OUR TOWNS: Troy, New Hampshire Raise a Glass to Summertime in Troy Good vibes await in this small town's farms, eateries, views and brews

A mill town once known for manufacturing horse blankets, Troy, New Hampshire, is now a destination for farm-stay enthusiasts, foodies and antique fanatics. The village has that old-world feel with a gazebo and several shops at its center. &emsp;&emsp;Summer draws many visitors, particularly up the hill at Monadnock Berries (see related story on page TK), where blueberries and other juicy delights come into season in mid-July. It's one of the region's most stunning settings, with a full view of Mt. Monadnock that stops you in your tracks. &emsp;&emsp;By the driveway, goats nibble at hay, and bunnies hop over to greet visitors before they pick up tin pails at the farm store. Then it's off for some serious picking among endless rows of fat berry bushes. Not surprisingly, Monadnock Berries has become a sought-after venue for weddings, and a grand tent graces one side of the grounds. The farm also plays a multifaceted role in its sister business across town, Granite Roots Brewing. &emsp;&emsp;This unique brew operation is known for having a fun, funky, laid-back atmosphere, which includes a 5,000-square-foot beer garden with a covered greenhouse, private cabanas, fire pits, and even heated igloos in winter. &emsp;&emsp;At this time of year, you'll find people pulling up close for live tunes or grabbing wood-fired pizzas and lobster rolls from guest food trucks that arrive on weekends. &emsp;&emsp;On tap, look for fruit-infused beers made in collaboration with Monadnock Berries and classics like the Monadnock IPA, Pumpelly Imperial Porter, and Golden Hour Sour. Maybe drop by after a day on the trails. Gap Mountain, located right in town, offers a fairly rigorous climb with views, and of course, Mt. Monadnock is just a couple of miles away in Jaffrey. &emsp;&emsp;Near that end of town, things are hopping at East Hill Farm, which has 70 rooms and hosts 130 to 140 people at a time. &emsp;&emsp;"We're excited because we're pretty full for the summer, and we've got a great staff lined up of local people," says Jennifer Adams, whose family owns the business. &emsp;&emsp;It's a packed farm stay full of recreation and delicious meals made with as many local ingredients as possible. Each day's activities sing out summer, from milking cows to needle felting to joining a dodgeball tournament. &emsp;&emsp;"We have a lot of multigenerational families come here and a lot of family reunions," Adams says. Every evening, there's an activity for the whole family; some nights, it might be bingo, another a contra dance or maybe a tractor-drawn wagon ride. &emsp;&emsp;It's a lovely way for families to unplug, spend time together, and become as immersed in farm life as they choose. Kids particularly love gathering eggs in the morning, and the farm staff can even cook them up at breakfast. Pony rides, riding lessons, and trail rides are also popular add-ons for horse lovers. &emsp;&emsp;It takes a dedicated team to make the magic happen, Adams notes. "We couldn't do it without all the high school kids, college kids and adults from our local area," she says. &emsp;&emsp;The staff turns this beautiful farm overlooking Monadnock into a place where summer memories are made. &emsp;&emsp;What would summer be without a bit of road trip fun? Troy stands out as a spot for day trippers, too. One of the sweetest places to check out from Friday through Sunday is The Cozy Cottage, right off the town green. &emsp;&emsp;"We are a small shop that packs a punch," says owner Brandy Wolski. &emsp;&emsp;While the inside is cozy, she's worked hard to create a relaxed environment for listening to music and finding a treasure or two. Roaming each of the small rooms laden with decor, vintage pieces, bath and body products, candles, and plants is an adventure. &emsp;&emsp;"We are fortunate to be able to own the oldest house in the village and to enjoy it with others," Wolski says. "One of the best parts of owning a small, family-run business is being present each day. We get to watch families grow." &emsp;&emsp;Locals have a mutual love for this shop and expressed it big time by voting The Cozy Cottage Best Antique Shop in the region during the Keene Sentinel Choice Awards. &emsp;&emsp;Clearly, picking and poking is a well-loved pastime, and it's one that easily works up an appetite. Just down the road, a long-time favorite is Royal Spice. The restaurant serves up authentic Indian cuisine in a dining room dressed in silks, strings of lights, and colorful flowers reaching from beam to beam. &emsp;&emsp;Steaming samosas, gorgeous curries made as spicy as you like, and soft, long-grain rice fill the dishes with goodness. &emsp;&emsp;Down the road apiece, you can taste more global flavors at Thai Bamboo. &emsp;&emsp;"Who needs a meal? Just eat appetizers," jokes Fitzwilliam resident Patty Girouard. "Their spring rolls are the best, as well as the Thai dumplings and also the fresh roll with shrimp." &emsp;&emsp;She's a frequent patron for a reason. "It's always cooked fresh and is so yummy," she says. Pad Thai noodles with chicken and shrimp are her go-to. It has "a peanutty sauce that satisfies," she notes. She'll sometimes opt for Pad Paradise but warns that it's as spicy as it is delicious. "We've never had anything we didn't like," she says. &emsp;&emsp;Be sure to call ahead if you want takeout. This place gets busy quickly and will draw plenty of travelers during the summertime. Plan ahead, savor, and maybe even enjoy your eats beside the campfire. SIDEBAR Troy, New Hampshire Incorporated: 1815 County: Cheshire Land Acknowledgment: · Wabanaki (Dawnland Confederacy) · N'dakina (Abenaki/Abénaquis) · Pennacook Population: 2,130 Elevation: 1,010 feet Area: 17.6 square miles