Savoring the End of Summer in Haverhill

The Heartbeat of Haverhill has noticed that the days are decidedly shorter, and the HHH days (Hazy hot and humid) are separated by far more temperate ones. It’s late August and if those telltale signs don’t signal the end of summer, then the random cool tendrils that tease our skin like an invisible refrigerated silk scarf certainly do.

It’s just natural that we want to cram as many summer activities in the remaining days. It seems most of Haverhill did. On this one Friday night THOH ricocheted about the city trying to take advantage of everything Haverhill offered.

We started with the 2nd Annual Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Restaurant week.  My husband wanted to try out the 2 slice and a beverage special from La Pizza Di Forno. He discovered new toppings (fine quality sausage, peppers and onions) that will become part of his future full pie orders. I remain devoted to their simple cheese pizza. I think the less adulterated the slice, the better it’s quality can be assessed. Pizza Di Forno’s  is a testament of pizza done well. Our Restaurant Week passport, got its first stamp, but it will be considerably more crowded by week’s end. There are 24 restaurant deals to choose from.

From there we walked to the goings on at Harbor Place Plaza where the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce was at it again with a Country Music concert and gathering. The amazing Annie Brobst band enchanted guests of all ages. A handsome stranger offered to teach me to two step, an offer that came with an unknowing threat. THOH is a desperately bad dancer, however his expert tutelage left everyone’s toes intact. We used the adorable barn door backdrop for photo opps. And then we recognized that glorious aroma wafting over the crowd – La Pizza Di Forno was set up at the concert to sell slices next to the wine and beer garden.

Archival photo (c) Alison Colby-Campbell

Archival photo (c) Alison Colby-Campbell

We headed to Roma to hear Pastor Donna Spencer Collins aka Mama D perform for karaoke night. Unfortunately, we were too early for that but could be on time for our choice of the last of the Summer Concert Series on Bradford Common ( a rain date makeup) or live music at Willow Spring Vineyard.

Photo courtesy of Mayor James Fiorentini who utterly enjoyed the concert at Bradford Common

We were distracted from our decisions by the most stunning sunset. The multi-hued sky provided a canvas for an intricate pattern of clouds. My husband slowed his driving so I could capture it on a camera. The better sunset views were in the direction of Willow Spring, so our decision was made. We would go hear the fabulously popular EJ Ouelette & Crazy Maggie band.The rustic barn was packed. The bar was serving up the vineyard’s own wines and EJ and Company kept us all tapping our toes. Really talented performers with many ardent fans.

Our energy was waning and we told ourselves we were making a quick stop at home, but then found ourselves lingering. We got comfortable, and fed the rabbit. And lounged on the sofa because sometimes the best Haverhill has to offer is our own home sweet home. Tomorrow will provide another array of Haverhill activities. GOOD night.

All photos and text (c) Alison Colby-Campbell