AGP Executive Report

New Hampshire travel spotlight: New Hampshire’s North Conway is a finalist for Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town,” with public voting open through Sept. 4—Hallmark points to White Mountains scenery, sleigh rides, decorated storefronts, and year-round holiday stops like Conway Scenic Railroad and the Christmas Loft. Outdoor & nature bragging rights: A new study by Holafly ranks New Hampshire No. 1 for natural beauty, citing 353 waterfalls, 83% forest cover, two national parks, and Mount Washington as the Northeast’s highest peak. Getting around (and staying safe): The NH DOT will hold a public meeting Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. in Moultonborough on proposed safety upgrades at the Glidden Road/Route 25 intersections, including lane and left-turn changes. Food & planning: Veterans Bucks return to the Market at Weirs and Tilton Farmers Market every Saturday, offering eligible active-duty service members and veterans a $20 voucher for food. Travel logistics: Allegiant is adding nine new nonstop Florida routes for 2027, including a new Portsmouth-to-Fort Lauderdale service starting Feb. 20.

Air Travel: Allegiant is expanding Florida service with nine new nonstop routes in 2027, including a new Portsmouth (Pease) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood nonstop starting Feb. 20, 2027, plus other New England-to-Florida additions. Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game says four New Jersey teens rescued from Franconia Ridge could be billed because they started late and lacked headlamps and enough food and water; the state highlights its “Hike Safe” guidance to avoid rescue costs. Local Roads & Lake Access: NHDOT will hold a public meeting Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. in Moultonborough to discuss safety improvements at the Glidden Road/Route 25 area, including lane and left-turn changes. Veterans & Local Food: Veterans Bucks return to the Market at Weirs and Tilton Farmers Market on Saturdays, offering $20 vouchers for eligible veterans and active-duty service members to spend on farm food tents. Health Watch: NH reports 89 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases as new cases slow nationally, with many tied to a recalled Taylor Farms product. State Politics: NH lawmakers are set to take up Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s vetoes, including a major fight over the state’s 10-year highway plan.

White Mountains Safety & Costs: New Hampshire Fish and Game says four 18-year-old hikers from New Jersey who got rescued on Franconia Ridge will likely be billed after they started a 7–9 hour hike without headlamps, with low food and water, and in cold, windy conditions above 5,000 feet. Wildfire Update: The Rattlesnake Mountain fire in Rumney is now 100% contained, with crews monitoring hard-to-reach hot spots and expecting smoldering for days. Tourism & Access: Alton is weighing a proposal for a seaplane dock at the waterfront, pitched as a way to draw scenic-tour and charter visitors. Travel Deals: Allegiant is adding nine new nonstop routes to Florida next February, including seasonal links between Florida and New England cities like Boston, Providence, and Portsmouth. Seacoast Wildlife: Fishermen spotted a great white shark about two miles off Portsmouth feeding on a whale carcass—another reminder that shark season runs July through November. Food Recall: A Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños has triggered recalls of salsa, guacamole, dips, and other spicy prepared foods sold nationwide, including in New Hampshire-area retailers.

White Mountains Safety & Costs: New Hampshire Fish and Game says four 18-year-old hikers from New Jersey will be billed after a night rescue on Franconia Ridge. Officials say the group lacked headlamps, had low food and water, and were improperly dressed for strong winds and cold above 5,000 feet; rescuers found them at Mount Lincoln early Saturday and guided them back to the trailhead. Wildfire Update: In Rumney, the Rattlesnake Mountain fire is now fully contained, but crews expect lingering smoldering in hard-to-reach spots deep in the mountain. Travel Weather: A humid Tuesday with hit-or-miss showers gives way to a more comfortable midweek, with drier air moving in by Friday. Air Service for NH Travelers: Allegiant announced nine new nonstop Florida routes starting next February, including hyper-seasonal links from Boston, Providence, and Portsmouth, plus year-round Orlando–Cincinnati service. Lakefront Rights: A new explainer breaks down how NH’s public water access works alongside private “littoral rights,” as waterfront disputes become more common with rising lake traffic. Outdoor Health: A doctor weighed in on whether NH should charge teen hikers after a long Franconia Notch rescue, noting the risk rescuers faced during the 10+ hour operation.

