Best of NH 2023 Shops & Services
In need of some retail therapy? Looking for someone to board your pet while you're away? Find unique gift shops, garden centers, clothiers and even a personal beer guide on this year's Best of NH Shops and Services list
Editor’s Picks
Vintage Fashion
A lovely little vintage clothing store, Hello Again on Dover’s Central Avenue plucks the quirky and quixotic from the past and makes it new once more. Jackets, jeans, sweaters and vintage tees galore, Hello Again hand-tags each item with a small description, explaining from what aesthetic and era each piece derives. Driving by the storefront, animal-mask-clad mannequins posing in the display window — sporting vintage thrifty outfits, of course — are sure to catch your eye. The great selection inside will keep you coming back. instagram.com/hello_again_dover
North Country Outpost
“My folks visited Pittsburg, New Hampshire and all I got was this lousy T-shirt” would not be a popular fashion statement, so Up North Trading Company in Pittsburg has upped its “top of the World of New Hampshire” marketing game with home décor, apparel, candles, dog bandanas, camp signs (like their Indian Stream Republic longitude and latitude coordinates sign) and gifty stuff for everyone. This sweet little shop on Main Street is owned and run by a mother/daughter-in-law team, proving that in our North Country people stick together for the greater good. upnorthtrade.com
Personal Beer Tour Guide
Bill is an award-winning trivia host and Alli is a professional musician, which makes them the perfect tour guides to take you and your friends around the local craft beer scene in the Manchvegas Brew Bus. They offer private and customizable four-hour tours around New Hampshire breweries, wineries, distilleries and meaderies complete with pretzel necklaces and snacks to enjoy as you travel around. manchvegasbrewbus.com
Vehicle Storage
Even for car lovers, vehicle storage is not a sexy topic, but in a four-season state with vast regions of land, lake and sea to explore (by powered vehicle), it can be a hot commodity. Along with car collectors’ restored road machines of bygone ages to keep pristene, there are countless types of seasonal vehicles, boats, bikes, ORVs etc. in New Hampshire. Vault Motor Storage in Merrimack and Belmont is designed to store them all efficiently and safely in a secure, indoor and heated facility. On-site detailing services are also available. vaultmotorstorage.com
Eclectic Finds & Nostalgia Trip
Billed as “eclectic and affordable art for the masses,” BAD ART in Littleton is truly — and we cannot express truly enough — a unique spot. Jaunting through the spilled-over shop aisles is what entering Jimi Hendrix’s garage must’ve felt like. Cassettes, vinyl, boomboxes, quirky local art and as many baubles as the eye can see, the old soul with a knack for the far-out will feel right at home. facebook.com/BADARTGALLERY
Beatnik Bookstore
Sheafe Street Books in Portsmouth is what an indie bookstore should aspire to be: a labor of love and intellectual curiosity. This one-man-shop run by Ken Kozick, who lives in the second-floor apartment above the store, specializes in Beat-era literature, simply because that’s what Ken enjoys. But his selection extends way beyond Beatnik; Sheafe Street features a surprising range given its small space, including new, popular hardcovers, New England authors and a thoughtful curation of cookbooks — not to mention first-editions, old paperbacks and other rare versions of beloved classics and lesser-known gems alike. Take your time perusing the charmingly-crooked, overflowing shelves, and you might even spot Petunia (Ken’s cat) darting through the aisles. bookshop.org/shop/sheafestreet
Analog Heaven
The digital revolution shows no signs of slowing down, but the human brain is still, essentially, an analog contraption that prefers atoms to electrons. This may explain the resurgence of popularity for vinyl records (and magazines you hold in your hands) and for the existence of Photo Retro of Amherst. Aspiring to be the “destination and source for film and analog photography,” Photo Retro provides darkrooms, studios, classes, supplies and a gallery, all to promote the art and science of “real” photography using film and paper and the economy of vision that was once required before you could take a gazillion images at every single event. (Analog film rolls often only held only 24 exposures – can you believe it?) photoretro.biz
Forever Youngsters
The Baby Boom was born with the moves to shake things up and that’s remained the case even while new generations (from X to Z) have lined up to take the generational reins. Now these “movers and shakers” are transforming the realms of senior living options. Best case example: our Lakes Region’s Taylor Community. This retooling of the concept of continuing care works both ways. They provide increased focus on the concerns of aging as residents live longer while also reconnecting seniors to the meaningful joys of their younger years with activities that don’t just entertain but challenge them to experience new growth and learning. Along with fully equipped fitness centers and an on-site pub, Taylor encourages such peak experiences as a Mt.Washington climb in June and their new outdoor pavilion draws townies as well as residents for entertainment, outdoor activities and al fresco dining. Maybe the beat really does go on. taylorcommunity.org
Branded Clothing
The Chaos and Kindness store in Laconia declares that they sell “the softest hoodies and t-shirts” but the F-word messaging on some of them might seem a little harsh. But that’s only for those who don’t “get” the Chaos and Kindness scene of human empowerment. Led by the same crew that brought you the Recycled Percussion shows (that sell out, predictably, wherever they are staged), Chaos and Kindness lives up to its three-word mission statement by showing that, even in this mad world, each person, no matter how humble or dysfunctional, has a stake and can make a positive difference. chaosandkindness.store
Haberdashery
A visit to a haberdashery was once a right of passage as a youngster matured and needed a suitable set of fashionable garments to wear into the frays of career and courtship. While things have changed — with T-shirts and dungarees now accepted even at church functions — Britches of Concord carries on the grand traditions. And they’ve done so now for two solid generations. Owner Ray Boucher learned the trade from his dad and grandfather, and the store continues to counsel customers and sell measure-to-wear suits for men (and women) along with professional attire, fine caual clothes and sportswear. britchesconcord.com
Big Green Fashion
When the Dartmouth Ski Team had beautiful custom merino ski sweaters made for them by the New Hampshire business Delaine, they immediately became objects of desire for friends of the Dartmouth Ski Team and alumni. So, Delaine made them available to such insiders via a hidden page on their website. But it turns out we can all show our appreciation for the presence of Dartmouth’s Ivy League glory in our state if we choose, so we’re revealing the link to that “secret” page, below. Just don’t try to bluff a real Dartmouth grad by claiming alumni status unless you know the secret handshake and password. skidelaine.com/dartmouth
Readers’ Poll
Antique or Vintage Shop
Antiques on Elm
Manchester
www.antiquesonelmmanchester.com
★★★★★★★
Automotive Group
Grappone Automotive Group
Concord
www.grappone.com
★★★★★★★
Barbershop
Homegrown Barber Co.
