CONCORD, N.H. — “Having an independent film house is hugely important to the vitality of a city,” documentary filmmaker Ken Burns said at the recent New Hampshire premiere of his latest film, “The Central Park Five.” The sold-out show was held at the Red River Theatres, a three-screen, state-of-the-art, nonprofit theater house. The theater, which opened five years ago, was one step in the dynamic revitalization of this city. Today, the lively, historical downtown area is home to nearly 200 shops, restaurants, and independently-owned businesses.

In the past, we had admired Concord’s gold-dome State House as we flew down Interstate 93, and seen scads of TV clips of politicos posing and posturing in front of city sites. But it had been a while since we really explored this capital city. Instead of heading home after the premiere, we decided to stick around.