We're not in October anymore ...

Submitted by Ami D'Amelio, GSA Programs Manager

So it is past Octoberfest season, but there is still a lot to do if you prefer locally brewed beer and New Hampshire-made flavor! Here are a few places to check out if you haven't already or if you are ready for another round....

Milly's Tavern, Manchester, NH

The only true brewery in Manchester, Milly's Tavern has 16 of their own brews on tap and handcraft them every week. They do offer a mug club for those that want to come back for more at a reduced cost. Or if you want to take yours home to enjoy, they also will fill 64oz. growlers to go! (You simply must try their Pumpkin Ale, which is typically brewed year round and one of my all-time favorites!) In addition, they boast their nightclub scene, some nights with live music, and food. It is a win all the way around!

Portsmouth Brewery, Portsmouth, NH

The Portsmouth Brewery is the original NH brewpub and has been serving great food and handcrafted beers since 1991. The brewery is connected through common ownership with the Smuttynose Brewing Company, also located in Portsmouth. Between their Smuttynose offerings and their in-house brews, looks like they have about ten on tap at the moment. They offer tours Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays at 1:00pm and 3:00pm, and also offer 64oz. growlers or 22oz. bomber bottles to take home with you. They are known for their famous Kate the Great Russian Imperial Stout (which if you are interested, will be released March 7, 2011 and scratch tickets to start being sold January 24th). I haven't personally had this brew, but am thinking 2011 might be my year!

Martha's Exchange Restaurant & Brewing Company, Nashua, NH

Located in downtown Nashua, Martha's Exchange offers upwards of 25 different brews throughout the year, with a rotation of semi-regular, seasonals and reserve beers. From the meager beginnings as Martha's Sweet Shoppe to a luncheonette to the gorgeous restaurant it is today, Martha's has grown up to be a strong force in food and beverage. Their food is spectacular and many dishes offer a modern twist on old favorites. A recent lunch companion actually claimed to have never witnessed anyone not thoroughly enjoy their fare. I have to agree - mine was delicious!

If you are interested in sampling a few brews for contrast and comparison, try out the second annual New Hampshire Brewers Festival on Friday and Saturday November 12 and 13, 2010, in the Armory at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH. There is a "Dinner with the Brewers" event on Friday night and two beer-tasting sessions on Saturday. More than enough opportunity to try out some new and savor some familiar brews. Over 18 brands are listed on the website, and the breweries listed above are included! Looking for a deal? The Radisson Hotel also offers garage parking, restaurant, lounge and package deals with rooms, meals and brewfest tickets.

Can't make the Festival? No worries, the New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism also offer a Brewery Tour map and brochure that you can download online at www.visitnh.gov and tour some of the best NH breweries at your own pace.

Prost!

Smelly feet??!

Submitted by Ami D'Amelio, GSA Programs Manager

There seems to be a lot of spooky and scary Halloween activities around - from Haunted Acres in Epping, The Ghoullog in North Conway to Spooky World and Nightmare New England in Litchfield, from Fright Kingdom in Nashua to Haunted Overload in Lee - but what if you have goblins of the more timid variety or toddlers?

Don't fret, there are lots of options that won't frighten your tiny trick-or-treater. Below are just a few options to consider:

Mall Trick-Or-Treating:

My kids always loved this when they were little - it is a familiar setting, lots of goodies, less walking, no cars, mostly younger children, and everybody stays warm and cozy! This year, your children can do their store-to-store pilgrimage at roughly the same time as most NH communities, but you will be in a climate-controlled venue (i.e. no freezing pre-November winds for your little ones!). The picture to the right was also taken at The Picture People which is conveniently located right in the mall. We decided to have the professionals capture our newly one-year-old's first "real" Halloween and my first handmade, homemade costume.

I found three locations that are offering this type of event this year. First, Simon Malls are offering mall-wide trick-or-treating from 1-3pm on October 31 at both the Mall of NH in Manchester and Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua. Fox Run Mall in Newington is also offering mall trick-or-treating from 2-4pm on Halloween. At any of these locations, just look for the orange pumpkins in the windows of participating vendors. Is your little ghoul a Simon Malls Kidgets member? They can stop by the Guest Services counter for an extra goodie bag!

Tanger Outlets in Tilton also offered a trick-or-treat event on Friday, October 29th. The Management Office provided a Halloween bag with a small treat to all costumed children between 6-8pm. For added fun, they also held a costume contest in from of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at 7pm for those 12 and under.

Girl Scouts of Alstead:

Girl Scout troops 20978 and 22297 have organized a Halloween party for kids complete with games, prizes, snacks and crafts. This party is from 5-8pm on 10/31/2010 at the Alstead Town Hall on Main Street. With the Girl Scouts of America, you know that it will be good, clean fun and you can support a great organization at the same time!

Town Events:

Many individual towns have caught on that local residents need a better alternative for the little ghouls and goblins. You can ask at your local town hall or do an internet search with your town name + toddler + trick-or-treat. I found quite a few that would be great for my 2-year old, and possibly even my 1st grader (who is solely interested in Halloween for the goodies!).

When they are ready for more ...

And then when they are older and looking for the more traditional scary, or even downright frightening, Halloween experience, you can check out nicely organized websites like HauntWorld.com that categorize, rate and recommend the best Haunted Halloween venues!

Happy Halloween!