Henniker and Daniel's Pub

Henniker is a quiet little college town in central NH.  Home of New England College, a thriving arts population and people who care about their community this town is a worthwhile stop during foliage season.  On October 2nd The Spirit of Henniker Organizational Team (affectionately known as S.H.O.T) and New England College will host Music on Main Street from 9 - 4PM.  There will be live bands, an antique car show and kids games for families.  It sounds like an opportunity to have some fun as you take a recommended drive through some of the most beautiful roads in New Hampshire.  My recent visit took me into Henniker at lunch time and wanting something better than pizza, I found a nice little restaurant and pub named Daniel's.  Overlooking the Contookook River, the dining room is clean and well staffed.  I had the french onion soup with a side salad, while my other half chose a hamburger with cheddar cheese.  The food was piping hot when it arrived, perfectly cooked (though the burger and fried potatoes portions were huge) and delicious.  Our wait staff was attentive without being intrusive and knowledgable about the menu.  I look forward to returning to Daniel's Restaurant and Pub on my next visit to Henniker, perhaps I'll see some of you there! -AMA
The Colors of Fall: A Celebration of New England's Foliage Season Recommended Country Inns New England, 19th (Recommended Country Inns Series)

Fuller Gardens

The Organic Rose Garden

Roses are my favorite flower, so every year I head to Fuller Gardens. These gardens are all that remain of Governor Fuller's fine estate on Little Boar's Head in North Hampton. Each year a section of the garden reveals itself to me.  Unusual rose varieties, a restored fountain or new sculpture provide a pleasant surprise. The roses are a big draw here, with over one hundred varieties to view, people come to see the color explode in summer. When you walk into the gardens the warm raspberry smell of these roses is almost overwhelming. Perenials are mixed in here and there. Cosmos and morning glories surround the well, while beds of dahlias with sunflowers guard the conservatory.  Inside the conservatory are tropical blooms, a variety of cacti and a tranquil pond with gently flowing water. Statues and strategically placed benches enhance the sense that an artist created this place. While the flowers and roses in the gardens are extraordinary, one of my favorite spots is the little Japanese garden. Beautiful and quiet it's an absolute oasis on a hot day. Sitting among the red cedars, with the water fall and bamboo fountain gently rocking behind you, for a moment you get a sense of perfect peace. Plan to arrive when the gardens open at 10 for quiet enjoyment, after 10:30 until closing at 5:30 the gardens bustle with activity. A sign on 1A directs tourists to the garden. Cost of admission is $7 for adults.  -AMA

Franconia Notch

Franconia Notch in the White Mountains National Forest is an adventure waiting to happen. Driving through the notch on 93 is an experience not to be missed.  Beautiful mountains on either side of the road, with geological attractions every 1/2 a mile, it can take the whole day if you stop at all of them.  On this trip, I decided to visit the Flume.  The visitors center explains the history of the Flume Gorge and how it was formed by lava, ice and flowing water to become the beautiful landmark it is today.  This is not an easy walk, as it requires the visitor to climb steadily for 7/10's of a mile and then use stairs and boardwalks to reach the top.  Getting up the Flume and being rewarded with the view is well worth the effort-AMAFranconia Notch and the Women Who Saved It (Revisiting New England: the New Regionalism)Old Man on the Mountain', Franconia Notch State Park, NH Photographic Poster Print by Kindra Clineff, 24x32