New Hampshire

Nestled in the heart of New England, New Hampshire beckons travelers with its scenic landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant cities. From the majestic White Mountains to the coastal charm of Portsmouth, this state offers a wealth of experiences for every visitor.

Attractions and Things to Do

Explore the White Mountains

• Mount Washington: Scale the Northeast’s highest peak and marvel at breathtaking views from the summit.
• Flume Gorge: Hike through an 800-foot natural chasm adorned with waterfalls and scenic bridges.
• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Ride to the summit for panoramic vistas of four states and Canada on clear days.
• Loon Mountain: A haven for hikers with trails that reveal stunning foliage in autumn.

Historic Portsmouth

• Strawbery Banke Museum: Step back in time at this living history museum showcasing colonial-era buildings.
• John Paul Jones House: Visit the home of the Revolutionary War naval hero.
• Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse: Climb to the top for sweeping views of the Atlantic coastline.

Dartmouth College and Hanover

• Dartmouth College: Tour the Ivy League campus and catch a performance at the Hopkins Center.
• Quechee Gorge: Just across the border in Vermont, this “Little Grand Canyon” offers hiking and scenic views.

Monadnock Region

• Peterborough and Hancock: Explore charming towns, indulge in local chocolates, and dine at historic inns.
• Mount Monadnock: Hike to the summit for panoramic views of New Hampshire and beyond.

Seacoast Adventures

• Littleton: Wander through this quaint town known for its covered bridges and local breweries.
• Woodstock: Discover the Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery, a local favorite for craft beer and comfort food.
• Portsmouth’s Coastal Charms: Stroll through Commercial Alley, indulge in fresh seafood, and relax at scenic waterfront spots.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

New Hampshire experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique attractions:

• Spring (March to May): Ideal for hiking as trails bloom with wildflowers.
• Summer (June to August): Perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying festivals.
• Fall (September to November): Witness spectacular foliage across the state, especially in the White Mountains.
• Winter (December to February): A haven for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports enthusiasts.

Where to Stay

• Omni Mount Washington Resort: Luxury resort in Bretton Woods offering spa services and golf.
• Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa: Elegant accommodations with views of the Atlantic in New Castle.
• Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa: Historic resort in Whitefield offering panoramic views and outdoor activities.
• The Hanover Inn Dartmouth: A charming hotel in Hanover, perfect for exploring Dartmouth College and the surrounding area.
• Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery: Quaint accommodations with an onsite brewery in Woodstock.

Transportation

• Car: The most convenient way to explore, especially for reaching rural areas and scenic spots.
• Public Transportation: Limited but available through services like Concord Coach, Dartmouth Coach, and Boston Express.
• Airports: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) serve the state.

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring New Hampshire

Day 1: Arrival in Portsmouth

• Morning:  Arrival and Check-in: Arrive in Portsmouth and check into your accommodation. Choose a place in downtown Portsmouth for easy access to local attractions.
• Mid-Morning: Strawbery Banke Museum: Start your exploration with a visit to the Strawbery Banke Museum. This 10-acre living history museum features preserved and recreated buildings from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Wander through the historic houses, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about the daily life of Portsmouth’s early residents.
• Afternoon: Historic Downtown Portsmouth: Stroll through the historic downtown area. Visit landmarks such as the John Paul Jones House and the Portsmouth Athenaeum. Enjoy the quaint shops, art galleries, and boutiques.
• Evening: Prescott Park: Spend your evening relaxing at Prescott Park. This waterfront park offers beautiful gardens, scenic views, and often hosts outdoor performances.

Day 2: Seacoast Adventures

• Morning: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse: Head to Fort Constitution for a guided tour of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Portsmouth Harbor.
• Mid-Morning: Fort Constitution: Explore the historic fort, which played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War.
• Afternoon: Seacoast Science Center: Visit the Seacoast Science Center in nearby Rye. Learn about the region’s marine life, coastal ecosystems, and maritime history.
• Evening: Odiorne Point State Park: Enjoy a relaxing walk along the trails of Odiorne Point State Park. The park offers beautiful coastal views, picnic areas, and historical sites.

