Unique Things To Do In New Hampshire

Visit One Of The Oldest Surviving Businesses In The United States

First opened in 1781, the Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough is considered one of the oldest businesses and possibly the oldest general store in the U.S.

This sunny-yellow store with its original foundation still intact is brimming with little wonders, knick-knacks, locally made foods, New England souvenirs, and a candy counter where you can try old-fashioned candy. The top floor holds a small museum for the history of the store and Moultonborough.

Be Romanced By A Covered Bridge

Back in horse-and-buggy days, covered bridges with lengthy spans were known as kissin bridges, because of the moment of privacy they provided. While we cant recommend such activities in todays faster-moving vehicles, you can sense the interlude that might have been while traversing the 1866 Cornish-Windsor bridge, which crosses the Connecticut River between Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont. Until an Ohio bridge stole the crown in 2008, this 449-foot-long span had been the countrys longest covered bridge. Its still terrifically scenic, as are New Englands other 200-odd covered bridges.

Candy colors and whimsical trim mark one of the gingerbread cottages in the Oak Bluffs Campground on Marthas Vineyard.

Elizabeth Cecil

Start Planning Your Trip To New Hampshire

New Hampshire is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the US.

With tons of outdoor attractions like state parks, nature centers, and farms that allow visitors to reconnect to nature, its no wonder travelers flock to NH every year.

The NH cultural scene is also booming with theatres, amusement parks, wineries, breweries, and so much more.

Whether youre traveling alone, with friends, with family, or for a romantic getaway, NH has something, many things, for every sensibility.

There are tons of things to do in New Hampshire as evidenced herein.

Be sure to add some of these amazing attractions to your New Hampshire plans.

Happy travels.

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Take A Scenic Train Ride In The Mountains

The Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway Village offers family-friendly train rides through the Mount Washington Valley. This is definitely one of the top New Hampshire attractions for visitors to the state.

Departing from a charming, sunny train station in North Conway, you can choose between two adventures: a heritage rail excursion to Conway and Bartlett, or a scenic roundtrip to Crawford Notch with plenty of vistas and rocky outcrops thatll leave you in awe.

Pick Apples And Eat Cider Doughnuts

Its the fall-iest of New England fall outings: You park in a grassy lot, hop on a wagon, and ride out past rows of McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Cortland, and, ideally, a few regional heirlooms, like Roxbury Russet and Rhode Island Greening. Fill your bucket or bag , pay the per-pound price, and reward yourself with a cinnamon-spiced cider doughnut fresh from the fryer. And while theres no shortage of orchards at which to practice this tasty ritual, here are a few picks to get you started:

See More:Best Apple Orchards in New England and Best Cider Doughnuts in New England

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Explore A Historical Eclectic Museum

If a museum that exhibits a variety of items covering local history, natural science, and decorative arts sounds fascinating, the Woodman Museum in Dover might be just the place for you. Apart from cool intrigues and oddities displayed across four historical buildings, youll find the oldest sycamore tree in Strafford County, a lovely garden, and the oldest house in Dover .

Have Your Consciousness Raised At The Bread And Puppet Theater And Museum

At the Glover, Vermont, headquarters of Bread and Puppet, a puppeteering troupe whose long legacy of activism goes back to the Vietnam War protests, you can check out one of the worlds largest collections of oversize puppets and masksand, if a performance is scheduled that day, see how theyre used to help call out modern-day abuses of power.

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Set Off On A Famous Foliage Drive

Smugglers Notch. Acadias Park Loop Road. The Mohawk Trail. When it comes to the A-listers of New England foliage roads, you owe it to yourself to see what all the fuss is about. Take the Kancamagus Highway: Sure, this 34-mile stretch of Route 112 between Lincoln and Conway, New Hampshire, can be jammed with cars and RVs on a brilliant autumn day, but the payoff is undiminished. Up and up you go, to 2,860 feet, with a scattering of lookouts where you can pull over for views of the Mad River Notch and the chance to linger among all those White Mountain peaks.

Cape Neddick Light on Nubble Island in Maine.

Dreamstime

Spend An Epic Lake Day At Lake Winnipesaukee

As the biggest lake in the state, Lake Winnipesaukee comes alive in the spring and summertime. Located in the Lakes Region, there are so many ways to enjoy this gorgeous spot. Lounge on Weirs Beach, rent a boat from Goodhue Boat Co., take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington, or shop and dine at Mill Falls Marketplace.

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Day 3 Soak Up Concords Culture

Today is all about the quirky side of Concord! Its time to discover the citys antique market, its community movie-house and local brewery.

