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Brew Review Trifecta
Welcome back to another of Freedom Rolling's Brew Reviews! Today we will be heading up and down the White Mountains of New Hampshire to see what this area has to offer. As with this and all the other brew reviews, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
Off we head first to the tourist city of Conway, New Hampshire and the Tuckerman Brewing Company for their Headwall Alt Brown Ale. After many different offerings reviewed that have excited the taste buds whether by hops or malts, this particular brew seems bland in comparison. The brown color makes this at least somewhat appealing to the eye, with a slight hint of caramel to the scent. The fact that this is a neutral beer makes it acceptable to have with almost any sort of pairing, but we look forward to finding something else in the category that's a little more exciting.
On our way down the White Mountains, we make a stop in Ossipee, New Hampshire and the Hobbs Brewing Company for their Black Sheep German-style pilsener. However, there certainly isn't much that we can say that would make this seem odd, as this seems like the light, refreshing malted brew that many of us have come to enjoy. The light golden color will remind you of the sunshine outside as you enjoy this, but be ready for a hint of hops in an aftertaste that may catch you by surprise. Although we haven't had too many pilseners in this series, this brew seems a bit average, and perhaps something more exciting will come from elsewhere.
Once again back up to the Mount Washington Valley at the tourist area of North Conway, New Hampshire, this time at the Moat Mountain Brewing Company for their Kearsarge Kölsch ale. Don't let the golden color of this particular brew fool you, though, as this one isn't going to have much of a scent or taste to it. It will remind you of the average macro-brew that you find at the grocery store. Some may have adjusted their taste buds to enjoy this sort of a thing, but there are better beers out there in this country to try.
Your Internal Compass may take you to a very lovely area of New England, but if you're looking for a good brew, you may have to dig a little deeper.
WRITTEN Dec 08, 2024 at 11:50 AM
TAGS: brew review, new hampshire
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Park Review: Riverbrook RV and Camping Resort
Completing the second leg of trip 22, we find ourselves at the Riverbrook RV and Camping Resort in Rumney, New Hampshire. This one had a two-week stay, but was a little different in that a good chunk of the visit had three of us, as opposed to the usual two.
Grounds: Riverbrook is along State Route 25 on one of the effective ways to cross New Hampshire from west to east. The sign outside is partially broken making it difficult to find the first time around, especially along a higher speed road. They are a couple miles outside Plymouth for resupply opportunities, with major resupply only about 30 miles away in Tilton. The campground itself seems a bit run down from the curb, and could use some sprucing.
Sites: Nearly 100 full hook-up 50-amp sites adorn this park, most of which are gravel back-in at a 90-degree angle with a grass patio, though there are a couple pull-through, as well as tent only sites. Although the pad itself was effectively level, the patio was far from it, making it difficult to setup an outdoor kitchen. They tried to make some room to park vehicles on the gravel as they request it not be parked on the grass, but the spots were meant for compacts towed behind motorhomes, and not a truck towing a trailer, which we were barely able to fit sideways.
Staff: The staff was relatively friendly, although sometimes seeming a bit too laid back. You could tell the campground recently changed hands, as the rule sheet was not up to date by any means, not even containing any sort of quiet hours they supposedly had. We even had to request a mow of the patio a couple days in, and though we're happy they respect our property not to constantly come around to deal with the grass, you'd think the site would be prepped prior to coming in.
Amenities: The park has a rec room with free-to-play game tables, a pool, laundry at a reasonable price, propane, and a riverfront beach. The dumpsters did not have 24 hour access making end-of-day cleanings difficult, though it seems to be an issue in the area in general. They do advertise being permitted to share amenities with their sister property, Baker River Campground, though we did not make our way up there to see what they had. The bathhouses seemed to be growing mushrooms out of some of the shower stalls, rendering them unusable.
Atmosphere: The campground certainly has a family vibe to it, as plenty of kids were out and about, with the kiddo we had wanting to do the same. However, it seems to also be a magnet for belligerent partiers, especially during a holiday weekend. The adults seemed to act more like children than the children were, and made us want to rather explore the state for the day than stay to enjoy the amenities offered.
