Moving to Concord from Chicago has been a regional shock for me. People peer at me with one head cocked to the side as if they've seen a unicorn when I ask politely for the nearest washroom. Buildings and homes in New England are seemingly as old as time compared to the freshly rooted condominiums and business towers back in the Midwest. And the fact that establishments on Main Street close at ridiculously early hours regardless of it being a weekday or weekend will be the end of me.

One of the pleasant distinguishing markers of New Hampshire, however, has been the abundance of friendly outdoor festivals. I made it out to Hampton Beach this weekend for the 19th Annual Seafood Festival that featured fifty of the Seacoast's top restaurants serving fried clams, shrimp, and lobster cooked to your fantasy's preference. Eighty art and craft vendors, local entertainment with a backdrop of the always gorgeous North Atlantic Ocean provided for a cute little playdate with friends on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My two cents? Before Concord becomes buried by snow and your will to climb out of your bed for things outside of food and other basic necessities fails you, take advantage of the weather for the upcoming festivals at New Hampshire's upcoming Deerfield Fair and Sandwich Fair. Both are extremely accommodating by providing shuttles from parking areas to and from the fairs with affordable admission prices. Check it out before you forget what fun is during midterms.