Dan Egan sits down with author and travel writer Dawn Barclay to explore how she transforms New England’s most gripping true crime stories into planned road trips. Dawn’s new series, Vacations Can Be Murder, maps cases across New Hampshire and the region with exacting research, stories, and a surprising amount of care for the living.

Dawn explains the difference in crime patterns from Maine to Massachusetts, and what gives New Hampshire’s cases their distinct voice. From the Smuttynose to James Colbert murders, she traces how landscapes shape stories—and how stories, in turn, shape travel.

If you’re curious about dark tourism done right, you’ll find practical insights here: respectful itineraries, further reading to deepen context, and victim resources embedded throughout.

Press play to rethink true crime through the lens of place and history on this spooky Halloween episode of the 603podcast.

More on the Vacations Can Be Murder can be found here. Stay up to date on all of Dawn Barclay's work on her site.

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Ever wonder what it takes to build a thriving local business that becomes woven into the fabric of a community? Dave Levin's journey from basement coffee roaster to creating a New Hampshire landmark at Exit 28 offers a story in entrepreneurial grit, community building, and staying true to your vision.

When David first started roasting coffee in his basement in 2004, he had no idea his small wholesale operation would transform into Mad River Coffee Roasters—now a beloved gathering space with dozens of employees and a reputation that draws visitors from across New England. His approach was refreshingly straightforward: create delicious coffee, be open consistently, and foster genuine community connections.

What makes this story particularly compelling is how Dave transformed challenges into opportunities. When industry professionals warned him that without high foot traffic, he'd need to roast his own coffee to survive, he embraced manufacturing his product—eliminating middlemen and creating signature blends that remain community favorites two decades later. When competition moved in across the street, he focused on what made his business special rather than worrying about competitors. When lines formed at the counter, he taught staff to see it as part of the experience rather than a problem to solve frantically.

The success of Mad River Coffee Roasters reveals something profound about business and community: authenticity resonates. The cozy atmosphere consistently ranks as their most praised feature in reviews, followed by friendly staff—and of course amazing coffee and food. It's a reminder that while product quality matters, the experience and feeling you create are just as important.

Ready to discover the full story behind one of New Hampshire's most cherished local businesses? Listen now to learn how coffee became the catalyst for creating a space where locals, second homeowners, and tourists all find common ground in the heart of the Granite State.

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Join Dan Egan on the 603podcast as he interviews author and historian Kim Varney Chandler, who takes us through the history of New Hampshire's covered bridges, and her new book covering all the details of the state's beloved architecture.

Chandler reveals the practical reason these bridges were covered and explains why communities have invested so heavily in preserving these structures, with some restoration projects exceeding $1.6 million.

Did you know the state once had over 400 covered bridges, with 58 authentic structures remaining today? Perhaps most remarkable is that of the seven historic covered railroad bridges left worldwide, five stand in the Granite State. Learn how Clark's Trading Post acquired and meticulously reconstructed the world's only remaining active covered railroad bridge.

We explore the threats these bridges face, from arson (the leading cause of bridge loss) to oversized vehicles, and the recent legislation increasing fines from $62 to at least $1,000 for damaging the historic treasures. This episode also touches on the unexpected connections to American history, including Underground Railroad activity around the Durgan Bridge in Sandwich.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates New Hampshire's unique landscape, Chandler's stories will forever change how you see these iconic structures. Discover why these bridges matter, who built them, and why communities fight so passionately to preserve them for future generations.

Find Kim's book and more about her speaking events and covered bridges in New Hampshire at https://coveredbridgesnh.com/

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For more information about the 603podcast visit 603podcast.com