Cast Away

Featured Shop – Hanover Outdoors • Hanover.Remember the feel and sound of your first cast with a new fishing rod? A smooth cast, a couple of clicks and a bait box full of anticipation. You’re sure the day will land you the big one.Hanover Outdoors, 17 1/2 Lebanon St., Hanover, is known for fly fishing, outdoor gear and clothes. But, because it is located along the Appalachian Trail, it is also a destination for serious hikers. Store manager Steve Cole says the shop is a great social meeting place for hikers and anglers to tell tall tales.Most people know Hanover Outdoors as a premier fly fishing shop, so why take on hikers? We have expanded and changed locations over the years. We’re thrilled to be on Lebanon Street because it is one of the few places the Appalachian Trail comes through a real town. We’ll see 400 to 500 through hikers this summer and we offer them our address so they can send themselves packages to replenish supplies. It’s a great meeting spot. At the same time, we have our anglers who have been with us for years.What is more popular, fly fishing or spinning? Fly fishing over the years has had a reputation for being a rich man’s sport, but that has changed. For as little as $159 we can get you set up with all you need. We’ll even give you a map that shows what fish are running and where.What is the seduction of fly fishing? It’s a challenge. You have the physical aspect of casting and walking in a stream and then you need to understand entomology. You have to observe insect life and use a fly that imitates the flies you see on the water.Hooray for the Red, White and BlueFlag-Works over America, 6 North Main St., Concord, bursts with pride and patriotism. American flags, state flags, flags from around the world, sports team flags and even custom-made flags can all be found here. The biggest seller is the 3′ x 5′ American flag for homes or cottages, made of nylon with sewn stripes and embroidered stars ($32.95). Small little flags for parades are 40 cents. Flagpoles come in many varieties and prices. Trivia: If you watch the Boston Pops, the American flag behind the orchestra was made at Flag-Works; also, an American Flag for a Bruce Springsteen tour was also custom made here. For more information, visit www.flag-works.com or call (603) 225-2530.Play Before FireworksEased Edges, 12 Court St., Laconia begins its first full summer at its new location, now filled with so many toys for grownups and kids that you’ll want to check your credit limit before you go. Wooden miniature playhouses, castles or Victorian cottages are perfect for back yards and run $1,500 and up. Screened-in gazebos, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs are best-sellers. Barbecue fans come here for the Big Green Egg, a ceramic kamado-style cooker that can grill, smoke and even bake. Available in several sizes ($500 and up) the versatility of this cooker makes grilling an “egg-ceptional” experience. Hotter than fireworks, Eased Edges has all you need to celebrate independence. Visit www.easededges.com or call (603) 524 8090. Flip Out for Buffalo BurgersPop in to Yankee Farmer’s Market, 360 Rte.103, Warner, for what might be a life-changing event. Here is where you’ll find New Hampshire’s own buffalo farm featuring an assortment of naturally raised meats, including buffalo, venison, elk, ostrich, pork, turkey and chicken. Sales Manager Eric Emery will have you convinced a diet of buffalo meat will have you losing pounds. All meats come in a variety of cuts, just like beef. Try Wild Bill’s Buffalo BBQ ($97.95), which includes 32 buffalo burgers, eight buffalo sausages, two racks of buffalo back ribs and 12 buffalo hot dogs. Grazing animals are fun to watch. Visit www.yankeefarmersmarket.com or call (603) 456-2833.Flavorful FourthSweet Kathy’s Candy Store, 67 Main St., Plymouth, is the place to head after a night of fireworks. Look for 41 ice cream flavors, sprinkles, crushed cookies, milk shakes, floats and sundaes ($6.75). Try the Plymouth State sundae (you’ll have to guess the ingredients; just know that 50 cents of each sale goes to the PSU scholarship fund). Owners are sisters Susan Messinger and Paula Douglas, who occasionally commutes from Buffalo, N.Y., which is why this store is stocked with hard-to-find and hard-to-forget candies from western New York. Look for orange chocolate, sponge candy and Crystal Beach lollipops ($1.99). There’s a touching story behind the store’s name. Visit www.sweetkathyscandy.com or call (603) 536-4850.