70 Great Things to Do in New Hampshire

New Hampshire > State > Things to Do and See > 70 Great Things to Do in New Hampshire

From mountains to seacoast to its delightful small cities, New Hampshire has a multitude of wonderful things to do, all years. Interesting places to explore like America’s Stonehenge or the shops and theaters and Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth are among many of the attractions that bring loyal visitors to the Granite State year after year, in all seasons.

A popular form of accommodations is resorts – some in the mountains, some on the seacoast – because they typically welcome families and offer a wide assortment of entertainments and access to the tools (rented kayaks, canoes, snowshoes, for instance) for outdoor adventure.

Conway Scenic Railroad - Great Things To Do in New Hampshire

Ice Castles

24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: Toll-Free: 888-407-4054

Your moment of imagination, exploration and magic awaits at Ice Castles

This immersive experience built entirely from ice enchants visitors with its captivating photogenic appeal. Escape into a world of frozen caves, maze-like tunnels, fountains and ice-carved slides. Ice Castles in North Woodstock is built by hand using hundreds of thousands of icicles that are grown, harvested, and planted every day to create the acre-sized interactive attraction. And the effect is heightened at night when LED lights frozen inside change colors in perfect synchronization to music. You don’t have to be a fan of “Frozen” to find the whole experience magical. Remember to dress warmly, but in case that's not enough there's an on-site concession stand serving up hot chocolate, apple cider, and warm treats! Tickets are guaranteed to sell out each weekend, so be sure to buy yours in advance online at IceCastles.com!

Mount Washington Cog Railway

Off Route 302 Bretton Woods, NH, 03589 Phone: 603-278-5404 Toll-Free: 800-922-8825

Exciting ride aboard a cog railway culminates in breathtaking views atop Mt. Washington

Fun, educational – and thrilling – the historic Cog Railway up to the summit of majestic Mt. Washington is a great adventure for passengers of all ages. The colorful trains are powered by biodiesel or steam locomotives, traveling 5 mph past forests, ravines, wildlife (including the occasional moose or bear) and through three climate zones to reach the breathtaking summit. There, on top of the Northeast’s tallest peak, you can explore an interactive weather exhibit or look out over the mountains from the rooftop observation deck. You can also send a post card from the summit post office. Travelers will enjoy the commentary from train engineers and brakemen and brakewomen. Parking is free, and there are food courts or cafeterias at both ends of your exciting journey. Trains operate from late April through November.

Castle in The Clouds

Route 171 - 455 Old Mountain Road Moultonborough, NH, 03254 Phone: 603-476-5900

A mountain estate featuring activities, tours to hikes, horseback riding

Tour an elegant mansion. Hike (or ski or snowshoe) past waterfalls. Go horseback riding (or take a sleigh trip). You can do all of this, and more, at Castle in the Clouds, a mountaintop estate with incredible views and a full slate of activities, starting with a tour of the Arts and Crafts-style Lucknow Mansion, where the 1910s and 1920s come alive. The mansion, state-of-the-art in its day, features vacuum and housewide phone systems as well as vintage clothing and furnishings. And, you can tour the basement to see how the servants lived. Outside are gardens, a pond where kids can feed the leaping rainbow trout, hiking and skiing trails past waterfalls and a restaurant with panoramic views.

Morningside Flight Park

357 Morningside Lane Charlestown, NH, 03603 Phone: 603-542-4416

Find aerial adventure at Morningside Flight Park

Seeking adventure? Morningside Flight Park is the place. Learn hang gliding, paragliding or powered paragliding at the country's most complete flight park. We've been teaching students of all ages and skill levels for over 40 years. In addition to lessons we offer tandem flights, zip-line canopy tours, kayaking and outdoor laser tag. We're located in Charlestown, NH, an easy drive from Boston, Hartford, Portland, Burlington, Montreal and New York. Come for the day or stay all weekend at our expansive campground surrounded by old-growth forest. Pitch your own tent or enjoy more comfort in a platform tent or our hilltop cabin. Morningside's campground is complete with fire pits, swimming ponds, playing fields, picnic areas, kitchen, bathhouse and breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley.

