New Hampshire State Guide from Cheap Hotels Worldwide
A compact yet beautiful state, New Hampshire is an excellent choice of vacation destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. This is a state that enjoys a close connection with nature, and its size makes it easy for visitors to get around and see some of the fabulous sights and attractions on offer. You can kick back and take in some fresh air whilst visiting this destination, and you will never be short on recreational activities no matter which area of the state you travel to.
It is not just the lover of the outdoors that will enjoy a visit to this state - there is plenty here for history buffs and nature lovers too, so you can keep everyone in your party busy and entertained whilst on vacation. You will find an array of towns and cities to explore not to mention some incredible landscapes, ranging from towering mountains through to crystal clear lakes and sprawling forests.
For a little relaxation and fun, the seaside town of Portsmouth is a great place to visit and enjoys a rich history. Other areas you can visit include Concord, filled with museums, attractions, and landmarks, as well as Hampton, Hanover, Jackson and Littleton. Each of these areas offers something to keep you entertained and busy - or simply incredible scenery to take your breath away.
You will find an excellent array of hotels and accommodations throughout the state, and you can find something to suit every budget depending on which part of the state you visit. An eclectic choice of cuisine means that you won't go hungry, and you can enjoy everything from local dishes to international cuisine. For the die hard shopper, there is always plenty of opportunity to give that credit card an airing, from the larger malls to smaller, unique shops offering specialty gifts and goods.
Located in the Merrimack Valley Region, Manchester is thelargest city in New Hampshire, and the fastest growing metropolitan area in New England. The local economy is booming and it is one of the best places in New England for landing a new job. The Verizon Wireless Arena is the focal point of downtown Manchester. It seats 10,000 for sports events and concerts. Go to their website to get tickets in advance. For a more intimate venue, visit Bernardo’s Italian Restaurant for live Blues performances in the lounge on Thursdays. While in Manchester, have breakfast with the locals at The Red Arrow, which USA Today ranked as one of the top 10 diners in the country. Then, treat yourself to some retail therapy at the Mall of New Hampshire with over 125 stores.
Outside, Manchester is the suburb of Bedford. No visit to Bedford is complete without seeing the oldest complete flag in the United States, dating back sometime between 1705-1720. Go to the Bedford Library circulation desk for a magnetic card to access the flag room. Bedford was the home to the founders of McDonalds, Dick and Mac McDonalds, and comedian Sarah Silverman.
Concord, the capital of New Hampshire, has been a popular destination for several presidents and dignitaries throughout US history. Modern day Concord has many historical landmarks and tourist attractions, and is well suited for family fun or a romantic weekend getaway. Sites of interest include: the New Hampshire State house, Eagle Hotel, Phenix Hall, the Walker-Woodman House, and the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. Head to the Red Blazer Pub for live music on Thursdays and Fridays. The Barley House Tavern has local bands perform on Saturday evenings.
Nashua is consistently ranked among the safest cities in theUS. New Hampshire’s second largest city is enjoying an influx of investment, and is a growth area for high-tech jobs at BAE Systems and HP. It’s location in the “Gateways Region,” between New Hampshire and Massachusetts, makes it's a prime location for business. Downtown development projects are underway for a pedestrian walkway along the Nashua River. Nashua is very close to Boston, so as elsewhere in New England, expect to meet a lot of Red Sox and Patriots fans here.
“America’s Stonehenge,” near Salem, New Hampshire, is a mysterious archeological site dating back thousands of years. It is open to the public for a nominal fee as part of a recreation area that includes snowshoe trails and an alpaca farm. There is speculation that the stone structures could be part of an ancient astronomical observatory. Another Salem attraction is the Rockingham Park Race Track. The first horse racing track in New England, was also the home to some of Seabiscuit’s famous races in 1935 and 1936. It now hosts standardbred harness racing.
Portsmouth is located in the Seacoast Region, East of the Merrimack Valley. Portsmouth is one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. It was New Hampshire's first settlement, second oldest city, first capital, and only seaport. The USS Albacore Museum & Park offers tours of the USS Albacore submarine. Other popular attractions are the John Paul Jones House and the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.
The nearby, University of New Hampshire is located in scenic Durham, NH. Durham is an hour away from the White Mountains, one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Close to the coast, Durham is known for having some of the best seafood in New England. One local crustacean you won’t be able to eat is “Mr. Blu Genes,” a surprising blue-colored lobster enjoying his retirement at the family-owned Oyster River Lobster Company. There’s plenty of other lobsters available to satisfy even the most discerning connoisseur. Only 1 in 10 million lobsters are blue, so see this guy while you can. Durham is about an hour drive from Boston.
The city of Dover is rich in culture and history. Visitors enjoy the natural spectacle of the 34 ft Cochecho Falls, and are encouraged to see the impressive display of national artifacts at the Woodman Institute. The eclectic collection includes: Abraham Lincoln’s saddle, a complete set of samurai armor, a 10 ft stuffed polar bear, and a Napoleon brass cannon used in the Civil War. Enjoy Bluegrass and Jazz at the Barley Pub, or traditional Irish fare at Biddy Mulligan’s.