Overall, Riverbrook RV and Camping Resort receives a 7 out of a possible 10 rating. The price was relatively high for the area, though we have seen other parks at a similar price point. Though they try to offer things to cover the price they charge, we believe there are better choices for where to stay if your Internal Compass takes you to this part of the country.
WRITTEN Nov 03, 2024 at 12:21 PM
TAGS: trip 22, new hampshire, park review
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Park Review: White Birches Camping Park
Trip 22 is a two-legged excursion back into New Hampshire, with our first foray at the White Birches Camping Park in Shelburne, New Hampshire. A one week stay was had here.
Grounds: White Birches is located along the corridor of US Route 2, just east of the city of Gorham. Plenty of attractions are nearby, including the Mount Washington Auto Road which takes you to the highest point in New Hampshire. There is a resupply opportunity in the nearby city of Berlin, but needs for other national chains would have to be done in Conway or Littleton. This area has limited cell phone reception and wifi, so you probably won't be able to stream entertainment. The Appalachian Trail is nearby to this campground, owing to a number of visitors to their amenities. The place does have a vehicle gate, however because of it, they do not permit any sort of late check-in.
Sites: The park boasts over 100 sites with a mix of pull through and back-in, as well as full hookup with 50 amp service, water/electric, and primitive tent sites. This place is situated on a hill, with grass sites being divided by a change in elevation and snow markers near the roadway. The sites are about as level as they could be given the circumstances, but the length of the sites is what is most impressive to give enough room for a complete setup. A picnic table and fire pit are included in each of the sites. There are a number of very bright lights around the park at night, which did also reflect off many of the other RVs at the park, making it difficult to sleep.
Staff: The staff was found to be quite friendly for the most part, including when we saw maintenance out working. Not too many interactions were had.
Amenities: This campground has a gated entry with card, laundry, propane, as well as a heated pool for relaxing fun in the sun. Showers at the bath house are coin operated, mostly owing to the number of trail visitors. The laundry is a tad on the expensive side, however they do make up for this with larger front loading machines.
Atmosphere: This campground is, without a doubt, a family friendly park. Plenty of families were out enjoying the grounds, especially the pool. The quiet hours are a little later than other parks, but generally well respected.
Overall, White Birches Camping Park receives an 8 out of a possible 10 rating. The price is competitive with other RV parks in the area, and although it's a bit out in the middle of nowhere, it's not a bad place to visit if you need access to the north woods. If we were in the area, we'd be happy to visit again.
WRITTEN Sep 22, 2024 at 12:15 PM
TAGS: trip 22, new hampshire, park review
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Disc Golf Match: Waterville Valley Town Square Round 2
Time for another disc golf match!
Welcome back to the Waterville Valley Town Square Disc Golf Course for yet another match. This course has already been reviewed [in a previous match]. Not only did our players face off again, but this time had a visiting kiddo with them. Previously, he brought the kiddo to this same course in order to give a practical lesson on how to play. He was able to pull a 38, including pars on holes 2, 6, and 8. The kiddo had a 47, with one par on the 3rd from an approach shot that found the hole. While our normal two combatants were using their same discs, the kiddo would share between the two, along with being issued a challenge: If the kiddo could score 42 or less on this round, he'd receive his own set of discs. So how did everyone fare?
Course Result:
Halved: 5
Her Holes: 2
His Holes: 2
Course Record: Him 7 - 3 - 5 Her
Holes Record: Him 41 - 35 Her
Holes 1 and 2 started out even, with the kiddo getting one above and one below our competitors, respectively. A missed putt by him resulted in a lead for her, as the kiddo scored the same as him. However he learned his lesson on the 4th tee from a few miscues and halved both 4 and 5, with the kiddo one behind. A bad shot into the rough on the curved 6 meant she took a two hole lead, with the kiddo halving her. The seven saw a misdirected fairway shot from her, giving him the opportunity to pull it back to within one, while some bad putt luck from the kiddo saw the shot total be one above her. Steaming on the 8th, he was able to pull even with a par after a close approach, while the kiddo halved her. The ninth saw a final halve as he and she both made par, while the kiddo was only one over.