Sweet Sunset - Lakes Region Association - New Hampshire

Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

Lots to love, lots to do, when winter hits the lakes region

Summer’s not the only season to celebrate the glories of central New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. When the temperatures drop and the snow falls, the Lakes Region is alive with skiers, snowboarders, ice-skaters, snow-tubers and skimobilers, visiting the nearby slopes; taking guided tours out onto the frozen lakes to catch a few fish; winter-hiking parts of the Northern Rail Trail; or enjoying sleigh rides across frozen fields. But you don’t have to be a sports enthusiast to enjoy winter here. Arrange for a spa day, take advantage of tax-free shopping in the region’s outlets and boutiques, explore a covered bridge, visit a winery or brewery; or just hunker down before the fire at one of many scenic inns.

Whitewater Rafting - Mt. Washington Valley Chamber - North Conway, NH

Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce

Spring in the White Mountains is a season so fresh you can taste it

Every season is a reason to visit the mountains of New Hampshire. Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest and home to the highest peak in the Northeast, outdoor adventure abounds with hundreds of trails to get you to a rushing waterfall or a mountain summit. Relax at a spa, museum, coffee shop, or bookstore, enjoy live theater and music, ooh and ahh at stunning vistas, and check out the great events and attractions for the whole family. When you’re hungry you be thrilled will all the options to choose from. We have cozy eateries, stylish bars, Irish pubs, elegant dining, and more. Shopping is tax-free in New Hampshire, and with over 200 name-brand outlets, boutique, and specialty stores it’s no surprise that North Conway is world renowned as a shopping destination. Plan a visit soon. Visit Mt. Washington Valley, NH online or call our friendly concierge at 800-337-3563 for more info on first class lodging and exciting events to plan your next adventure!

America's Stonehenge

105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH, 03079 Phone: 603-893-8300

Explore America's Oldest Known Structure

In fourteen hundred and ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But was he really the first European to reach North America? At America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire, some say there's evidence others got here first, perhaps by a thousand years. The pine woods here are full of stone megaliths like those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Were they the first arrivals? Or maybe some other group with knowledge of astronomy and stone construction? Wander our woodland trails with your family, and let your kids see for themselves. We're near the New Hampshire seacoast, which makes America's Stonehenge a great destination for days when clouds keep you off the beach. We're got a picnic area, a museum, and a herd of friendly alpacas to greet you.

Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train

3 Crossing at Riverplace North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3500

A unique White Mountain culinary attraction

Plan a memorable event aboard the family owned and operated Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train. Rolling along the western slopes of the White Mountains, you’ll experience one of the region’s premier destinations majestic scenery and beautifully restored railcars, while sharing in a distinctive culinary experience. You’ll travel at a leisurely pace down and along the Pemigewasset River, through the woods, and return on the same track. Enjoy great service and plated fare highlighting quality seasonal and farm fresh ingredients from an inspired menu that offers an exceptional dining experience for you and your guests. Depart on your two-hour, 20 mile round trip in a convivial ambiance with classic cocktail offerings or one of the fine domestic or international wine selections.

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Conway Scenic Railroad

38 Norcross Circle North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-5251

All aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad in New Hampshire's White Mountains

Conway Scenic Railroad offers old-fashioned train rides departing from the beautiful 1874 Victorian Station in North Conway Village. Choose from heritage train rides on the Valley routes to Conway or Bartlett, or embark on the scenic Mountaineer to Crawford Notch. Premium class, First Class, and Coach seating options are available on all routes. Trains run rain or shine! Round-trip excursions run from 1 to 5½ hours. Schedules vary, so call 603-356-5251 for details, or visit our website by clicking above. Valley trains run April through December. The Mountaineer operates June through October. Snow Trains run weekends in January and February. Take a journey back in time that the whole family will enjoy!

