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There's a new place in town. Xtra chZ opened the first week in August at the corner of Rt.106 and Pembroke Road.
Now.....we have a lot of Pizza establishments in town so I asked the owner/operator, Nick Makris, what about his place makes him competitive? Nick didn't even hesitate in his answer "we cater to the whole family, not just the guys on lunch break" He has also told his help that no one is to leave "unhappy"....there's no skimping!
 They have more than 28 Specialty Pizzas. They also have an extensive menu of Specialty Salads! This is more than your standard Pizza Place. There are full American Dinners Plates and even Desserts!(I can attest to the White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle....yum)
The Makris Family is not new to the area! Back in the '80's they were known as Zoeys and were at the corner of Main St. and Bridge St. They moved to Manchester in the early '90's and also expanded into Deerfield!
Nick Makris
I asked Nick about what advertising he was relying on. He is strictly word of mouth! I can understand why....my son and his friends tried it once and now go nowhere else! Their favorite....Chicken, Bacon and Broccoli Alfredo! Fabulous!!
Dessert Case HDTV While Waiting
 
At this time Xtra ChZ is strictly Free Delivery and Take Out.But keep your eyes open...they have preliminary approval from the city to expand to the space next door and are planning on having 40 seats. This will be a great place to bring the family for an in-expensive family night out!
Meanwhile give them a try...you'll be glad you did!
  
Concord NH Realtor Local Information
Every Year, right around now, New Hampshire magazine does its Best of New Hampshire series.
They haven't published the Best Restaurant, Best Theatre, Best French Fries etc. (you get the picture) yet...but they have compiled a list of professionals. In addition to the list an explanation of the various Letter Designations has also been included. They were voted on by other professionals in the same occupation.
The Best Dentists 
The Best Doctors 
The Best Lawyers 
This is an excellant resource if you are looking for a specialist in a particular field or have re-located to the area.
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Concord NH Realtor Area Information
A while back I did a post about the green movement and how some local businesses were embracing real energy improvement practices in their daily routines. This featured The Red Blazer on Manchester Street in Concord NH.
Well this Independence Day The Blazer was in the news again!
The Red Blazer decided to spend Independence Day as Energy Independence Day! A story on NPR reported how for two hours the Blazer decided to"opt out" of the Power Grid and operated all of their energy eaters off of their recycled vegetable oil generator.
They started off on diesel ....brought the fuel up to temperature and then circulated it through the Vegetable oil generator to bring the temperature up on that. They ran for two hours and no one knew the difference! They eventually hope to operate for 6-8 hours during peak shifts to get Electric Grid Credits from their leftover fry grease that they used to pay to have disposed of.
One of the main reasons the Blazer is becoming so invested in this "Green" movement is to encourage other restaurant owners to try their own endeavors. This economy is especially hard on Food Service businesses' and the savings in energy could actually mean the difference in a non-existent and adequate profit!
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Concord NH Realtor Local Information
 There's a new place in town!
Nonni's Italian Eatery-"Food Just Like Momma Used To Make"- recently opened in the Holiday Inn, Main Street Concord New Hampshire!
My son took us out to a "belated" Mother's Day dinner. I got to choose, so I wanted to try Nonni's...Italian food is at the top of my preferred list!
It was a Sunday evening so it was not very crowded...which was fine with me because I wanted to take a few pictures but didn't want to disturb people. We were seated by our waitress Katelyn who asked if we had been there before and when we said no she told us a bit about the menu.  I did ask if it would be OK if I took some pictures for my Active Rain Blog and the Manager, Jennifer, was very gracious and said yes.
Our Chefs were Mikey and Robin 
The menu is very varied with something for every taste...including Brick Oven Pizza! We started with a shared appetizer of garlic knots with oil dipping sauce...they were delicious! My son had Fettuchini Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli, I had Lazagna (something I only get when I go out)...it was excellant! My husband had Chicken Marsala.  He said it was the best he has had since Boston's North End!
It was a delightful dinner and I know we will visit Nonni's again.
If you are in Concord be sure to try Nonni's Italian Eatery at the Holiday Inn,172 Main Street Concord NH (224-0400)
Concord New hampshire Realtor Local Information
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It's never too soon to start planning Summer activities!
As every parent knows, after the blush of Summer Vacation has faded the cry of the day is "there's nothing to do!!"
