Summer Local Lifestyle Playlist 2022
Discover Handcrafted Paper-cutting with Sonja Bolton
Bright, Bold Nature Art To Bring YOur Happy Out
If you’re not yet familiar with Hannah Ellingwood's vivid nature scenes, let us share this talented artist with you. Ellingwood began working as an artist full-time in 2018, but recently renamed her business Gnome Studio in honor of how gnomes draw humans into observing the tiny wonders found within nature. Her use of strategically cut, layered paper is part of what gives her work its signature vibrancy.
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She uses a surgical scalpel to intricately cut fine details into paper before connecting up to 25 layers to build incredibly lifelike 3D portraits. Then she re-creates, invents and upcycles these prints onto all varieties of other mediums. In her online shop, you’ll find her handcrafted vinyl stickers, greeting cards, enamel pins, buttons, prints, upcycled, screen-printed clothing, patches, wooden wall art, original paper art, upcycled mending kits, or whatever else she gets creative with!
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Her portrait subjects are flora and fauna of all species. From salamanders to luna moths and morel mushrooms to field mice, Ellingwood has a unique talent to bring a truly life-like quality to a piece of paper.
You can experience Ellingwood’s combination of dramatic use of color while portraying the essence of a pastorally positioned hen in Harrisville General’s Store’s brand new logo. The golden bird practically pops off the page to catch your eye.
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With a penchant for upcycling used clothing, Ellingwood loves to give old clothing new life. She thrifts for the lucky items, before screen printing her own designs onto them. But, that's not all, this talented local artist also designs and constructs wooden wall cut outs using a jigsaw. She dabbles in paint, mixed media markers, and ink. Once her creative juices get flowing, you never know where her creativity will take her!
Wondering where you can get your own original work of art from Gnome Studio? She’ll be at the Green River Music Festival, the Newport Folk Festival, Levitate Music and Art Festival to name a few. Find the complete list on her website.
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Alternatively, her work is offered by her wholesale partners including Hannah Grimes Marketplace in Keene, NH, Studio 550 Art Center in Manchester, NH, and of course, the Harrisville General Store in Harrisville, NH. For more stores that offer Ellingwood’s art, check out the wholesale tab on her website.
Relish in her handcrafted creativity. Explore the charming quality and variety of Ellingwood’s artwork on her Instagram. The bats, moose and butterflies speak of the natural world right outside your New Hampshire door. The owl stickers are charming for a water bottle adornment. The wooden or paper creatures hang delicately as an ornament on a tree or window. Keep a little piece of nature nearby to make you smile.
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Patti Powers, Owner of Cheshire Garden - A small, organic farm specializing in heirloom berries, fruits, herbs, and preserves
"Summer is my season, no doubt. The sun, the warmth, the lack of heavy, bulky clothing, bare footing, the lightness of movement, the spring in my step, flexibility and relief from pain, looonnngggg days, starry nights, fireflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds and so many songbirds. Then there’s all the food! Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants, elderflowers, zucchini, kale, peas, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, all the basils and herbs, bouquets…And sometimes, I get a chance to jump in a lake!"
Decor to Your heart's Delight
Treasure hunting with Sonja Bolton
Do you love wandering home décor shops, delighting in each unique nook and cranny jammed packed with lovely treasures for your home and garden? If your Sunday funday entails a trip to a gift shop, then The She Shed is your next must-see destination. Located in Swanzey, NH, this local, family-owned small business is aptly nicknamed “Your Happy Place”.
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Owned and operated by a husband and wife pair, Deb and Dave Johnson believe that if you leave with a smile, they’ve done their job well. But we promise you, you’ll want to leave with a whole lot more than that! From adorable animal wall hangings and witty kitchen décor to bright solar lanterns and seasonal specialty items, their stock rotates frequently and often surprises even their most regular customers.
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As a local small business, The She Shed works to support other local small businesses by offering a variety of handcrafted items. They partner with Tippin’ Rock Farm to offer their farm-made maple products which pairs excellently with Vermont’s Halladay’s Harvest Barn buttermilk pancake mix. Additionally, you can find local artwork such as the print work of Dawn Pollard, hanging metal designs by Donna Chase, paintings by Alicia Patenaude, and jewelry by Hannah McGee and Heather Girroir.
