Things to Do in Merrimack

David Calvo first picked up woodcarving as a college student at the University of Massachusetts more than 30 years ago. Since then, he's consistently showcased his skills at international woodworking trade shows, on nationally televised PBS programs such as The Woodwright's Shop and American Woodshop, and in woodworking-centric magazines, including Popular Woodworking and Woodshop News. David's studio splits its time between contemporary and classical styles, and its work—ranging from ornaments and furniture to custom-carved doors—has inhabited an impressive lineup of venues, including the Boston Architectural Center and Harvard University's renowned Sanders Theatre. Students hoping to learn the woodcarving craft can have David and his staff whittle skills and tips into their brains during a variety of classes, seminars, and multiday workshops offered at the studio.

Located in the woods, Liquid Planet Water Park forms an oasis of thrilling water slides, pools, and watery play zones. Water attractions include high-speed vertical-drop slides, spiraling water runs that stretch upward of 250 feet, and brisk splash pools. Forming a relaxing buffer at the side of the park are 2,000 square feet of sandy beach that, like marshmallow swim trunks, offer cushy respite from the ubiquitous concrete-pool surroundings. The beach also borders spring-fed Crater Lake, which attracts swimmers and cannonballers with traditional watering-hole charms.

A maze of megalithic chambers and hallways made by man more than 4,000 years ago nestles into the snow- or moss-covered woods at America’s Stonehenge. Guests meander along a trail, marveling at one of the oldest constructions in the United States, complete with inscriptions, eating areas, and evidence of prehistoric art classes. Explorers delve into Stonehenge's history, learning about its use as an accurately aligned astronomical calendar, its role in the Underground Railroad, and the theories about who actually built it. Nearby, eight fuzz balls graze in the alpaca habitat, offering up skeins of yarn spun from their fluffy locks. Winter months coat the site's 105 sprawling acres with crunchy layers of snow, perfect for adventurous snowshoe outings or piggybacking on a snowman.

On his way to work one day, Andre Boucher spotted a hot air balloon, and on a whim he decided to follow it. He met it where it landed, and the aircraft's pilot offered to take Andre up for a ride. Ever since he was young, Andre had been fascinated by aviation, but airsickness and a codependent relationship with gravity always prevented him from enjoying it firsthand. But as he felt the basket drifting with the wind instead of battling against it, Andre knew he had finally found a way to experience flight. He has since acquired more than 23 years of professional experience, even lending his expertise to an elaborate promotional flight for Pixar's balloon-based film Up.

Andre now captains A&A Balloon Rides, LLC, where colorful carriages lift patrons between 500 and 2,000 feet above the lakes, treetops, and fields of New Hampshire. Guests can arrange private or group flights, and they can set up flown or tethered rides for school events, company picnics, or aerial-photography sessions, the latter of which can finally prove that birds fly on hoverboards.

Jason D. Boucher, a 2nd-generation FAA-certified commercial hot-air-balloon pilot, helms Serendipity_—his trusty hot air balloon—as it lifts passengers to the skies to reveal aerial views of southern New Hampshire's picturesque scenery. Taking flight 365 days a year––weather permitting––the _Serendipity allows passengers an unparalleled view of their favorite season, whether they prefer to take in spring's colorful blossoms, spot the glowing foliage of fall, or drag race flying reindeer during snowy months. Additionally, passengers can choose to summit the sky first thing in the morning and watch the sun rise or embark on a romantic evening flight as it dips down to illuminate the treeline.