12 reasons why NH is the best (from Free Staters)

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Free State Project, Executive Director

We can give you 12 reasons.

As Christmas week begins in the Free State, I wish you merry times with family, friends and loved ones.

Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post newsletter:

• Twelve Days of Christmas in the Free State – Free Staters share in short videos in the 12-day lead-up to Christmas why NH is the best place to live free.
• The Independence Inn – We have a mover profile (including a new Porcupine Report conversation) with Tyler and Sara Courtney, who made their way from New York to run the Independence Inn — a way station for visiting potential Free Staters — in Strafford.
• Build Freedom at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum — Tickets are on sale now.
• A Porcupine Patron Update — We just hit our end-of-year goal of 270 patrons. Can we go even higher? Can I count you in?

These weekly FSP newsletters are always jam-packed with a lot of content, so please feel free to skip ahead to whatever interests you.

See some familiar faces and hear what they have to say.

From all of us in the Free State, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

Tyler and Sara Courtney,
The Independence Inn

While thousands move here to live free, many don’t come alone — they bring their ideas, their ambitions, and their ventures with them. Businesses, nonprofits, clubhouses, organizations galore — all staking a claim and building a freer life.

The Independence Inn in Strafford, NH, was purchased several years ago by several FSP participants.

Earlier this year, the Independence Inn announced the arrival of new movers, Tyler and Sara — a husband and wife duo — who would be taking over as innkeepers and re-opening the downstairs restaurant.

Their story represents the kind of energy we work to attract to the Free State: bold, self-directed, and rooted in the belief that liberty is worth building.

I was pleased to have them both join me this week for a discussion on the Porcupine Report.

Click here to watch Episode 93: The Independence Inn.

Its mission (as one owner, Dennis Pratt, often describes) is to welcome libertarians to New Hampshire, year-round — “particularly those who are exploring the Free State for the first time.”

Over its first few years, many new Free Staters speak fondly of their stays, appreciating its rural charm and its relative proximity to multiple hubs for geographically separated Free State communities that host gatherings and events.

As Pratt describes it, “The Independence Inn is in the middle of nowhere, but the center of everywhere.”

After Pratt suffered a stroke earlier this year, many of the general operations of the Independence Inn slowed down, as he and his wife focused on his recovery. Today, we are glad to report that Dennis appears to be in good health.

Many wondered, however, what would be the fate of the Independence Inn, which helps bring libertarian visitors to NH on a regular basis.

The entire Free State community enjoys seeing Tyler and Sara running the inn and restaurant better than ever.

Planning a visit to New Hampshire?

Contact the Independence Inn, ask about Porcupine Vacations, and tell them the Free State Project sent you for up to 50% off your stay.

We are returning to the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, March 5-8, 2026 with the theme "Build Freedom."

This is a conference for those actively building solutions for a future grounded in individual human liberty. (Of course, that’s the whole purpose of the Free State Project — to build a homeland for freedom builders.) Like last year, we will be running two tracks of content at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum:

• "Build Freedom" Main Stage Series – short-form talks and panels for a large audience;
• "Liberty In Practice" Dialogue Series – eight small group deep-dives (limited to 25 participants each), led by respected freedom builders with topics ranging from raising the next generation to the practical steps necessary for interstate secession.

There will be plenty of announcements ahead on the 2026 NH Liberty Forum, so keep reading this weekly newsletter.

Thank you for being an email subscriber. Please use discount code "PorcPost" to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

1. Promote → Learn — We promote to external liberty-loving communities, so they can learn about the FSP and what we are building in New Hampshire;
2. Outreach → Connect — At outside events, we outreach to liberty-aligned people to connect them with our newsletters and online community groups;
3. Invite → Visit — We host and promote events throughout the year, inviting liberty-lovers to visit and experience the Free State;
4. Welcome → Move — We welcome and assist those planning, preparing, or executing their moves to NH; and
5. Engage → Build — We engage with active FSP participants, facilitating development of community by helping participants find their tribe and build liberty projects.

Our most recent big step in this direction was the launch of a brand-new FSP.org — a home for liberty lovers at every stage of their journey.

To keep up the momentum, we need your support.

(Despite what our anti-FSP opponents say, we don’t have tons of "billionaire backers" funding our year-round operations.)

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.

Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.

We currently have 271 active patrons. We have surpassed our 270 goal and I now have to raise the goal post. (Thank you.) That means we need 9 more to reach our new year-end goal of 280.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a $10/month Porcupine Patron (or at a higher tier), this is the week I’d be especially grateful if you did.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars and many forms of cryptocurrency.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Dennis Pratt, Owner of the Independence Inn, is seeking participants and organizers for Porcupine Theme Weekends throughout 2026.

Please email him — DennisGPratt — if you would be interested in participating or helping build a theme weekend for liberty lovers regarding any of the following interests.

• Musicians: Playing music together
• Gamers: Playing tabletop games
• Couples: Natalism / Birthing
• Politicians: Winning political office
• Historians: Celebrating the Pine Tree Riot
• Marksmanship
• 2nd Amendment: Shooting guns
• Family Freedom: Raising a free family your way
• Tom Woods Cruise: Pre Gathering
• Sailors: Tall ship schooner
• Medical Workers
• Theatre Workshops

Other ideas are also welcome.