Start with the Concord Antique Gallery, which is renowned throughout the state! Its just off Main Street and a seven-minute walk from the New Hampshire State House. Its the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs.

Afterward, stroll two minutes up the street to the Concord Craft Brewing Co. The citys first nano-brewery is a great place to grab a refreshing drink, as well as explore the actual brewery.

Finish off your day by catching a local film at the Red River Theater. This indie movie house is just off Main Street, a five minutes walk from the Concord Craft Brewing Co. Its a wonderful place to relax, support local artists and enjoy some New Hampshire wine. Cheers!

Discover The Shaker Lifestyle

Wed be surprised if you said exploring Shaker villages was how you usually spent your holidays in Concord, though, this is a great activity!

The Shaker religion is a unique sect of Protestantism that only has a very small following today. However, back in the 19th century, Shaker followers formed tightly-knit, vibrant communities such as at Canterbury. Canterbury Shaker Village is an expansive estate that brings the Shaker faith and community to life!

Between learning about the history of this religion and admiring the 25 original Shaker buildings, youre sure to have a brilliant time at this unusual attraction!

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Mount Washington Auto Road

Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

Travelers to Mount Washington in New Hampshire have been ascending the mountain since the late 1800s.

The mountain, with its beautiful scenery and adventurous allure, sets the scene for a thrilling experience.

Notably, Mount Washington Auto Road is at the center of the adventure.

The nearly 8-mile road is New Hampshires oldest and most visited attraction its a must see.

Historically, the road opened in 1861 with horse-drawn tours to the mountains summit.

Since then, Mount Washington Auto Road has evolved with the times.

Presently, visitors to Mount Washington Auto Road can enjoy guided or self-guided tours.

Guided tours are a two-hour trek hosted by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who lead a discussion of the history, vegetation, and more.

Tours allow time for photography and snack breaks.

In fact, The Sherman Adams Building, situated along the route, has a cafeteria and restrooms for visitors convenience.

This wonderful New Hampshire sightseeing tour is a must do for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Address: 1 Mt Washington Auto Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, United States

Best Things To Do In New Hampshire

The state of New Hampshire packs a lot of mountains and wilderness into its small frame. The state, which shares a border with Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts as well as a small Atlantic Ocean coastline and Canada to the north, offers visitors a chance to experience the very best that Mother Nature has to offer. The vast White Mountain National forest is home to the regions tallest peak, Mount Washington along with many other features sculpted by nature of many thousands of years.

Aside from the spectacular natural beauty of this state, New Hampshire has a history to be proud. It was one of the original 13 states that founded the United States of America and produced Americas thirteenth president, Franklin Pierce. Many of this history can be explored today in museums and along the scenic rail routes.

Visitors to New Hampshire will be mesmerized by its awe-inspiring natural beauty and entertained by its quirky man-made attractions. Here is our list of the top 25 things to do in the state of New Hampshire.

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Sit On A Frozen Throne At The Ice Castles

The Ice Castles, a frozen attraction in North Woodstock, is an incredible feat of human engineering and art. Built using hundreds of thousands of icicles by various artists, these castles have tunnels, ice thrones, sculptures, fountains, and more.

Its a magical, frozen kingdom that I really want to compare to a certain Disney movie But maybe I should let it go.

Reconnect With The American Revolution

From the Bennington Battle Monument in Vermont to the American Independence Museum in New Hampshire, New England has scores of Revolutionary War sites to explore, each with its own story to tell of the nations founding. For maximum fife-and-drum drama, its impossible to beat Minute Man National Park in Massachusetts: Not only does it encompass the town green where colonists took heed of Paul Revere and intercepted the British on April 19, 1775, as well as the Old North Bridge, where the shot heard round the world was fired, but each year on Patriots Day the whole thing is brought to life in an epic reenactment.

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Pick Fresh Produce At A Family

There are so many wonderful farms in NH, its hard to pick which ones to highlight. But Ill give it a shot.

Lull Farm in Hollis is always bustling no matter what time of year. They have gorgeous flowers for sale, a bakery counter, and fresh seafood and dairy. Moulton Farm in Meredith is a favorite of mine. They have an extensive amount of produce, a corn maze every fall, and delicious homemade pies.

And finally, check out Applecrest Farm Orchards if youre looking for one on the seacoast. Itll satisfy all of you apple fanatics out there.

Order Up A New Havenstyle Apizza

After southern Italian immigrants to this Connecticut city began baking coal-fired pies that were crisper, thinner, and more topped-to-the-edges than the traditional Neapolitan pizza theyd known back home, New Haven-style pizza was born. Almost a century later, fans still fight over the supremacy of Sallys versus Frank Pepes, but locals also savor the pies at Modern and the relative newcomer BAR.

