Plan Your Perfect Spring Day in Newfound - Newfound Lake Region Association

Plan Your Perfect Newfound Paddling Adventure

*Kayakers enjoying peace and solitude on the Cockermouth River.*

Ice out was officially declared on April 28 at 2:29 pm, so grab your kayak or canoe and head to Grey Rocks for a paddling adventure.

The Cockermouth River’s meandering channels, typical of older, more sedate streams, create exceptional wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities. If time and weather allow, head out into Hebron Bay to explore the marsh or Paradise Point.

On returning to Grey Rocks, take some time to stretch your legs on our nature trails, and enjoy the view from one of three observation platforms, perfectly placed to observe local wildlife.

*The Sandy Point Trail, which leads to a viewing platform.*

Please remember, Grey Rocks is a carry-in/carry-out, leave no trace property. Well-behaved dogs are allowed on a leash, but owners are required to clean up after their pet.

NLRA Business Member Spotlight: Newfound Country Store

NLRA is proud to work with Newfound area businesses, and we enjoy sharing their stories. This month, the spotlight is on Newfound Country Store located on 408 Mayhew Turnpike Route 3A, Bridgewater, NH. NLRA Membership Director Karen Bemis recently visited owners Holly Kerouac and Craig Hall to learn more about their connections to the Newfound watershed. Please contact Karen via email to add your business to our growing NLRA community!

Newfound Country Store: More Than A Country Store — We’re a Destination!

A native of the Hollis/Nashua area, Holly worked at her family’s landscaping/garden center/composting facility for 22 years. Ready for a change, she and her husband, Craig, owner of Hall’s Excavating, decided in 2005 to open a retail store in New Hampshire. After looking at more than 200 locations, they found a store in Bridgewater. This area had the small-town charm that they were looking for and the beauty of Newfound Lake was an added bonus.

You may remember that the store was originally named the Newfound Grocery, however Holly and Curtis feel that the name, Newfound Country Store, more accurately represents their business.

This small, family-owned market takes pride in carrying only the best meats, which they hand cut and grind daily, meaning no fillers are added. They only carry certified angus beef. Holly knows that buyers are savvy, so she keeps Newfound Country Store’s pricing competitive with other, larger markets.

*Craig and Holly with their granddaughter Kailey, who also works in the store during school breaks.*

Days start early at the store, beginning at 5 am when regulars arrive for their coffee, muffins and breakfast sandwiches. The store is open year-round and Holly employs about 25 people, including the chefs who make the store’s salads, breads, chicken salad, and pasta salads. Full meals are also available to-go for those short on time, and the lunch menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, grinders, and sandwiches.

It’s important for Holly and Craig to contribute to the community. Each Thanksgiving, the Newfound Country Store hosts the annual Bridgewater Turkey Trot, which raises money for The Santa Fund. They partner with Bristol Community Services by providing gift baskets at Christmas.

Holly’s goal is for Newfound Country Store to be a local destination with a wide selection of fine local fare, including farm-fresh honey, maple syrup, eggs, milk, wine, and craft beers. Drop in to say hello to Holly and Craig, and sample some of their many offerings!

Start Your Spring Planting with Marleywood’s Raised Garden Beds

Marleywood, a family owned and operated business in Bridgewater, NH, specializes in premium cedar, raised garden bed kits. They cater to gardeners seeking high-quality, attractive, and durable products that are functional and easy to assemble. The Marleywood stainless-steel connection system doesn’t require hardware or tools — just a small mallet. Their 2″ cedar planking is long lasting and sustainably sourced. As well as a wide array of standard sizes, they can provide a custom design for your space. Contact Marleywood at (603) 744-8000 or via email for your raised garden beds, and start planting!