The 4th at Elm Brook Park

A Hidden Gem in the Granite State
When you’ve lived in New Hampshire as long as I have, it’s rare to stumble upon a place you’ve never been, and never even heard of, that’s actually worth discovering. But that’s exactly what happened this holiday weekend.

Fourth of July, No Plans (Again!)
I have a bad habit of forgetting to make plans for the Fourth of July almost every year, and this year was no exception. The invites we did receive all conflicted with some of my husband’s work commitments. So, we woke up on the morning of the 4th with no plan, but we both agreed we wanted to find somewhere new for the kids, something that would feel fresh and exciting.

Discovering Elm Brook Park in Contoocook
We ended up at Elm Brook Park in Contoocook, New Hampshire, and it was amazing! The place was bustling but didn’t feel crowded. Even though you could hear the noise of multiple families enjoying themselves, there was a stillness and peace that permeated the space. There were several pavilions, grills, and bathroom facilities, which made the day super convenient, no waiting to use the grill or hiking a long distance to find a restroom.

So Much More Than Just a Swimming Spot
Most of our time was spent at the swimming area, but there was so much more to explore. Walking trails, wetlands that looked perfect for kayaking, and plenty of open space. One of the kids, E, really wanted to walk across the large stone dam, but we ran out of time. We’ll have to go back to see if that area is open to the public. We’ll definitely be back