Mangia ... Mangia ... Mangia

Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassador
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

Mangia Italian Restaurant recently re-located from Londonderry Turnpike in Hooksett to 33A Elm St. in Manchester, NH. Angelo Bruno is the proprietor, and a native of Campana, Italy. Angelo uses many recipes that have been in his family for years. 


The menu is full of authentic homemade Italian cuisine. One of his delectable appetizers is Bruschetta, the toppings are made daily with fresh ingredients. Quite a selection of salads are offered, you can also create your own salad. Zuppa del Giorno, soup of the day, the minestrone is wonderful. Ciabatta Bread Panino (sandwiches served warm and toasted). If you choose to make your own Panino, that is O.K., too. I counted at least sixteen Entree's meals to choose from. My choice was Pollo Valdostana, chicken topped with Italian ham, asparagus, and mozzarella cheese baked in a demy glaze sauce. The Portions are huge, so you will be bringing a doggie bag home. A variety of desserts are offered as well.
Mangia, is a small cozy place, seating twenty five customers. The restaurant will be BYOB until Bruno is approved for a liquor license.

Hours are: Lunch is served Tuesday through Thursday. 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and Friday noon-2:00p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. and Friday through Saturday 5:00p.m. -9:30p.m. Reservations are recommended.

To see the recommendation on the previous location of Mangia, please visit NHGSA Louise's blog post!

Visiting “Arts Heaven”: The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen headquarters

Andy Mack Jr. - GSA, League of NH Craftsmen Class 2012
Did you know that one of the top organizations for fine craft in the country can be found right here in New Hampshire? Formed in 1932 to help craftspeople make a living during the Depression, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is now widely recognized for its high standard of craft, the creativity of its members and the excellence of their work.

An arts destination, the League headquarters is on Main Street in Concord, NH, right in the midst of an art “heaven” of sorts; sharing the same city block as the Capitol Center for the Arts and the independent Red River Theaters. Housed inside a beautiful, green-engineered building, called the “Smile” building, League visitors will find plenty to smile about inside and out. Impressive artwork is everywhere. A towering, totem-like moose figure made of interwoven sticks stands guard in front of the entrance. Inside, ever-changing galleries display some of the very best craft New Hampshire has to offer. On a recent visit an arching bench, made from a single piece of wood by master woodworker, Jon Brooks, was among the many extraordinary pieces on display. In the museum rooms, pottery, glasswork, metal work, carvings, furniture and mixed media celebrate the true art that comes from the hands of master craftspeople. It’s hard not to “ooo and ahh” when you visit the gallery, which also hosts numerous educational events, demonstrations and exhibits.

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen may be best known for holding one of the largest and most prestigious craft events in the country: the Craftsmen’s Fair, held each year in August, at the foot of Mount Sunapee.

Should you want to take home some of New Hampshire’s finest craft, two-tenths of a mile north of the Smile building is the League’s Concord retail store, one of 7 such stores that can be found around the state.To find out more about the League, the Fair, or for news of new gallery exhibits, openings, and demonstrations, log onto www.nhcrafts.org

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Andy Mack Jr. is not only a Granite State Ambassadors and NH native, but he grew up on his family apple farm in Londonderry NH. He is a former radio broadcaster and program director with over 25 years of experience in marketing and promotions. He runs workshops on social media, marketing and promotions...and constantly works on creating local connections where small businesses, artists and charities can join forces to their advantage. www.andymackjr.com

A Visit to Planet Marshmallow is Both Sweet and Savory

Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassador
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

Planet Marshmallow Dessert Cafe is an out-of-the-box creation by Heather Cox. It is located across the street from our historic Palace Theater on 81 Hanover Street. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying hand-crafted marshmallows sandwiched between homemade gourmet grahams and Hershey's chocolate known as s'mores. The cafe' provides a mini toaster so you can make your own at the table. It only takes seconds. Planet Marshmallow has a vast variety of specialty marshmallow flavors, quite unique and irresistable. They can be purchased at other speciality stores throughout the U.S. and on their website at www.planetmarshmallow.com.

An array of other delectable desserts are offered as well at the cafe. To go along with your dessert are a variety of coffees, loose leaf teas, hot chocolate, and pop. Savory items can be enjoyed as well. Winter time sausage and spinach soup. Quiche of the day or maybe baked brie and assorted crackers paired with a glass of wine. Yes, they offer a nice selection of wines. What a great place to go after the theater for a snack.

