For $7.00 per person you can take a self guided audio tour through the submarine. At designated stops throughout the USS ABACORE you will find small red buttons, when pushed, facts and stories about the submarine are told by members that crewed the vessel. You can take as little or as much time as you would like exploring and the gentlemen running the park is more than happy to answer any of your questions (at least he was for us).

A few fun facts (that we thought were interesting):

• The USS ABACORE was the first Navy-designed vessel with a cylindrical shape underwater hull that has become the standard for submarines today.
• It was built at the Portsmouth Navel Shipyard and 10 years after it was retired in 9/1/1972, Bill Keefe, Portsmouth City Councilman, launched an effort to have it returned to Portsmouth, NH to be permanently on display. After several meetings and a lot of paperwork it was finally set on a concrete cradle at Albacore Park on 10/2/1985.
• The USS ABACORE served from 1953 to 1972 but its main mission was purely experimental. It never went to war it was used for various inventive concepts like sonar equipment, testing control systems, dive brakes, etc. The vessels motto was ‘Praenuntius Futuri’ Forerunner of the Future.
• Build in similar shape to the albacore tuna it was the fastest and most maneuverable submarine of its day.

If you would like to learn more about the USS ALBACORE (AGSS 569) check out their link here or check out our video above.

Know of any fun educational spots or museums? Let us know, we would love to check them out along our travels.

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We attended their 13^th annual “Spicy Celebration” on Sunday, August 23^rd where we got to try a 1 0unce cup of each vendor’s chili, both in the amateur and professional divisions! That doesn’t sound like a lot until you try 40 chilis and realize you had 40 ounces of chili!  The event also had craft vendors, where we purchased some really tasty BBQ sauce and seasoning, additional food & beverages for purchase, and a live concert (cost including within admission) by Rosemary Baby Blues.

Where we stayed:

During our time in New Hampshire we stayed at Sandy Beach RV Resort and Campground. It’s an Encore property located in Contoocook. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Concord, New Hampshire’s state capital, and about a 10-minute drive to Pats Peak. This is a beautiful park with sites large enought o accomidate our large 45 foot rig (call ahead they dont have too many that big). The campground is located on a secluded private lake with only a few houses on it and no power boats; great for paddle boarding or just for a dip!

If camping isn’t your thing then check out the Colby Hill Inn, an amazing bed & breakfast in the area. Make sure to stay for dinner, the restaurant is amazing!

About the Area:

Southern New Hampshire is a well traveled destination for locals, but many tourists haven’t found it yet (we love that!). Henniker New Hampshire is the home to New England College, the college that Erik’s father went to. That is when Erik’s father fell in love with the area and decided to settle down in the town next door, Hillsborough, NH. There is a bit of a debate on how to spell Hillsborough, the sign on way into town says Hillsboro, others say Hillsborough… we’ll let you be the judge!

Just a few miles away is the Franklin Pierce Homestead, the childhood home of the 14th U.S. President.  You’ll also find tons of hiking, ATV & snowmobile trails, skiing and sales tax free shopping! If boating or the beach is your thing check out Franklin Pierce Lake, a powerboat and swimming friendly lake that offers spectacular views and the best nature has to offer.

Attend the Chili Festival & Other Great Local Events

Next year’s chili festival is on Sunday, August 21^st 2016. If you like to eat or make chili mark your calendar because you can attend to eat or enter your chili to win. Check out the Chili New Hampshire link for additional event information and to see the 2015 winners!

Happy Chili Eating!

The post Chili, Chili & More Chili – Henniker, NH 2015 Chili Festival! appeared first on LivinLite.net.