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The She Shed has excellent gift ideas. With good reason, they recently took Silver for Best Local Gift Shop and bronze for Best Specialty/Niche Store in the Keene Sentinel 2022 Choice Awards. No matter if you’re looking for a special something for a friend or family member or helping a happy couple celebrate a big event, Deb and Dave take delight in helping customers find that perfect gift.
Seasonal flair is strong at The She Shed. Right now, it's everything summer, like outdoor furniture and all the essentials for grilling and patio entertaining. But come fall, the She Shed transforms into a spooky celebration of the changing of the seasons. Christmastime rolls around and Dave and Deb shut down the shop for a weekend while the elves make their magic turning it into a winter wonderland.
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Ready to see it for yourself? You’ll find “Your Happy Place” at 331 Flat Roof Mill Rd in Swanzey, NH. Stop by and get your décor on Fridays from 12-6pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Get a sneak peek of what you may find prior to your visit! They share their ever-changing inventory on Facebook and Instagram to keep the She Shed Community well informed on what’s in store each upcoming weekend.
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It doesn't get more local than fresh strawberries! Come join The Monadnocker this Saturday and shop the local farmer's market, too!
An Artful AFternoon with Erin Girouard
DayTripping to Galerie Oiseaux
Tucked away in the quaint New Hampshire town of Wilton, a small contemporary art gallery has recently emerged, holding within it the eclectic treasures of artist Michael Kline. Galerie Oiseaux, French for birds gallery, is owned and operated by the seasoned artist himself. While there are some select antiquities, artisan goods and fine gifts for sale, the vast majority of the exceptional pieces you’ll find at Galerie Oiseaux are created right there in the studio by Kline.
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The road leading him to the Wilton, NH has been long and eventful. Within his career of more than 30 years, Kline received his bachelor's degree in art, spent years living among Buddhist Monks in the hills of southern France, became a Waldorf certified teacher, sold his art in markets and cafes in Seattle and finally settled in the Monadnock Region to open his first exclusive gallery.
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For Kline, art is really about life and relationships. He works with many different mediums but particularly enjoys wood and found objects. When creating each piece, he first arranges his different materials together to see how they connect to one another. “It’s almost as if an interesting conversation is going on.” he said of his process. “That’s when meaning emerges and relationships between the materials are discovered.” In the final product, Kline isn’t as concerned with precision and perfection. The artistry of a piece is in the discovery and the process.
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"In summer, it's with jazz music playing out open windows, toes in the lake, and a melting popsicle in hand, that we store up creativity for what's to come. Get ready, there are beautiful stories to be told!"
Caroline Tremblay
Owner & Writer, Owl & Pen
Exceptional Written Content to Help Businesses Thrive
Summer sipping with Erin Scollans
Attention Craft Brew Drinkers!
Get ready beer lovers: our season is finally here! It’s that time of year again. Whether you enjoy drinking a cold, refreshing lager by the pool, chatting with some friends at a BBQ over an IPA, or crushing a few fruited sours on the boat, beer can certainly bring folks together. This summer, check out the eclectic array of breweries the Monadnock Region has to offer and see what all the fuss is about. These breweries all bring something different to the table, and they plan on enjoying the summer right along there with you!
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One of the first spots that come to mind would have to be Post and Beam over in Peterborough. Between their outdoor patio, classically simple wood beam taproom, super friendly staff and excellent beer selection, you can’t go wrong with a weekend trip to this gemstone of a brewery!
Open seven days a week, Post and Beam offers a small selection of soups and treats on their food menu but is for the most part a BYOF (bring your own food) spot. However, Blackfire Farm over in Hancock has been making weekend appearances in their food truck with OUT OF THIS WORLD woodfired pizza. The fresh, farm-to-table ingredients are obvious with every bite!
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Meanwhile, Granite Roots Brewing in Troy gives an authentic New Hampshire experience. The brewery sits on a small piece of land complete with a heated greenhouse, personal covered cabanas, plenty of picnic tables, and several delicious beers on tap. Granite Roots is one of the few brewery options in the area that offer year-round outdoor seating, with heated igloos in the winter. Dog and kid-friendly, this brewery really comes to life with their awesome rotation of live music on the weekends. Cozy up by one of the fire pits, pull up a chair by the stage, or simply enjoy the company with a good beer in hand.
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Modestman Brewing can be found right on Main Street in downtown Keene. The most recent brewery to come to fruition on this list, Modestman opened back in 2019, having been renovated from an old bank. The sleek, modern industrial brewery utilizes its space rather nicely, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. With a freshly renovated patio complete with the local Street Savory Food Truck hanging out back, this spot is typically pretty busy, making it tough to miss. They also have a rotating selection of occasional live music, so make sure to check their social media pages to see what they have going on!
