Alstead

A historic river-fed swimming spot donated to the town in the 1920s by Charles Vilas. The natural pool is formed by a dam on the Cold River, creating a peaceful oasis with a stone bell tower, carillon, and cascading waterfalls. Though swimming is no longer allowed, locals love it for its picnic areas, paddle boating, and the beautiful pavilion that hosts weddings and community events.

An industrial performance hall housed in a former machine shop where live music meets massive machinery. The venue sits in the heart of the old pegmatite mining district and features a stage flanked by colorful machine presses. Most shows are just $10, BYOB, and attract music lovers from throughout the region who appreciate its gritty, authentic atmosphere.

Housed in the 1844 Maybelle H. Still Memorial Building, a beautiful former Universalist Church with extensive collections from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum preserves artifacts from Alstead's mining history, including items from the 26 different mica, feldspar, and beryl mines that operated from the early 1800s through the 1960s. Many items were rescued and preserved after the devastating 2005 flood.

A wood-fired artisan bakery on a third-generation homestead that's been baking traditional sourdough breads since 1997. Beyond the excellent bread, they host beloved summer pizza nights where the entire community gathers, bringing their own toppings while 100% of proceeds go to local charities. The self-serve bakery store is open daily, but Tuesday and Thursday mornings offer the best selection of warm loaves.