Green Dash is a Convenient, Easy Way to Tour Manchester

Submitted by Jean McGiffin 
Granite State Ambassador, Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

Green and Dash....two words near and dear to the GSA's.....we love Green and we certainly Dash around the state assisting all our wonderful visitors....so today we had a wonderful tour of Manchester and we rode on the Manchester Transit Authority's Green Dash.....the Manchester circulator (hop on, hop off) bus.

The Green Dash operates Monday through Friday, every 10 minutes from 7:00-9:00 A.M; 11:30-1:30 P.M. and 4:00-7:00 P.M. Other times it is every 20 mins.

What's not to like....it has a Hybrid engine so environmentally friendly....I did mention the word Green didn't I?...it is Free....and on a very user friendly schedule.....It follows a figure 8 pattern from Granite St. to Elm with a left on Spring St. and then a right on Commercial and back to Elm by West Brook and back to Spring to catch the other end of Commercial St. and back to Granite Street.....You can't miss it literally and figuratively....bright Green with Mr. Dash painted on the side and his character and the creative art on the side of the bus were both donated by two wonderful NH craftsmen!!! It is, of course, handicapped accessible and on a wintery day you can be "Dashing through the snow" to that old, familiar tune!




So......ALL ABOARD!!!

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center Designed for Children to Adults

By Jan Moe, Granite State Ambassador, Comfort Inn Airport, Class of 2011

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a wonderful destination! I assumed before my visit that this was designed for elementary school children; I was only partially correct. It is designed for all of us...children, young adults, adults, and NHGSAs!

The Discovery Center has added a Navy plane; a real test plane that traveled to NH by flatbed and was brought into the Center by taking out the nine large windows at the end of the building. Alan Shepard flew a similar plane before heading to space.

I was a bit concerned when our tour took us into the planetarium at 2 pm. Could I stay awake in a dark room with comfy chairs? No problem. The program, Tonight's Sky, displayed the night sky for THAT evening in NH. The knowledgeable presenter made it was fascinating. It was doubly fascinating when I took the dog out for a walk that evening & sure enough, the moon, Orion, The Big Dipper, planets were all waiting for me to just look up!

Thanks again to NHGSA and The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for an enjoyable afternoon. It will be a pleasure to recommend this delightful Center to our NH guests!

You Deserve a Treat Like a Stay at the Wild Orchard Guest House

Submitted by Kate Bashline, Granite State Ambassador
Great Bay Class of 2001

You are in for a  treat with a stay at Wild Orchard Guest Farm. You will refresh your spirit and creativity in a location set apart in nature and art. The warm cozy rooms and common areas are appointed with fine art, crafts and antiques.

Give yourself and special people the gift of time and calm renewal.  The farm setting comes with treats of strolling peacocks, mini horses, a labyrinth, and world traveler Molly's hospitality and wonderful  cooking. This location is perfect for workshops, meetings, family reunions, artist workshops, retreats, teas. luncheons and weddings. Give Molly a call. You deserve a treat.

Wild Orchard Guest Farm
67 Candia Road
Deerfield, N H.
603-261-7742
www.wildorchardguestfarm.com

Nuthin' But Good Times a Great Place for Kids of All Ages

by Sharon Ebol, Granite State Ambassador

No,I had no clue, but what a wonderful surprise to see an indoor,innovative play area for kids, carefully divided for specific age groups toenjoy freedom with representation! 


Nuthin' But Good Times is a safe, clean, and healthy environmentfor families to enjoy; yes, families, as children may not be leftunattended. There are designated areasto accommodate crawlers and early walkers with tiny slides, under three have aSoft-Play Structure, and older kids have large indoor play equipment, completewith mazes and obstacle courses to pique - and hold - their interests. Cleanliness is BIG at Nuthin' But Good Times as no one is allowed to enter with shoes from outdoors - socks are IN!  While parents hang out, they can have their'Cup-o-Jo', and even have nutritious snacks with their kids beforeleaving. 

Did I mention specialevents? You name it, and they will hostit! Everything from a ceramic night,movie night, costume party, and yes, Nuthin' But Good Times will alsohost your kid's birthday party in a private room and assist you with allyour needs.  Nuthin' But Good Times isreasonably priced for one time, monthly, and even group rates, based on age,with separate pricing for private parties.

So,if you have children who love to interact (or need to interact) withothers, Nuthin' But Good Times in Merrimack, NH is a fun place to go; and you parents canhave a great time, too! 

