Located along the banks of the Merrimack River, Concord, NH was settled many years ago by Native Americans. Long known for its inland trade and commerce, the city of Concord's best known industry through- out the nineteenth century was carriage manufacturing. It was here the famous Concord coaches were built and an example of these coaches can be seen at the Museum of New Hampshire History on 30 Park Street. From a viewing of the stagecoach that "won the West" to rare paintings and furniture to more than four centuries of Granite State history, this museum is the place to enjoy antiques at their best.

More than being the state capitol, Concord boasts of having many major industries, as well as being the home of the nation's fourteenth President, Franklin Pierce. The Pierce Manse and some of Concord's earliest houses remain today at the north end of Main Street. The Pierce Manse, open to the public, offers fine examples of early furniture and furnishings of that era.

As we enjoyed historic Concord, Tommy B. and I cruised the downtown and surrounding area looking for antique shops. Sure enough, we found plenty to keep us busy for the day.

On Main Street we visited House to House Collectibles at Eagle Square where we found delightful owners who gave us a tour of their antiques and collectibles shop and also information of other shops in the area to visit. From there we went down the street to Interior Additions, an antiques and accessories shop.

Continuing on Main Street, we headed over to the Concord Antique Gallery, Inc., a major group shop located on the corner of Storrs and Depot Streets. It was here we also discovered Something Wonderful, another antiques and accessories shop located upstairs in the same building. What a treat to have two shops in the same building. You'll find lots of goodies located in the Concord Antique Gallery and upstairs. Well worth the stop, as merchandise is changing over daily. The Concord Antique Gallery is open 7 days a week.

At another time when Tom and I were in Concord on personal business we stopped in at Kimberly's House of Dolls on 9 Warren Street just off Pleasant Street in the downtown area. A trip to Concord would not be complete without seeing Kimberly's. What a wonderful shop.

Mother and daughter, Sherry and Kimberly Fish, have decoratively displayed their dolls and accessories in a garden type atmosphere. While featuring Lee and Lloyd Middleton original molded dolls, they also have a large selection of other dolls and original teddy bears. Doll clothing and accessories share a wall with miniature doll house furniture while dolls and cuddlies fill every area of the room. Being partial to dolls, we checked out one Middleton doll nestled nicely in a wicker carriage. Appropriately named "Grandmother's Dream" it carried a price of $195.00. As Kimberly said, "our shop makes you feel like a kid again". We agree, we came out of there feeling 40 years younger. Kimberly can be reached at 603-228-3022.

As we left Warren Street, we returned to Main Street and headed North to 40 Centre Street where Once Again LLC has opened their doors. Owners Larry and Pam Cooper told us they have recently taken over an existing shop and they are excited to offer antiques, accessories, collectibles and used household items for sale. While looking around we spotted an unusual and very different looking bureau. The tag on it described it as: a tall chest with mirror, wood possibly chestnut and combined woods, $995.00. The chest has 1 large drawer over 3 drawers and one cabinet door on the right. The brass pulls have black teardrop knobs. Yes! It was very interesting. Anyone interested in the chest can call Larry or Pam at 603-226-8808.

Back on Main Street again, we headed north on Rt. 3 to Boscawen, N.H. What a lovely drive. It makes antiquing extremely enjoyable to behold the small towns and country- side. In Boscawen we found the shop we were looking for, Penny Lane Antiques and Collectibles, another new shop that just opened 5 weeks ago. Located on Rt. 3, at 121 North Main Street, the shop is open everyday except Tuesday. On this day we had the opportunity to talk with Sue Tirrell who is one of the three partners involved in the ownership of this shop, another of them being her father who has over 20 years experience in the antiques business.

Looking around it was easy to see they feature tools and hunting and fishing equipment. They were evidenced in wall and cabinet cases as well as cameras, furniture, glassware and other items for sale. Sue related to us, " this is not a group shop, one of the owners is always here to discuss best possible deals." Sue can be contacted at 603-753-4337.

After leaving Sue we continued along Rt. 3 north looking for another new shop called Emma's of Boscawen.. Good luck, we found it! Bad luck, it was closed. I looked for a telephone number on the shop door but could not find one. If any of our readers can help me out and let me know her phone number, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance. Lois Berry 603-322-2222 or e-mail gavelois@worldpath.net