Have you been to Harrisville?

It is Saturday morning in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. I am surrounded by exquisite lakes, forests and mountains that beckon to be explored and climbed. The African in me cautions that such activities on your own are potentially dangerous. Hell, I won’t even run down the abandoned road on my own! Who knows what, but in my mind “who”, lies in wait in the vastness of the unknown. It saddens me that I am so cautious of going places on my own but my meandering thoughts have now sidetracked me from the telling of today’s adventure.

“It’s a great little town with a nice place to eat – kind of like the corner store but healthier” were the words my brother used to spark my attention “but I don’t know how you get there, it’s kind of complicated”. Good thing I discovered the GPS in the cubbyhole of the car I have been using. It is my new favourite toy, especially in this vast country with its spidery network of roads.

Armed with my camera, a couple of dollars and a sense of adventure, I plugged 29 Church Street, Harrisville, NH into the GPS and set off in search of the popular “General Store” which boasts of good coffee, scrumptious home-made food and broadband wireless. Halfway there I realised I had left my computer. I guess I won’t be finishing that journal article this weekend.

On Friday I had to go to Hanover to attend a seminar. Google maps said it would take less than an hour. The GPS decided to take me on a rather scenic route through the backcountry of New Hampshire. It took me an hour and a half. So, I wasn’t surprised when I found myself again navigating the back roads of New Hampshire in search of the mystical Harrisville and its popular cafe.

Harrisville claims to be one of the most photographed towns in New England. I can see why! It has this old age industrial feel to it, complete with picturesque streams, trees, houses and of course a lake. Located in the Monadnock region of southern New Hampshire, it is a wonderful example of a well preserved 19^th century mill town with the sawmill and gristmill being built in 1774.

After an hour of rambling around town with my camera, it was time to go in search of some refreshments. The General store was all I imagined and more. The smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomed me as I stepped into a bustling space filled with an assortment of delicious looking food, interesting people and a menu that is somewhat reminiscent of Olympia Cafe in Cape Town. To my delight, it really was a General store where you could buy basic household necessities and I was immediately transported back to South Africa’s Spaza shops although this would be considered a chic, upmarket version.

I can already envision retreating to Harrisville during the summer when I have a few hours to spare and am looking forward to soaking up the sun on the veranda while sipping iced tea and watching the world go by.