Hampton is a popular tourist destination, and the business beach community in the state. Ocean Boulevard, the main street along the beach, includes a boardwalk, many shops and businesses, several seasonal hotels, and the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. Hampton Beach hosts several annual festivals during the summer including a children's festival, the Hampton Beach Seafood Festival, and the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition. The Hampton Beach Seafood Festival attracts over 150,000 people each year, and has been rated as "One of the Top 100 Events in North America", by the American Business Association. There are fireworks shows on the beach every Wednesday night in the Summer, in addition to the massive 4th of July extravaganza.
To the north is Plymouth, located in the Lakes Region of the“Granite State”. This was a popular 19th century vacation spot, visited bytranscendentalist author Nathaniel Hawthorne and former U.S. President FranklinPierce. There are twenty-seven lakes in the region, including the most famousLake Winnipesaukee. The fishing quality varies from lake to lake, so check withlocal sources for the inside information.
Ashland is a residential and resort community within the Merrimack River watershed. Visit Little Squam Lake for some great fishing. There's a dam about a mile downstream, so they're not going anywhere. Leave your lures at home and stop by Squam River Bait for some fresh night crawlers. There's fun for the kids at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Check their website for upcoming events and activities.
North Conway is know as, “the Birthplace of American skiing.” In the winter, this village is the evening destination for skiers visiting the area resorts, including North Conway's Cranmore Mountain, Attitash Resort, Black Mountain, and Wildcat Mountain. North Conway also has some of the East coast’s best rock-climbing at Cathedral Ledge and Horse Ledge. In the fall, people enjoy watching the leaves change color, and the Conway Scenic Railroad provides old-fashioned train rides from the North Conway’s Victorian station.
Loon Mountain, in Lincoln, is the most popular ski resort in New Hampshire for good reason - the area has 53 trails covering 324 acres of prime skiing. One of the most visited attractions in the state is "The Flume.” Discovered in 1808, it is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. Walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet, and are 12 to 20 feet apart. The most popular time to visit Lincoln is the summer, to attend the New Hampshire Highland Games. If you like haggis, bagpipes, and kilts, this is a must-see event. This Scottish festival features athletic competitions, music, dancing, authentic cuisine, sheep dogs, and a golf tournament.
Jackson is a timeless resort area in the White Mountains, and one of the region's most beautiful villages. Visitors are drawn to Jackson Falls and Jackson X-C, a world-class cross-country skiing trail system spanning over 150 km. Enjoy the amazing views of Mount Washington from Wildcat Mountain, a premier alpine skiing destination. Getting a photo at Jackson’s famous red covered bridge is obligatory.
At the edge of the White Mountains and bounded on the northwest by the Connecticut River, is the town of Littleton. Enjoy a walk through historic downtown then along the river to see the covered bridge. Kids love Chutters Candy Store, with the longest candy counter in the world. Punk Rock fans and curiosity seekers will want to stop by GG Allin’s grave at the Saint Rose Cemetery.
Hanover is best known as the home of Dartmouth College, but it is also one of the the few towns that travelers must pass through while hiking the Appalachian Trail. There are a many great trails and nature preserves in Hanover, the majority of which are suitable for snow shoes and cross-country skis. CNN and Money magazine rated Hanover as the second best place to live in America.
Lebanon is business epicenter, with major facilities of Microsoft, Merck, and Novell located here. It's not all work though; Lebanon has miles of hiking trails, a municipal ski area, and an 800-seat Opera house featuring prominent international artists.
30 miles South of Lebanon, is the town of Claremont. Thetown square, Broad Street Park, has war monuments to World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and the Freedom Garden Memorial dedicated to the victims and families of September 11th.
Hudson, NH, is a suburb of Boston. Golfers here will enjoy the two public courses, Whip-Poor-Will Golf Club and Green Meadow Golf Club. Even experienced duffers will be challenged from the back tees at Green Meadow. For something faster than a golf cart, head to the Hudson Speedway’s paved racetrack.
If you’ve seen the movie Jumanji, you’ll recognize Keene, where it was filmed. Frank's Barber Shop is a featured setting, as well as The Parish Shoe sign. Visit in September for the Keene Music Festival, featuring dozens of free concerts, or the annual October Pumpkin Festival. See tens of thousands of jack-o-lanterns and try some pumpkin beer.
Beyond being an ideal vacation destination, New Hampshire’s location, environment, colleges, and people make it a great place to live. “Live free or die” is more than just the state motto. New Hampshire’s tax laws are among the most favorable in the country. There are no sales, income, inheritance, or estate taxes.
New Hampshire’s picturesque environment and fresh air is an inspiration for painters, writers, poets, photographers, and other artists. Nathanial Hawthorne, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens worked extensively in New Hampshire. Robert Frost said that all of his poems all had something in them “of New Hampshire.”
Whether it is skiing, fishing, biking, hiking, shopping, or just relaxing that you enjoy best, there is a vacation for everyone in NewHampshire. Repeat visitors to New Hampshire can discover something new each time, or return familiar places that never change.
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