IN OUR BACKYARD

Is hiking, trail biking, cross country skiing or snow shoeing on your list of favorites? Just step out any door and you are literally looking at it! Trails through the fields and woods behind us pass through the Thompson Farm and Foss Farm and connect to the trails of the College Woods at the University of New Hampshire.

A short walk down our scenic road leads you to the trails of the old Doe Farm and homestead, Packers Falls, Nature Conservancy land, and a little further, Hatch Park at the historic Wiswall Dam. Tread lightly and you may see some of our furry and feathered friends as you make your way down the trail. Thanks to the efforts of UNH and other sponsors, habitat for ruffed grouse and other brush dwelling animals has been created throughout the Thompson and Foss Farms. In our extended backyard we have seen foxes, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons, white tailed deer, an occasional black bear or moose, quail, wild turkeys, pheasant, fishers, opposums, blue heron, osprey, bald eagles, red tailed hawks, woodcock and scores of songbirds.

Out the front door, from our beautiful wrap-around veranda, you will see and hear the rapids of the Lamprey River’s Sullivan Falls calling to all you fishermen, canoe and kayak enthusiasts, and swimmers. The state stocks this designated Wild and Scenic Lamprey River with brook, brown and rainbow trout and is a popular spot for fly fishing. Or if you prefer, take your river craft for a long, lazy ride downriver to Newmarket for a leisurely lunch or around Moat Island to see the turtles and other river critters like beaver, water fowl and an occasional otter.

Need a more exciting ride? See how you fare in the faster water of the Lower Falls. On a hot day, Packers Falls is a nice spot to cool off in the pools of the falls or if you need to get in and really swim, like we do, we have the perfect launching rock for you. Of course, you can also sit, listen and relax on the porch or in the shade of our big old maples with a good book and a glass of wine.

IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Historic Bennett Road meanders along the river and connects with miles of scenic country roads for your walking, biking or driving pleasure. Follow them a few miles to downtown Durham, home of the University of New Hampshire. Go Wildcats! Visit the historic Town Landing on the Oyster River, an early settlement and port where the shallow bottom gundalow was used to take goods in and out through Little Bay, Great Bay and the Piscatiqua River. Parts of this early settlement are still there including the former Woodman-Frost house, now the Three Chimneys Inn, and General John Sullivan House, a private residence. Durham has many opportunities for hiking including the Adams Point Wildlife area and Wagon Hill Farm which also have small craft access to Little and Great Bay.

Or try the Sweet Trail which extends four miles from Longmarsh Road in Durham to the Great Bay Estuary in Newmarket, leading hikers by a remarkable array of upland forests, freshwater wetlands and tidal salt marsh. Newmarket is just a few miles south of us, with its rich mill history and riverfront, quaint downtown with restaurants and shops. If you are seeking entertainment, The Stone Church has an interesting mix of music genres offered with bar and food service.

A golfer? Play at the Rockingham Country Club’s 9 hole public course. And just down the road in Lee, visit the Tasting Room of the Flag Hill Winery and Distillery in Lee, and sample their wine and spirits made on the premises or book a tour. Like antiques? Just minutes away, New Hampshire’s own Antique Alley located in Lee, Northwood, Epsom and Chichester along the old New Hampshire Turnpike, Route 4, offers a multitude of antique/vintage shops as well as other unique shops. You might find just that treasure you have been looking for. Just 20 minutes away, the seaport town of Portsmouth at the mouth of the Piscatiqua River is home to over 50 top notch restaurants, a wide array of musical entertainment and lots of shops featuring fine art, local artisans work, designer one-of-a-kind clothing, and other unique items. See a performance at the historic Music Hall, Seacoast Repertory Theater, Players Ring Theater, or Prescott Park or attend one of the many outdoor special events. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers cruises to the Isles of Shoals, around the harbor and up the Piscataqua River.

Visit Strawberry Banke, a restored village, one of many museums offering a glimpse into the past of this thriving seacoast town. For you shoppers, cross the bridge from downtown Portsmouth into Maine and find the Kittery Outlet Malls. New Hampshire’s eleven mile coastline, a mixture of picturesque rocky shoreline and sandy beaches, is packed with opportunities for fun. Relax, take a dip, surf, or walk on the beach. Explore Odiorne Point and the Seacoast Science Center in Rye. Take a charter boat out for whale watching or deep sea fishing. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many wonderful restaurants.

Attend a concert at the historic Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. Golf at one of many public courses in the seacoast area. Walk among the flowers of Fuller Gardens in North Hampton, a beautiful turn of the century estate garden. All less than 30 minutes away!

LINKS:

Durham Recreation Areas
(Doe Farm, Packers Falls, Nature Conservancy , Hatch Park at the historic Wiswall Dam, Town Thompson and Foss FarmsLanding on the Oyster River, Adams Point Wildlife area ,Wagon Hill Farm , the Sweet Trail)

Rockingham Country Club Flag Hill Winery

Seacoast golf courses

UNH Ruffed grouse habitat

Wild and Scenic Lamprey River

Three Chimneys Inn

Stone Church Antique Alley

Portsmouth

Isles of Shoals Steamship Company

Strawberry Banke

Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

Odiorne Point and Seacoast Science Center

Charter Boats for fishing, whalewatching

Kittery Outlets Fuller Gardens

Newmarket NH