As a kid, the half-mile stroll to a small pond in the state park near my house felt like a million-mile trek. But as my legs grew longer and my patience developed, soon I could get there in 10 minutes or less.
For me, the allure of hiking lies somewhere between the soothing fresh air kissing my lungs and the crunch of leaves and sticks underfoot. Maybe it’s the rustling treetops in the slight breeze or the sing-song serenade of the birds flitting overhead.
Last weekend, for example, I hiked Franconia Ridge, stayed at an AMC hut, and, upon returning home, hit the trails of Mount Major the next day. Yes, my legs were sore, but I can’t get enough of the outdoors.
Perfectly enough, Saturday marks the monthly group hike for the Concord Trails subcommittee. Head to the Jim Hill Riverwalk at 10 a.m. for a guided adventure and a good time guaranteed. The Riverwalk can be found as part of Lehtinen Park Trails. The free hike should last approximately two hours.
Backing up a couple steps, Thursday evening (7/16) offers a neat opportunity to celebrate all things book-related at Gibson’s Bookstore, where “The New Yorker” cartoonist Harry Bliss will be in conversation with the founders of the NH Book Festival.
And there’s an added bonus!
“Immortalize your beloved pet in ‘The New Yorker’ magazine or syndicated publication,” the event description reads. “‘The New Yorker’ illustrator and NHBF enthusiast Harry Bliss and acclaimed comedian Steve Martin (yes: the Steve Martin!) will render your pet and feature it in one of their collaborative cartoons. The winner will receive a print of the cartoon signed by Bliss and Martin and an autographed copy of Bliss’s new memoir, “You Can Never Die.” Market Value: $2,500.
If you donate $500 or more, you will automatically be entered into the raffle for this prize. Donations of $1,000 or more buy people three chances to win. The drawing will take place at the event’s start at 5:30 p.m.
Also on Thursday is a concert on the lawn at the Pierce Manse in Concord, the historic home of President Franklin Pierce.
Taking the stage at 7 p.m., “Nevers’ Second Regiment Band is the Capital City’s professional community band, dedicated to bringing an annual series of summer concerts to the greater Concord area and throughout the state,” the event states. “Its compound name derives from its military affiliation with the Second Regiment of the New Hampshire National Guard in the late 1800’s and direction for more than half a century by Claremont cornetist, Arthur Nevers. The band also has links to the Civil War Band of 1861 that accompanied the Third New Hampshire Regiment to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Throughout its years of service, Nevers’ Band has remained a professional civilian community band, but its military origins have always flavored its history and traditions.”
If you come from 5:30-6:30 p.m., you can even participate in an ice cream social and open house ahead of the concert.
Another event for you this weekend:
Disability Pride is returning to Concord as a celebration of people with disabilities throughout the Granite State. The parade and festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and center around the theme of “Every Body, Every Mind” to celebrate “the full diversity within the disability community: visible and invisible disabilities, physical and cognitive differences, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and mental health,” according to the description.
Geared toward the whole family, the event aims to uplift the voices and experiences of people with disabilities of every background, the description adds. There will be a parade downtown, a festival with different organizations present, a speaker program, music and more.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