A Visit to Swan Chocolates in Merrimack NH

By Judi Window, GSA Inaugural Class 1996

Swan Chocolates, a family name (Swan, not chocolates), is a wonderful stop if you are looking for a special New Hampshire made gift before heading home via the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. It is conveniently located on Route 3 in Merrimack near the new, soon-to-be opened, airport access road. The retail shop is a cozy building with beautiful lighting and comfy seating for coffee and chocolate tasting.

Abbotts Market was located on this spot for many, many years. As Granite State Ambassadors we are used to getting the history and details about buildings and business locations, this tour did not disappoint! I am sure if you asked (especially if you called ahead) they would be glad to tell you about the rich history of the building, the Abbotts and even the ghost sightings (and phone calls) in the building.

Now, down to the real reason we are all interested.... the CHOCOLATE! As someone with a restricted diet I was pleased to see many gluten-free items and the staff was quick to point out the dairy free options as well! All great news... BUT did you know that chocolate is actually a fruit!?! So 5 serving a day will keep the doctor away? Yummy!

Swan Chocolates 
436 Daniel Webster Highway
Merrimack New Hampshire
603-423-5950
www.swanchocolates.com
NOTE: This is their new location

Manning House Example of NH Philanthropy

Submitted by Lorry Young, Granite State Ambassador
Radisson Hotel Class of 2006

The Manning House once was a private residence, but upon Mrs. Manning's death, the home was donated to the church. The chapel and church were added later. The property is on ten acres of land currently owned by the Brookside Congregational Church, which is located at 2013 Elm Street in Manchester, NH. The second floor of the Manning House is office space for the church, and the downstairs area is used for gatherings for many functions.

But I find the history so compelling. The Manning House and Carriage Barn was built as a wedding gift for Mary (Carpenter) Manning from her father, Mr. Frank Carpenter. Frank Carpenter was a philanthropist and owner of the mills. Both Mary and her father were longtime active members of the Franklin Street Church.  By the mid-1950's, the Franklin Street was weakening structurally and major renovations were needed to make it safe.  A decision had to be made either to fund expensive and extensive alterations or build a new church on another site.  Mrs. Mary Manning offered her 10-acre estate on North Elm St. known as "The Brook" to the church if the congregation wanted to relocate and build new. The congregation voted to accept Mrs. Manning's offer. The Manning House and carriage barn were adapted for congregational use and connected to the sanctuary. The original chapel from Franklin Street was then incorporated into the Manning residence. 

I find this to be an interesting anecdote. A friend's uncle was married in the Franklin Street Chapel... many years later his wife passed away. He re-married in the same chapel, but it was moved to it's new location in the Manning House about a mile away.

There is a Children's Memorial Garden on the property, a place of peace and serenity located at the South lawn of the Manning House. It is a place in honor and memory of all our children, grandchildren, and siblings. It is open to the public to visit anytime. In the fall, an annual butterfly release is held in the Memorial Garden. Mrs. Manning was also a bereaved parent, having lost her son at the age of 14.

The overall architecture is beautiful, and the interior carved wordwork is beautiful. There is so much to see in this lovely home. One interesting feature of the house is a classical temple like porch entryway. Somewhat out of character with the rest of the house and reflects an interest in Colonial Revival architectural style that existed side-by-side with the Queen Ann Revival during this period. The dining room even has leather wallpaper.

Weeping Willow Fine Arts is a Special NH Crafter

Submitted by Kate Bashline, Granite State Ambassador
Great Bay Class of 2001
Jewelry and fine art objects made by Diane Bennett of  Weeping Willow Fine Arts are simply resplendent. Her jewelery is a delight to wear for its design and rich colors that highlight whatever you are wearing. It can be worn to work and play. The dichroic glass changes colors in a magical way. There is added enjoyment in the fact that you will always meet a nice person who just has to speak to you about your lovely jewelry. Diane and her process of dichroic glass have been featured on NH Chronicle. Her items are a true gift to yourself or others. Her prices are affordable. Her business and her art are a special NH story.

Weeping Willow Fine Arts
www.weepingwillowfinearts.com
Diane Bennett
1635 Hopkinton Rd
Hopkinton, NH 03229
603-496-9121

Franklin Pierce: New Hampshire’s Only United States President

Betty's Travel Planning Tips
Submitted by: Betty Gagne, Granite State Ambassador, First in the Nation Class 1999; Customer Service Assistant NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development


Franklin Pierce was the only United States President who hailed from New Hampshire and served as the country’s 14th president. There are several points of interest in NH that relate to Franklin Pierce, including his childhood homestead in Hillsborough, the Pierce Manse in Concord, and his burial site in the Old North Cemetery, also in Concord.

