I think it’s fair to say that a lot of Granite Staters have a love-hate relationship with winter.

On one hand, our state has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation — skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating — much of which is accessible without having to travel far. And there aren’t many places more beautiful in winter than New Hampshire with snow-laden trees and idyllic landscapes.

There’s also much to take in away from the elements like art shows, concerts and theater. During the holiday season especially, the Capital Region shows up big time with seasonal classics like The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol (more about all of the holidays shows and performances inside) craft fairs, businesses that have been a mainstay for decades and coffee shops and restaurants galore.

On the other hand, there are plenty of struggles that come with the snow (and the sleet and the ice) like the chore of clearing cars for the morning commute, shoveling the driveway, and keeping the house warm when the temperature drops. Some days it’s easy to let this view of the winter season win out.

But another thing that a lot of Granite Staters have in common is grit. People of strong character are built in New Hampshire, and that’s something to be proud of. We fight through the tough parts of winter to be able to enjoy the fun and the beauty of the season. Like, getting up far too early on a winter morning to make it to the mountain in time for first tracks. And with a reputation like that, who can’t take on a little wintry mix?

In this edition of Around Concord, you’ll get the whole gamut of the wonders that winter in the Capital Region has to offer. Whether you spend your season out and about (fancy giving curling a go?) or prefer to stay cozy and watch the snow fall from your living room window (why not try your hand at a custom cocktail?) make this season your own with all that Concord has to offer.

Allie Ginwala
Around Concord magazine