Michele came to Verani from the Shanley Realtors team, where she spent many years building strong relationships with both her clients and peers. When she found herself in a position where she needed to look for a new agency, Michele was nervous that she wouldn’t find a team that functioned the same. She ended up meeting with Cindy Winthrop, the Verani Portsmouth manager, who instantly made her feel welcomed. Her fears were immediately set aside, and Michele’s excitement about the new opportunities available to her to expand her knowledge and grow her business landed her at Verani.

After 7 years of nursing school and 18 years of working intensive care, Michele decided on a career change.  To her surprise, there were many similarities between the two professions. Both involve a dynamic work environment, clear communication skills, strong attention to detail, and solid relationships with clients based on honesty and understanding. These are all important to being a successful agent and meeting the client’s real estate goals.

Michele has a deep appreciation for New Hampshire’s seacoast community where she has called home for the past 35 years. The environment has inspired her to become actively involved with local organizations, fundraisers, and community events. Her experience in wellness has also driven her to provide volunteer services in relation to health prevention and education. In her personal time, Michele enjoys gardening, various home improvement projects, visiting local shops, and spending time with friends and family.

Michele is based in the Prudential Verani Portsmouth office, located at 111 Maplewood Ave in Portsmouth, NH. She can be reached at m: 603-475-2060 and e: michele.mccarthy@verani.com.

Spring is in the air in New England, and residents love to celebrate the new-found warm weather with lots of outdoor events. May-June is an excellent time of the year for events in NH and MA. Be sure to mark these on your calendar!

Watch City Steam Punk Festival

Waltham, MA – May 10-12: This event is held outdoors in downtown Waltham. General admission is free, but in order to see and do some things you will need to pay for a button to let you in. Buttons are $15 for a day or $20 for the weekend and will also get you discounts at many local businesses. Proceeds support the Charles River Museum of Industry. Also, don’t miss special guest James Gurney author of Dinotopia! I visited this event last year and I plan to stop by again this year, it was a blast! I strongly recommend it.

Sheep, Wool & Alpaca Festival

Deerfield Fairgrounds, Deerfield NH - May 11-12: Organized by the New England Alpaca Owners and Breeders’ Association (NEAOBA), this event shows off the best of the best of NEAOBA members’ herds right in Deerfield, New Hampshire.  Tickets are $5, Seniors $4, and children 12 & under free.

NH Renaissance Faire

Kingston, NH – May 11, 12, 18 & 19: I’ve never been to this event but I’m hoping to drop by during the last weekend. Some friends have gone in the past though and say it’s a great time, and they recommend it for everyone. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for children ages 5-12.

American Craft Beer Fest 

Boston, MA - May 31-June 1: The 6th annual American Craft Beer Fest (ACBF) is the East Coast’s largest celebration of American craft beer hosted at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston by BeerAdvocate & Harpoon Brewery. The 2-day fest will feature 3-session and 600+ craft beers from 125+ American brewers. Tickets are about $50 for a session purchased online or $55 at the door, be sure to order them ahead online as they sold out early last year.

Rock’n Ribfest

Merrimack, NH - June 14-16: Rib-roasters, rib-lovers, and barbecuers from all over the United states converge at Anheuser-Busch in Merrimack for what Ribfest calls “New England’s premiere family weekend.”  Air shows, hot air balloon rides, concerts, and plenty more make this a must-see event for New Hampshire residents! Tickets are $7 online for advance purchase, $10 at gate, and children 8 and under are free.

Laconia Motorcycle Week 

Laconia/Weirs Beach, NH – June 16-18:  Motorcycle week is pretty famous here in New Hampshire, celebrating it’s 90th Anniversary in 2013. Riders from all over the world come to Laconia to celebrate the lifestyle of motorcycle riding, the friendships formed from group riding, and promote safe motorcycle practices.  If you’re coming from out of state, book a hotel room early because they sell out just about every year!

Bethany Dubeck is an e-certified Nashua based agent covering greater Manchester, greater Londonderry, and greater Nashua. For more information on Bethany, or to see her listings, visit her agent page.

The world of recreational sports is filled with random games strung together by “backyardian” athletes with little more than rocks, sticks, and scattered trash. New England winters present challenges to these folks, which for the summer sportsman, have been cleverly overcome in several instances of these sports. Many of these sports require some unique equipment, but contrary to popular belief, are relatively easy to find here in New Hampshire.

