#15 To Share Brewing Company – Manchester, NH

Location: Manchester, NH
Brewery Type: Tap Room
Opening Date: 2018
Website: https://www.tosharebrewing.com/
Features: Outdoor Seating

Up the Ammonoosuc Trail

Today was the day. After years of hiking the lesser peaks of the New Hampshire 48, I was finally ready to hike the ultimate peak – Mt Washington. Really, I don’t know what took me so long to finally climb the tallest peak in the Northeast. Maybe I was intimidated by the extreme and sudden shifts in weather and the stories of the many deaths over the years. The fact of the matter is that Mt Washington boasts the fastest recorded wind speed on Earth at 231 miles per hour or about the top speed of an F1 car and it is not uncommon for it to snow, even in the heat of summer. Or maybe I wanted to avoid the crowds of one of the heaviest trafficked hikes in the White Mountains. Maybe I wanted to save it for a special occasion? It was probably a combination of the 3 that deterred me from attempting a climb earlier.

I arrived at the Ammonoosuc Trail Head around 8:30 am, and was lucky enough to snag the last parking spot. Already, there were groups of hikers preparing for the trial ahead. If you want to hike Mt Washington, I highly recommend starting out before 8 am to avoid the crowds.

The hike was off to a slow start. There were several large groups ahead of me and they weren’t too keen on letting faster hikers pass. That’s ok, it allowed me to pace myself and save my energy for the steeper sections to come. I sat back and enjoyed the views of the Ammonoosuc river to my left.

Eventually, the larger groups stopped to take a break and I was finally able to move ahead. The Ammonoosuc trail was a magical experience in itself with a myriad of waterfalls, cascades and pristine pools. It easily became a top 5 trail in my book. It is also good to note that this isn’t an easy hike. Things might start off as a stroll in the woods, but eventually it becomes very vertical, first with endless stone staircases and eventually rock scrambles towards the top. If you’re not comfortable getting on your hands and knees when hiking, this trail isn’t for you. For me however, this was a fun and interesting hike, especially as you emerge from the trees and follow the river up the mountain.

Lake of the Clouds and Mt Monroe

Eventually, after just 3 miles, I made it to the Lake of the Clouds hut. Unfortunately the hut was closed and was slated to open at 11 am. I was hoping to snag a quesadilla for lunch, but I was nearly an hour too early. Instead I opted for a quick snack break at the stunning Lake of the Clouds, enjoying the majestic reflections of Mt Washington in the distance.

I headed back past the hut and started my ascent of Mt Monroe, 0.3 miles in the opposite direction as Washington. Overall, this was a very enjoyable hike above the treeline. There’s multiple switchbacks and some steep sections up boulders – similar to Eisenhower – with some amazing views. It took me barely any time to reach the peak and I stopped to enjoy the commanding 360 views of the Pinkham Notch, Mt Washington and the Southern Presidentials. I still had 2 miles left to climb Mt Washington, so I didn’t stay at the summit long.

I was hoping that by the time I go back to the Lake of the Clouds, the hut would be open and I would have myself a quesadilla in no time. Unfortunately, the crowd of hikers I passed had made it to the hut and lined up outside the doors. I took one look at the line and then to Mt Washington and began climbing to the final destination.

Mt Washington

Being above the tree line on top of an exposed ridge might just be the most magical experience you can have in the White Mountains. The otherworldly and surreal rocky landscape makes it feel as if you’re hiking on a different planet. All the meanwhile it doesn’t matter where you lay your eyes, you’re met with a stunning view.

That was my experience with the Crawford/Appalachian Trail far above the world below. I was extremely lucky to have picked a day that was not only sunny and warm, but also a day where wind was at a minimum, a rarity for Mt Washington. The exposed nature of the climb also means you’ll want to bring plenty of sun block. No matter the temperature, you can easily develop a sunburn.

While there were plenty of other hikers out and about, the trail wasn’t overly crowded, though I did have to stand to the side to allow many groups to pass as they descended. This is also a strenuous hike. From the trailhead to Lake of the Clouds, that’s an elevation gain of 1,500 feet and it is another 1,600 feet to the summit of Mt Washington. With the sun beating down on you with no shade, bringing extra water is a must, though there is the opportunity to fill up at the Lake of the Clouds Hut.

With a few breaks to enjoy the views and give my calves a rest, I was approaching the peak. As I got closer the crowds got larger. By the time I reached the peak there were enough people to fill a small city. Most were non-hikers. They took the Cog Railway or drove up the Autoroad to get to the summit. Despite the extreme weather and height, Mt Washington remains one of the most easily accessible peaks in the White Mountains.

At the Summit of Mt Washington

I explored the peak thoroughly. First I headed towards the sign designating the peak. Unfortunately there was a long line of people – not all of them hikers – to take a picture. I decided to avoid that mess and it would probably be better to attempt a picture during a Presi Traverse which I hope to complete some time in 2021. Instead, I head to the observation platform for a majestic view of the Northern Presidentials, Jefferson, Adams and Madison – all hikes I have completed.

