Best of NH 2018 Shops & Services

Think of this as the ultimate guide to retail therapy. Plus, get excellent recommendations for services that range from pet groomers to fitness.

June 12, 2018

New Hampshire Magazine Staff,

Curl up with a good book at The Bookery in Manchester, our Editor’s Pick for New Book Store. Photo by Alex Tourigny

Composting: Recycling has seen its ups and downs over the years based on demand for our castoffs from places like China, but the latest trend in recycling keeps things close to home. When you contract with Mr. Moo’s Compost to take away your kitchen and yard waste, once a year they provide you with a big bucket of black, rich compost to deposit on your own vegetable or flower beds. They only serve the Manchester area at this time, but the curbside pickup makes the process tidy and painless for the user. And your gardens (and the Earth) will thank you.

Farm Market: Moulton Farm in Meredith is truly a one-stop shop for the grocery shopper looking to make a healthy, locally inspired dinner or to take one home. Find Sal’s super-fresh seafood, produce of all kinds from the fields, and sweets and breads baked onsite. The farm kitchen prepares entrées and side dishes to grab and go. On weekends, look for Cider Bellies’ plump cider donuts and grab a bagful. The party continues with farm-to-table brunches held monthly throughout the season and brunches on Sunday.

Flavored Oils: Cucina Aurora’s flavored oils start with a good olive oil, which is rare in the industry. Based in Salem, owner Dawn Hunt has made cooking at home easy with her naturally flavored oils that bring a bit of magic to each and every dish. Flavor enhancements include a taste of lemon, rosemary, and oregano, roasted garlic, peppercorn and sage and sundried tomato. It’s not hard to think of dishes that would be enhanced with a flavor boost from Cucina Aurora.

Legacy Ski Shop: It’s billed as “America’s Oldest Ski Shop” and considering NH’s role in the early days of the sport, that’s believable. Lahout’s in Littleton (with a second shop in Lincoln) is serious about having the best equipment for any day skiing the slopes (or the backcountry), but the quirky sense of style and humor of second-generation owner, Joe Lahout, is in evidence as well. Lahout died last year after spending most of a century in the business, but his son and grandson carry on, know how to treat customers, and remember most of the stories, so the Lahout’s legacy lives on.

New Book Store: Everything is perfect at The Bookery in Manchester, from the uniquely curated book selection to the welcoming, peaceful atmosphere to the homemade donuts with your choice of dipping glaze. Grab a book, a bowl of alphabet soup or a cup of tea, and get comfortable by the “fireplace” in one of their cozy armchairs. You’ll never want to leave.