Ice Sailing

Formally known as Ice Yachting, this is a wildly popular activity on the two major lakes in New Hampshire: Winnipesaukee and Massabesic. Believe it or not, there is even a governing organization that oversees and sanctions ice sailing activities in New England. Ice yachts are typically about 40-feet in length and support crews of 6-7. The boats are propped up on a wide rack with “runners” that act as skates, with a rudder in the back center for steering. Whether racing or sailing for fun, dozens of these boats can be seen at any given time on Massabesic/Winnipesaukee on cold, clear, windy days in mid-winter.

Snow Kayaking

This is another sport designed by summer sportsmen with a knack for water sports. Snow kayakers are the ultimate Continue reading “5 Winter Sports That Should be on Your Bucket List” »

Joelle is excited to begin this new chapter in her career with the Prudential Verani family! She came to us from The Masiello Group in Concord to team up with her long-time friend, Diane Silva, who’s had a history of success in the area. The two partnered up based on their shared values and work approach. Diane moved out of state briefly and since returning to New Hampshire, there’s been a demand for her services from previous clients. As a result, she enlisted the help of Joelle to handle the Concord clients. Being a Concord resident herself, Joelle knows on a personal level the town’s key characteristics and can act as a great source of information for prospective buyers and sellers.

Joelle is a native of Paris, France and relocated to San Francisco as a young adult. In 2000, she headed to the East Coast to settle down with her family in New Hampshire.  While searching for their new home, she was introduced to the real estate world. Joelle’s agent felt her personality and lifestyle would make her the ideal agent, suggesting she look into getting her license. Joelle soon discovered she had a true passion for the industry. She finds fulfillment working with first time home buyers, providing them with education and advice to help ease the process. Joelle equally enjoys working with buyers and with sellers.

When her busy schedule permits, Joelle enjoys traveling. She has maintained a love for Paris and visits frequently. Her extensive travels have given her a deeper understanding of different walks of life. Joelle has a daughter in college and a son currently studying abroad in France. At home, Joelle has a passion for cooking.  She attends mixers and networking events with the Concord Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Capital Region Board of Realtors®.

Joelle is based in the Prudential Verani, Concord office, located at 143 North Main Street in Concord, NH. She can be reached at p: 603-224-0700, m: 603-738-3567, and e: joelle.sturms@verani.com.

Sprinkled into the shopping, crazy traffic, family gatherings, and eggnog, 3 New Hampshire communities host events that you’ll want to take some time and visit with the family. Though there are events nearly every day from Thanksgiving to Christmas throughout New Hampshire, these 3 unique experiences are the “must-sees” that make for generation after generation of family traditions to come. These create opportunities for those “every year in December, my family and I do this one thing…” events.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Gift of Lights

The New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) began what is to become an annual tradition in 2011 called “The Gift of Lights.” The 2012 version will feature more than 2 million holiday lights displayed over a 2-mile course around the track. The attraction opened on November 16th, and will run through January 5th of 2013. This event is an amazing opportunity to experience NHMS from a perspective not normally seen.

Prices are $15 per car, Monday – Thursday, and $20 per car Friday – Sunday. The Gift of Lights is open every day from 4:30pm – 9pm. Stuff your cars full of brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, cousins, grandmas, and grandpas, and head over to Loudon to check out this spectacular attraction in 2012/2013. Continue reading “3 Holiday Events You Don’t Want to Miss” »

New Hampshire’s Chill Day Spa Melts Away the Stress of Daily Life

Feeling stressed? Need to relax? Do you have an upcoming event that you need to look your best for? Do you just want to take a time out for yourself and be pampered? Then you deserve a trip to Chill Day Spa in Manchester. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of service I experienced at Chill Day Spa. I was fortunate enough to have a minute to myself to get a relaxing pedicure. When I arrived at the spa I was greeted with warmth and an inviting smile by the reception staff. My pedicurist, Jen, was ready to get started as soon as I arrived for my appointment. Jen was very attentive to my needs and made sure that I was comfortable and relaxed. I was offered a cold beverage, plenty of magazines to read, and a comfy, cozy chair to sit in while my feet soaked in a warm bath.

After my leisurely soak I was treated to a relaxing foot massage and an eye catching polish! I must also mention that the spa offers a complete line of services that include, but are not limited to: complete aesthetic care, makeup application, spray tanning, salon services, brow sculpting, massage, and even hair feathers and glitter tattoos for those looking to add a little spunk to their style! The staff is knowledgeable and professional and has an eye for detail, making you look and feel your best. The spa itself has a very upbeat and inviting atmosphere with private rooms on the second floor for quiet  massages and spray tans.

