Around New England

10. Gile Mountain & Quechee Gorge with a stop at the Vermont Country Store

This week, we’re off to the picturesque state of Vermont. I’ll do my best to keep the Noah Kahan references to a minimum—though, I mean, it was Stick Season, so no promises!
We kick things off by chatting about Gile Mountain in Norwich, VT. Mike dug up some cool info on the stairs along the trail, built by the Upper Valley Trails Alliance. You’ve got to check out their website, complete with pictures of these impressive stairs going up—mystery solved! But let’s be real, the breathtaking views of Killington from the top really steal the spotlight.
Next, we took a quick detour to Quechee Gorge. Another fantastic, family-friendly hike that’s perfect for anyone in the area. And while you’re in the neighborhood, if you’re into owls or birds in general, the VINS Center is definitely worth a stop!
After the hikes, it was time to grab some Heady Topper from the local store and head over to the Vermont Country Store. Because let’s face it, a trip to Vermont wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping spree! Thanks for listening! Check out our Instagram for pictures & videos of each hike: Around New England Hiking

9. Ice Castles & Polly's Pancake Parlor

In this episode, we take you along on our epic family day trip to the Ice Castles in North Woodstock, NH! We kick things off bright and early with a hearty breakfast at Polly's Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill—because nothing says "we're ready for adventure" like picking out which 6 pancake batters you want for your pancake sampler. Spoiler alert: Polly’s never disappoints!
After fueling up (and stocking up on some very necessary souvenirs from their gift shop), we worked off some of those carbs with a quick hike at the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park. It was the perfect way to stretch our legs and pretend we were burning off those maple syrup calories before our much-anticipated Ice Castles adventure.
Then, it was time to don our warmest coats again and head into the magical frozen world of the Ice Castles! We had an absolute blast exploring ice sculptures, racing down tubing lanes, and sledding down a few ice slides (because who says kids should have all the fun?). It was cold, it was snowy, but it was a blast.
Tune in for all the frosty details and a few laughs along the way—because when you’re adventuring in sub-freezing temps Around New England, it’s always more fun when you can laugh at each other!
Instagram- Around New England Hiking

8. Mt Pemigewasset & Lessons Learned From a Winter Hike

On our first winter hike we learned some lessons, I mean isn't that what life is about? We knew going into this hike it would be a good one to test our new winter gear, or break our gear?  Mike had hiked this mountain last fall so now was our chance to hike it together and he could compare notes. Spoiler alert we survived. After the hike we went into Plymouth to get some coffee and a bagel at Cafe Monte Alto located within Chase Street Market. Thanks for listening please don't forget to rate review and subscribe thanks for being here!  
Pictures can be found on our Instagram: Around New England Hiking

7. Morgan & Percival & Plymouth, NH

Join us as we take another unexpected turn and embark on a fun adventure hiking Mt Morgan and Mt Percival! Ever been curious about this unique trail? Tune in as we discuss the caves, ladders, and how to navigate around them, plus which direction is best for your hike.
You can find all the photos we mention on our Instagram page: Around New England Hiking. Don't forget to like, comment, and leave a review of the podcast – we appreciate your support!

6. Mount Kearsarge & Family friendly hikes

Today we chat about Mount Kearsarge and some of our other family friendly hikes. 
Check out our photos on our Instagram: Around New England Hiking

5. Mt Chocorua & the best burger in Portsmouth, NH

In this episode, we dive into the ins and outs of the NH Safe Card—a surprisingly budget-friendly option for both families and solo adventurers. (Spoiler: it's not just "safe"; it’s smart!)
Next, we share our experience hiking the iconic Mt. Chocorua. From the trail we tackled to the moments we wondered if we’d ever see flat ground again, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.
And, as always, we wrap things up with our favorite topic: FOOD! This time, we’re raving about BRGR Bar in Portsmouth, NH. Because what’s a podcast without a burger (or three)?
Tune in for laughs, tips, and a side of hunger pangs!
Check out our photos on our Instagram: Around New England Hiking 

4. Mt Cardigan & how we plan our hikes

This episode we chat about how we go about planing amazing hikes with great views and amazing trails. The books we mention are Foghorn Outdoors New England Hiking a Complete guide to more than 380 hikes By Michael Lanza & 52 with a view by Ken MacGray.
We also talk about the difference between the elevation of a mountain and elevation gain of a mountain. 
We give details and a detailed review of our hike on Mt Cardigan. This so happens to be one of the 52 with a view! 
Let us know what you think. Thanks for listening! 
Follow us on Instagram: Around New England Hiking

3. Mt Willard & Littleton, NH

Happy New Year! In this episode, we dive into our hiking goals for the year, from tackling challenging hikes to finding more family-friendly trails. We also share our experience hiking Mt. Willard, a must-see gem in New Hampshire.
But it’s not all about the trails—we made sure to discover treats along the way we explored the charming town of Littleton, NH, checking out-
Cumb Bum Bakery for amazing coffee & pasties
Schilling Beer Co. not just a great craft brewery but delicious pizza.
Little Town Brews a little shop filled with a variety of craft beers
Shaun Terhune Fine Art Photography Gallery. A beautiful gallery filled with treasures
Adventures of A + K Youtube channel 
We wrap up the episode with a sneak peek at next week’s adventure: Cardigan Mountain, where Mike might (or might not) have had a moment of panic when the trail got a bit... steep. It’s an episode packed with laughs, tips, and great New England finds—don’t miss it!
All photos can be found on our Instagram: Around New England Hiking 
 

2. Ski Season is here!

🎿 New England Ski Season is here: Tips, Tricks, and Deals 🏔️
In this episode of Around New England, we’re hitting the slopes! ❄️ Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, we’ve got you covered with:
The best mountains to hit from beginners to experts.
Insider tips for planning the perfect ski trip—from lodging to lift tickets.
What to wear to stay warm and comfortable, even on the coldest days.
A can’t-miss deal on a ski pass that will save you big!
Grab your gear and get ready to make the most of New England’s winter wonderland. 🌨️
All photos can be found on our Instagram: Around New England Hiking

1. Intro

Episode 1: Why We Started 'Around New England'
Welcome to the first episode of Around New England! In this special introduction, we share the story behind our podcast and what inspired us to lace up our hiking boots and rediscover the great outdoors. From the mountains to the coastlines, New England is full of adventures waiting to be explored, and we’re here to guide you through them—no extreme fitness required!
We’ll dive into how a trip to Ireland and meeting Linda from Ireland Walk Hike Bike inspired us & why we believe there’s something magical about reconnecting with nature at this stage of life. Plus, we’ll give you a sneak peek into what you can expect from upcoming episodes—hidden gems, practical tips, and plenty of laughs as we navigate trails and life together.
So grab your gear and join us on this journey to make the most of the outdoors, one trail at a time.
⁠Ireland Walk Hike Bike 
Our pictures can be found on our Instagram:  Around New England Hiking