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Living Your Best Life In NH

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New Hampshire has a lot to offer, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Here’s a breakdown of different things visitors can do in NH:

1. Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: The White Mountains are a hiker’s paradise. Popular hikes include Mount Washington, Franconia Ridge, and the Flume Gorge. For easier trails, try the Welch-Dickey Loop or the trails around Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: In winter, head to ski resorts like Loon Mountain, Bretton Woods, or Cannon Mountain. Cross-country skiing is also popular in places like Jackson.
  • Lakes and Beaches: Lake Winnipesaukee is perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hampton Beach offers a classic New England beach experience on the Atlantic coast.
  • Fall Foliage Tours: Autumn is stunning in NH, with scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway or visits to places like Monadnock State Park for the best leaf-peeping.

2. Historical and Cultural Experiences

  • Historic Sites: Visit Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, an outdoor museum that showcases the history of the region. Canterbury Shaker Village offers a glimpse into the lives of the Shakers.
  • Museums: The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester has a great collection of American and European art. The Wright Museum in Wolfeboro focuses on World War II history.
  • Covered Bridges: NH is home to many picturesque covered bridges, like the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, one of the longest in the country.

3. Family-Friendly Activities

  • Story Land and Santa’s Village: These amusement parks in the White Mountains are perfect for families with young children.
  • The Mount Washington Cog Railway: Take a scenic train ride to the summit of Mount Washington for breathtaking views.
  • Polar Caves Park: Explore caves and trails in this family-friendly park in Rumney.

4. Food and Drink

  • Local Breweries and Wineries: NH has a growing craft beer scene, with places like Smuttynose Brewing Company in Hampton and the Woodstock Inn Brewery. Visit LaBelle Winery for local wines.
  • Farm-to-Table Dining: Experience fresh, local cuisine at restaurants like The Black Trumpet in Portsmouth or Republic Café in Manchester.
  • Maple Syrup: Visit a sugarhouse during maple syrup season in early spring, like The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem.

5. Unique Experiences

  • Mount Washington Auto Road: Drive up the highest peak in the Northeast, or take a guided tour. The views are unforgettable.
  • Ice Castles in North Woodstock: In the winter, visit this magical attraction made entirely of ice.
  • Laconia Motorcycle Week: If you’re visiting in June, experience one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country.

6. Shopping and Entertainment

  • Tax-Free Shopping: NH is one of the few states with no sales tax, making it a great place to shop. Visit the outlets in North Conway or the charming boutiques in Portsmouth.
  • Live Music and Theater: The Palace Theatre in Manchester and the Music Hall in Portsmouth host a variety of performances year-round.

7. Day Trips

  • Portsmouth
    • What to Do: Explore this charming coastal town with its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and excellent dining options. Stroll through the historic district, visit the Strawbery Banke Museum, and enjoy waterfront views.
    • Unique Experience: Take a harbor cruise or visit the Portsmouth Brewery, one of the oldest craft breweries in New Hampshire.
  • Keene
    • What to Do: Experience quintessential New England charm in this beautiful town. Wander through the picturesque downtown area with its unique shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Nearby outdoor activities include hiking at Mount Monadnock and exploring the Ashuelot River.
    • Unique Experience: Attend the annual Pumpkin Festival, where Keene once set the world record for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns.
  • Concord
    • What to Do: As the state capital, Concord offers a mix of history, culture, and nature. Visit the New Hampshire State House, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, and local museums. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are parks and trails to explore.
    • Unique Experience: Take a guided tour of the historic State House, the oldest state capitol building in which the legislature still meets in its original chambers.
  • Hanover and Dartmouth College
    • What to Do: Visit the beautiful Ivy League campus of Dartmouth College, explore the Hood Museum of Art, and take a stroll along the Connecticut River. The town of Hanover offers charming shops and restaurants, making it a perfect day trip for those interested in history and culture.
    • Unique Experience: Catch a performance at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, known for its diverse range of shows.
  • Mount Monadnock
    • What to Do: Hike Mount Monadnock, one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world. The moderate trails reward you with panoramic views of the surrounding region. After your hike, explore the quaint town of Peterborough nearby, known for its artsy vibe and unique shops.
    • Unique Experience: Visit the MacDowell Colony, a prestigious artist residency, and take a tour if available.
  • Franconia Notch State Park
    • What to Do: Spend the day exploring this stunning park in the White Mountains. Visit the Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge, and take the Aerial Tramway up Cannon Mountain for incredible views. You can also stop by the Old Man of the Mountain memorial site.
    • Unique Experience: Swim or paddle in Echo Lake at the base of Cannon Mountain, a serene spot surrounded by mountains.
  • The Lakes Region
    • What to Do: Beyond Lake Winnipesaukee, the Lakes Region offers several other beautiful lakes to explore, such as Squam Lake and Newfound Lake. Spend the day boating, kayaking, or enjoying a lakeside picnic. The region also has charming towns like Meredith, with its waterfront shops and restaurants.
    • Unique Experience: Take a scenic boat tour of Squam Lake, where the movie “On Golden Pond” was filmed.

8. Close to NH

New Hampshire’s location makes it easy to explore nearby destinations that offer a variety of experiences. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a quick international trip, or a visit to major cities, these spots are all within a reasonable drive.

  1. Maine Beaches
  • What to Do: Just a short drive from NH, the southern Maine coast offers some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. Visit Ogunquit Beach, known for its long sandy stretches and charming seaside town, or explore the famous Marginal Way in York.
  • Distance: Approximately 1 hour from Portsmouth, NH (45 miles).
  • Unique Experience: Enjoy fresh lobster at a local seaside restaurant or take a scenic cruise along the coast.
  1. Montreal, Canada
  • What to Do: Venture across the border to Montreal for a taste of European charm. Explore Old Montreal with its cobblestone streets, visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, and indulge in world-class dining and shopping.
  • Distance: Approximately 3.5 hours from Concord, NH (220 miles).
  • Unique Experience: Experience the vibrant arts scene, from jazz clubs to street performances, or attend one of Montreal’s famous festivals.
  1. Boston, Massachusetts
  • What to Do: A quick trip to Boston offers endless possibilities, from exploring historic sites along the Freedom Trail to visiting world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts or the New England Aquarium. Take in the sights and sounds of Fenway Park, or stroll through the picturesque Boston Common.
  • Distance: Approximately 1.5 hours from Concord, NH (70 miles).
  • Unique Experience: Visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s renowned seafood restaurants in the Seaport District.
  1. New York City, New York
  • What to Do: If you’re up for a longer drive or a quick flight, New York City offers an unparalleled urban experience. From the iconic sights of Times Square and Central Park to the world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to see a Broadway show or take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
  • Distance: Approximately 4.5 hours from Concord, NH (240 miles).
  • Unique Experience: Explore the diverse neighborhoods of NYC, such as SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Harlem, or take in panoramic views from the top of the Empire State Building.

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