You’ll find lots of great shopping bargains and artisan crafts, so plan your getaway any time this November for a great late fall escape. We’ve put together a great MIDWEEK package with special savings. For WEEKEND getaways, November 3-4, 2012, is NH Open Doors, when you can visit studios of members of the League of NH Craftsmen to see works in progress under the skilled hands of these artisans, and distinctive shops featuring New Hampshire made products and artwork. The weekend of November 10-11, 2012, offers shopping specials at Settler’s Green in North Conway, with free shopping bags for first 2,000 shoppers on Saturday, starting at 8 am. There will be raffles, entertainment, a gift with $100 and $500 purchases, and discount coupons, of course!
For NH Open Doors, plan a leisurely loop through the Lakes region to enjoy both the scenery and the artistry. Stop at the League of NH Craftsmen in North Conway (2526 White Mountain Highway) Hours: Nov. 3: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Nov. 4: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Or head directly to Meredith, where you’ll find another of the League’s stores (279 Daniel Webster Highway). Hours: Nov. 3 and 4: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Open studios at 5 Winona Road in Meredith include:
- The Arts Collaborative Artisan Gallery and Studios: Hand-crafted home furnishings, original art, and art activities. Hours: Nov. 3 and 4: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Hayden Arts Studios: Handmade furnishings and sculpture with studio tours & demonstrations. Hours: Nov. 3 and 4: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- McCrillis Hill Copperworks: Hand crafted copper enamelware, bowls, plates, etc. Enamel, and copper spinning demonstrations. Hours: Nov. 3 and 4: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Winnipesaukee Forge: Wrought iron home furnishings, candlesticks, lamps, and fireplace accessories. Afternoon blacksmith demonstration. Hours: Nov. 3 and 4: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
You can also stop in Meredith at Artist in My Garden c/o Cackleberries (419 Daniel Webster Highway) which features Lakes Region artists, photography, pottery, and graphic design. They will have demonstrations and refreshments from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Nov. 3 and Nov. 4.
Extend your loop by driving west to Bristol, NH, to visit Earthly Treasures at 150 Lake Street to see hand-crafted items from over 300 American artisans. Hours: Nov. 3: 10:00a.m.-5:00 p.m. Nov. 4: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
From Bristol, return through lakes or take I-93 north to Bethlehem, NH, to visit The Rocks Estate for its gift shop full of New England products, (4 Christmas Lane, open 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and the Local Works Marketplace at WREN (2013 Main Street, open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) to see works by over 200 artists and artisans. Then return to Jackson via Route 302 through Crawford Notch.
Visit NH Open Doors for complete information on November 3-4, 2012, activities and to see a list of participating artisans.
