AGP Executive Report

James Beard Spotlight: Dover chef Evan Hennessey won the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast, a big win for Washington Street Mills and a fresh reason to plan a food-focused trip to New Hampshire. Outdoor & Family Fun: NH 4-H hosted “Wildside: Trek to End Hunger” at Gunstock Mountain Resort, drawing 100+ people and collecting 325 pounds of food for local pantries, plus free outdoor activities like the Wild Miles Adventure Loop and a coaster ride. Travel Weather Watch: Another round of rain is expected Thursday, with about 1 inch possible in northern mountains of western Maine and New Hampshire—enough to watch for flooding since streams are already running high. Local Tourism & Community: Laconia Motorcycle Week’s Mae-West Memorial “For the Love of Pets” Ride returned for its 12th year, raising about $100,000 since 2014 for Lakes Region animal groups. Safety Reminder: A Massachusetts hiker died after a medical incident on Monadnock State Park’s Cascade Link Trail, underscoring the need for preparedness on popular NH hikes.

Outdoor Safety: A 20-year-old Massachusetts hiker, Joshua Luth, died after a medical emergency on Monadnock State Park’s Cascade Link Trail near Jaffrey; CPR began before conservation officers and multiple fire/ambulance teams responded, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating. Family & Community: In Bethlehem’s North Country, childcare access is scarce—Copper Cannon Camp’s preschool and the Country Day School in Colebrook highlight how families often drive long distances for early education. Local Travel Buzz: Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem earned a James Beard nomination in the outstanding bakery category, putting the White Mountains scoop shop in the national spotlight. Road & Weather Watch: Windham, near the MA border, saw a fatal single-car crash where a driver was ejected into a swamp; meanwhile, forecasts point to soaking rain and possible minor flooding in parts of New Hampshire and the region around high tide. Weekend Planning: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicked off with thousands in the Lakes Region, with riders coming for scenic roads and the rally’s long-running draw.

Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorms and flash-flood risk are in the forecast for parts of the Northeast and beyond, with soaking rain expected to move through overnight into early Monday—plan for delays and slippery conditions. Road Safety: A 60-foot tree fell on a car on Portsmouth’s Route 1 Bypass, sending the driver to the hospital; separately, a fatal NH swamp crash in Windham left one man dead after being thrown from his vehicle. Outdoor & Hiking: A Lancaster man died after a medical emergency while hiking on Monadnock State Park’s Cascade Link Trail; also, a reminder that summer storms can turn trails and roads risky fast. Local Flavor: Bethlehem’s Super Secret Ice Cream earned a James Beard nomination, putting the White Mountains on the foodie map. Lakes Region Events: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicked off with thousands arriving for the 103-year tradition running through June 21. Family Travel Fun: A Brookline, NH family is chasing the full World Cup sticker set—an easy, low-cost way to build a trip-time ritual. Travel Deals: AAA reports gas prices are continuing to cool nationally, offering some relief for summer road trips.

Outdoor Safety: A Lancaster man, 20, died after a medical emergency while hiking on the Cascade Link Trail in Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey; Fish and Game says good Samaritans called 911 and began CPR, but he was pronounced dead and the cause is under investigation. Road & Weather Alerts: A driver died after being thrown from a car in a Windham swamp crash; the vehicle was found in cardiac arrest and North Lowell Road was closed during the probe. Storm Watch: Strong thunderstorms are possible tonight, with damaging winds and flooding downpours a concern in parts of the East and nearby regions, and conditions expected to dry out by Monday morning. Local Travel Culture: Laconia Motorcycle Week is underway in the Lakes Region, drawing thousands and running through June 21. Gas Prices: AAA reports pump prices are still easing nationally, with the average regular gallon down week-over-week as summer road trips ramp up.