Road Safety & Travel Disruption: Maine State Police say a New Hampshire man, Alexandre Forsythe (22, Jaffrey), was charged with Criminal OUI and Criminal Speed after 14 drivers called 911 reporting a car doing 100+ mph and erratic driving on I-295/I-95; troopers tracked him down in Waterville and no crashes or injuries were reported. Outdoor & Adventure: A hiker was airlifted from Mount Monadnock after a potentially life-threatening medical emergency near the White Dot/White Cross trails; he was taken to Elliot Hospital in Manchester for evaluation. Air Travel: Allegiant announced nine new nonstop routes for spring 2027, including Fort Lauderdale to Portsmouth, New Hampshire—plus multiple Orlando-area additions timed for peak vacation demand. Weather for NH Trips: Monday brings hit-or-miss showers and possible thunderstorms, then a drier, sunnier stretch later in the week with highs near 70s to near 80. Local Events: A new author event ties into fall travel vibes—“Sleepy Hollow: Fact & Fiction” is set for Oct. 10 in Tarrytown, mixing history and fiction for a Halloween-season crowd.

Mountain Rescue: Four New Jersey teens were rescued after getting stuck on New Hampshire’s Mount Lincoln on Friday night; Fish & Game says the effort took more than 12 hours, with rescuers reaching them around 1:15 a.m. and bringing them down with lights, warm clothes, water, and food. Road Safety: Maine State Police say a Jaffrey, N.H., man was charged with Criminal OUI and Criminal Speed after 14 911 calls reported erratic driving over 100 mph on I-295 and I-95; troopers tracked him down in Waterville. Weather for Travelers: A new week starts with rain and possible thunderstorms, with the heaviest chances in the North Country and White Mountains, plus a second round late Monday into Tuesday. Wildfire Watch: The Rumney wildfire near Rattlesnake Mountain Trail grew to about 30 acres by Sunday night, with federal and state crews working to contain it. Tourism & Outdoors: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and UNH Cooperative Extension host a guided timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19, a two-mile hike with off-trail walking. Local Culture: A Gloucester Student Band will tour New Hampshire’s White Mountains with six performances, including stops tied to Mount Washington.

Highway Safety: A New Hampshire man, Alexandre Forsythe, 22, was arrested in Maine after 14 callers reported a car driving erratically on I-295 at over 100 mph; troopers tracked it using mile-marker updates and charged him with criminal OUI and criminal speed. Outdoor Safety: A hiker died after collapsing on the Hale Brook Trail in Bethlehem’s White Mountains; Fish and Game said rescue efforts were unsuccessful and the cause wasn’t released. Climbing Access: Rattlesnake Mountain climbing rocks and parking areas in Rumney are closed until further notice due to a brush fire near the summit. Family Travel & Food: A new study highlights the rise of girls’ golf trips, with women prioritizing hotel quality, wellness, dining, and time with friends—plus even a New Hampshire llama-carrying-clubs idea. Local Culture: The Forest Society and UNH Cooperative Extension plan a guided timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19, with a two-mile hike and pre-registration required. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports one Carroll County diesel station hit $5.05 in the week ending Aug. 8, while NH diesel averages rose to $5.38.

Democratic Primary Shuffle: The DNC approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that moves South Carolina to the leadoff spot (Jan. 22), followed by Nevada (Feb. 1) and New Hampshire on Feb. 8—shifting Iowa out of its traditional early role. Local Outdoors & Safety: A hiker died after collapsing on the Hale Brook Trail in Bethlehem’s White Mountains; meanwhile, climbing access to Rattlesnake Mountain in Rumney remains closed due to a brush fire near the summit. Forest & Nature Tourism: The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests and UNH Cooperative Extension plan a guided timber harvest tour on Mount Monadnock Aug. 19, highlighting sustainable forestry on a working landscape. Food & Travel Culture: A New Hampshire comfort-food debate spotlights American Chop Suey, while a separate roundup ranks the best milkshakes by state. Health & Travel Planning: FDA officials are traveling to Mexico as they continue investigating the Taylor Farms cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce.