Looking at the shot counts, he and she both tied with an impressive 36 on the par 27 to show the benefits of their practicing. The kiddo, needing a 42 for the prize, was able to get a 41 on this round, meaning there is a new disc golfer out there in the parks.
Another draw has come, but what will happen next time? You'll have to tune in to find out. Until then, be sure to Follow Your Internal Compass.
WRITTEN Sep 15, 2024 at 12:16 PM
TAGS: trip 22, new hampshire, disc golf
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The Tri-State Atlantic Coast
Once again, the sea is before us, this time in the northeastern corner of the country.
The coast of New Hampshire, at a mere 13 miles, is the shortest of all the coastlines in the USA. That's not to say that it isn't packed with something for everyone. While driving, find New Hampshire Highway 1A to allow yourself to peacefully meander this edge of the country. Make a quick stop along the northern rocky coast, where you may be able to see in the distance the nine Isles of Shoals, the ownership of which are split in half between New Hampshire and Maine. While at this part of the coast, perhaps in order is a quick trip up to Fort Stark, an artillery from World War II, or Fort Foster on the Maine side in Kittery which served as an additional gun battery during both World Wars.
If you're more of the "long walk" variety, head south down the coastline, as North Beach, Hampton Beach, and Seabrook Beach await beach visitors. Be cautious when visiting these cities, as they are quite expensive when it comes to parking, reaching rates you'd find in New York City, especially on Manhattan. If you want something a little more economical, go over the drawbridge and beyond Seabrook Beach down to the city of Salisbury, Massachusetts. The beaches are just as accessible, and it's easy enough to take a walk back into New Hampshire if you wanted to visit Seabrook.
A trip to the North Atlantic in the warmer months would not be complete without a whale watching tour. Up around Rye Harbor, you'll find Granite State Whale Watch, a great "bang for the buck" when wanting to see these large marine mammals. This company has partnered with the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation, which not only gives a great narration on what you'll see out in the blue depths, but also performs research while these tours are conducted. There are typically two tours per day in the summer months; be sure to book the later of the tours because there are no trackers on any of the whales that visit, and the crew has the added benefit of a morning search to find these swimmers. The area is most likely to see finback and humpback whales, but you may get a bonus of a jumping tuna while out there.
So whether your Internal Compass takes you towards rocky or sandy beaches, northern New England will have something for you.
WRITTEN Sep 08, 2024 at 12:09 PM
TAGS: trip 20, trip 22, new hampshire, maine, massachusetts
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Brew Review Trifecta
Once again, Freedom Rolling presents another Brew Review. The choice to "Live Free or Die" is upon us as we take a trip to the Granite State of New Hampshire for a few of their selections. As with all of the Brew Reviews, please ensure that these, or any beers, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
We start down at the state's most populous city of Manchester, New Hampshire, as we visit Great North Aleworks and their Robust Vanilla Porter. This is presented with a nice light brown color that would be expected from a porter. One sip of this brew, and it's not evident why this one is a vanilla porter, as the taste is overwhelmed with coffee. The brewers claim that the vanilla comes towards the end, but it just doesn't seem to be there. For a run-of-the-mill average porter, it isn't so bad, but it's certainly not what's advertised by the title.
Take a trip up to Plymouth, New Hampshire for the Last Chair Brewery and the Powder Bear Hazy IPA. First presented is a golden color and the scent of hops that drinkers of this particular type have come to know to love. As you sip this particular brew, the hops are mellow at first, but then begin to come through along with an acidic taste coming from citrus hops. On a hot summer day, this choice will certainly be a nice way to cool off and enjoy the White Mountains region.
Returning to Manchester, New Hampshire and Great North Aleworks, this time for the Tie Dyed dry-hopped Pale Ale. As the light golden color is presented to the drinker, a hint of banana from the scent is also given. However, with one sip of this brew, there is a hop taste, but it is much more subdued than the India variety, making for a more balanced and refreshing experience. Any summer picnicker would be proud to have this choice in their cooler, and if you're one to just start getting into hops, this brew is for you.
So until the next time we review more beers in the country, be sure to Follow Your Internal Compass.
