Book Review - Best New Hampshire Drives
14 Tours in the Granite State
Best New Hampshire Drives
Authors: Kay and Bill Scheller
Number of Pages: 288
Publisher: Jasper Heights Pr; Revised edition (June 2001)
ISBN-10: 0967268222
ISBN-13: 978-0967268224

If you want to a good feel for the character of New Hampshire, you’ll want to pick up a copy of this book. Inside are 14 tours, representing some of what the authors feel to be the best in the state.

Reading this book is like touring the state with a couple of knowledgeable locals. Kay and Bill, long-time residents of New Hampshire, are chatty guides, regaling you with nuggets of history about each area, plus interesting facts and lore.

Accommodation and dining suggestions are included at the end of each chapter.

Here’s a tidbit from the book. Why can't you drive to eight of New Hampshire’s most celebrated overnight accommodations? (Find the answer on page 250 in the book. OK, OK...or check the bottom of this page.*)

I have to thank Marilyn at the Candlelite Inn for recommending this book. After I purchased the book at the inn and read through it, I found that there was a Potter’s Place not too far from where we were staying. The town was named after a magician named Richard Potter, which just happens to also be my dad’s name, so of course I had to go check it out.

I also learned more about the Lake Winnipesaukee region, an area I’ve trekked across many times and thought I knew pretty well. I found several new places that I’d like to visit the next time I travel there.

One place is Stonedam Island Wildlife Preserve, the largest undeveloped island on the lake. Another place I’d like to visit is Lost River, located in the White Mountains. A series of caves and a gorge that hides the river from sight were forged by an ancient glacier.

Whether you’re planning to actually visit the Granite State, or just want to explore from your armchair, you’ll get a good feel for the state from this book. Just a warning though - after you read Best New Hampshire Drives, it might be difficult stay in that chair.

**The answer to the trivia question above: The Appalachian Mountain Club's eight huts are located on hiking trails in the White Mountains, and aren't accessible by car.