Outdoor Safety: A hiker died after collapsing on the Hale Brook Trail in Bethlehem’s White Mountains, with Fish and Game saying lifesaving efforts failed. Trail Closures: Rumney’s popular Rattlesnake Mountain climbing access and parking are closed until further notice due to a brush fire near the summit. Lake Life Watch: New Hampshire is investigating multiple possible cyanobacteria bloom reports, including confirmed cyanobacteria in Meredith, and officials are asking people to report suspicious green surface streaks. Local Travel Curiosity: Lake Winnipesaukee’s historic floating post office, the M/V Sophie C, continues to deliver mail to islands and even sells stamps with its own cancellation mark. Seacoast Housing: Somersworth’s The Overlook apartment complex (135 units) has opened, adding “missing middle” housing near the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Gas & Road Trip Planning: AAA says the national average for regular gas is back up to about $4.07, with crude oil hovering near $80.

Fire & Community: Vail, Colo. is hosting a meet-and-greet for three finalists to replace retired Vail Fire & Emergency Services Chief Mark Novak, with the open house set for Aug. 17. Lake Life in NH: A new look at Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam highlights the “big lake” lifestyle—boating, swimming, and island time—plus a separate feature on the Sophie C, the oldest floating post office in the U.S. Food Safety: The FDA is traveling to Mexico as it continues its cyclospora investigation tied to Taylor Farms and shredded iceberg lettuce; the outbreak now spans 17 states. Outdoor Safety: New Hampshire Fish and Game reports an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker injured in a fall at the Zealand Hut in Bethlehem; rescuers carried him out and transported him to hospital. Travel Costs & Planning: Gas prices are climbing again nationally, with AAA reporting the national average up to $4.07; New Hampshire fuel pricing updates track local week-to-week changes. Local Growth: Somersworth’s The Overlook apartment complex (135 units) has completed, adding more “missing middle” housing on the Seacoast.

Outdoor & Safety: A 73-year-old thru-hiker from Newark, Delaware, suffered a serious but non-life-threatening head injury after falling down deck stairs at the Zealand Hut in Bethlehem; Fish and Game and Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue responded, carried him 2.8 miles, and he was taken to Littleton Regional Hospital. Gas Prices: The national regular gas average is back up to about $4.07 after a week of declines, with crude oil hovering near the $80 range—good news for drivers planning NH road trips, but still a reminder to watch pump prices. Health Watch: The FDA says the largest cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce now involves 17 states, including New Hampshire; officials report thousands of cases and ongoing investigation into the source. Seacoast Housing: Somersworth’s BOD Holdings and Tidemark celebrated the completion of The Overlook, a 135-unit apartment complex aimed at meeting “missing middle” housing demand. Local Tourism & Culture: The Inn at Hancock, NH’s oldest continuously operating inn, reopened in May after a major renovation, bringing refreshed rooms and dining to the Monadnock region. Wildlife & Coasts: Researchers say climate change is shifting New Hampshire’s coastal crustacean scene, with blue crabs and other newcomers showing up more often in places once too cold. Travel Logistics: Tennessee REAL IDs reportedly failed to scan at TSA checkpoints due to a printing defect—worth noting for travelers heading to airports nationwide. White Mountains Entertainment: Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, Vt. hosted Natasha Bedingfield as part of its free summer concert series drawing visitors from across NH and beyond.

White Mountains Lodging: The Inn at Hancock, New Hampshire’s oldest continuously operating inn, reopened in May after a three-year, multi-million-dollar makeover—its 15 rooms and historic spaces refreshed with bold, whimsical interiors while keeping the coaching-inn legacy dating to 1789. White Mountains Renovation: Omni Mount Washington Resort is rolling out a property-wide renovation, including refreshed guest rooms, expanded spa and dining concepts, and upgrades to fitness, golf, and meeting space—aimed at blending modern comfort with Gilded Age style. Local Mobility: Manchester installed real-time traffic-signal technology at 22 busy intersections, using sensors and AI to adjust timing for vehicles and pedestrians, funded by a $2 million federal SMART grant. Outdoor & Nature: A Boston.com feature spotlights a New Hampshire White Mountains thru-hike by a mom and her daughters, including a 48-peak push above 4,000 feet. Health Watch: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases may be slowing slightly, but the outbreak remains large across 47 states plus D.C., with thousands still awaiting lab confirmation. Travel Planning: Gas prices are edging up nationally (about $4.07 average), while New Hampshire’s midgrade prices in Rockingham County hit a low reported $4.15 during the week ending Aug. 8.

