My youngest son, Jake, lives in Londonderry, so I couldn’t begin to count the number of times I have been there, but it wasn’t until yesterday I realized everything Londonderry has to offer. It literally has something for everyone. Jake and I had dinner plans, so I thought I’d spend the day really getting to know the wonderful town he lives in.
Londonderry residents could probably live their entire life without ever leaving town. There are shopping centers, factories, farms, historical buildings, places to hike, bike and swim and even a museum. Housing ranges from classic New England farmhouses to modern mini-mansions. The diversity is astounding. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport lies mostly in Londonderry, making air travel an option. Both of New Hampshire’s major highways pass through Londonderry, making car travel equally as easy. Londonderry’s next door neighbor is the city of Manchester, so you don’t have to go far for the hustle and bustle of city life. All that being said, here is a little bit about my day in Londonderry…
The forecast called for above normal temps for the middle of December (near 60 degrees!) and partly sunny skies would help chase away the gloom caused by nearly 2 weeks of dreary weather. Once the colorful autumn leaves have fallen and before the first brilliant white layer of snow blankets our world, we live in what we like to call “stick season”. Muted shades of brown dominate the senses, unless you live here…
Every time I drive by this house, I think of gingerbread. One can not help but be drawn to the riot of color. Not far from here I got my barn fix in for the day…
If organic yogurt is your favorite snack, you can visit the Stonyfield Yogurt factory. Unfortunately, the visitor center wasn’t open when I went by…
Mack’s farm and farm stand has been serving Londonderry for the last 283 years…
After visiting Mack’s, a short drive will bring you to a wonderful community park. From here, you can see some of the most historic buildings in town…
The afternoon was wearing on and I knew of at least one more place I wanted to visit before dinner. Musquash Conservation Area is almost 900 acres, with an incredible system of trails to explore.
While the sun started playing peek-a-boo with the clouds, I chose a trail and set off. It wasn’t long before I discovered others out enjoying the balmy weather…
After a bit, I thought I could hear bells. Now I know it is December and Santa’s visit isn’t too far off, but certainly he wouldn’t be checking on me in the middle of the Musquash. Turns out, it was a pair of dogs with bells on their collars. One was kind enough to pose mid-trail for me…
Here is a collection of things I saw while walking about…
The light was fading quickly by the time I got to another one of the ponds and I knew it was time to head back…
By the time I got back to Trouble, the crescent moon was visible over the power lines…
It was a wonderful way to spend the day. It felt so good to be back out with my camera, knowing I would get to come home and share my adventure with you. Thanks for tagging along.
Touring NH 
So happy to see you back on the “tour” and exploring all the beauty that exists, despite this season of sticks!
Thank you. It can be hard to get motivated during stick season, but it can definitely be worth it!
I like the photos from the nature trail. It looks like a beautiful spot to be in late fall/winter before the snow.
A:hover { COLOR: red } A { TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: #0088cc } A.primaryactionlink:link { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:visited { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:hover { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e } A.primaryactionlink:active { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e }
The trail system in the Musquash is great. Well marked and pretty easy terrain.
Such a quaint and pretty little place. I’m with Jeff in loving that trail photo. Pass the gingerbread by the way. 🙂
A:hover { COLOR: red } A { TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: #0088cc } A.primaryactionlink:link { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:visited { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:hover { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e } A.primaryactionlink:active { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e }
“Tis the gingerbread season, but that house has been painted like that for as long as I can remember. I looks really nice, but the color scheme wouldn’t be for me.
I’m going to have to get to that park! After all the times I’ve gone to Manchester I’m really surprised that I haven’t heard of it. You weren’t kidding when you said you found fungi!
You’ll love it!
Love Londonderry! My mom lives right near (one?) of the entrances to the Musquash Conservation Area. Great trails! I went to school in Londonderry when I was little, and we always used to drive by the pink and purple Victorian house. I would always stare and wonder about it!
I think there are at least 3 trailheads for the Musquash. Londonderry really is a wonderful town to live in.
The trails at Mack’s are wonderful. A couple of weekends ago I walked six miles worth of trails there. My cardiologist was so pleased she wants me to do that at least twice a week.
It’s just Just a half a mile from my house.
A:hover { COLOR: red } A { TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: #0088cc } A.primaryactionlink:link { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:visited { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:hover { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e } A.primaryactionlink:active { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e }
Wow, I’m sure she was pleased, good for you!
Thank you for highlighting our wonderful “little” town. We’ve been residents for 12 years and have three young kids enjoying all this town has to offer now. The trails, both paved and natural, offer tons of family time together. Like you, I took a picture of some very interesting and beautiful orange fungi during one of my trail walks in the fall. It’s fun exploring those trails!
A:hover { COLOR: red } A { TEXT-DECORATION: none; COLOR: #0088cc } A.primaryactionlink:link { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:visited { COLOR: #fff; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #2585b2 } A.primaryactionlink:hover { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e } A.primaryactionlink:active { COLOR: #fff !important; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #11729e }
I’m so glad you and your family get out and enjoy all the trails. Londonderry truly does have something for everyone!
Just an FYI, Mack’s has a “k” in it! 🙂
Thank you, I will fix it.
Very nice, Laura.
Thank you. I think you’d enjoy the Musquash. It doesn’t have the sweeping vistas you’re used to but there are some beautiful sights.
You’re welcome…and those forested areas that you shared in your images look like they were made for me….I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy a nice long walk through the area. 🙂
What a great place. I’d love to walk those trails.
You’d love it. Lots of trails. Easy walking great place.
You forgot to mention the HUGE drug problem that has taken this town by storm.
While I appreciate your comment Bill, but this blog is my photographic journey into each town and I chose to see the good things.
That problem is not unique to Londonderry. It is everywhere, so I don’t see your point mentioning it here. Drugs are in every town in every state every where.
in response to Bill- December 29
Some of the best mountain bike trails in New England located at the Musquash preserve. 15 miles of great riding!
It’s wonderful Londonderry had the forethought to preserve all that land for us to enjoy.