Did you know we can thank a New Hampshire native for making Thanksgiving a national holiday?

Sarah Josepha Hale, born in Newport back in 1788, was an absolute powerhouse. She championed women’s education (helping to launch Vassar College), raised money to build Boston’s Bunker Hill Monument and helped preserve George Washington’s Mount Vernon. She even wrote the poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

But her biggest legacy? Using her platform as editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book to launch a years-long campaign urging presidents to make Thanksgiving official. And in 1863, right in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln finally said yes.

➡️ Read the full story: Meet the mother of Thanksgiving, a daughter of New Hampshire

If you celebrate, I hope you have a great holiday. I’ll be back in your inbox Monday! 

Here’s what’s inside today’s newsletter:

❄️ New Hampshire has one of the best places for snow tubing. Here’s where to go

📅 Can’t-miss events for your calendar

This newsletter is free as a winter snowstorm (but way easier to handle). Subscribe and share today.

Tube your way through Granite State snow. (Kostiantyn Li/Unsplash)

By USA Today via Reuters Connect

Cranmore Mountain Resort is an adventure resort located in the heart of North Conway.

The tubing area, located at the base of the mountain, is complete with 10 dedicated lanes and a handle-tow lift. For adventure lovers, the Mountain Adventure Park next to the tubing area has rides like a mountain coaster, a giant swing and a seated zip line ride.

Tickets for two hours of tubing cost $49, and tickets for two hours of unlimited rides in the Mountain Adventure Park cost $39.

In addition to snow tubing, the Cranmore offers ski and snowboard lessons, various places to grab a drink or bite and community events like the instructor social or winter homecoming party.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and kitchens everywhere are gearing up for the big feast. Turkey, stuffing, pies…it’s a holiday full of beloved classics. But not every dish is a crowd-pleaser.

So this week’s question is…

What’s the worst Thanksgiving dish? 

Here’s what you’re saying…

“Green bean casserole! Totally icky and so passé.” — Sylvia Bates 

“Giblets.” — JoAnn Carlson 

🍂 Harvest Celebrations: A History of Thanksgiving Tours
Portsmouth — Nov. 28–30
Guided tours exploring how Thanksgiving traditions evolved across three centuries and four historic homes.
More info

🎄 Annual Keene Holiday Craft Show
Keene — Nov. 29
100+ New England makers selling handmade gifts, decor, toys, jewelry, and treats at Keene High School—a perfect stop for finding one-of-a-kind holiday presents.
More info

🎄
Canterbury’s Annual Tree Lighting
Canterbury — Nov. 29
A small-town classic: the town green lights up, live music fills the air, and the Canterbury Country Store serves free hot cocoa while hosting a Gingerbread Art exhibit.
More info

🎅 Christmas in Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro — Nov. 29–Dec. 24
Kick off the season with a toy drive, festive parade, community tree lighting, and a Christmas carol sing-along at First Congregational Church. Santa’s Hut is open through Christmas Eve.
More info

✨ Holidays at the Estate
Concord — Nov. 29–Dec. 19
Kimball Jenkins hosts its first-ever seasonal celebration with illuminated grounds, gingerbread displays, artisan shopping, live performances, workshops, Santa visits, and more. Family friendly, mostly free.
More info

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Stacy Milbouer and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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