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If you think summer’s over, you’ll stand corrected—at least until Sept. 22. That’s the official first day of autumn, although many view the beach’s marquis event–the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, Sept. 7 through Sept. 9–as Hampton’s last summertime hurrah. Here at the Hampton Beach Guide, we’ve got your pick of other events to help kiss summer goodbye. Take your pick, or tell us how you celebrate summer’s waning days on the NH coast.
Sure, you like lobster rolls. But do you like them enough to try to stuff 19 into your belly in 10 minutes? Even with a $600 top prize on the line, the Annual Lobster Roll Eating Contest can be an exercise in stomach-toughness even to watch. See it live Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018 at 2 p.m. Three cheers for McGuirk’s Ocean View for sponsoring this year’s decadent feed. And–relax–you need to register well ahead of time, so you can probably just eat how much (or little) of whatever you want at this year’s festival. Some scallops, please.
Start running in Bethlehem (NH) and wind up in Hampton Beach. The race is Reach the Beach, but luckily for you, it’s a 12-person (or six, if you’re ultra tough) relay race that takes place annually covering about 200 miles of Granite State ground. If you’re not into running, stay stationary speck of turf and cheer on the participants in this 20th anniversary year Sept. 14-15!
If you missed the inaugural Fire Show on the Beach in 2017, be sure to click. And there’s no need to miss out this year: It’s Saturday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. near the coolest playground in town. Professionals (don’t try this near your beach blanket) will wow you with fire-eating, flame-tossing and logistically-lit moves that will put the hot in “That’s Hot.” Enjoy responsibly.
A century is 100 years, but in the biking world, it’s 100 miles or (160.9 km) for our Canadian friends. On Sept. 22 and 23, you can take part in the 2018 Seacoast Century sponsored by the Granite State Wheelmen. Registration ends Sept. 3–hurry. If 100 miles seems like too long a stretch for you, register for the scenic 25, 50 or 63 mile ride along the New England coast through 3 states (NH being the most beautiful, of course!)
For many, practicing meditation is something they choose to do alone. But if you’re just starting out and can use guidance getting centered, give Meditation Class, hosted by the North Shore Medium, a try. Taking place at the NSM Wellness & Yoga Center in Hampton, the class aims to help you experience “the benefits of meditation in your life—inner peace, health, and spiritual awakening.” Even one of those isn’t half bad.
Have you heard of Flōte? It’s located in the same Hampton plaza as the inimitable Community Oven (really great pizza, especially if George is your bartender). Flōte aims to offer you “wellness enhanced” and healing and relaxation through–as its name suggests–floating. You can also take a $5 Gentle Meditation and Yoga Class on Monday, Sept. 10, perfect for newbies: “Bring an open heart and willingness to allow new possibilities.”
