Touring Alstead was a milestone for me. I have now completed every town in Cheshire County! It gives me a sense of accomplishment towards my goal of touring every place in New Hampshire, only 9 more counties to finish.
One of the first things I noticed in Alstead were curious metal sculptures in people’s yards and in front of local businesses. Every one was different and all were very cool. I did a bit of research and learned the Taylor Welding Team is responsible for all of these great works of art. The Keene Sentinel wrote an interesting article about them in 2005 (click here to read the article).
I know that I did not find all of the sculptures, but that gives me another reason to visit Alstead again. Another good reason to return to Alstead is to go when Vilas Pool is open. It isn’t a pool in the sense you are thinking. A dam was built along Cold River to create a recreational area and it was quite a place in it’s heyday, complete with swan boats like they use in Boston. I found another wonderful blog that gives more history on the pool and the town of Alstead (blogger Ray went last year during the town’s 250 birthday). But, just because it wasn’t open when I was there didn’t make it any less beautiful…
Earlier, I had found a plaque marking the original homestead of the Vilas family. The footprint of the cellar hole wasn’t any more than 20′ x 30′, amazing that so many people were born and raised there…
The Chase Mill is nearly completely restored. It must have been quite a project…
Other historical building can be found just across the street…
And nearby Warren Pond offers it’s own beauty…
There are quite a few magnificent homes in Alstead, some historical and some that probably will be. I don’t know how far away I was from this home, but it’s unique architecture and bright paint scheme could be seen miles away without the leaves on the trees…
The Shedd-Porter Library is another beautiful piece of architecture…
With so many lovely views…
recreational opportunities…
places to kick back and relax…
What to build if you can’t have a deck on the house
and historic buildings…
What isn’t there to love about visiting Alstead?
See you next week. Thanks for coming along!
Touring NH 
I had no idea Alstead was so interesting! Love the sculptures, reminded me of the Hell Hollow “folks.” Congrats on completing Cheshire County! Onward and upward!!!
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Thank you! Only 9 more counties to finish.
I don’t know how you find these things. I’ve been through Alstead a hundred times and I’ve never seen any of those sculptures. They make me want to buy a welder.
I can remember swimming in Vilas pool and remember how upset everyone was when they closed it. It’s good to see it opening again.
Getting out onto the back roads is how I find most of these treasures. I had never heard of Vilas Pool until I visited Alstead. I’ll bet it was quite a place in it’s day.
It was a fun place to swim.
Those sculptures are wonderful. I’d really enjoy hunting for them.
I can’t wait to go back and find then rest of them. I read there is a polar bear and a blue hippo. Such talent!