White Mountains Attractions

Visitor’s Center at Exit 32 Off I-93 North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-8720 Toll-Free: 800-346-3687

New Hampshire's White Mountains boast a colorful array of activities for visitors of all ages

Soaring through a forest, skiing down a snowy slope, riding the rails on a vintage train, conquering a corn maze, marveling at trained bears, saying hello to Santa and his reindeer: That’s just a partial list of all the activities awaiting visitors to New Hampshire’s breathtaking White Mountains. Whether you’re taking the kids to old favorites Clark’s Bears, Santa’s Village or Storyland, or arranging a friends weekend at one of several luxurious mountain resorts, you’ll have the time of your life in this fun-filled region, one of New England’s most scenic spots. Explore a glacial cave, nature center or a gallery-dotted Main Street. Go fishing, golfing or zip lining. See live theater, take a moose safari, visit a sled-dog kennel. Your adventure awaits. To find out more, follow our link above or call us today at 1-800-346-3687.

Summer Dog Sled Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft Jefferson New Hampshire

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel & Raft NH

32 Valley Road Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-545-4533

The seasons change the fun remains

Enjoy rolling dog sleds and exciting raft trips on Class II to Class 4 rapids. Muddy Paw sled tours allow you to meet the sled dogs, help the musher harness and hitch the team, enjoy the dog sled ride, and reward the sled dogs for a job well done. You’ll soak in the views and have plenty of photo opportunities. Raft NH is a family-friendly, rafting outfitter offering whitewater trips for ages 6 and up with or without experience. Trips from mild to wild offer an unforgettable adventure for everyone. The “Paws & Paddles” package combines daytime whitewater rafting and evening rolling dog sledding for a great day outdoors.

Chuckster's Family Fun Park

Two Great Locations Chichester and Hooksett, NH Phone: 603-798-3555

Golf, zoom around a go-kart track or fly through the air!

You might not really hit a hole-in-one on the giant mini-golf courses at Chuckster’s two New Hampshire locations. But you’ll feel like you did after spending time at these fun-filled activity parks. In Hooksett, tackle the 18-hole Fire Tower or Cave courses then let the winner buy cones at the ice cream barn. In Chichester, if golf isn’t your thing, no worries: There’s a go-kart speedway, the TimberTrek Aerial Adventure Park where you will traverse the woods in unique ways 10-35 feet off the ground, and coming soon an enormous new bumper boat pond with waterfall and fountain! Feeling competitive? How about Shoot-N-Shower (guess what happens to the loser). Or play volleyball/basketball on trampolines or jump and flip up to 18 feet on the Jumpster.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire - Making Memories Every Day!

Bear Rock Adventures

545 Beach Road Pittsburg, NH, 03592 Phone: Toll-Free: 866-663-9777

Pick your own ATV adventure in the Great North Woods with Bear Rock Adventures

Embrace your inner trailblazer with New Hampshire’s premium Polaris outfitter, Bear Rock Adventures. As “Your Guide to the Wilds,” Bear Rock Adventures offers fully-equipped top-of-the-line ATVs and side-by-sides (2, 4 and 6-seat options) with electric start, reverse, 4-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and power steering. Get ready to experience over 1,000 miles of Ride the Wilds interconnected trails throughout Northern New Hampshire where you are free to explore the Great North Woods on half, full, or multi-day excursions. Pick your own adventure with customized itineraries, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Loon Mountain Resort

60 Loon Mountain Road Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-6281 Toll-Free: 800-229-5666

New England’s most accessible mountain resort destination

Pick a season and bring the family to Loon Mountain Resort – just 3 miles from I-93. In summer and fall, ride New Hampshire’s longest gondola skyride to the summit for breathtaking views of the White Mountains and great food at the Summit Café. Explore glacial caves and climb the observation tower. At the Adventure Center, swing through the Aerial Forest, soar across the Pemigewasset River on the zipline, beat the clock the LogJam Maze, or climb a 30-foot-tall spider web. Bunyan’s Bouncin’ Backyard has a bounce house. In winter, big mountain skiing and snowboarding features 2,100 feet of vertical with three peaks of terrain for all abilities – including an award-winning progression of terrain parks and New Hampshire’s only Superpipe. There’s also snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing.Photo Credit: Hinkley Photo