Photo Courtesy of Heather Stockwell
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Perhaps the most well-known brewery on the list is the coveted Elm City Brewing, also located right in downtown Keene. This brewery stands apart from the others simply because of its extensive pub menu in addition to their awesome beer list. The cute brewery and restaurant is super roomy with a beautiful patio out front to compliment the classic, 19th century industrial look on the inside. Between the full fledged food menu, delicious rotating beer, friendly and knowledgeable staff, Elm City Brewing is certainly one of the quintessential Keene experiences.
Photo Courtesy of Elm City Brewing
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This list only scratches the surface of brewery selections in the area, which is fast becoming a destination for the finest beers and spirits! You should also be sure to check out The Outlaw Brewing Company, Branch and Blade Brewing, Frogg Brewing, West LA Beer Company and several other popular spots in the region.
Grab a friend, take a hike, and end the day with a great locally sourced meal and fresh beer brewed with love from the Monadnock Region. What could be better?
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Tunes in the Park with Erin Girouard
Lunch and Listen All Summer Long
While this pandemic has made many things terrible, every once in a while, we discover something great that was born out of it. Listen and Lunch is one of them---a sweet little concert series that has been brightening up the midweek. summer days of Peterborough residents, young and old, for the past two summers. What began as the brainchild of founder and producer Pelagia Vincent who partnered with the non-profit organization, Monadnock Music, the Listen and Lunch program has truly blossomed into a staple of the community.
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The premise is quite simple; Pack up a picnic lunch and spread out on the lawn for a tranquil afternoon of music. Each week, a different musician from various styles, genres and instrumentations will play an hour-long set in the park for the listening public. Throughout the season, folks can expect to see many of their favorite local musicians, from classical to contemporary and everything in between. Gearing up for its 3rd consecutive season, Listen and Lunch is officially back again with weekly concerts on Thursdays from noon till 1pm at Depot Park in Peterborough. Featuring a different performer every week, these concerts are free and open to the public and are a great destination for a family afternoon out or a quick relaxing picnic on your lunch break. For more information on future events, check out Monadnock Music’s website.
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The next not-to-be-missed Listen and Lunch will be Thursday July 7th with David William Ross, a New England based classical and jazz guitarist whose performances have been lauded for their sensitivity, virtuosity, and depth of musicality. See you all there!
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Hitting the road with Sandy Parsons
Vacationing in Your Backyard
Is the cost of gas giving you second thoughts about a vacation this year? I recently purchased an RV and didn't want my first couple of trips to be far until I worked out how my new camper works. As a solution to this, I tried a couple of campgrounds in the Monadnock Region. It was great! Instead of spending a half day or more traveling, I was able to start my vacation that much sooner by being in my area/backyard. Not to mention the money I saved on gas. A win/win as far as I'm concerned. My first stop was the Woodmore Family Campground & RV Park.
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When I first arrived with my new camper I wasn't sure what to expect. But when checking in, the staff was so friendly that it almost felt like visiting old friends. Before or after you are checked in, take a look around the camp store. If you forget something they will most like have it. They have a variety of sites suitable all types of camping, from tenting by the lake to the largest RV. Most sites are semi-private with trees surrounding.
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Woodmore Family Campground also offers tons of amenities, including a boat dock, kayaking, fishing, horseshoes, volleyball, pool, a playground, arcade and so much more. There are plenty of scheduled activities and extremely clean facilities. I even had campfire wood delivered to my site for cooking s'mores. The kids kept busy all day long with plenty to do and the campground is pet friendly. Pack up and bring the family to Woodmore Family Campground located at 21 Woodmore Drive, Rindge, NH. (603) 899-3362 there are options and hookups to accommodate everyone.
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Next on the list is Spacious Skies Seven Maples Campground located in the hills of Hancock, NH. A close drive to Mount Monadnock and hiking & biking trails, Spacious Skies Seven Maples Campground can accommodate all types of camping needs from RVs & trailers to tents and even offer spacious cabins for rent. The young and adult kids will love the swimming complex and water-slide.