Day 3: Dartmouth and Hanover

• Morning: Drive to Hanover: Take a scenic drive to Hanover, a charming college town.
• Mid-Morning: Dartmouth College: Take a guided tour of Dartmouth College. Explore the beautiful campus, including landmarks like Baker-Berry Library, Dartmouth Green, and the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
• Afternoon: Hood Museum of Art: Visit the Hood Museum of Art, located on the Dartmouth campus. The museum features a diverse collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
• Mid-Afternoon: Appalachian Trail: If you enjoy hiking, take a short hike on the nearby Appalachian Trail. Hanover is one of the few towns the trail passes directly through.
• Evening: Local Exploration: Spend the evening exploring Hanover’s local shops, cafes, and cultural sites.

Day 4: Monadnock Region

• Morning: Drive to Peterborough: Head to the picturesque Monadnock Region, starting with Peterborough.
• Mid-Morning: Peterborough Village: Explore the charming village of Peterborough. Visit local shops, art galleries, and historic sites.
• Afternoon: Hancock: Continue your journey to Hancock, another quaint New Hampshire town. Walk through the historic town center, featuring well-preserved buildings and picturesque scenery.
• Mid-Afternoon: Mount Monadnock: Head to Mount Monadnock for an afternoon of hiking. Choose from various trails that lead to the summit, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
• Evening: Return to Peterborough: Spend the evening back in Peterborough, enjoying the small-town charm and relaxing atmosphere.

Day 5: White Mountains

• Morning: Drive to the White Mountains: Take a scenic drive north to the White Mountains region.
• Mid-Morning: Flume Gorge: Begin your White Mountains adventure with a visit to Flume Gorge. Walk the 2-mile loop trail to see the impressive 800-foot gorge, waterfalls, and covered bridges.
• Afternoon: Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: Ride the aerial tramway to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, and on a clear day, you can see the peaks of four states and Canada.
• Mid-Afternoon: Franconia Notch State Park: Explore more of Franconia Notch State Park. Visit the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza and the New England Ski Museum.
• Evening: North Conway: Drive to North Conway, a popular base for exploring the White Mountains. Spend the evening strolling through the town and browsing its many shops and boutiques.

Day 6: White Mountains

• Morning: Kancamagus Highway: Drive along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, renowned for its stunning views and foliage. Stop at overlooks and take short hikes along the way.
• Mid-Morning: Loon Mountain: Arrive at Loon Mountain for a day of hiking. Explore the trails and take in the beautiful mountain scenery.
• Afternoon: Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves: Visit the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. Walk the boardwalks through the gorge and explore the unique rock formations and caves.
• Mid-Afternoon: North Woodstock: Head to the nearby town of North Woodstock. Explore the quaint village, visit local shops, and take in the charming atmosphere.
• Evening: Relax at Accommodation: Spend a relaxing evening at your accommodation, reflecting on your White Mountains adventure.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Scenic Drive: Take a leisurely scenic drive through the White Mountains, stopping at any remaining points of interest you may have missed.
• Mid-Morning: Local Brewery Visit: Visit a local brewery, such as Tuckerman Brewing Company or Woodstock Inn Brewery, for a tour and tasting.
• Afternoon: Final Exploration: Depending on your departure time, take a short hike or visit a local attraction, such as the American Classic Arcade Museum in Laconia.
• Evening: Departure: Make your way back home, savoring the memories of your week-long exploration of New Hampshire.

Tips for Tourists

• New Hampshirites value their natural surroundings; practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Plan ahead, especially during peak foliage season in the fall or ski season in the winter.
• Sample local fare like seafood in Portsmouth or craft beers in one of the many breweries.
• Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially in mountainous regions.