Laconia Motorcycle Week: Thousands rolled into the Lakes Region for the 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Week, a decades-long tradition that runs through June 21 and draws riders from across the country. Roadside safety: A 60-foot tree fell on a car on Portsmouth’s Route 1 Bypass, sending the driver to the hospital; the road was closed about an hour. Local travel weather: Saturday looks pleasant, but late Sunday storms could bring strong to severe weather. Outdoor prep: Black flies are already making western Maine and New Hampshire hikes feel like a test—especially on exposed trails like Mount Washington and Bald Mountain. Family-friendly golf: Omni’s Generation Cup is expanding, with parent-child and other family divisions at Omni golf destinations and a third national championship planned for 2027. NH tourism history: A look back at Claremont’s St. Mary’s Church cornerstone laid in 1823 highlights early Catholic roots in the Granite State. Summer travel costs: AAA reports gas prices are still easing nationally, with uncertainty tied to oil markets.

Road Safety: A 60-foot tree fell on a car on the Route 1 Bypass in Portsmouth, sending the driver to the hospital and briefly closing the road. Tourism & Events: Laconia Motorcycle Week (103 years strong) kicks off with organizers expecting up to 300,000 visitors, plus big hill climbs and safety-focused crowd controls. Travel Planning (World Cup): World Cup fans are already pouring into the Boston/Foxborough area, with crowds gathering at transit hubs and local businesses gearing up for match-day travel. Outdoor Recreation: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is setting up the Rangeley Rendezvous solstice weekend (June 19-21) with sunrise/sunset paddles and guided trips across Rangeley-area waters. Local Economy: Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program grants are sending more than $8.1 million into rural New Hampshire projects, targeting housing, childcare, workforce, infrastructure, and forest-product growth. Weather Watch: NOAA’s El Niño outlook points to a hotter, more humid summer and fall across the Northeast, with more frequent heat waves. Community Spotlight: A Manchester-area graduation story highlights how student involvement in theater helped one Mascoma Valley graduate find motivation and confidence.

Laconia Motorcycle Week: The 103rd annual Bike Week kicks off Saturday, June 13, with organizers expecting up to 300,000 visitors and big crowds for hill climbs at Gunstock and Weirs Beach through Sunday, June 21. Northern Border Regional Commission Grants: New Hampshire’s rural counties are set to receive more than $8.1 million in federal Catalyst Program funding for projects tied to housing, childcare, workforce development, infrastructure, and forest-product growth. Summer Travel Weather Watch: A flood watch is in effect for parts of northern New Hampshire and western/central Maine as slow-moving storms could bring rounds of heavy rain and flash flooding risk. Gas Prices: AAA reports national regular gas prices have fallen for a third straight week, easing summer road-trip costs. Fireflies in NH: A nature feature explores the hidden diversity of fireflies and glow-worms, including species found across New England. Local Tourism Spotlight: Pittsburg’s “Republic of Indian Stream” history is highlighted as a recreation-rich northern NH destination for fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. Safety & Travel Disruption: Police report an arrest outside an Olive Garden in Newington after allegations of forced marriage and injuries tied to a “satanic ritual.”

Laconia Motorcycle Week: The 103rd annual Bike Week kicks off Saturday, June 13, with organizers eyeing up to 300,000 visitors over 10 days, plus big hill climbs at Gunstock Mountain Resort and Weirs Beach. Northern Border Grants: New Hampshire is set to receive more than $8.1 million in federal Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program funding for 16 rural projects, including housing, childcare, workforce development, infrastructure, and support for the forest products industry. Weather Watch: A flood watch is in effect for parts of northern New Hampshire and western/central Maine as slow-moving storms could bring rounds of heavy rain and flash flooding risk. Gas Prices: AAA says pump prices are falling for the third straight week, with the national average for regular down to about $4.13. Tourism & Travel Planning: A new riding guide highlights hundreds of miles of biking opportunities across northern Vermont and New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Public Safety: A judge ruled key evidence in the Logan Clegg double-murder case can be used even though it stemmed from an unconstitutional cellphone location ping.