Londonderry
www.homegrownbarber.com
★★★★★★★
Beer Store
The Beer Store
Manchester and Hooksett
www.thepackienh.com
★★★★★★★
Bicycle Shop
Gus’ Bike Shop
North Hampton
www.gusbike.com
Bicycle Shop Multilocation Local
Trek Bicycle
Hooksett, Concord and Nashua
www.trekbikes.com
★★★★★★★
Caterer
Celebrations Distinctive Catering
Manchester
www.celebrationsmenu.com
★★★★★★★
CBD Shop
Clearly Balanced Days
Belmont
www.clearlybalanceddays.com
★★★★★★★
Cigar Shop
Twins Smoke Shop & Lounge
Londonderry and Hooksett
www.twinssmokeshop.com
★★★★★★★
Comic Book Store
Double Midnight Comics
Manchester
www.dmcomics.com
★★★★★★★
Day Spa (Tie)
Innovations The Salon & Spa
Merrimack
www.innovationsnh.com
The Wingate Salon & Spa
Stratham
www.wingatespa.com
★★★★★★★
Event Venue (Large)
LaBelle Winery
Amherst & Derry
www.labellewinery.com
★★★★★★★
Event Venue (Small)
Castle in the Clouds
Moultonborough
www.castleintheclouds.org
★★★★★★★
Farmstand
Lull Farm
Hollis and Milford
www.livefreeandfarm.com
★★★★★★★
Florist
Ford Flower Co.
Salem
www.fordflower.com
★★★★★★★
Formal Dress Shop
Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal
Portsmouth
www.madeleinesdaughter.com
★★★★★★★
Garden Center
Wentworth Greenhouses & Garden Center
Rollinsford
www.wentworthgreenhouses.com
★★★★★★★
Hair Salon (Special Occasion)
Salon Bogar
Londonderry
www.salonbogar.com
★★★★★★★
Hair Salon (Tie)
Cassandra Salon & Spa
Nashua
www.cassandrasalon.com
Salon Bogar
Londonderry
www.salonbogar.com
★★★★★★★
Home Décor Shop
Junction 71
Merrimack
www.junction71.business.site
★★★★★★★
Independent Bookstore
Gibson’s Bookstore
Concord
www.gibsonsbookstore.com
Independent Bookstore Multilocation Local
Toadstool Bookshops
Peterborough and Keene
www.toadbooks.com
★★★★★★★
Independently Owned Fitness Center
Drive Custom Fit
Salem
www.drivecustomfit.com
Invitations
Gus & Ruby Letterpress
Portsmouth
www.gusandruby.com
★★★★★★★
Jeweler
Bellman Jewelers
Manchester
www.bellmans.com
★★★★★★★
Jeweler for Engagement Ring
Bellman Jewelers
Manchester
www.bellmans.com
★★★★★★★
Kid’s Clothing Shop
M&C Clothing and Gifts
Amherst
www.mcclothingandgifts.com
★★★★★★★
Medical Spa
Ariya Aesthetics
Bedford
www.ariyamedspa.com
★★★★★★★
Men’s Clothing Shop
George’s Apparel
Manchester
www.georgesapparel.com
★★★★★★★
Outfitter/Guide Service
Redline Guiding
Intervale
www.redlineguiding.com
★★★★★★★
Pet Boarding
Pawquet’s Play & Stay
Londonderry
www.pawquetsplaystay.com
★★★★★★★
Pet Groomer
Mac & Copper’s Pet Supply Outlet
Portsmouth
www.macandcoppers.com
★★★★★★★
Pet Supplies Store
Four Your Paws Only
North Conway
www.fouryourpawsonly.com
★★★★★★★
Pet Training
No Monkey Business Dog Training
Concord
www.nomonkeybusinessdogtraining.com
★★★★★★★
Resort/Hotel Spa
Spa at Omni Mount Washington
Bretton Woods
www.brettonwoods.com/activities/spa/overview
★★★★★★★
Secondhand Clothing Shop
M&C Clothing and Gifts
Amherst
www.mcclothingandgifts.com
★★★★★★★
Ski Shop
Ken Jones Ski Mart
Manchester
www.kenjonesskimart.com
★★★★★★★
Tattoo Parlor
Arrows and Embers
Concord
www.arrowsandemberstattoo.com
★★★★★★★
Toy Store
Willikers! Toys & Books
Portsmouth
www.g-willikers-books-toys.myshopify.com
★★★★★★★
Wine Shop
Wine on Main
Concord
www.wineonmainnh.com
★★★★★★★
Women’s Clothing Shop
Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co.
Concord
www.gondwanaclothing.com
★★★★★★★
Yoga Studio
Humble Warrior Yoga
Manchester
www.humblewarriorpoweryoga.com
