Discovering the Upper Valley’s hidden gems, inspiring adventures, and local favorites with the LOH family.

An article in a ski magazine brought Chris to the Upper Valley after college, the promise of a job in the ski industry proving too much to resist. Some 30 years later, Chris is largely out of the ski business, but the area is still home. Chris now plies his trade at Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan, NH, while chasing live music whenever and wherever he can find it.

My outdoor happy place
Standing in the Mascoma River with my fly rod, hoping for a few fish to catch. If I want to engage my own creativity, I’ll reach for my guitar, my camera, or my fly rod (fly fishing is indeed an art form; just ask Norman Maclean).

Hitting the slopes
Winter is my favorite season, so I’ll ski or snowboard at Saskadena Six in South Pomfret, VT. It’s not that big; a good skier’s going to get from top to bottom in about 23 seconds, but it’s steep, so it keeps you interested. Here’s the key part: It’s not expensive and it’s almost never crowded. It’s certainly an easy way to ski.

Après-ski spots
If you’re hanging with your crew at the mountain, the bar at Saskadena is great. It officially has a name — Perley’s Pourhouse — but to us, it’s just “the bar.” On the way home, Worthy Kitchen in Woodstock, VT, is a great spot for a craft pint and some fried chicken.

Retail therapy
Suzi Curtis, proprietor of Woody’s Mercantile in Woodstock, VT, is the most creative person I know. She’s not a musician or writer, but she has a tireless creative energy for a wide range of things — planning gatherings, decorating a space, or sourcing unique items for Woody’s from all over. If you could picture what Etsy looks like in a retail manifestation, that’s it.

Favorite hidden gem
Skunk Hollow Tavern in Hartland Four Corners, VT. I was lucky to find it 30 years ago. It is literally hidden. If you didn’t know, you’d never find ’em. It’s an oldstyle roadhouse, kind of restaurant-y pub. You walk in the front door, and there’s maybe six tables in a small bar downstairs surrounding an old-school fireplace.

What’s playing on repeat
The Heavy Heavy! I was sitting in a coffee shop a few months ago and this song came on, and I was like, “What is that?” It had a cool guitar part; you could tell the guitar player was talented, but it was treated in such a new way, and the vocals were harmonizing with the guitar. They’re the best new thing I’ve heard this year, for sure.

Favorite new discovery
Lupin on Netflix. It’s a modern adaptation of the classic French thief story. It’s very creative and fun.

Best place to meet up with friends
REDCAN restaurant in White River Junction, VT. It’s great.

Supporting the songs at LOH
We are a musical family. We are huge music fans, as well amateur musicians ourselves. When we were dating 30 years ago, my wife, Kathy, and I would see as much music together as we could — the Allman Brothers, Phish, Spin Doctors, U2, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, God Street Wine. To be able to support a local venue like LOH that brings in national talent, while also supporting local artists and schools, is an honor.

Experiences the family loves at LOH
We enjoy all kinds of shows at LOH, but recently our favorites are music, like nationally touring blues and jazz artists. We also especially enjoy the shows that showcase local youth talent like Tuck’s Rock Dojo and NESA. And of course, we really love Nexus! We really enjoy the variety of artists and the vibe the festival is cultivating in Lebanon.

Favorite LOH moments
Bob Weir played in the Fall of 2008. As a longtime fan of the Grateful Dead and all of its iterations, to see Bobby play in your hometown was quite a night. Next, I have to choose Buddy Guy and Gordon Lightfoot — both for the same reason. They are, of course, iconic artists, but some of my earliest childhood memories include riding in the car listening to my Dad as he sang along to those guys. Their music is obviously very different, but they are both amazing storytellers.


Share your recommendations on what makes the Upper Valley great!

LOH launched the Art & Soul Ambassadors campaign as an effort to shine a spotlight on the people, places, and things that make life in this community interesting, unique, and rewarding. Now, we’re looking for more people to join in.

The campaign will appear in LOH’s social media channels, emails, and other outlets regularly throughout the year.

Ready to share? Just fill out this form.