Plymouth’s Back Yard

Every fall, thousands of tourists cross the border into New Hampshire and Vermont to scope out the scenery as the leaves change on the White and Green Mountains. This weekend, I traveled north on Route 3, with $60 in my pocket, compliments of The Clock, to find out what tourists can do just up the road from our very own home. The first place I stopped was Livermore Falls. Always a peaceful place, the scenery at this time of year is beautiful, and there were hardly any other people around. There were multiple opportunities for great photos here, and I used half of the camera I had been given. My second stop was a small red school house in West Campton. The New Hampshire Home Craft Shop, originally built in 1878 as a school house, was purchased by the New Hampshire home craft co-operation in 1962. It is a craft store run by volunteers (two very pleasant older ladies on the day I was there). The store is an outlet for local craftsmen. Any resident of the state, or a property owner who spends the summer in New Hampshire, is eligible to have their crafts sold here. The store is non-profit, and they keep only a portion of each sale to keep the store running. The craftsmen get about 75% of the sale price. The store is open seasonally, from Fathers Day to Columbus Day. During the season, it is open daily from 9:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. The Craft Shop is only three rooms, but every time I walked around, I noticed different things, including baby clothes, rugs, woodwork of all kinds, quilts, crochet and knitted scarves and hats, jellies, jewelry, ceramics, and a multitude of other things. This was one of the highlights of my trip, and an excellent way to showcase and support local talent. Here I purchased a light switch cover with an autumn scene painted on it for $10, and a magnet with dried flowers on it for $4. My next stop was the Woodstock Country Store and Hardware. This is your typical small town general store, selling everything from hammers and beer, to diapers and food. This store had the most information about local attractions than any other place I stopped at. Here I purchased a gummy eyeball candy for 50¢. I was the only customer in the store for the 15 minutes I was inside. There are a multitude of cottages and resorts all along Route 3, such as the Jack O’ Lantern Golf Resort. This place had attractive cottages lined up beside a small, probably man-made lake, with an extensive golf course behind it. The mountain view behind the resort is most likely one of the focal points for tourists, with purple pointed mountains rising in the distance. Soon after the golf resort, I passed the White Mountain Moor Sports Park, which did not appear open at the time I was there. There is a small race track, which is probably an active scene on the weekends for local drivers. There is also a racing store here that sells memorabilia from famous NASCAR drivers. Next I arrived on Main Street in North Woodstock, an area with many shops and free parking along both sides of the road, and many cross-walks; very inviting to tourists. First I stopped for gas, then parked to investigate the small shops. There were a lot of people all about this area, families, young couples, singles, and elderly. The first place I stopped was Thru The Artist’s Eye, a fine art gallery that specializes in local photographers, and custom framing. This store had a variety of photography, paintings, and mirrors. Most of the photos were originals, and very pricey, but the talent these artists posses makes the prices understandable. For anyone looking for a custom frame, this is the place to go. There is an entire wall with samples of wood and metal frames of all colors and styles. Here I bought a card with a sunset photo of Lake Winnipesaukee, taken by Lucia Surmik for $1.50. On my way out the door, the smell of food hit me immediately. On my left was the Cascade Coffee House, and to my right, Landmark II, a restaurant specializing in Greek, Italian, and American food. As intriguing as the place seemed, I forced myself past it, knowing I would easily spend the rest of my allowance there. Next I passed the Emporium Candy Shoppe, two different stores, carrying candy, souvenirs, and gifts. I could smell chocolate from the open doorway, and went inside. Here, there is candy for anyone. Mostly chocolates, but candy for the kids as well, such as giant lollipops, Pop Rocks, and giant Pixie Sticks. Here, I bought fresh Rocky Road and Mudslide fudge, and an Amaretto truffle. If you love truffles, this is the place; they carry at least a dozen flavors. I managed somehow to make it out of the Candy Emporium spending $11. Next I went into the Souvenir Emporium. This place had all kinds of souvenir gifts, from shot glasses to salt and pepper shakers, to decorative flags for your garden or house. There were dozens of glass sun catchers and figurines. Me being an avid frog lover, I picked up a figurine of a girl frog reading a book for $2.50. My next stop was Sunburst Trading and Import Company, consisting of two stores. The first was a jewelry store. All the jewelry here is unique, made mostly of glass beads, or polished rocks. Expensive for my taste, but for anyone who loves jewelry, some cool things can be found here. I also witnessed a young shoplifter getting caught with a few pairs of earrings while I was there. Next was the second part of Sunburst Trading and Import Company. From the outside, this is the first place to catch your eye. There are dozens of sun and wind catchers hanging from the porch roof, all of them moving full force. This is a hippy type store, carrying tapestries, incense and burners, and Middle Eastern religious icons of all sorts. Here, I purchased a candle holder designed for tea lights with oriental dragons on it for $5.00. Across the street was Woodstock Candle, selling locally made candles and Yankee Candles. Next door is The Curious Cow, which sells collectibles, kitchen decorations, and yes, cow décor. There were also multiple lodges and restaurants in the area. On my way back to the car, I noticed something I didn’t see on my first two trips by. A white sign read “Cascade Park”, and below it, a railed stairway went down the hill. Down the hill lead to woods and a river. Another sign invited swimmers, but at their own risk. The view here was worth checking out. A huge rock pile led into the middle of a river, and there were already a few people perched there, one family eating dinner. There was a picnic table, and a trail that followed the river north. This quiet area felt like a secret, only a few hundred paces off the road, but almost completely secluded. Had I more time, I would have lingered, but this is an area worth checking out and spending some time at. My entire trip took about four hours, and I was pleasantly surprised by everything I saw. While this past weekend was probably the last for many seasonal stores, and the leaves may be past their peak, remember this article, and check these places out. It makes a great day trip. Having attended Plymouth State for three years, I didn’t even know these places existed, and I feel privileged knowing such beauty and talent is located just outside our back door.