The Linda Letters by Gabriel O'Sullivan: Charlestown, Claremont, N.H. and points west into Vermont and chowing down at Burdicks in Walpole, N.H.

14 October 2021

1039

R. Linda:

On the other side of the state (westerly that is), there are scenic by-ways, the old one-lane highways that were the main drag until the larger, newer highways were made that cross the state of New Hampshire. This was so the tourists could get to where they were going faster. These old highways are extremely scenic. Lots of small farms with red barns you come across over a rise, covered bridges along the Connecticut River, woodlands galore, and the Green Mountains of Vermont just on the other side of the river Connecticut, just beautiful to see.

Fall road travelling through Temple, southern N.H.

If one travels northwest to Claremont, New Hampshire, one travels through the small towns of Antrim, Windsor, Hillsborough, Washington, and Unity. These are tiny town centres, if you blink you will miss them, but truly a beautiful ride.

The wind turbines in Antrim

Claremont be the only "city" in Sullivan County, New Hampshire. If you want to experience an old mill town, this is it. Claremont has everything Nashua, New Hampshire has, but on a smaller scale and it is sandwiched in the mountains, so the views are 360. The Sugar River runs through it into the Connecticut River. Views of Vermont just across the Connecticut River are some of the best of the Green Mountains from the New Hampshire side.

Looking towards Vermont's Green Mountains

Any trip to the western side of New Hampshire should include lunch at Burdick's Restaurant in Walpole. It is French cuisine, you need reservations, and it is delicious fare. The pastries aren't bad either. Next door you'll find Burdick's Homemade Chocolates and around Halloween there be an assortment of white chocolate ghosts and a dark chocolate haunted house. I always buy Halloween chocolates for the kiddos when I am by.

Leaving Walpole, one will travel north to Charleston. There you will find Fort #4. This place was the northwesternmost village of the English colonies. Located in the Connecticut River valley and alongside the Connecticut River, you will find the reconstructed fort, complete with reenactments to educate you and the kiddos. Inside, you will find living history as you walk the grounds and the buildings. It is a grand time for a family outing and this we have done several times. If you go in late October, you may find yourself on your own as the reenactments go throughout the summer. Oh, and for the ladies, there is a gift shop, which the kiddos will like more than the ladies, so bring your wallet.

A barn at Fort #4

One of the lovely things about New Hampshire, and probably why so many fellow Brits have settled here, is the number of bogs. Yes, R. Linda, there are bogs everywhere. and they are very scenic too! Me Da loved the bogs and would call them out as we drove anywhere in New Hampshire, which means he never shut up.

Look how pretty this bog be? This one is located in Brookline, N.H.

Another view for all the bog lovers out there

On the west side of New Hampshire, there are a wealth of covered bridges that cross over into Vermont. Actually, covered bridges are to be found all over the state. Here be one in Brookline, N.H. which is located in south-central New Hampshire.

This one be blocked off so only foot traffic can cross it

If you are in the western part of the state, do cross over into Vermont. I had crossed over at Bellows Falls which was a strange sight. It is mostly rock and water, with an old mill flavour to it. But as you travel north on the other side of the Connecticut River, there be fall beauty all around.

The Connecticut River (that be New Hampshire you are looking at from the Vermont side)

As you travel north you will come upon that Mecca that elders love, the Vermont Country Store. Yes, me Mam and Da spent literally hours inside that place and bought almost everything inside it!

The Vermont Country store - Virginia it does exist!

The store is packed with STUFF, and PEOPLE, no matter the season it seems always crowded when we visit, so you have to know it be a biggy with the Q Tip crowd. While the kiddos and I waited for the old couple AND the wife, we roamed the grounds. There was a covered bridge called the Kissing Bridge, which had a lot of smacky lips sounds going on compliments the kiddos being silly. There is a mill, but I don't know if it works.