Adventures

* Beachside strolls in Portsmouth...
New Hampshire's coastline, while one of the shortest in the country, is arguably one of the most beautiful. It boasts 18 miles of magnificent shore-line, miles of breathtaking views and one of the 'Top 3 Cleanest Beaches in America' (Hampton Beach), according to MSNBC.com. On a clear day, you can see the Isles of Shoals off the coast of Rye Beach. The Portsmouth area, has well over 12 beaches dotted along the gorgeous backdrop of Route 1's stately historic properties.

* Mountain hiking in Warner...
New Hampshire's contribution to "...purple mountain majesty..." includes the 'white mountain' state's own Mt. Kearsage in Warner, NH (elevation 2,937 ft). This mountain, while not the highest, is one of the oldest mountains in the state and is currently listed as one of 'New England's Fifty Finest' for hiking. The seasonal splendor of this modest, NH gem can be realized when standing atop it's highest point and seeing the glorious kaleidoscope of Autumn colors and even as far as Boston, MA (80 miles), on a clear day!

* Lake swimming in Goffstown...
Sometimes referred to as 'The Mother of Rivers' New Hampshire has over 1,300 lakes and ponds and about 40 rivers with a total mileage of approximately 41,800 miles of water. The state has 5 of the great streams of New England originating in it's granite hills, including the Connecticut, and the Pemigewasset. Goffstown has many lakes and ponds that are dog-friendly, on both their shores and their waters, throughout the seasonal year, where swimming and wildlife watching is always a must!

* Bird watching in Hooksett...
Hooksett, NH lies equal distance between Concord, the state capital, and Manchester, the state's largest city. It's population is constantly on the rise because of it's close proximity to both. New Hampshire's state bird, the purple finch, (more raspberry in color) is known to inhabit coniferous forests and can often be found in rural residential areas. The finch, along with wild ducks, wild turkeys, and many other species of birds, can be easily seen along the pristine banks of the Merrimack River in Hooksett.

* Nature walks in Manchester...
With 9,304 sq. miles, New Hampshire is home to approximately 1,255,000 people. The city of Manchester is it's largest and the hub of most of the state's political activities with its "first in the nation" motto. Lake Massabesic (Manchester's water supply) has a surface area of approximately 2,500 acres. The lake, having derived it's name from the Indians meaning, "the place of much water," has 130 acres of nature trails and forests with many diverse habitats around it's majestic shores.

* Socializing in Concord...
With various nicknames, including The White Mountain State, The Mother of Rivers & Switzerland of America, New Hampshire is perhaps best known as 'The Granite State.' Concord, the state capital, is the oldest state capital in which the legislature still meets in its original chambers. NH's state motto, "Live Free or Die," adorning state license plates, was an anniversary toast, sent by General John Stark to his war-time comrades, in honor of winning our independence from England. The gorgeous, green-carpeted hills and rolling waters of the Merrimack River, are the perfect backdrop for Concord's dog park; where the local canine always welcome visitors with wagging tails!

* Making new friends in Hopkinton...
The village of Hopkinton, NH is nestled among the lush, rolling hills of the Merrimack Valley. This picturesque New England town, (home of the current state governor), is a short, scenic ride from the state capital. Beech Hill Farm, located in Hopkinton, is one of the longest running, family-owned and operated farms in the US (est. 1771). With over 170 acres, this once 'dairy farm' turned 'ice cream farm,' is host to a petting zoo of barnyard animals and elaborate corn mazes that attract tourists from NE and beyond each fall. They were recently awarded "Best of New England" 2008 destination by Boston Magazine/New England Travel.

* Cleaning up in Contoocook...
The Northward Hound weekend is brought to a close with a full service bath, blow dry and brush out at Rusty's General Store for Animals in the tiny village of Contoocook, NH. This once bustling mill town boasts one of the country's oldest covered bridges and is mentioned in the much loved play Our Town ("...if you listen real hard you can hear the train all the way to contucuck..."). Housed in one of the village square's historic homes, Rusty's was established in 1984 by Linda Kimball and named after her beautiful Golden Retriever. A town staple, this lovely store carries pet and livestock feed, unique pet-inspired gifts and a full service grooming facility run by the talented Annie Watson.

What better way to thank the dog, that's brought
so much joy to your life, than with an adventure...
Northward Hound .

3-day weekend adventures starting at $300.
Rates include complimentary pick-up/drop-off and full service bath, blow dry & brush out.