Helen & Jonathan
Things To Do
Vino e Vivo
Vino e Vivo is one of our favorite date spots, and the owner & staff are close personal friends. With a coveted five-star rating on Google, James Beard nominated chef Paul Callahan, and an unbeatable staff led by Justin Corriss, you are guaranteed an amazing experience at one of New Hampshire's must visit restaurants. We highly recommend having some wine on the patio if it is open.
Il Cornicello
Run by Jonathan's cousin Tim, Il Corincello is as close as you can get to true upscale Italian dining. Using the finest imported ingredients, Tim & team craft an absolute feast of favorites from old family recipes to new & forward thinking culinary creations. Another must visit, but call or email for reservations as Cornicello books up a month in advance.
The Living Room @ Stages
An impeccable stop for the most coveted drinks & bites in New Hampshire. Make sure to visit this elegant retreat in Dover. Let our good friend Bernadette wow you with cocktails, and enjoy Evan Hennessey's culinary mastery. Don't forget to play a round or two of cards!
The Czar's Brewery
Enjoy one of the best local brewers in New Hampshire's amazing craft scene. Come for the beer, stay for the atmosphere, and enjoy Helen's favorite nachos!
Fat Hen Brewing Co.
Craving a UK-style pub? Fat Hen is the newest member of the craft brewery scene in Exeter, and another MUST see! Jon thinks their meat-pies are better than those in London.
Explore Exeter New Hampshire
Jonathan's hometown of Exeter is a fun town to explore. Lots of shops in downtown to check out. Make sure to check out the beautiful riverfront walkways and enjoy the local wildlife including herons, bald eagles, ducks, bunnies, and maybe even the local seal family.
Adams Point
Nice area to take a walk and enjoy the views of the Great Bay. Can be a little muddy in the woods if it rained recently. You might even see a horseshoe crab. Photo pictured is from Adams Point.
Odiorne Point State Park
Beach front park in Rye, NH. Check out old bunkers and ocean life. This is not a "sandy" beach more rocky and more things like crabs and jellyfish. If you want a sandy beach there are a couple about 10-15minutes away driving.
Henderson-Swasey Town Forest
Jon's favorite hiking spot in NH has it all, woods, wildlife, and even some pre-colonial structures.
La Festa Brick & Brew
Need great pizza & beer in Dover? Head to Helen's favorite pizza place and order a slice or three. Helen recommends the buffalo chicken slices, and Jon loves that it smells like an 80's arcade.
Tokens Taproom
Tokens is the perfect place for a low-key date. Adults only during nights & weekends, but with dedicated kids hours, Tokens has the best pinball & arcade on the Seacoast with VERY reasonable prices.
Wallis Sands Beach
Smaller sandy beach with convenience store and bathrooms. Fee to park in lot of the day. If staying under an hour there is parking on side of the road near rock cliffs.
Wing Itz Newmarket
The best fries you can find, even beating the famous Dutch style. Make sure to get some truffle salt, and tell Julie that we sent you.
New England Pizza
Jon's favorite pizza place, period.
La Cascade du Chocolat
One of the three hand-crafted chocolatiers in Exeter. This one is Jon's favorite.
Enna Chocolate
The second of Exeter's three chocolate shops. The internationally acclaimed Enna's Chocolate is Helen's favorite.