Five Things to Do on the Fourth of July in Maine and New Hampshire

I suspect this will be a self-serving blog, to say the least, as I have my first and only weekend off during my summer school and camp assignment here in western New Hampshire, coinciding with the Fourth of July festivities.
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I'll be the first to admit that I used to be a big fan of this holiday, except that it seems like every person and their friend is now out and about on a lake or at the beach during this occasion. Even I smile when I remember those childhood memories of driving the dirt roads from Gilmanton Iron Works over to Alton Bay to watch the fireworks. The even greater excitement was the drive back in the utter darkness, hoping we wouldn't collide with a moose, deer, or fox. To that end, I'm a big fan of staying off the roads this holiday weekend. 

That's my first recommendation to any person who finds this blog. In fact, here's my list of things to do for every introvert on America's loudest holiday. 

1. Stay at home and read. - Yes, I know this one sounds pretty exciting, but hey, why not? This is the perfect time to unwind, grab your favorite summer read, and take it all in. You could go crazy and even pick up one of my books. Rumor has it that I have two new books out, including Brindisi and Me. 

2. Go for a drive on back roads, not only to avoid all the summer and holiday traffic from those fabulous out-of-state loafers and weekend warriors, but to take in the beauty of this great region.

3. Go to Walmart for the real celebration of the holiday. Come on, if you want to see what real America is and what we value, there is no better place to visit. Sure, you should go to a cemetery, a parade if you know of one, or a town celebration, but do one better and check that all off at Walmart. You can even grab a case of your favorite cold ones, whatever that might be. 

​4. If you insist on going to the beach to be like everyone else, whether that's in the Lakes Region or on the Seacoast, go in the early morning. When I write early, I mean before six. Avoid the crowds, walk the beach, especially at Rye Harbour, where only the locals venture. If you are even more ambitious, Long Sands in York is an incredible find with great views and atmosphere. My personal favorite might be Newcastle, or well, shhh, don't tell anyone, but Lubec, Maine. Yes, it's worth the drive, especially if you want to escape for this holiday weekend.

5. The most essential thing to do is to have some ice cream. I don't care where you get some, whether it's at Walmart, where you can buy a half gallon of Friendly's ice cream, or if you want to go old school and head to Memories in Kingston, New Hampshire, or any mom-and-pop ice cream vendor.  Come to think of it, I would say be reckless and do a mini golf tournament. Start in Alton Bay, play the home course, head to Weir's Beach for another round or two (avoid the indoor course at Fun Spot), and hit the Pirate's Cove one on the Meredith line after you play the somewhat challenging course across from what used to be Surf Coaster. I'm still mad about that place closing... Anyway, after you play all these roads, there are plenty of options for ice cream, soft serve, or hard. 

What do you think? Are these some good tips? Do you have any better ideas? 

​-JFK

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