NEW HAMPSHIRE - Merrimack Valley

Whether or not you are a beer aficionado, a visit to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery at 221 Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack is a fun and interesting behind-the-scenes exploration into the brewing industry at it best. Free tours of the brewery include a visit to the Clydesdale Hamlet, home to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. At the Brew Hall, guests discover how the world's greatest beers are carefully crafted using the highest quality ingredients and packaged in a state-of-the-art facility. If you are 21 years of age or older, sample our products in the Hospitality Room. Choose from a variety of brews including our seasonal brands and new products. Phone: 603-595-1202.

A visit to the Anheuser-Busch brewery on Daniel Webster Highway in Merrimack offers a broad menu of pleasures: see how the brew is made; stroll through the gardens; visit the gift shop. On the first Saturday of each month, a Clydesdale horse – one of the gentle giants that pulled Budweiser wagons back in the day – is brought out for picture-taking with the public. Phone: 603-595-1202

People who love movies: do yourselves a favor and get out of those multiplexes that look and feel like a walk through the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. New England has a healthy scattering of proudly small, independent movie theaters that show new releases along with independent films, shorts, and other cinematic art that doesn’t necessarily include exploding helicopter scenes. Among these is the Red River Theatres, at 11 South Main Street in Concord, a non-profit cinema showing current independent and foreign films, classics, documentaries, and cult favorites. With rocker-style, stadium seating, Dolby surround sound and unique concessions - including wine, beer, fresh sandwiches, and local pastries. Phone: 603-224-4697

Snow tubing is a blast for people of all ages and those who prefer being close to the surface when sliding down a mountain. Many areas are adding carpet lifts that take you up the hill for the next run. Pat’s Peak, at Flanders Road (off Route 114) in Henniker, is a good place to do some family tubing (although tubers must be above age 5). Snow tubing is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and school vacation weeks. Phone ahead; hours of operation vary. Phone: 603-428-3245.

The award-winning Concord Arts Market is a juried, weekly, outdoor artisan and fine arts market. In addition to Granite State artists, guest artists from all of New England bring the best variety of handmade goods our region has to offer. Blown glass, handbags, accessories, paintings, multi-media art, handmade baskets, pottery, handmade books and jewelry are just some of the items for sale at a variety of prices. Modern twists and traditional styles meld to create a lavish art experience. Admission is free. Consult website for dates and hours of operation. Phone: 603-229-2157.

Founded in 1932, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country. The League was formed during the Depression to help New Hampshire craftspeople make a living through difficult financial times by building an audience and market for fine handmade craft. The League operates seven retail galleries throughout New Hampshire. The galleries present the work of juried craftspeople, along with demonstrations, exhibits and educational programs.
Galleries in the Merrimack region are Concord Retail Gallery, 36 North Main Street, Concord, 603-228-8171.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center at 2 Institute Drive in Concord is a place to enjoy aviation, astronomy, space and rocketry activities. The Discovery Center has an inspirational collection of innovative, interactive exhibits to explore. Delve into the worlds of astronomy, aviation, Earth and space sciences and become immersed in this entertaining learning environment. There are programs at the Discovery Center for all ages! From the state-of-the-art planetarium theater to our high-tech observatory to workshops for Little Explorers and educators alike… there is something for everyone here. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays, 6:30-9 p.m. Phone: 603-271-STAR.

America’s Stonehenge, at 105 Haverhill Road in Salem, is a large wooded property filled with mazes of man-made chambers, walls, and ceremonial meeting places, probably more than 4,000 years old. Like Stonehenge in England, America's Stonehenge was built by ancient people well versed in astronomy and stone construction. It has been determined that the site is an accurate astronomical calendar. For the rest of us, America’s Stonehedge is a fun place to explore and marvel, even in the winter. Snowshoeing trails wind through 105 acres of woodlands filled with wildlife. The property is open for snowshoeing daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and snow shoes are available for rent. Information: 603-893-8300.