Lonesome Woods

If there is a single retail location which encapsulates New Hampshire like no other, it is Lonesome Woods in Bethlehem. Without rival in style or atmosphere, it is one of the most deliberate places I have ever been. It’s more than just an antique shop and apothecary: walking in there feels like you’ve been injected into the blood of the state. 

Moose antlers, wool blankets, cast iron, axes, signage you’ve never seen, books you’ve never read, vintage skis and snowshoes, handmade soaps, candles, outdoor ephemera, records, stoves, kitchenware, longbows, patches… it’s dizzying.

Erica and I first stopped in around 2016. Driving through Bethlehem, it spoke to me from the car. I am deeply attracted to what makes other people tick, especially when it comes to their creative outlets. Seeing someone else’s “space” is always a treat. That’s why antique shops are so cool; you’re galivanting through someone’s canvas of thought. Immediately upon entering, I remember thinking “This is already worth stopping, and I bet the owner is awesome.”

For me, there are grades of antique shops. There’s the ones that are so poorly displayed and devoid of character, that you do one lap out of politeness, and quietly exit. Next up are the stand-bys. The solid players with damn good setups, great selection and eye candy. Places like Crawley Falls in Brentwood is a staple. Then there’s the top shelf, for bonkers-serious dealers and collectors. Like The New Hampshire Antique Co-Op in Milford. Big art, big furniture. Big prices.

Lonesome Woods is in a league of it’s own. It’s a place for something more than old hand planes or Wagner cast iron. Of which, they have both. Not too many shops make you think “Oh, this is different” before your second foot hits the floor. It’s like going to a museum. Yes, you probably have one painting in mind that you have to see. But, you’re going to look at all of them, and end up being blown away by something you had no idea was there.

Nick, the owner, has an incredible sense of style. It’s quite clear that he understands good design, color, shape, and flow-through. This space is inspired and wonderful. Most of the walls are covered, which is a look I love. But that look is so easy to screw up. Too much stuff in a room can easily look cluttered, and lack direction. Or worse: sterile, and wrung dry of it’s personality. Lonesome Woods feels full, but not splitting at the seams. Like a long meal with old friends. That day, we introduced ourselves, chatted a bit, bought a couple odds and ends and continued on our way. We knew we would be back.

Fast forward about a year later, and it was a point of interest for another road trip. This time, I was in need of a winter coat. And since I had seen the collection of vintage wool clothing during our first foray, hopes were high for finding a coat. My coat.

We exchanged pleasantries with Nick and I started thumbing through the rack. There were a bunch, but most of them were the standard black and red plaid. Nothing against that pattern, it’s a timeless classic. I’m just the type of guy who, on certain occasions, for particular items, must stand alone. There was a bright green and black one, which raised my eyebrows. Alas, too small. I really wanted something… rarely seen.

Nick noticed what I was doing and said “You lookin’ for a jacket?”

My attention now belonged to him: “I certainly am.”

He said “Well, I just had a guy drop off a box of those. The old Johnson Woolen Mills stuff. He had one that I really liked and I put aside for myself, but it’s a hair too big for me. Wanna see it?”

“Absolutely!” I replied, hopeful, but, tempering my expectations. 

Nick proceeded to turn around. Behind the sprawling, live edge slabwood counter, gently folded over on an old steel stool, there it was. A pristine, original, 60’s era pattern. The femtosecond I laid eyes on it, I knew it had to be mine. I would describe the colors as a cross between peak autumn foliage and Christmas. With just enough black to keep it from being boisterous. Ah, but – does it fit? He handed it to me, and I put it on: it felt as though it had been custom tailored. 

“Nick… I specifically came in here, in hopes of finding a vintage wool coat that spoke to me. I wanted something out of the ordinary. We drove over 2 hours with hopes of finding something half as good as this. And it fits like a farmer’s glove. And now there’s a whole story with it. This is unreal!”

“That’s awesome man, it’s yours if you want it!” I would have paid an unreasonable amount of money, but he sold it for an incredibly fair price. Erica bought some gorgeous Thank You cards, which I believe Nick’s wife paints. We chatted for a bit, wished each other well, and continued up the road.

About 3 years later, in late October 2022, we find ourselves in the little town of Bethlehem once again. It was a beautiful, crisp day, and I was wearing my coat.

Before I was fully within the threshold, Nick saw me entering and borderline-shouted “Dude! Nice jacket!”

Without a moment’s hesitation I gleefully replied “I bought it here, brother!”

We chatted and caught up a bit. After a couple laps around the store I thought to myself “I really need to get the camera in here.” I asked Nick if that was okay and he happily allowed it.

I perused and shot for a while. Decided on the items I wasn’t leaving without. Erica was walking the dog in an adjacent park, and we had to get back on the road. As I approached the counter with my goods, we had a pleasant exchange about the products I was buying.

Towards the end of the transaction, he said “Hey, ah, would you mind taking a few shots of me? I have a friend who’s always asking me for press shots. I’ll totally give you credit.” 

Hopefully he didn’t get blinded by the whites of my eyes when I blurted “Sure!”

Nick grabbed his signature hat and began suggesting potential spots. I’m half drunk on photographic joy, stumbling around in shock, trying to keep my composure.

I said “Yeah let’s just sort of feel it out, check the lighting. Do your thing, we’ll get something.” Very casual, undirected. He eventually made his way behind the counter. Bingo.

I said “Well, I mean, you are the man behind the counter! I think that would be pretty cool. You know, get a shot of you, right in the spot, surrounded by all the stuff.” He happily obliged. I knew the shot was there as soon as I lined it up. But there is a large window right behind him. The midday sun was just too harsh to get the shot.

He said “Do you want me to pull this shade down?” 

As if he was reading my thoughts, I said “Yes! That’ll be perfect!

That’s the man, that’s the place.

We exchanged a handshake, I told him we’ll be back, and I was on my way.

Guys and gals, young and old, locals and travelers; you’ll find something you like. Main Street in Bethlehem is really up and coming, overall. It’s bootstrapping the community in a way that is totally authentic. There’s a surprising amount of things and experiences available along such a tiny stretch in such a tiny spot. It gives you that feeling of knowing about a place that most people don’t know about. But, it’s simultaneously warm and welcoming. As the tagline for Lonesome Woods will tell you:

“You are a stranger here but once.”