Thursday, September 13, 2012

From Pickles to Schnitzels: Harvest Festivals in the Monadnock Region

Fall foliage is at its peak around Columbus Day (and the weekend after). But the weeks leading up to “leaf peeping” are quite special in the Monadnock Region. The days are pleasant, nights are cool (bring along your sweater!) and harvest festivals are in full swing.

Along with artist tours, there are several other notable festivals in the region in September and early October – before the “peeping” crowd descends. And the variety of festivals are remarkable – from pickles to schnitzels!

So, mark your calendars, book your room at one of our beautiful B&Bs or inns, and enjoy this relatively quiet season.

Sept. 15-16 (Sat., Sun., starts at 4 p.m.)
Antrim’s Home and Harvest Festival
Antrim, N.H.
This is a traditional New England harvest festival that features art and crafts, a “home grown” parade, fireworks, kids’ games, live music and a lot of food. There’s also a skateboard race and slalom championship.

Sept. 22 (Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Marlborough Madness Festival
Marlborough, N.H.
This town-wide event features food (lots of it and so many different kinds – from BBQ chicken to vegetarian fare) and tons of yard sales. There’s a 5K race starts at 9 a.m.

Sept. 22 (Sat., starts at 5 p.m.)
Fall Harvest Celebration and Potluck
Tracie’s Community Farm
Fitzwilliam, N.H.
Bring your favorite potluck dish! There’s a band and a chance to pick your own pumpkins.

Sept. 22 (Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Winchester Pickle Festival
Winchester, N.H.
This is an old-fashioned town fair with a focus on pickles, of course! Enjoy a downtown parade unlike anything you have seen before – with pickle-themed floats and costumes. There’s also an arts and crafts fair, lots of food (and free pickles), and free entertainment.

Sept. 23 (Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Ultimate Harvest Challenge
Stonewall Farm
Keene, N.H.
A combination of the summer Olympics and Highland Games – except that you’ll be on a farm doing farm chores and tasks. A fun and challenging romp for adult and their kids.

Sept. 29 (Sat., noon-5 p.m.)
10th Annual Schnitzelfest
Hillsborough, N.H.
Visit downtown Hillsborough the last Saturday of September for the most authentic German food outside of Germany. Try some schnitzels (breaded or grilled), bratwurst, wieners, homemade German potato salad, beer, wine and more. Live “um-pah” bands, music, crafters and more.

Sept. 29-30 (Sat., Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
4th Annual Farm Family Fun Days
Crescendo Acres
Surry, N.H.
Join the farmers of Crescendo Acres for two days of fun and education on the farm … sheep shearing, felting and knitting demonstrations, sugarhouse tours, live honey bee observation hive, farm tours, refreshments and more. Visit with the farm’s alpacas, miniature horses and the visiting sheep, goats, honey bees and rabbits.

Oct. 7 (Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Local Food Festival
Thayer Public Library
Ashuelot Village, N.H.
A celebration of the local farms in the village of Ashuelot and town of Winchester. Live music, food sampling and more. For more information contact: Julia Ferrari at 603-239-6830 or Harriet Charland 603-239-6521.

No comments:

Post a Comment