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Top 10 Things To See And Do In New Hampshire

New Hampshire was the first to separate from the Kingdom of Great Britain. The close ties with Britain are still evident in the eponymous towns. The state offers very distinct nature as well as architecture, that can be admired in the little towns as well as larger cities. Check out these ten great sites.

What Goes Up Must Come Down

No one is saying a chairlift ride the top of Gunstock Mountain isnt a hoot, but why stop there? When you come down, take a Segway ride, bungee jump, and take a zipline tour, all at the Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford.

Many of New Hampshire’s ski resorts switch over to summer fun mode when the snow melts. Check out the various adventure parks at mountains around the state including Mount Washington Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Attitash Mountain Resort and Wildcat Mountain. In addition, check out the thrills offered at Alpine Adventures in Lincoln and Monkey Trunks Extreme Aerial Adventure in Laconia and Chocoura. .

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Where To Stay In Portsmouth For Sightseeing

Portsmouth is a relatively compact port city, with most of its tourist attractions quite close together in the historic center. Many of the hotels below are also in the center, within walking distance of the main things to do. But because of the inexpensive downtown parking garage located just off popular Market Street, even those hotels outside the center and in neighboring New Castle are handy for sightseeing. We recommend these convenient hotels in Portsmouth, handy to the top historic houses and tourist attractions:

• Luxury Hotels: One of the last of New Englands seaside grand hotels, Wentworth by the Sea sits majestically overlooking the water in New Castle, less than two miles from downtown Portsmouth. Beautifully renovated and modernized without losing its historic elegance, the hotel has a full-service spa, a pool, and tennis courts, as well as rooms with private balconies.In a historic neighborhood within a 15-minute walk of shopping and historic houses, occupies two gracious homes from the early 1800s. Set in a garden with free off-street parking, the inn is known for its beautifully decorated rooms and for its outstanding breakfasts, which are included in the rate.

• Also near the Portsmouth Circle, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Portsmouth is a family-friendly hotel with free breakfasts and parking.

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Get Away From It All At Saint

A Cornish, New Hampshire, gem, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park is one of the least-visited national parks in Americaa fact youll find hard to believe as you wander the tranquil former estate of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, whose works include the stirring memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, the nations first civic monument to the heroism of Black soldiers.

More than 800 varieties of fragrant blooms fill the rose garden in Elizabeth Park, in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Michael Piazza

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See The Sunrise At Cadillac Mountain

To see the first rays of sun strike the United States, you can drive to the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Maine, the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard, or you can climb it in the dark, flashlight in hand. Either way, the rising sun glowing on Frenchman Bay will be even cooler than you imagine.

Yankees 85th Anniversary Bucket List Of The Best Things To Do In New England Is Ready When You Are

Yankee Editors5.006

Whether youre planning a New England vacation or are a lifelong resident looking to brush up on your regional cred, here are 85 of the very best things to do in New England. How many have you seen, done, eaten, or experienced?

TRAVEL NOTE: Since many businesses and venues are adjusting their operations in response to COVID-19 health concerns, please contact them directly or check their websites before making travel plans.

Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine.

Carl Tremblay

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Bretton Woods Mountain Resort

Located in White Mountains National Park with majestic snow-capped peaks all around it, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort is home to the largest ski area in New Hampshire and is simply a must if youre looking to hit the slopes.

Renowned for being a popular haunt of the rich and famous in the early 20th century, the resort saw U.S. presidents and celebrities stay. Consequently, it should come as no surprise to learn that there are lots of excellent dining options, golf courses, and spas for you to try out.

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery with over a hundred trails and pistes on offer, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort is well worth checking out if you want to relax in style and make the most of the staggering natural sights all around you.

Free In New Hampshire: The State For Family Fun

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New Hampshire shines any time of the year, but fall is a particularly spectacular season. The fall foliage is magnificent and the New England weather is crisp, but not too cold. You can hike the White Mountains, or climb the highest peak in Mt. Washington, then enjoy tax-free shopping. My youngest daughter spent many years at summer camp in New Hampshire and we came to love the state, even camping there and biking to her Parents Visitation Day. We return for the fall foliage and craft beer, and always find something new to enjoy.

Winters are so cold that Dartmouth College has its students take a winter term off, and go to school one summer. Dartmouth also holds its family weekend in the summer, which always coincided with camp visiting day. We have skied at Bretton Woods at Mt. Washington, which requires extreme weather gear and an imperviousness to the cold. But you are rewarded with snowy slopes and extreme beauty.

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