Outdoor Adventure: Gunstock Mountain Resort is offering Bronco Off-Roadeo in Gilford, letting visitors rent a Ford Bronco and learn off-road driving techniques on rugged, obstacle-filled terrain. Outdoor Economy: New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector got a spotlight at Granite Outdoor Industry Day, bringing together leaders and policymakers to talk tourism, guiding, retail, and manufacturing opportunities. Summer Travel Costs: AAA reports gas prices are falling nationally for the third straight week, with the U.S. average down to about $4.12 per gallon—good news for road trips heading into peak season. World Cup Watch in NH: A Concord hat company is hosting a ticketed U.S. men’s national team World Cup watch party, adding a local, community-style way to catch matches. Juneteenth in NH: A guide highlights 2026 Juneteenth events across New Hampshire celebrating Black history and culture, including Portsmouth’s multi-day celebration.

Heat & Storm Watch: A heat advisory stays in play Friday as temps push into the 90s with sticky humidity, plus a chance of isolated thunderstorms—coastal areas may feel a bit cooler with a sea breeze. Road Disruptions: Heavy rain and flash flooding washed out multiple New Hampshire roads in Madison, with several closures reported and drivers urged to avoid barricaded routes. Outdoor Economy: Granite Outdoor Industry Day highlighted New Hampshire’s $4.2 billion outdoor recreation sector and how tourism, retail, guiding, and manufacturing are feeding jobs statewide. World Cup in Concord: Local entrepreneurs are leaning into World Cup excitement with watch parties and events, giving visitors and residents another reason to plan a trip. Ski Season Success: New Hampshire logged its best ski season in 15 years, with nearly 2.3 million skier visits and about $280 million in direct spending. Laconia Motorcycle Week Prep: Vendors and businesses are gearing up for Laconia Motorcycle Week (June 13–21), with Lakeside Avenue already buzzing. Northern Lights Alert: A strong aurora chance is forecast for the weekend, with visibility potentially across up to 25 states. Local Housing Pressure: New Hampshire home prices hit another record high while inventory stays tight, keeping affordability a major travel-adjacent concern for families.

World Cup travel planning: New Hampshire advocates and immigrant-rights groups issued a World Cup travel advisory warning fans about immigration enforcement risks, including social media screening and device checks, and urged visitors to carry ID and emergency contacts while traveling through the region. Lakes Region events: Laconia Motorcycle Week is gearing up for June 13–21, with vendors and businesses along Lakeside Avenue already in full prep mode for the influx. Outdoor + wildlife: A black bear was spotted climbing a beach jetty at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye—unusual behavior that Fish and Game says fits a young bear dispersing from its mother. Ski season boost: New Hampshire is reporting its best ski season in 15 years, with nearly 2.3 million skier visits and about $280 million in direct spending. Local travel inspiration: HGTV named Scenic Nursery and Landscaping in Raymond as the best garden center in New Hampshire, highlighting its seven acres of trees, shrubs and perennials. Experience NH on Capitol Hill: New Hampshire’s “Experience New Hampshire Reception” returned to Washington, D.C., featuring Granite State food, businesses, and the life-sized Marty the Moose and Kodak the Bear.

Outdoor Wildlife: A young black bear was spotted climbing on the jetty at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, an unusual move that Fish and Game says likely followed dispersal from its mother. Copyright & Radio: ASCAP filed federal copyright lawsuits against four radio groups, including White Mountains Broadcasting in New Hampshire, alleging they kept playing music after licenses were terminated. Air Travel: Southwest is expanding Florida service for winter 2027, adding six new routes and bringing back 28 seasonal routes, with heavy Orlando growth. Food & Fun: HGTV named Scenic Nursery and Landscaping in Raymond as the top New Hampshire garden center, while “Best of NH 2026” lists spotlight local pizzerias, adventure picks, and waterfront rentals. Tech & Jobs: Analogic opened a new global headquarters in Salem, aiming to consolidate operations and bring about 500 jobs. World Cup Watch: New Hampshire groups are hosting World Cup watch parties across the state, giving fans a local way to catch the matches. Local Development: Cobble Pond Farms is set to reopen its Canterbury convenience store and gas pumps as early as July after years of vacancy.