Outdoor & Wildlife: New Hampshire’s Fish and Game fee freeze is drawing fire as Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s veto of “adequate funding” is called shortsighted, with critics arguing user-fee hikes are needed to protect wildlife and keep outdoor access strong. Coastal Whale Watching: Hampton Harbor visitors can still chase the Gulf of Maine’s stars—an expedition story highlights whale sightings and a full day off the coast. Family Fun & Local Events: Laconia Motorcycle Week leaders are asking the community to send cards to Charlie St. Clair as he recovers from a serious crash. Solar Eclipse Tourism: At Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, locals and travelers caught a partial solar eclipse with safe viewing setups, and the Perseids are set to follow. Food & Drink: Derry’s Deadproof Pizza is getting national attention after a Food Network “Great Food Truck Race” run tied to a whiskey redemption experience. Scenic New Hampshire Trails: A new NH Barn Trail route is designed for easy history stops and photo-worthy stops across the state.

Mount Washington 150th Anniversary: The Appalachian Mountain Club marked 150 years at Tip-Top House, founded in 1876 to conserve the White Mountains—an easy reminder that NH’s outdoor heritage is still driving today’s recreation. Solar Eclipse in the North Country: Northern New Hampshire caught a partial solar eclipse, with safe viewing set up at Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa in Bretton Woods, followed by the Perseids peak. New Hampshire Barn Trail: A new NH Barn Trail is rolling out historic, well-preserved barns across the state for family-friendly exploring and photos. Surry Mountain Lake Beach Reopens: After a monthlong swimming advisory tied to high fecal bacteria, Surry Mountain Lake Beach is reopening following test results returning to safe levels. Voting Rights Fight: A Concord-based group sued to reinstate student IDs for NH voting, arguing the ban targets young voters and that officials exceeded their authority. Local Tourism Spotlight: Hartford’s “five villages” model is drawing visitors with Route 4 stops like Quechee Gorge. Mt. Washington Hillclimb: Yokohama-backed Scott Speed set a new course record at the Mt. Washington Hillclimb.

Travel & Dining: Central Maine’s 24-hour options are back in a new way: Taco Bell in Augusta (Western Avenue) is now open 24 hours, with drive-thru service anytime. Air Travel: Delta, Avelo, Breeze, Allegiant and others are adding new nonstop routes from Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, expanding access to places like North Carolina, Puerto Rico and more. Fall Foliage Planning: Priceline’s data puts the Adirondacks at No. 1 for fall colors in 2026—an easy “leaf-peeping” target for New England travelers. NH Outdoors Safety: The Silver Jackets program unveiled new flood-warning signs at Davis Park in Conway, part of a statewide effort to protect visitors from flash-flood hazards. NH Tourism Watch: A new report looks at what’s happening with New Hampshire’s tourism—especially whether Canadian visits are rebounding after last year’s dip. Health & Travel Alerts: New Hampshire is seeing rising cyclosporiasis cases, with officials urging people to follow recalls and seek care for symptoms.

Tourism Watch: New Hampshire’s tourism business is getting fresh scrutiny as a new interview looks at whether Canadian visits are rebounding after a big drop last year. Outdoor Safety: Conway’s Silver Jackets unveiled new flood warning signs at Davis Park, part of a statewide push to help visitors spot and prepare for flash-flood hazards in recreation areas. Health & Travel Risk: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising in New Hampshire, with 79 confirmed this year; officials urge travelers and locals to watch for recalls and report symptoms like severe diarrhea. Family Fun by the Coast: Hampton Beach’s Children’s Festival returns Aug. 17–21 with free daily activities for families at the Seashell Stage. Road Trip Ideas: A guide highlights NH waterfalls that don’t require a major hike—think quick roadside stops and short walks. Weather & Sky Events: Humidity is fading with partial sunshine, and a partial solar eclipse is expected to be visible across parts of NH in the early afternoon. Legal/Policy: Civil rights groups, including ACLU chapters, asked a New Hampshire federal judge to block Trump’s latest birthright citizenship restrictions—an issue that could affect families planning travel and immigration steps.