Chill Day Spa has been responsible for making over some of the local talent here in Manchester, as seen on the wall of fame in the waiting area. The spa gives back to the community as a local sponsor to events, programs, and community fund-raisers. Chill also gives back through the South Jr. Deb softball league in Manchester.

Overall I was very pleased with my experience at Chill Day Spa and would encourage everyone to schedule some “chill time” to unwind and relax. I continue to use their services at least twice per month. Helping a mom of 3 relax, even just for a few minutes, is worthy of a gold star in my book!

Please visit owner Crissy McQuade and her wonderful staff at Chill Day Spa:
1224 Hanover St., Manchester, NH 03104 – (603) 622-3722 | and at their new location 8 Main St., Andover, MA, 01810 (Located within Indra Salon).

Ranked based on their on site activities, orchard quality and size, public reviews, personal experience, and website, here are the best 5 orchards in New Hampshire in 2012. Each of these are MUST visits in the coming seasons:

1. Applecrest Farm, Hampton          Falls, NH

Applecrest has everything an apple farm should have. It has lots of apples and fall harvest food, festivals and entertainment, farmers markets, educational tours, private parties, and a creamery to top it all off. Get it? Whipped cream for your apple pie… Right, all jokes aside, Applecrest Farm is a MUST visit if you’re searching for a place to spend a day picking apples and living out the autumn in New England lifestyle. A perfect review. For info about events or harvest picking, check out Applecrest.com

2. Mack’s Apples, Londonderry, NH

This orchard is more than just a wonderfully clever name. This one gets an awesome review as far as activities and orchard size. Mack’s offers pick-your-own, a farmer’s market, and extensive variety of apples and other harvest fruits/veggies, hiking trails, poetry, and the family favorite, ice cream in the warmer season.  A near-perfect review, with a great location in between Nashua and Manchester. For more info about Mack’s visit Macksapples.com

3. Brookdale Fruit Farm, Hollis, NH – *A Diamond in the Rough*

The only reason Brookdale isn’t ranked higher is because of it’s location compared to the first two. Brookdale is massive in comparison to many of the other orchards on this list. Complete with hay rides, a corn maze, ice cream, livestock petting, a grocery-store-sized farm stand, and opportunities to have private events and weddings on site. But wait, there’s more! Brookdale is a fully-stocked supplier of planting and harvesting goods. They grow it, but they supply you  with what you need to grow your own, too. Brookdale has also received a Best of NH award from New Hampshire Magazine. For more info about Brookdale, visit Brookdalefarms.com

4. Carter Hill Orchard, Concord, NH

Carter Hill received the strongest reviews in the public opinion forum, which is what boosted it up to the 4 spot. This orchard is a smaller operation, family owned, with pick-your-own, a variety of other harvest fruits/veggies, cider, a small bakery, and a small country store. Carter Hill will give you the warm feeling of a locally owned family business, right in the Capital City of Concord. For more information about Carter Hill Orchard, visit CarterHillApples.com

5. Gould Hill Farm, Contocook, NH

Gould Hill received a few strong reviews in the public forums, and has a good amount of things to do on site. Complete with a museum on the farm, Gould Hill includes pick-your-own, a small produce store, majestic views of the surrounding area, and the opportunity for a beautiful vista wedding. For more info about Gould Hill, visit GouldHillFarm.com

If you’re looking for something to do with the family or friends in the coming weekends, take a trip to one of these amazing orchards, and pick some apples. If nothing else, a trip to an orchard and a climb up a tree (don’t really climb, the signs all say not to climb these days) will make you feel like you’re a kid again.

Applecrest Farm | A  Seacoast Gem

There is more to living in the seacoast area of New Hampshire than beach combing, seafood festivals, building sandcastles, and working on your tan.  In fact some say the fun really starts after Labor Day weekend when the summer tourists leave and fall settles in along the coast.  It’s a beautiful and majestic time, one when full moons and sunsets bring out wonderful fall colors all along our beautiful coast. When quiet afternoons at the beach is shared with a handful of people or on horseback.

 Apple Picking and Fall Harvest Celebrations

With that special season comes apple picking time and wonderful fall harvest events.  There is nothing better than biting into a crisp local grown apple from a Honey Crisp to a McIntosh and all the apples in between.  One of my favorite places to pick your own apples in the seacoast area is Applecrest Farm in Hampton Falls.

