, cheese farms, wineries, apple picking, sleigh rides, Christmas tree farms, and so much more.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development in the presentation of the new Taste of New Hampshire Agricultural Map and the NH Garden Guide,” said Gail McWilliam Jellie, Director of the Division of Agricultural Development. “These two new maps provide opportunities for farmers and growers to showcase their many products and related activities, all right on the farm to residents and visitors looking to experience authentic and natural New Hampshire.”
New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism Communications Manager, Tai Freligh says, “New Hampshire is known for its appealing and diverse outdoor recreation and experiences, including shopping for organic foods, enjoying the many agriculture fairs and strolling around the state’s numerous gorgeous gardens. These guides embrace the authentic NH experience and serve as an important resource in exploring the state.” For instance, Freligh says, visitors can easily find fairs and events in the Merrimack Valley Region, or which gardens are open year-round in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region.
There’s no better time to learn about NH’s locally-produced food than during the month of August, which Governor John Lynch has declared “Eat Local Month.” As harvest time approaches, many activities are scheduled throughout the month to enjoy the bounty of the state’s farms and gardens. And opportunities abound to learn more about NH’s locally produced food.
Freligh says, “Eating fresh food straight from the farm is healthy and just more delicious! New Hampshire has a strong ‘farm to table’ connection; and our Farmers’ Markets and events can be found somewhere in the state every day of the week (some even throughout winter) – from the Seacoast to the northern most tip of the state.” Freligh adds that there are also many “pick your own” farms throughout the regions; and during August, peaches, plums and apples become ripe and ready for picking.
After feasting on delicious local fruits and veggies, why not stop to smell the roses, peonies, lupines and more? For those who love gardening, many of New Hampshire’s top gardens are open throughout spring and summer for tours. All are listed on the new Garden Guide, including Fuller Gardens in North Hampton, Kirkwood Gardens in Holderness, The Fells in Newbury and Victorian Park in Salem.
Gail McWilliam Jellie says, “The maps are not only useful, but aesthetically appealing as well. They nicely reflect the look and feel of Travel & Tourism’s other maps, guides and brochures.”
The new guides are now downloadable as PDFs by region at http://agriculture.nh.gov/. There is also a link to that website on the Travel & Tourism website at http://www.visitnh.gov/what-to-do/markets-and-fairs/agricultural-fairs.asp. The guides are also available at Visitors Centers and Rest Stops throughout the state; or by contacting the Division of Agricultural Development at: 603-271-3788, or the Division of Travel & Tourism at: 603-271-2665.
