Around New England

73. Beginner Hiker Discussion

Thinking about getting into hiking but not sure where to start?  In this episode, we talk through the questions we wish someone answered for us when we were beginners.   In this episode we discuss things we wish we knew when we first started hiking, gear recommendations for beginners, hiking with dogs, what to do if you get lost, how to research your hiking destination, and of course what type of food you prefer after the hike!  You know we are partial and have to mention places like Tuckerman Brewery [https://tuckermanbrewing.com/main.php] and BRGR Bar [https://www.brgr-bar.com/]!  Yum! We also give recommendations for beginner friendly hikes in each of the New England states.  Tune in and check out our recommendations as a couple of middle aged empty-nesters.   Thanks for listening.  Be sure to check out our socials below: Around New England Website [https://www.aroundnewenglandpodcast.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aroundnewenglandhiking/] Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundnewengland]

72. Hedgehog Mountain & Shopping in Freeport, Maine

Join us this week as we go to Freeport Maine to hike and shop.  We hiked Freeport's highest point, Hedgehog Mountain [https://freeportconservationtrust.org/hedgehog-mountain].  This area is 196 acres and has over 5 miles of hiking trails.  It is maintained by the Town of Freeport, and it's in great shape. This is a dog friendly hike that is fairly easy.  It's close to the shops and has a viewpoint that can see all the way to Mount Washington on a clear day.   After our hike we went into the town of Freeport to do some shopping of course.  We always like to hit up the LL Bean [https://www.llbean.com/?qs=3157801&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=37456437&gbraid=0AAAAADoqq1LxBA8B2LT35WjWAKC5iDXV5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-Ud9wyXM9KG43bIXtyIpWOXGZQ8Kohmrv0z7emE3nx-4ZxGYg0VIAgaAtiyEALw_wcB] outlet as well as Patagonia [https://www.patagonia.com/home/] and Stio [https://www.stio.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=brand&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12084125254&gbraid=0AAAAADuOWX1-z_U7Xafu19oKdhkH2_ZDd&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-XSxID4ctzfLZ0URe5pD4QOCXlPyBqSIYOe9SElb0SBD9IgRZuCDEQaApamEALw_wcB].  Both have outlets in Freeport as well!  We have had a lot of luck getting unbelievable deals at all of these stores.  G got a sweet deal at Patagonia on this day! There are many good places to eat in Freeport as well.  We always try to hit up Maine Beer Company [https://mainebeercompany.com/], as they have an awesome atmosphere, fantastic beer and great pizza!   Thanks for listening.  Be sure to check out our socials below: Around New England Website [https://www.aroundnewenglandpodcast.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aroundnewenglandhiking/] Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundnewengland]

71. Waterfall Hikes Around New Hampshire

Join us this week as we take a road trip around New Hampshire to 4 different family & pet-friendly waterfall destination hikes.  If you haven't listened to it already, check out our older podcast about Arethusa Falls and Ripley Falls [https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/36-arethusa-falls-ripley-falls-nh/id1786278907?i=1000718563778].   Coffee: Pure & Brave [https://pureandbrave.com/] in Plymouth, NH Frontside North [https://frontsidecoffee.com/] Conway, NH Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundnewengland] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aroundnewenglandhiking] AroundNewEnglandPodcast.com [https://www.aroundnewenglandpodcast.com/]

70. Wachusett Mountain Princeton, Massachusetts

Join us this week as we hike Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts!  Located within the Wachusett Mountain State Reservation [https://www.mass.gov/locations/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation], This was a great family friendly hike with some great views!  We started from the parking lot at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area [https://www.wachusett.com/].  The trail name we did was Balance Rock to Old Indian Trail.  Balance Rock is a natural glacial phenomenon that is an easy .35 miles from the trailhead.  It's cool to check out. After the hike we checked out The Vice [https://www.thevice.biz/] in nearby Westminster, Massachusetts for some coffee and a sweet treat.  The offer deli sandwiches featuring Boars Head meats, ice cream, coffee, and some good looking bakery items.  Check them out if you are in the area! Thanks for listening.  Be sure to check out our socials below: Around New England Website [https://www.aroundnewenglandpodcast.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aroundnewenglandhiking/] Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundnewengland]

69. Mount Will Trail - Bethel, Maine

Join us this week as we head back up to the Bethel, Maine area to hike the Mount Will Trail. [https://woodsandtrails.org/mount-will/]  This is just one of the many trails maintained by the Inland Woods & Trails [https://woodsandtrails.org/].  This non-profit organization maintains over 100 miles of trails in the area.  We first meet them at the Snowbound Expo [https://snowboundexpo.com/] and again at the Boston Run and Outdoor Expo [https://bostonrunandoutdoor.com/].  We brought our dog, and there are many other dog-friendly trails we are eager to try.   Mount Will [https://woodsandtrails.org/mount-will/] is a moderate family-friendly hike with great views of the Androscoggin River Valley including one of our new favorite ski areas - Mount Abrams [https://www.mtabram.com/].  It also has cool views of Sunday River Ski Resort [https://www.sundayriver.com/].   Not far from this trailhead is Grafton Notch State Park [https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=1] where we were hoping to get a treat at Puzzle Mountain Bakery [https://www.instagram.com/puzzlemountainbakery/] but it appears they were sold out that afternoon.  We were then going to try to go back to Steam Mill Brewing [https://www.steammillbrew.com/] to grab some good food.  We know they are dog-friendly but they were on their shoulder-season break when we went.   G found a winner though!  Butcher Burger [https://butcherburger.com/bethel/]was great.  We got takeout and the staff was great, and the food was phenomenal.  Check them out when in the area!   Thanks for listening.  Be sure to check out our socials below: Around New England Website [https://www.aroundnewenglandpodcast.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aroundnewenglandhiking/] Tik Tok [https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundnewengland]