Newport, NH (USA)

I'd scheduled an appointment at the New Hampshire DMV (to get my new driver's license) at the Newport branch today - it was my first real chance to explore a new part of the Granite State and I was excited!  I teleworked early in the morning and left my condo at 0830.  I drove (via I-89) towards Concord and was on the phone with John (work conversations) for most of the way.  As a result, I ended up missing the exit for NH-10... Instead, I drove down to NH-114 and used it to reach NH-11.  Made it to Newport at 0910 and went right in for my appointment.  Had some trouble with the Virginia DMV (for some reason) but the manager said he'd research and call me back.  Hoping that it wouldn't take long, I backtracked to the Sunapee area and explored the nice houses along the lake.  I walked around for a little while near the Marina - what a beautiful day!  Eventually (1000), I gave up and went back to Lebanon.  I took a walk at the High School track and then went back to my condo to eat lunch and do some more telework.  At about 1230, the supervisor at the Newport DMV called and said he could fit me in for a (re)do of the appointment at 1330 so I immediately left and drove back (via I-89 and NH-10) to get my new license.  I was in the branch for less that 30 minutes (successful this time).  On the way home, I decided to check out the scenic route - I used NH-103 to get to Claremont (found a Market Basket) and then switched to NH-120.  Somehow, I got off track (even with my GPS) and ended up back on NH-103...  Decided to head towards the Connecticut River (and NH-12A) and that turned out to be a good idea.  I enjoyed this route and saw lots of pretty scenery (farms, covered bridges, percheron horses).  I stopped for a few minutes before I reached West Lebanon and made an online order for a snack from Panera (I picked it up at 1430) and then headed home.  Finished my telework day with a shiny new license and some more great ideas for local adventures in the future!