 A Seacoast Way of Life

Applecrest is more than a pick your own apple orchard…it has become a way of life for many.  From Strawberry and Peach Festivals to the very popular Fall Festival season starting the first weekend in September and running through the end of October. Applecrest hosts petting zoos, hayrides, pie eating contests, and even live music to entertain you. You can check out their full schedule on their website:  applecrest.com/festival-schedule

If you’re looking for something fun to do in the seacoast area…why not take a walk on the beach and head over to Applecrest Orchard in Hampton Falls. Be prepared to be enchanted!

Monika McGillicuddy is a REALTOR® with 26 years of experience, located in the Verani Realty, Portsmouth office. She specializes in Waterfront Homes, Relocation, and Fine Homes. Monika works the real estate market in the Hamptons, Sandown, Kingston, Rye, Danville, Atkinson, and occasionally inland in Salem and Derry.

September 21 – 23: Lincoln, NH Hosts 37th Highland Games & Festival

From the currently popular games like golf, to the ancient Scottish traditions of “Heavy Athletics,” the Highland Games and Festival has it all for Scotsmen. For the 37th time, the largest Scottish festival in the northeast will commence this Friday. The weekend will  be filled with Scottish pipe and drum, highland dancing, Scottish strings, and (for the canine lovers) sheepdog competitions!

The weekend schedule kicks off with the NH Highland Games Golf Tournament at 10:00 a.m. Friday, and continues with events and entertainment throughout the evening. Saturday, bright and early, the highland dancers and pipe & drum bands hit the stages at 8 a.m. Once again events, entertainment, and athletic competitions will run throughout the day and through the night. More competitions and entertainment Sunday culminate with the Pipe Band Awards, and closing ceremonies at 4 p.m.

This event is not only a celebration of Scottish culture, but a display of the diversity that New Hampshire has to offer. The events will be held at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH . For more information about the festival or the Highland Games, visit NHScot.org. Don’t forget the best part: Kilts!

Every fall, agriculturalists gather to celebrate the work they’ve put in for the long summer days. This tradition extends centuries into the past, when farmers were cultivating for more than just money; they were running the farm to survive the winter without food production. Since then, the world has gone through an industrial revolution, a depression, 2 world wars, and a technology boom. Today, these festivals are not only for agriculturalists to celebrate their season’s work, but they promote the industry to folks that would otherwise turn a blind eye.

New England hosts some of the oldest, and most popular festivals and fairs in the world. In 2011, 2 Massachusetts fairs landed on the Carnivalwarehouse.com Top 50 Fairs list (compiled based on all 50 states). So, to celebrate the 9th ranked fair in the country kicking off this weekend, here is a list of the Top 10 Fairs and Festivals in New England. Some have come and gone this year, while others have yet to arrive.

Any of these fairs are must-visits either this year or in coming seasons:

The New Hampshire Building on The Avenue of States

1. The Big E (#9)* - Springfield, MA

Held on what is by far the largest fairgrounds in New England, this 95-year-old fair is the center of attention in late September for New Englanders and beyond. The grounds boast life-size replicas of all 6 New England State Houses, a midway (rides area) that is unmatched by any other New England fair, and 2 of the largest fairground arenas in the country. National recording artists and comedians frequent the stage of the 6,000-seat Comcast arena throughout the 2-week fair. In 2012, the Big E will host the likes of Hot Chelle Rae, Alan Jackson, Jeff Dunham, and more. The 2012 Big E began September 14  and ends on September 30, for more visit TheBigE.com.

Fireworks behind one of the Great Pumpkin Towers

2. Keene Pumpkin Festival - Keene, NH

This is the youngest festival of the group at only 21 years, but it is the most renowned. The Keene Pumpkin Festival has set, and reset the World Record for Most Lit Jack-o-Lanterns 8 times. This event is a spectacle. Hundreds of thousands of people flood the streets of the small town of Keene to take part and see all the creative works, musicians, vendors, and games. This is a must-see event. The 2012 Keene Pumpkin Festival will be held Saturday, October 20, for more info visit Pumpkinfestival.org.

The Main Event in the Topsfield Fair Arena

3. Topsfield Fair (#42)* - Topsfield, MA

Currently holding the 42nd rank on the Carnivalwarehouse.com Top 50 list, this fair has withstood the test of time. The Topsfield Fair is an astonishing 194-years-old, but is still not the oldest fair on the list. Looking for an experience unique to Fall Fair Culture? Check out the demolition derby at Topsfield. Along with traditional Demo Derbies, the Topsfield Fair features a figure 8 race, where daredevil drivers compete against each other on a high speed, intersecting, full-contact track. The 2012 Topsfield Fair will be run September 28 – October 8. For more info visit TopsfieldFair.org             Continue reading “New England’s World Famous Fall Festivals” »