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There is an arcade and a private trout fishing pond for fishing or watching the wildlife. Owls frequent the pond at night and it was a “hoot” seeing the kids' look of amazement as the owls flew overhead. Kayak rentals are also available at Norway Pond and they have a fully stocked camp store for any last minute items or souvenirs. There is plenty to do to keep everyone entertained! Give Spacious Skies Seven Maples Campground a call at (603) 280-4526 or visit them at 24 Longview Road in Hancock, NH.
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There are lots of other neat camping spots to choose from, including the popular Ashuelot River Campground, which sits right on the banks of the river and offers something for everyone. Waterside tent spaces, a spacious area for RVs and family play, and woodland cabins, as well. Lots of amenities and access to great outdoor recreation make it a hit!
And don't forget all the beautiful state parks sprinkled throughout the area. Many choices to make your nearby vacation a hit. So grab your family and friends to begin an adventure right in your own backyard. Make memories that will last a lifetime.
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A night on the Town with Caroline Tremblay
The Best Lobster Roll of Your life
Where to begin...You could start with the fresh oysters, the cocktails, the lively tones from the bar. You could note the classic beach bum decor right here in Southwestern NH. Or you could riff on the total welcome and relaxation, as well as the excellent live music.
But nah, when it comes to describing The Laughing Gull, a newly opened Seafood and Burger Bar at 141 Winchester St. in Keene, you have to, of course, begin with the lobster roll. It may not be the first thing you eat when you pull up to one of the swanky pub tables, but it will certainly be one of the most memorable. So cheers, here we go...
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For starters, there's the toasted bun, a nuance that many makers overlook and foodies relish. Next, the creamy mixture of very light dressing, as well as warm butter, a blend that knocks this one out of the park. And then there is that unforgettable, crave-worthy lobster flavor in the fully packed bun. A generous serving and excellent seasoning put this at the top of my summer dining must-haves.
That said, the rest of the menu (which greatly expanded in June as the restaurant achieved full licensure 👏🎉), is worth writing home about, as well.
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If oysters are a fave, this is a great way to start your meal. Select your choice flavor and texture with oysters from Maine, the Cape, and more. The menu even provides a valuable write-up of each offering. Chilled and shucked perfectly, these are a beautiful start to a beautiful meal. Fried, whole-belly clams and PEI Mussels have also been in high demand thus far.
Not a seafood fan? No worries! Check out the Teriyaki Steak Skewers, Vidalia Onion Rings, Tacos, Hot Pickle Chicken, Montreal Brisket Bomb, signature Pizzas, and more.
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With its great atmosphere, energetic staff, and spot-on dining, The Laughing Gull is sure to become one of Keene's best hangs this summer.
It's the perfect place to meet up for brews on tap or a unique cocktail, like the Coconut Dreams or Troubardour Espresso Martini. Laughing Gull also carries four different kinds of "zero proof liquors," which means they can make a range of awesome mocktails. I went alcohol-free on The Hemingway and it absolutely delivered on taste.
Grab your friends, grab a drink, and pull up a patio table with an umbrella. You will not be disappointed!
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Waterfall Adventures with Erin Scollans
Cool Water Destinations
New Hampshire is a thing of beauty, that’s for sure. There isn’t much the Granite State DOESN’T have to offer, especially over here in the Monadnock Region. One thing’s for certain - hikes with waterfalls are abundant. These three spots will leave your nature cravings satisfied and your phone filled with pictures, because these are some seriously breathtaking views.
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Royalston Falls via the Tully Trail over Royalston, MA is technically over the border but close enough to its New Hampshire roots to throw on the list. This 3-mile trail is out and back. Considered a moderately challenging route, it takes about an hour and a half to complete, with nothing too steep or strenuous for a novice hiker. The views certainly make it worthwhile! Royalston Falls is popular for trail running, hiking, and walking. The trail is dog-friendly and they can be off-leash at points. It’s important to note that it does get a little muddy and buggy this time of year, so prepare accordingly!
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Porcupine Falls over in Gilsum is another awesome trail. Generally considered a super easy hike, it takes about 15 minutes to complete full time, being about a half a mile total. This trail is great for youngsters, and can get pretty popular on the weekends - the best time to go for some peace and quiet is definitely during a weekday. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Although its a relatively short trail, it’s extremely serene - folks seem to really enjoy the solitude and waterfall views this trail brings to the table. Complete with a quaint wooden bridge, stone steps and a beautiful waterfall view, you won’t want to miss this trek!