Source: City Profile

The Franklin Pierce Homestead in Hillsborough is where Pierce spent most of his childhood; it was constructed by his father the year Franklin was born. Here Daniel Webster was entertained in the ballroom on the second floor, and Franklin Pierce drilled local militia groups. The mansion is maintained and operated by the Hillsborough Historical Society. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The home is located off Route 31; New Hampshire residents are admitted free of charge, while others pay a small admission fee. Guided tours are offered. For information, please call 603-478-3165, or visit the New Hampshire Parks and Recreation webpage dedicated to this historic site.

Source: Wikipedia

The Pierce Manse is located at 14 Horseshoe Pond Lane in Concord, and is the only house ever owned and occupied by Franklin Pierce, his wife Jane, and their two children. Constructed in Greek Revival style, the home is open for tours from June through October. Threatened with demolition in 1966, it was saved and moved to a site in Concord's Historic District. The house has been restored and many of the furnishings either belonged to Pierce or other members of his family. Group tours may be scheduled by appointment.

Source: Wikipedia

The Franklin Pierce Burial Site is in the Old North Cemetery in Concord. Pierce is buried there with his wife Jane and two of their sons. The gravesite was refurbished and the deteriorating markers were replaced by a single granite spire with all the names inscribed. The first child was buried elsewhere at the time of death. The burial site sits toward the rear of the graveyard and is marked by a tall marker. There is also an historical marker in the cemetery with more information about Pierce’s life.

A distinguished statue of Franklin Pierce sits proudly on the lawn of the NH State House on Main Street in Concord. The dedication took place on November 25th, 1914. You can learn more about Franklin Pierce’s legacy and see a photo of the statue by visiting the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources.

Exploring New Hampshire's Capitol

Betty's Travel Planning Tips

Submitted by: Betty Gagne, Granite State Ambassador, First in the Nation Class 1999; Customer Service Assistant NH Division of Travel & Tourism Development

If your idea of traveling through Concord, New Hampshire is flying by the exits on Interstate 93, then you’ve never really been to Concord. Probably best known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Concord Coach, Concord became the state capitol in 1808, and is an exciting city that’s rich in history, culture, education, and heritage. Downtown Concord is a hub of unique shops, restaurants, and historic sites. When you do visit Concord, plan to spend a day or two and don’t miss these interesting stops:

All rights reserved by New Hampshire Historical Society

The State House: Located in the center of town on North Main Street, the capitol building is the oldest one in the country where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. Take a tour and see the legislative body in session. As you walk the hallways, note the portraits of past Governors on the walls.



The Museum of NH History: Contained within Eagle Square, the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring how the state was born. Exhibitions include a birch bark canoe, a simulated fire tower, and of course an authentic Concord Coach. Take time to browse through the extensive gift shop; you’ll find plenty of books, maps, and historically significant items.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: Named for Alan Shepard, who was the first man in space, and Christa McAuliffe, the first private citizen in space, the center is New England’s largest air

All rights reserved by pobrecito33 (Flickr)

and space museum. Families love the planetarium shows and other events. The center is located at 2 Institute Drive.

The State Library: Situated at 20 Park Street, the library is an attraction in itself. Resources and services include catalogs, online databases, a Family Resource Connection, and even an ‘Ask a Librarian’ service for research questions.

For more information about what there is to see and do in Concord, please visit the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce website.

Kaleidoscope Museum: Charming Place for Creative Play

Submitted by Judy Greer
Church Landing / Lakehouse Grille Class of 2004





One of the stops on our recent Manchester tour was the Kaleidoscope Museum, housed in the Millyard Buildings at 250 Commercial Street, Suite 1004.

What an absolute delight! I find myself thinking of everyone who has kids between the ages of 9 months and 6 to 7 years that I could kidnap for a day to take there.
We walked in to this huge bright space with all these wonderful areas to play, including a pirate ship, a climbing wall, a pizza kitchen, a puppet theatre and many more.

Here the children can play and be as creative as they wish, with no TV or video games. Mothers can bring their own food to this facility and stay all day with their little ones if they wish. The best part is that Mom’s are free.



The owner, Michelle Carignan, is a dedicated, creative person to come up with this unique idea. She will provide birthday parties if you wish along with other parties. Often there are special events going on that are just all part of the admission.

If you have little ones, you owe to them to visit this charming place.