During my past hikes I’ve heard legendary stories about the pizza baked at the top of Mt Washington. While I didn’t get my hut quesadilla, at least I could get some pizza right? Well unfortunately, no. The kitchen was closed due to the pandemic. The museum was also closed, though I wasn’t planning on visiting on this trip. Instead, I found some rock outcroppings with a beautiful view and ate a lunch of cliff bars and peanut butter filled pretzels. It wasn’t a quesadilla or pizza, but with the view in front of me, I couldn’t complain.

Eventually, I had my fill of granola and gorgeous views and I started to look for the trail down the mountain. I rounded a corner and got to experience one of the special events that take place in the White Mountains every year. There before me was an American flag being raised. As it turns out, on September 11th of each year, American flags are erected on each of the NH 48, in remembrance of the tragedy of the 2001 event. Be it marriage proposals or Flags of the 48, part of the magic of the White Mountains is stumbling onto memorious occasions.

After searching a bit, I was able to find the Great Gulf Trail which will lead me to the Jewell Trail back to the parking lot. I looked around one last time and began my descent after hiking the tallest and most famous of the NH48. If I could conquer Washington, the remaining 48 didn’t stand a chance.

Cog Railways and the Jewell Trail

The best part about the descent was that the view was beyond imagination for much of the way down Mt Washington. Along the Great Gulf Trail, you get to cross the cog railway. While yes, it is a major tourist attraction, it also has its own charm to it. Instead of feeling completely out of place in all this nature, it was able to blend in quite well. Unbeknownst to me at the time, apparently it is good luck to take a piss on the tracks – assuming there is not an oncoming train approaching.

After several well marked junctions, I finally made it to the Jewel Trail itself. While it was tempting to continue onto Mt Jefferson on such a gorgeous day, it would have added many miles to my hike. Someday I will complete a Presidential Traverse and get to experience the magical places in between the peaks.

The Jewell Trail was a gem in its own right – pun intended. As you descend through the alpine stunted forests, you have a beautiful view ahead of you. This part of the hike was similar to nearing the peak of Mt Cannon, with plenty of boulder hopping to accompany the views. 

With just over 2 miles left, I descended below the treeline. The views were replaced with a semi-steep forested trail, but without the water features of the Ammonoosuc. This part of the hike did drag on a bit as fatigue started to set in. Eventually, I made it back to the base of the mountain where the Cog Railway begins its journey. I crossed its tracks one last time and stopped to watch this magnificent piece of machinery begin its ascent, filled with tourists who were just about to find out for themselves just how magical the views from Mt Washington are.

I rejoiced after finding out there was a restaurant at the base where the Cog Railway is. Unfortunately I was too late and it had just closed. Cliff bars would just have to suffice for this trip. There was still a half a mile left to get back to the trailhead all along smooth flat pavement – easy. As I got back to my car, I thought – if only I had some beer to share…

To Share or Not To Share

On my way back down the 93 to Boston, I stopped by To Share Brewing in a historic neighborhood just outside of Downtown Manchester. It was early evening by this point and the weather cooled considerably. I opted to sit in their beer garden that they have set up to the side of the building. The number of decent patio weather days were numbered, so I wanted to make the most out of the day.

To Share is a neighborhood brewery, in both scope and being nestled in a residential neighborhood. There’s no dedicated parking, but I found ample street parking when I visited. And here’s where I must apologize. While I took plenty of photos, only a handful turned out to be presentable. So if my pictures don’t give the brewery justice, you’ll just have to visit for yourself.

I ended up ordering a flight and some snacks, and reflected on my epic day of hiking, of the amazing views and what my next mountain would be. While the beer garden is small with maybe half a dozen tables, there is a sizable indoor space with some eclectic artwork. 

While I didn’t do much walking around Manchester, it is just a short walk from downtown and the Currier Art Gallery – which is now on my list to visit. We’re talking about a nice neighborhood brewery with delicious beers to match.

Whats on Tap at To Share Brewing

• Cream Ale – This crisp and refreshing brew was well done overall and was my favorite brew of the day.
• Pioneer Mother – Hefeweizen – This juicy hefeweizen offered a good combination of clove and wheatie goodness.
• See Sun Saison – This juicy and smooth saison had a subtle sweetness and the clove notes were not overpowering.
• Secret Wizard Handshake #3 – Sour – Soft and almost effervescent, this raspberry infused sour was fruity and smooth with a hint of tartness for a delicious combo.
• Marceline – Belgian Pale Ale – Light and well balanced, the Marcelin had fruity notes and a slight boozy aftertaste.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a brewery with a neighborhood feel that is producing some great brews in Manchester, you’ll want to share a few at To Share.

Information
To Share Brewing Company
https://www.tosharebrewing.com/
720 Union St
Manchester, NH 03104