World Cup Watch Parties: Soccer fans can stay local this summer with New Hampshire bars and groups hosting U.S. Men’s National Team watch parties, including Manchester (Shoppers Pub & Eatery), Portsmouth (Liars Bench Beer Company with live DJ and vendors), Lebanon (Salt Hill Pub with surround sound), Dover (June Cork Pub), and more. Tech & Jobs: Analogic opened a new global headquarters in Salem, consolidating operations and bringing about 500 jobs to New Hampshire. Outdoor Footwear: Keen refreshed its trail heritage with a fast-and-light reimagining of the Targhee boot, aimed at modern hikers and fastpacking. Local Housing & Parking: Lawrence city commissioners deferred a decision on selling a downtown parking lot for affordable senior housing, citing unanswered questions—especially around parking. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports premium gas hit a low of $4.69 in Grafton County for the week ending May 30. Travel Culture: Smithsonian traveling exhibit “Spark! Places of Innovation” is set to land at the Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls for June–July.

Fryeburg Fair (Maine) Summer Deal: Dreamland Amusements will sell ride bracelets for $17.76 during July 1–July 4, a big holiday bargain for families planning a New England fair day. White Mountains Tragedy: Plymouth State student Leah Anderson, 21, died after a shooting in Thornton; her 18-year-old brother, Logan Anderson, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge. Tourism Pulse: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen met Lakes Region leaders aboard the Winnipesaukee Spirit to hear what’s helping and hurting summer travel, including gas prices and fewer Canadian visitors. Housing Watch: New Hampshire’s single-family median home price hit a new high of $579,900 in May, with talk of whether $600,000 is next and concerns about first-time buyers getting priced out. Outdoor Health Alert: CDC data shows tick bites are sending Americans to ERs at the highest spring rate in nearly a decade—another reason to plan ahead for hikes and camps. Politics & Travel: Rahm Emanuel is drawing presidential speculation after a 117-mile “Spin-Free Tour” bike trip across rural New Hampshire.

Nonprofit Fundraising: New Hampshire nonprofits are lining up for a record NH Gives, with nearly 700 groups registered for the statewide online giving event running June 9-10. Summer Tourism Watch: Lakes Region leaders say they’re cautiously optimistic for the summer season, even as gas prices and fewer Canadian visitors weigh on planning. New Hampshire Ski Update: Ski NH reports the 2025-26 season was the busiest in 15 years, with 2.28 million visits and a cold, snowy December-to-February. New Stay-and-Play: Under Canvas White Mountains has opened in the White Mountains with luxury safari-style tents, private bathrooms, and stargazing options. Seacoast Coffee Buzz: Flamingos Coffee Bar is expanding to a bigger Dover location with an in-house bakery. Visitor Safety & Travel Notes: Immigration advocates across New England issued a World Cup travel advisory warning international visitors about possible device and social media checks amid stepped-up enforcement. Local Alerts: Police are searching for a missing man last seen in Georgetown, and a Thornton shooting investigation is underway after a college student was killed.

New Hampshire’s ski comeback: Ski NH says the 2025-26 season was the busiest since 2011, with 2.28 million visits and a 5% bump over last year—helped by a colder Dec–Feb than recent winters. Forest history meets tourism: In Wilton, stewards are using a hike in the Sheldrick Forest to show how the woods change over time—part of the town’s 250th birthday celebration. New lodging in the White Mountains: Under Canvas White Mountains has opened on 86 acres near Mount Washington, with safari-style tents, private baths, and stargazing options. Glamping spotlight: The new retreat adds another reason to plan a summer getaway in NH’s mountain region. Family travel costs: A new NH Fiscal Policy Institute analysis finds childcare prices kept rising in 2025 while provider supply shrank, pushing center-based infant care to about $30,000 a year. Seacoast coffee expansion: Flamingos Coffee Bar is opening a bigger Dover location with an in-house bakery. Wildlife update: Researchers are studying whether forest logging practices could change how moose deal with winter ticks.