WRITTEN Aug 04, 2024 at 12:44 PM
TAGS: brew review, new hampshire
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Disc Golf Match: Waterville Valley Town Square
Another trip to the links is upon us.
Welcome to Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, birthplace of freestyle skiing, and home to today's disc golf match at the Town Square Disc Golf Course. This is one of the few free-to-play courses in northeastern New England, and near the ice arena with plenty of parking during the warmer season. Some of the signage may be confusing on this 9-hole par-3 course notating practice holes, but the design of a few are quite creative, especially the ninth. In addition, the gravel tees could certainly use some raking to be at least somewhat flat for a run-up. However, they are kind enough to give a tutorial to newbies on how to play. Same discs, same single set of tees, and no pup. How did they fare?
Course Result:
His Holes: 1
Halved: 6
Her Holes: 2
Course Record: Him 7 - 2 - 4 Her
Holes Record: Him 38 - 29 Her
After a couple of halved holes, a missed putt found her taking a one hole lead on the third. Fuming, he let away a terrible tee shot that put him at 7 strokes on the fourth hole, leading her to easily win it. The rough proved difficult for her on the seventh, as a 7-stroke effort allowed him to pull back to within one. The tie was not to be, as a couple of halved holes would end the match, resulting in her first win in five matches. Stroke play on the par 27 was 41-40 in her favor, with both competitors shooting par on the ninth.
She has started to turn the tide, but what will happen on the next match? Tune in to find out, but until then, be sure to Follow your Internal Compass.
WRITTEN Jul 28, 2024 at 12:50 PM
TAGS: trip 20, new hampshire, disc golf
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Travels Before the RV: Franconia Notch and the White Mountains
Most of us, when we take stock of ourselves, find that we have a “special place” where we like to go. It may be a city, a business, or even a parcel of nature. We here at Freedom Rolling have a special place where we have visited every year, and is one we hope to continue visiting for years to come: Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire.
Located along Interstate 93 and US Route 3, Franconia Notch State Park is a nature reserve in the White Mountains of New Hampshire along the Pemigewasset River. Some of its features include Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, Flume Gorge, Lonesome Lake, and the Basin. It was also once home to the “Old Man of the Mountain”, a unique rock formation shaped like a man’s face. This formation has since collapsed, but a historic site dedicated to this once-standing formation continues to exist. The famous Appalachian Trail runs through part of Franconia Notch, making it a destination for drivers and hikers alike.
Franconia Notch State Park - Official Site
Nearby to Franconia Notch, whether for a day with nature or a chance to do some boondock camping, is White Mountain National Forest. Situated in both New Hampshire and Maine, White Mountain National Forest is home to many of the tall peaks of New England, including Twin Mountain, Mount Cabot, and the tallest point in New Hampshire, Mount Washington. Several other state parks also grace this area, including Crawford Notch, Jericho Mountain, and Grafton Notch in Maine.
White Mountain National Forest - Official Site
We first discovered this place by a bit of a happy accident during the early part of our dating in the fall of 2013. We had been talking about doing our first road trip for a while, but needed a destination. We knew that this was one of the few points along the Interstate Highway System that is still only two lanes, so we decided to head there. A few hours and a couple of states later, we arrived and chose to stop at the Basin. This is one of the most peaceful and tranquil locations either of us had visited, and is a common setting for many of our Christmas cards. But why stop in New Hampshire? We typically continue up to US Route 2, the Presidential Highway, to make our way to Maine to further enjoy White Mountain National Forest.
One trip was good, but why not make a return visit? Summer of 2014 saw our return to Franconia Notch and White Mountain National Forest, this time with a family dog in tow. Sadly, the pooch is no longer with us, but it was an absolute pleasure to take her to another part of the country, and also great to be in a family and pet friendly environment. Franconia Notch ended up also serving as a pre-honeymoon destination in 2015, and every year since then, around the time of late summer and early autumn, we find ourselves once again enjoying this location. Our pup has also been able to enjoy the Basin and the forest since adopting her in 2019.
The next time you’re in northern New England, why not give Franconia Notch and the White Mountain National Forest a try? And who knows, maybe it will become a special location for you on your travels. All you have to do is follow your internal compass.