Run a Marathon

Start training now for the NH Marathon, which will take place on Saturday, September 29 in Bristol. The course goes around Newfound Lake during peak foliage season. For the past few years, this marathon has attracted runners from 45 states and 10 countries. Besides the actual marathon, there are also runs for every age, ability, and goal. These include a half-marathon and a 10k. There is also a Kids’ Marathon event, where children K–8 log 25.2 miles of running, walking, or other physical activity before the marathon, and then participate in the race in Bristol to complete the final mile. http://nhmarathon.com/.

Write a Book

Have you ever thought about writing the Great American Novel? Why not take a workshop at The Writer’s Center of White River Junction in Vermont? The Center is for beginners and experienced writers alike. Workshops are designed to help people get started on a writing project and then keep going to the end. You can also schedule one-on-one meetings with one of two professional writers/editors to help you get over any rough spots or organize your ideas. www.thewriterscenterwrj.com.

Learn to Play an Instrument

If you’ve always wanted to make music, then why not sign up for lessons? Check out the Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon (http://www.uvmusic.org/) and Hanover Strings on Main Street (https://hanoverstrings.com/).

Skydiving

This one is on many people’s bucket lists! Why not make a trip of it by visiting Skydive New England in neighboring Lebanon, Maine? First-timers typically go on a tandem jump. You will begin with a 30-minute ground school lesson, where an instructor will teach you how to correctly exit the aircraft, maintain a stable body position, and land safely. Once your training is complete, it’s off to meet with your instructor for the gear-up process and the ascent to jump altitude. The plane ride lasts about 15–20 minutes. Your jump will offer views of the New England coastline and New Hampshire mountains, making for an unforgettable experience. https://www.skydivenewengland.com/

Hike the Appalachian Trail

Well, maybe part of it. The entire trail takes an average of six months to complete. Still, you can hike the part that goes through New England, from the Berkshires in Massachusetts through the Green Mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire’s White Mountains all the way to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Or you can just hike parts of it throughout the summer. You can visit (or spend the night) at the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch. It’s a great place to start or finish a day hike or to just take a break with other hikers before heading back out on the trail. For details and a list of lodges, camps, cabins, huts, and campsites along the trail, go to www.outdoors.org.

Go for a Hot Air Balloon Ride

This is another popular bucket-list item. You can get a ride with Quechee Balloon Rides. The flights typically begin at the Quechee Village Green, directly next to the Ottaquechee River. The pilot has control of the balloon’s altitude and will adjust it as necessary to place the balloon in different air currents moving in different directions, essentially steering the balloon. Since conditions vary daily, every flight is different and has its own unique flight path. (www.quecheeballoonrides.com)