If you don’t know who raised your property taxes, someone else is steering your town. And if you don’t know what actually keeps you healthy, someone else is steering your body. This week on The Independents, we break down:

• The uncomfortable truth about New Hampshire property taxes (hint: it’s local)
• 10 health hacks for 2026 that don’t rely on fear, pharma, or permission slips

Because the same mindset that shrugs at tax hikes also shrugs at bad food, bad sleep, bad data, and bad advice. You don’t need more experts. You need better instincts. This episode is a reminder that self-government starts in the body and scales outward. Reclaim your agency—in your town, in your body, and in your life.

Click to watch the full episode!

"Last week, after the Department of Education released its latest enrollment data, several news reports and online commenters portrayed EFA families as wealthy or undeserving. The reality is far different – and far more inspiring.

"These are families who continue supporting their public schools through full local property tax payments while also taking on additional out-of-pocket costs so their children can learn in environments where they genuinely flourish. They do all of this while generating millions in taxpayer savings. That is not selfishness. It is an act of remarkable generosity, and these families deserve acknowledgment for the commitment they show to both their communities and their kids."

Click here to read the op-ed in the NH Journal!

• nhpr: 10 things to do in NH over the holidays: Parties, hiking, comedy and lots of Legos
• 94.9WHOM: Strong Winds, Spring Like Warmth Set to Sweep Across Maine and NH
• WMUR9: Gusts up to 50 mph expected with heavy rain Friday in New Hampshire
• Travel and tour world: New Hampshire Joins Forces with New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Vermont, and More to Create a Snow-Capped Wonderland

• Lancaster, 12pm-3 – North Country Monthly Potluck – Come join the North Country Porcupines for our monthly potluck! Bring a dish and spend some time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Hosted by Staci Webb. (the ‘Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)
• Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 – The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck – GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
• Manchester, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester)
• Manchester, 2pm-5 – Manchester Marketplace – Join us for our monthly community market and farm share pick-up! Get some shopping done from your fav local porcupines #shoplibertylocal Hosted by Emily Smith. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
• Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew, 88 Market St, Manchester)
• Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Waid. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
• Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem

Monday, December 22nd

• Rollinsford, 5:30pm-7:30 – Conspiracy Theory Group – Meets every fourth Monday. Join us at The SHELL to discuss the latest psyops and conspiracies with like-minded liberty lovers. Hosted by Nick Hubbard (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)
• Strafford, 6pm-9 – Your 2026 Resolution (A Liberty Life) – We’ll do a few exercises:
  * Reviewing 2025: What worked and didn’t work for you?
  * Brainstorming 2026: What do you most want for 2026?
  * Select First Action: What puts you on the path to success?
  Dennis started and ran the largest in-person personal growth group in the world, running 250 events a year, delivered by 120 different providers, serving 4,500 members in greater Boston. He’s taken scores of cognitive workshops (and led a few). His focus is on techniques for setting and achieving life goals. Facilitator: Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford)

Tuesday, December 23rd

• Bedford, 4pm-8 – Taproom Tuesday at Murphy’s Carriage House – Come meet fellow liberty lovers at our weekly event! $5 drafts & win and $10 cocktails & appetizers for $10 from 6pm-8! Please invite others! Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford)
• Lebanon 6-8pm – Upper Valley Meetup – Meets every fourth Tuesday. Meet your liberty neighbors in the Upper Valley! We’ll be in the back by the arcade games. Hosted by Jody Underwood. (Ziggy’s Pizza, 254 N Plainfield Rd, West Lebanon)
• Manchester, 7:40pm-9:10 – First Fruits Ministries – Monthly on the last Tuesday. Please join us to learn more about the Scriptural, historical, cultural, contextual, and practical applications of the faith for living in the 21st Century. Hosted by Andrew Manuse. (First Fruits Ministries, 60 Bailey Ave, Manchester)

Wednesday, December 24th

• Lancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Class – Geared toward teenagers & adults, this United States History is a full survey course designed to help students think critically about history, engage with primary sources, and develop strong historical arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Course taught by NH State Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)
• YouTube 7pm-8 – FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube! Hosted by Eric Brakey.

Thursday, December 25th

• MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Friday, December 26th

• 6:30pm-10 – Religious Bitcoin/Crypto Meetup – Join us for a monthly meetup exploring the moral and spiritual dimensions of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Together, we’ll discuss how sound money principles align with religious values like stewardship, honesty, and justice. This gathering is open to all faith backgrounds and anyone interested in the ethical implications of a decentralized peaceful money standard. Almost one year active! Text Zephan for address (603)369-7729

Saturday, December 27th

• Rollinsford, 6pm-10 – SHELL Poker Night – Join Freecoasters for Poker at the Shell. Buy in is just $10 and we encourage you to bring snacks, BYOB. Donations to the Shell are appreciated! The fun runs from 6 to 10pm. Don’t miss out on socializing! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)
• Lancaster, 6:30pm-9:30 – NCP Bourbon & Cigar Night! – It’s Ok to just stop by and chat for a bit and talk about economy and politics. ALL are welcome. Hope you can put it on your calendar! Contact Adam 207.380.4236

Sunday, December 28th

• Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 – The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck – GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
• Manchester, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester)
• Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester)
• Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
• Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.

For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.