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Last but certainly not least on the list is Purgatory Falls via the Purgatory Brook Trail over in Milford. The complete trail is about 5 miles out and back, and is very popular for bird watching, trail running, and hiking. Some parts of the trail are definitely not for the faint hearted, and is a moderately challenging route as a whole. However, the first 10 minutes of the hike brings the hiker right to first leg of the trek - lower Purgatory Falls. It’s gorgeous view right off the bat, and hikers can post up right by the falls for a picnic or hammock session.
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For those who wish to take on the whole trail, make sure to plan for about 2 hours of hiking. There are several trails behind the lower Falls that can be a little challenging to follow - there are some overgrown routes and missing trail markers - so make sure to download the trail on your phone beforehand, just in case. Make sure to follow the river - that will lead you to the upper Falls view. Happy Hiking!
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A Way to Grow with Sonja Bolton
Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Soils
Nearly fifty years ago, Rosaly Bass began cultivating a philosophy of caring for her community from the ground up. As the second and longest running actively certified organic farm in the Granite State, Rosaly’s Garden stands as a pillar demonstrating how sustainable farming can benefit us all. Now her step-granddaughter, Alex Walker and Alex’s half sister, Clover Fiandaca are growing the farm to new heights while upholding Rosaly’s strong values.
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Rosaly’s Garden produces certified organic fruits, vegetables, berries, herbs and flowers with a mission to grow produce within a strict sustainable agriculture framework. Rather than depleting the soil through intensive farming, Alex and Clover are putting extra energy this year into soil preparation through cover cropping which adds organic matter.
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Organic farms work within the biological systems to promote good soil health with a diverse microbial community through soil conservation using organic mulches, compost, cover crops, crop rotation, and genetic seed diversity. Sustainable farms develop pest control strategies that promote natural predators, like planting habitat for beneficial insect communities.
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You can visit this 26-acre food haven everyday May through October, 10am-6pm and browse the farmstand for one-of-a-kind organic produce. In springtime, they offer bedding plants and hanging baskets for the DIY farmer. Pasta, preserves, or popsicles, Rosaly’s promotes a plethora of local producers. You’ll find bread from Orchard Hill Breadworks, Brookford Farm grass-fed dairy products, greens from Abenaki Springs Farm and eggs from a staff farmer. Stock up on their legendary heirloom tomatoes, garlic and basil to make any dinner extra special.
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On August 6th, Rosaly’s Garden will partner with Blackfire Farm’s Food Truck to bring you an extra tasty farm treat. Connect with friends and neighbors over a slice of wood-fired pizza before you walk the u-pick gardens for berries, herbs, or flowers. They encourage visitors to make sweet memories while taking in Mount Monadnock's iconic silhouette.
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For those happy couples celebrating a union this season, nothing has more charm than fresh cut farm bouquets of cosmos and zinnias. Rosaly’s provides stunning u-pick blooms that brighten any event.
Rosaly’s Garden proves healthy organic soil with diverse communities of microflora, fauna, and fungi is the building block for mouthwatering food with the power to bring communities together and help out our planet. Local food means fewer “food miles” and less carbon emissions. And selfishly, organic foods simply have outstanding flavor, vitamins and minerals and fewer pesticide residues. Want more reasons to support local organic farms? Dig in at Rosaly’s at 63 Elm Hill Rd in Peterborough, NH.
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A Monadnocker
Here is what makes each of us
Cold SUmmer delights with Sandy Parsons
Get the Scoop
Somehow ice cream brings out the little kid in me. I went to Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates, a whimsical and casual chocolate and ice cream shop for a sweet fix. They take ice cream seriously, as do I.
Photos courtesy of Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates
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So many flavors, where to start? I asked the professionals, the staff. “What do you recommend?” Both ladies eagerly gave me their favorite sample to try. Both samples were much different than what I would have chosen, however I was pleasantly surprised!
I went with each of their recommendations. Maine Black Bear ice cream and the raspberry sorbet. My first bite started with a smooth, sweet creaminess followed by fresh fruit pieces in almost every bite. Blissful joy in a bowl or cone.
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During the summer months there are about 40 flavors to choose from and about 20 flavors in the winter.
If you need a chocolate or caffeine fix, they offer specialty and gourmet chocolates, as well as frozen
coffee drinks and floats.
Owned and operated by Susan Mazzone, the shop is named after her daughter Ava Marie. The store has been in business since 2003 and is located at 43 Grove Street in Peterborough, NH.