The City of Concord and the surrounding area offer many programs, covering many interests and to fit any budget. Who knows....if you start planning soon enough....you may be able to fill the time till School's in session again!
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 Camp Spaulding : Located in Penacook on the Contoocook River Camp Spaulding is a non-profit offering the overnight Camping Experience to children from familys of low or moderate income. Fees can also be determined on a sliding scale! The children get the full camping experience including: ropes courses, arts and crafts, swimming and more 6/30/08-8/22/08 Ages 8-14
Camp Tuckernuck : Locted in Deering NH, Camp Tuckernuck is an overnight or day camp with its focus centered on The Environment and Nature. Activities for ages 3-14 
 Concord Dance Camp : Day camp for ages 5-12. Held in Concord. There is also a Mini dance camp for ages 3-5
Turtle Island Day Camp: Held at the Mt Kearsarge Indian Museum, Turtle Island Camp focuses on Native American Cultures and aspects of Indian Life. Ages 6-14 
 Matt Bonner Basketball Camp: Concord NH July 14-18 Ages 8-16 Call 254-6042 for more information.
Beaver Meadow Junior Golf Program: Sessions held during Spring and Summer Vacation. Contact Ed Deshaies 228-8954 for ages, dates and more information 
 Windswept Farm : Instruction for children of all abilities. Sign up for one of the Horsemanship Day Camp Programs. there is also an Indoor Arena. Canterbury NH 783-4151
Sant Bani School in Sanborton is offering a Summer Program for grades 5-8.  Let the kids try their hand at...Creative Writing, Lego Robotics, Number Theory, Clamor in Clay, Unicycling and lots more! tel# 934-4240
 Camp Sentinel: A Christian Overnight and Day Camp. A quality Camp that includes both youth and families. Tel# 539-4839
Summer Art Camp: Held at Kaleidoscope Childrens Museum (Concord) Serving pre-K to 8th grade. Half and  full day camps available tel# 229-4526
 NH Audubon Summer Day Camp: Held at the McLane Center.Learn all about your surroundings! For ages 4-14 Get information and register on line or call tel# 224-9909 x333
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 ~City of Concord: The city offers programs that are many and varied. They include: Adventure Camp, Baseball and Softball, TV Video, Cheerleading, Dance Camp, Horseback and many more!
~Camps At Shaker Road: "Camp Shaker " offers day and overnite programs also field trips and campouts!
~Majestic Meadow Farm: A daycamp for kids who love horses, ages 6-14
~Summer Adventure Camps: Canoe and Kayaking
~YMCA Summer Day Camp: Kyds Camp and Specialty Camps will be held at Conant School 152 South Street, Concord NH
~Camp Fatima and Camp Bernadette:Sponsored by the Manchester NH Diocese. Ages 6-15 in Gilmanton Iron Works and Wolfboro. Special Needs Week for ages 9+
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Check back often for more kids camp options and events! There's always plenty of Summer stuff to do in the Concord New Hampshire area!
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COLE GARDENS
Cole Gardens (229-0655) is located at 430 Loudon Road. They have been in their present Retail location for almost three years. The Cole's have also had Wholesale Greenhouse in Loudon, NH for 20 years. Selling to other greenhouses and wholesalers.
They have landscaping packages for Homeowners, Landscapers and also Contractors!
Cole Gardens also offers complete Floral Servicessuch as arrangements, baskets and corsages to name a few! In addition they offer unique gifts including garden whimsey's, bird houses and feeders. True One Stop Shopping!
Meet Charlie Cole......
 More than just Plants!
Most days Charlie can be found at "the store". He is responsible for some great New Classes that were started this year. They were run every weekend from April to June. Some of the fun topics were "Succulent Seminars", "Container Gardening" and a very popular"Cooking With Herbs".
Be sure to keep your eye out for the classes next year...They're Free!
MIKES AFFORDABLE AUTO 
Mikes Affordable Auto (223-6774) is at 124 Manchester Street. Everyone in Concord knows Manchester Street . Not quite the Auto Mile but close! Mike has been here for several years. He was formerly Manchester Street Auto and recently re-opened under his new name (right next door) in his new "Art Deco" style building!
Meet Mike Albert....
 Mike has been in the Auto Business for over 25 years. He started as a kid ...working with his Dad in Rhode Island.
