5 ways to Celebrate National Tartan Day in New Hampshire
National Tartan Day: Discover how to celebrate Scottish heritage in New Hampshire on April 6, whether you have Scottish roots or just want to join the festivities.
Calling all lads and lassies in the Granite State! Did you know that April 6 is National Tartan Day? While anyone can celebrate, New Hampshire is one of the states with the largest numbers of Americans with Scottish ancestry, making it the perfect place for some tartan-clad fun.
But how do you celebrate National Tartan Day? Well, whether you’re an expert bagpipe player or wouldn’t know a haggis from a hole in the ground, New Hampshire is full of fun ways for you to celebrate. So, put on your tam o’ shanter and take the high road (or the low road) to these fun spots for you to enjoy National Tartan Day in New Hampshire.
1. Buy your own tartan accessories–kilts optional!
What better way to start off the celebrations for National Tartan Day than by, well, wearing some tartan? The only trouble is, not everyone has tartan in their wardrobe—and even if you do, you might want to update or add to your collection.
Luckily, there are some great spots for “great Scots” in the Granite State to buy tartan items and other Scottish products. The Celtic Crossing gift shop in Portsmouth has been selling goods imported straight from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall since 1998. Swing by the shop or visit their website to find tartan clothing and accessories, Scottish wool sweaters, and even a kilt rental service for a proper Highland night out!
Want to go even further? You’re in luck. Did you know that one of North America’s most prestigious makers of bagpipes, Gibson Bagpipes, is based in New Hampshire? Check out their website to get your own set of pipes, or clothes, blankets, and other merchandise themed around bagpiping.
2. Raise a glass of Scottish Whisky at a New Hampshire whisky bar
It’s possibly Scotland’s most famous export—whisky, and particularly the traditional Scottish whisky known as scotch. So, what better way to toast National Tartan Day than by raising a glass at a whisky bar?
Cooper’s Hill in Peterborough is home to the largest whisky collection in the Granite State, as well as hearty pub food, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Or, for a touch of glamour, try the Slow Burn Lounge, with two locations in Dover and Portsmouth for straight whisky, house cocktails, and live music. As they say in Scotland, Slàinte Mhath!
3. Sample a taste of Scotland at a pub
Have you ever tried Scottish food before? Well, there’s no time like National Tartan Day to start!
While many shy away from Scotland’s famous haggis, which is traditionally made from sheep’s organs (and sold canned at Celtic Crossing—although typically it’s made fresh), there are other Scottish treats you can enjoy. For instance, Scotch eggs, which are a favored pub food around the United Kingdom, are made by covering a hard-boiled egg in sausage meat and then deep-frying it. Sound tasty? You can try one for yourself at The June Cork Pub in Dover, which has Scottish flags among those on its walls, or try the version with mustard and mango chutney served at medieval-themed church-turned-pub Holy Grail Restaurant and Pub in Epping.
4. Tap your feet to a Scottish tune
Traditional Scottish music is more than just bagpipes—and the New Hampshire Scottish Music Club is here to prove it! Check out their regular events, including free gatherings every second weekend of the month and concerts in public venues, to get an earful for yourself.
Or head to Epping, where the Blasty Bough Brewing Company hosts regular “Blasty Trad” sessions of traditional Celtic music with plenty of their delicious beer to enjoy while you listen. Dancing shoes are strictly optional!
5. Try to spot the Dublin Lake Monster, “New Hampshire’s Nessie”
You don’t have to travel all the way to Loch Ness to look for a mysterious lake monster. New Hampshire is home to a variety of cryptid legends, including “wood devils” and the Dublin Lake Monster. According to legend, the latter lives in Dublin Pond in the southwest corner of the state and is considered New Hampshire’s own “Nessie.”
While some say the monster (or monsters, plural) can only be seen when diving underwater, this National Tartan Day, you can head to Dublin Pond and see if you can spot anything mysterious for yourself!
BONUS: Plan a Visit to New Hampshire’s Own Highland Games!
While they aren’t until September, it’s never too early to plan your visit to the New Hampshire Highland Games and Festival! Held at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln, this four-day festival of all things Scottish includes traditional competitions like caber tossing, plus Scottish dancing, food, music, living history reenactments, and more!
And if you just can’t wait until September, you can get a taste of the Highland Games at the NHSCOT May 10 Beltane Picnic, where guests of all ages can enjoy live music, snacks, and a “haggis toss!”
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