Shopping

Health nuts and fans of good flavor alike make regular stops at Peppercorn Natural Foods (43 Main St., Plymouth, 603/536-3395, www.peppercornnaturalfoods.com [1], 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.), where bins of bulk spices, fair-trade coffees, and organic produce share shelf space with gourmet teas and the house’s own maple syrup.

Both genders can freshen up their wardrobes at Maurices (389 Tenney Mountain Hwy., Plymouth, 603/536-9001, www.maurices.com [2], 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun.). The well-priced shop carries everything from tie-neck halter shirts and cropped cardigans for women to button-down shirts and lots of denim for men.

Before you hit the hiking trails, stock up on foodstuffs at the old-fashioned Jugtown Country Store (Town Square, Waterville Valley, 603/236-8662, www.jugtowncountrystore.com [3], 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.–Sun.): They have fresh-baked breads, pies, breakfast pastries, and delicious sandwiches.

If you need a trail map, a local guidebook, or just a good read for the afternoon, the shelves at Bookmonger (Town Square, Waterville Valley, 603/236-4544, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun.–Thu.; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Fri.–Sat.) can accommodate. The store also sells bestsellers, classic titles, magazines, and greeting cards.

Buy or just rent what you need for conquering Mother Nature at The Adventure Center at Waterville Valley (Town Square, Waterville Valley, 603/236-4666, www.waterville.com [4], 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.–Sun. late Jun.–early Sept.; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily late May–Jun. and early Sept.–mid-Oct.), a full-service mountain biking and hiking center, selling bikes and accessories and cross-country skiing and snowshoe equipment. They’ll even set you up with lessons and organize guided tours.