Mike has a Full Service Establishment he does Repairs, Inspections and Detailing. Want something special? He will look for special"pre-owned" vehicles at auctions.
His used cars are always in good  condition and He Stands By What He Sells! www.mikesaffordableauto.com
Now I know this for a fact! When my son was a "new" driver he had several accidents when they were able to be repaired, Mike repaired at prices a young guy could afford. He has sold my son three cars and my husband one!
When I asked Mike who makes up the bulk of his customers...he said Repeat Business. Well if my family is any indication.......
BUTTERS
Butters (Fine Food & Wine)225-5995 is right in the heart of downtown Concord at 70 North Main Street.
Their eagerly anticipated opening was last July...and they have taken Concord by storm.
They not only
offer the finest in Imported Cheeses and Wines....they have Gourmet Chocolate, Herbs, Meats, Baked Goods and other Epicurean Delights! They even have their own Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is kept in a spigot-ed crock and can be bought by the ounce!
Meet Keith Dickey......
 Keith is the owner operator of Butters and can be found there most days! A New York transplant who has definitely made in roads onto the local "Foodie" scene.
Keith has started Wine and Cheese Tastingson Thursday (and sometimes Friday) nites. They are held from 4:30 to 6:30. They (Butters) also do Platters for Special Catered Events!
I  asked Keith who was his Typical Customer he answered "Someone Who Loves Food and Wine" I would venture a guess that that would also include those who love to cook. You can get a fabulous array of Gourmet Items...to impress the pickiest of guests!
I asked Keith how he likes it here in Concord....Not Surprisingly...He Loves It!!
FLORA'S HAIR SALON 
Meet George Kapos-
George owns and operates Flora's Hair Salon located at 239 Loudon Road on "The Heights"and a second Salon at 108 Fisherville Road.
The Cool Moose Creamery at 62 N Main Street. The Cool Moose is one of Concords newest establishments! A treat for the eyes as well as the tummy! There is even a "bar" to sit at and enjoy your treat of choice.
This is the Moose Car. It definitely  gets noticed!
D.McLeods Florist: McLeods has been a Concord NH tradition since 1902. They are seen all over town making their deliveries in this wonderful van....
This is my bank. The First Colebrook Bank but around here they are known as the Moose Bank.. If someone says"the Moose Bank"...you know who they mean. Why a Moose? I haven't a clue!
Now what does this make you think of?... Coffee anyone?
White Mountain Coffee
Snowmobiling in New Hampshire is extremely popular! This year especially the State is abuzz because of the almost perfect snow conditions.It has been quite a while since we have had this much snow!
The Sno-Shakers Snowmobile Club located in Canterbury NH (Canterbury is also home to the famous Shaker Village.)The Sno-Shakers are a very activegroup. Started in 1972 in a field in Canterbury they currently groom and maintain 127 miles of trails in Loudon and Canterbury. Located at 71 Clough Pond Road they have a 40x60 foot clubhouse, with fireplace, to be used for Club functions....  it is also available for rent!
The Sno-Shakers Snowmobile Club. This could be your source for one stop shopping. Click on the link above to view their well laid out and informative web-site. You will find Trail Maps. trail conditions, snow depth many fun links and a calender of events that would encourage even a couch potato to join! For example...how does a
Steak Ride and poker Run on February 10th sound?
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Concord NH,has so much to offer! It's the city with a small town feel. A Main Street Community!
If you're visiting the Concord area but only have limited time to stay.....try a Mini Walking Tour that encompasses' some of the cities most representative buildings and enjoy a taste of the friendliness and culture that we who live here experience every day!
- Start your tour at Saint Pauls Church a Registered Historical Site.
- Continue to the Concord Public Library. There you can pick up some literature about the other stops you will be making.
- Next you will come to the Tuck Library. A beautiful building with marble floors and magnificent stairways it is the home for the Historical records of the State.
- Across the street you will come to the Legislative Office Building. It is in this historical building that rules of governance are formed and put into law. It also houses the offices of many State Agencies.
- The NH State House is directly across fro the LOB.Built in 1819 it is the oldest continuously running seat of State Government
- Stroll the Main Street and have lunch or a snack at one of our fabulous Downtown Establishments!
- Meander over to Eagle Square and take advantage of the picture taking vantage or relax in front of the soothing fountain
- Finish your tour in the bright spot of the Historical Society Museum. And be sure to pick up a souvenir of your visit!
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