Summer is here, and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. From concerts at public gardens and special historic sites to the much-anticipated League of NH Craftsmen’s Annual Fair, entertainment and inspiration await.
MAY-OCTOBER
Bedrock Gardens Education Series
The 30-acre Bedrock Gardens in Lee has transitioned from a historic farm and private garden to a public oasis of art, horticulture and inspiration. While the unusual botanical specimens and unique sculptures are alone worth a visit, the education series offers another reason to stop by. Classes in July and August include foraging for edible plants, terrariums, lichen 101, dyeing with plant botanicals, designing with and blending tea garden herbs (with a tea luncheon to follow) and much more. Visit bedrockgardens.org for a complete schedule and to register. Classes are held at Bedrock Gardens, 19 High Road, Lee.
EVERY SUNDAY JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 11
Music on the Garden Barn Green
Bring a picnic and a chair and enjoy a concert on the barn green at Canterbury Shaker Village. While you could certainly just enjoy music in a beautiful setting, consider touring the museum, which is designated as a national historic landmark. It includes 25 restored original Shaker buildings, four reconstructed buildings and almost 700 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. Concerts begin at 4 p.m., Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd., Canterbury. See shakers.org for the complete summer lineup.
JULY 10, 17, 24 & 31, AUGUST 7, 14, 21 & 28
Saint-Gaudens Summer Concerts
The Sunday performances at the gorgeous Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish carry on a tradition begun by renowned American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who often held concerts in his studio for family and friends. Many of the concerts feature use of the Little Studio’s historic piano, once owned by Cornish Colony painter Maxfield Parrish. Concerts begin at 2 p.m., so there’s plenty of time beforehand to discover Saint-Gaudens’ works located on the grounds. Art, history, gardens—it’s all here. Concerts are held in the Little Studio at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, 139 Saint Gaudens Rd., Cornish. Visit nps.gov/saga for details.
JULY 10, 17 & 24, AUGUST 7, 21 & 28
Summer Performances at The Fells
Visit the beautiful grounds and gardens of the John Hay Estate at The Fells and enjoy a variety of musical performances. The summer concert series began in late June and continues through August. Kicking things off on July 10 is the 17-piece New Legacy Swing Band, whose playlist includes Blood, Sweat and Tears, Brian Setzer, Herb Alpert, Chicago and, of course, well-known big band and swing classics with updated arrangements of the big band era. A highlight is Opera North’s annual show (July 17), and other performers include The Alex Minasian Jazz Quartet (July 24), Grace Crummer, Fred Hass and Billy Rosen (August 21) and Deep Blue C (August 28). The professional dance company Ballet Misha also returns on August 7 for a special appearance. Times and prices vary. Held at the John Hay Estate at the Fells, 456 Route 103, Newbury. Visit thefells.org for more information.
JULY 13
Garden Party
The folks at Fuller Gardens, one of the last formal estate gardens of the early 20th century, invite you to join them for the annual garden party. Enjoy live jazz by Greg Brown and Friends, a beer tasting with Throwback Brewery, wine, light appetizers and other entertainment. Admission is free for members and $25 for the general public. Held from 5-8 p.m., Fuller Gardens, 10 Willow Ave., North Hampton. Visit fullergardens.org for more information.
AUGUST 6-14
League of NH Craftsmen’s Annual Fair
This beloved summer event turns 89 this year, and you can once again expect to find the very best from juried members of the League of NH Craftsmen. It’s an excellent opportunity to not only find your new favorite thing, but to meet the craftspeople and learn more about their work in person. Plus, it’s held on the lovely Mount Sunapee Resort grounds. Mount Sunapee Resort, 1398 Route 103, Newbury. Visit nhcrafts.org/annual-craftsmens-fair for more tickets and information.
AUGUST 11-13
65th Annual NH Antiques Show
One of the best events of its kind in New England, the NH Antiques Show is a three-day gathering where more than 60 professional dealers come together under one roof. You can browse a wide range of both country and formal antique furniture and accessories, including clocks, folk art, paintings and prints, textiles, woodenware, nautical and scientific items, metalware, glassware, pottery and ceramics, early lighting, samplers, Shaker furniture and accessories, decoys, architectural and garden ornaments and more. Each exhibitor is a member of the NH Antiques Dealers Association, so you can expect the highest standards.
Admission is $15 on Thursday and $10 on Friday and Saturday. Held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Elm St., Manchester. Visit nhada.org/new-hampshire-antiques-show for tickets and more information. New Hampshire Home is a proud sponsor of this event.