It’s always tricky planning events for the fall… sometimes we get rained out, sometimes it’s too hot for a “fall” drive and sometimes we’ve had snow. But sometimes all of the elements come together and we have a great driving day. Although some might argue that it was cold, 20 members toughed it out and had a great day roaming the countryside of southern New Hampshire.

We started out at the Dunkin’ Donut’s parking lot in East Hampstead, NH around 11:30. Many of the members took advantage of the sub shop in the plaza to pick up lunch for our picnic at the beach. There was lots of car talk and time with good friends.

We headed out on some back roads that we like to travel through Fremont (previously known as Poplin in early American times), Raymond, over the Lamprey River to Newmarket. From there we headed to Greenland, and then to Rye and the coast. There are many interesting houses and some great horse farms along the road from Rye to the coast.

Coastal Route 1A is a twisty, turning road that runs right along the coast for about 12 miles. There are quite a few turnouts available for people to pull over and look at the ocean, the surfers and picnic stops with great views. We stopped at the Rye Harbor State Park to have out picnic. It was a bit windy … not quite gale force but strong enough to make us find tables sheltered by some ornamental grasses. We all ate our lunches, took some photos and then headed off on the second half of the tour to the Jewell Towne Vineyards in South Hampton, NH.

We arrived at the vineyard just in time to have a mini-tasting of some of their best wines, cruise the gift shop and use the “necessary” room before the group broke up and headed for home.

We had a great time planning the route and hope that everyone enjoyed some of the scenic roads of New Hampshire.