What's Happening in May

Out and about on the N.H. seacoast

What's Happening in May

Out and about on the N.H. seacoast

Welcome to May on the Seacoast of New Hampshire. Not only is the temperature getting a little warmer, but folks are amped up to wear flip flops, walk the beach, and basically show off those pedicures. If you’re looking to spend the day in the most Hampton Beach-way, may we suggest one or more of the following:

The hooks have arrived on Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach Tow Truck Parade

While its mission may be to teach and promote highway safety what this event really accomplishes for one weekend in the summer is loud thrills. Catch the NH Towing Association’s annual Tow Show (or as it’s affectionately known: Tow Rodeo) on May 19 and 20. You’ll want to bring the kids, if you have them, but don’t worry, seeing these rigs all shined up in the sunshine will yank out the youngster in all of you. It takes place at Hampton State Park, and if you’ve never seen the trucks pull into town before: They’re loud and they’re proud.

Check out the sights… go fly a kite

Kites Against Cancer

You know how it feels when you see someone with their kite against the sky. You think: Go, go, go, because it’s not always easy to go with the wind. Well, imagine hundreds of kites against the sky, and you’ll have a good idea of Kites Against Cancer, an annual event, where you are asked to join in kite flying in support of those with cancer. Many decorate their kite in memory, or in tribute to, a loved one. Proceeds go to Exeter Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care.

Speaking of kites… want to become one?

If your sense of adventure goes to 11, Hampton Beach Parasailing might be just the adventure you need. They say your fun is guaranteed, and although we’ve never tried it, we think flying like a kite would be one of the raddest ways to spend the day on Hampton Beach.

Everything pales to seeing a whale

If you want to touch marine life, wait a little longer until summer starts, and head to Blue Ocean Discovery Center where you can learn all about different species (and how to handle them!) But, if you just want to see marine life, hop aboard a whale watch, and keep your eyes peeled! You’re in luck, because whale watching starts in earnest in May. Check out Granite State Whale Watch out of Rye. They were awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2014-2017, so that’s excellent. Also: New for 2018, they’ll be offering Isles of Shoals tours and trips to Star Island. One TripAdvisor advisee says, “This was such a great experience. We saw 4 humpback whales. Very informative group of people. One of the high points of our trip.” Come the end of June, you can book a trip with Al Gauron for deep sea fishing and whale watching.

The jig is up down on the docks

Fishing is hard work

You say you like to eat fish. But do you like to fish fish? If so, the N.H. Seacoast does not disappoint. Book an fishing excursion with Eastman’s Docks in Seabrook. Half day fishing starts mid-May, and if you wait until June, you can go night fishing. You can even charter a boat of your own and set out upon the seas that please. We like this TripAdvisor review: “A family run business, when you go fishing here the owners treat you like family, then after a great day out at sea, probably the best seafood on the seacoast is available on the premises. The restaurant is known as the Tuna Striker, but it too is family run. Made many friends while fishing and then the food, WOW, is the only word that needs to be said.”

Better than ‘Breaking Away’

After a day or two sampling some of Hampton Beach’s more mouth-watering delights (fry doe); coconut shrimp and chicken you might want to stretch your legs and put some of those calories to use on two wheels. Nope, we’re not talking motorcycles (visit Wally’s to find those)–we’re talking bicycling! The annual Cycle the Seacoast event takes place in May (May 6, 2018), and you’re invited to bike 25, 50 or 100 mile routes. We’re told the views are almost as breathtaking as the exercise. Also: the race benefits the American Lung Association.