Canterbury Shaker Village

288 Shaker Road Canterbury, NH, 03224 Phone: 603-783-9511

The simple life made extraordinary by the Shakers

The Shaker religious sect is considered by many historians to be the most successful communitarian society in American history. Throughout the 1800s some 300 members of the Shaker sect lived at the Canterbury Shaker Village site in Canterbury, NH growing their own food and supporting the community through their crafts and trades. Come see how the community thrived. Step inside 25 restored original Shaker buildings. Discover Shaker artifacts and photographs amidst 700 beautiful acres of forest, fields, gardens and mill ponds. The site offers workshops on woodworking, letterpress printing, broom making and more. Enjoy a simple lunch at the Horse Barn Cafe and shop for products made by local artisans at the Museum Store.

Repairs Closeup - REI Bike Ship - Williston, VT and North Conway, NH

The Bike Shop at REI North Conway

1498 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-356-0475

Planning to cycle in the North Conway area? Check out REI’s full-service bike shop first

Before you set out to enjoy some of the best biking in New England in the North Conway region, stop by the North Conway REI bike shop. The shop offers everything from tune-ups to custom services on mountain, road, hybrid and e-bikes. Whether you’re a beginner looking to cycle past ponds and rivers or an experienced rider seeking to conquer mountain trails, the shop’s expert technicians have you covered with local know-how and gear advice. Bikes bought at REI are assembled free, and the shop can also install your trunk mounted, trailer hitch, or roof-top bike rack. . Call ahead for shop hours and to schedule an appointment. And don’t forget to check out the store’s top-brand cycling gear, helmets and clothing.

Bike Race - Mount Washington Auto Road - Gorham, NH

Mt. Washington Auto Road

Route 16, Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

So much to explore on the Highest Peak in the Northeast

Due to its remarkable location, weather and history, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is unlike any other driving experience in the Eastern United States. A trip on Mt. Washington Auto Road is a one-of-a-kind experience offering ever-changing weather extremes, panoramic views and the opportunity to pass through four distinct climate zones as you climb to the highest peak in the Northeast. The constantly-changing weather adds to the allure and mystique of the famous peak, often allowing visitors to experience high winds and dramatic cloud formations. No matter the weather, the entire family will love all there is to do on the legendary Auto Road.

Great Waters

54 N. Main Street Wolfeboro, NH, 03894 Phone: 603-569-7710

Something for everyone to enjoy under the N.H. summer sky at Great Waters concerts

A summer evening in the fabled Lakes District of New Hampshire, listening to great music in a tent in a meadow: Those are the nights Great Waters has planned for this season of marvelous music at the spectacular Castle in the Clouds. There’s a fun event for everyone in 2021, from jazz artist Peter Cincotti, a free folk festival and a Bee Gees tribute band to rock ’n’ roll music, a Broadway spectacular featuring artist Kate Baldwin and a Comedy Night guaranteed to get everyone laughing. At the Castle in the Clouds, visitors can tour the historic Lucknow Mansion and its exhibits, stroll through gardens or enjoy miles of hiking and walking trails. There’s even a pond where kids can feed the ducks.

Brewery Tour 2019 - Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery - North Woodstock, NH

Woodstock Inn Brewery

135 Main Street North Woodstock, NH, 03262 Phone: 603-745-3951 Toll-Free: 800-321-3985

Beers and Brewery Tour - Why Not?

Find out how Woodstock Inn Brewery evolved from a small seven-barrel brewery to a 30-barrel, state-of-the-art solar fed facility (#PoweredByNH), distributing our year round, seasonal and limited edition beers all across New England. Each tour finishes with a chance to try five selected samples, and you go home with a pint glass, plus you might even discover what we mean when we say “Now Made With 100% More New Hampshire!” Try any of our brews at one of four on-site pubs or bring some home from the gift shop! Tours can be booked online at WoodstockInnNH.com

Great Glen Trails

Route 16 at Pinkham Notch Gorham, NH, 03581 Phone: 603-466-3988

Get active: Trail center offers great opportunities for hiking, biking and kayaking

Surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains, Great Glen Trails offers some of the most exciting hiking, biking and kayaking adventures in New England, for people of all ages and outdoor abilities. Hike, stroll or run on 28 miles of well-marked trails, including rolling carriage roads as well as challenging single-track routes through the woods. Scenic carriage roads are great for family biking, and more adventurous cyclists will love the single track thorough meadows and past rivers, with breathtaking mountain (and wildlife!) views. Bring your bike or rent one. Want to kayak? There are flat-water tours and pulse-pounding whitewater experiences, both with trained instructors. In the winter, activities include Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and fat biking.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa

Mountain View Road Whitefield, NH, 03598 Phone: 888-260-4929

All four seasons, this resort in the White Mountains has activities that pique every guest’s interest

Mountain View Grand is open for overnight stays! Please review our health & safety measures for current updates and information.

Ski in the winter, golf in the spring, fish in the summer, hike and bike in the fall: Every season is filled with fun things to do at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. In the heart of the White Mountains, the resort has great mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails and rental equipment for all three. Hike to a waterfall or wildlife refuge, play disc golf or tennis on one of four clay courts. Swim in an indoor or outdoor pool, play a round of golf, watch a movie in the resort theater or play foosball in the game room. Nearby activities include fishing, whitewater rafting, dog sledding, great parks, breweries, theaters, boutiques – and moose tours! After your busy day, relax in the resort’s Tower Spa.

Fun World

200 Daniel Webster Highway Nashua, NH, 03060 Phone: 603-888-1940

A Day of Play for the Whole Family

Time to PLAY! Fun World resembles a castle outside, but inside it’s a gigantic play space with tons of games and activities for kids from tots to the teens. More than 250 video and redemption games range in style from classic arcade favorites up to newer multiple-player games. Your kids are sure to end up happily tired after rumbling about in the three-story play space with lots of climbing structures and really long slides. Whew! Elsewhere, the Himalaya, roller coaster, and elegant Italian-built carousel will keep them fascinated and engaged. Games for older kids include Aliens, Terminator, Fast & Furious, Transformers, Ghost Squad, old-school air hockey tables and pinball games, and dance and sports games. The staff members are helpful; the cost is very reasonable.

Seven Birches Winery

River Walk at Loon - 22 South Mountain Drive Lincoln, NH, 03251 Phone: 603-745-7550

Wine-lovers, experienced and novice, will love this winery’s tours, atmosphere

Seven Birches Winery is the perfect activity for wine-lovers, whether you’re a novice or just beginning your love affair with wine. Located inside the lovely Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain, the winery offers intimate meet-the-winemakers tours of its production facility, where you can see how local fruits and European grape varietals are handcrafted into very special wines. Or, just opt for a tasting off the wine menu. Knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with a choice or order up a flight for true sampling. In the nearby Lincoln Village Shops, the winery’s Atrium Wine Bar offers tastings in a rustic atmosphere as well as easy access to the region’s finest shops and restaurants.

Santa's Village

528 Presidential Highway Jefferson, NH, 03583 Phone: 603-586-4445

Pure Joy. Family Style. Every Summer & Christmastime, too.

Enjoy the only New England park named one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the USA and #1 in New England by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for seven years in a row: Santa’s Village in Jefferson, NH. It’s home to Santa and his reindeer, and dozens of amusement rides and shows and other attractions for families with young children. It’s the joy and excitement of Christmas morning, and every bit as memorable. Admission covers an entire day of memory-making for the entire family. For nearly 70 years and three generations, from our family to yours – oh, what fun it is!

waterfalls of New Hampshires with VisitNewEngland.com

Walk to a Waterfall

Many waterfalls in the White Mountains have parking near trailheads and accessible paths. Some allow swimming and picnicking.
Sabbaday Falls, Conway: There are three drops in the falls and lovely pools. Handicapped accessible path.
Glen Ellis Falls, Pinkham Notch: The deep green pool of water below is off limits to swimmers. Read signs that describe the geology.
Arethusa Falls, Bretton Woods: This plunge seems to fall from the sky. Powerful in spring; a trickle in summer.
Flume Cascade, Crawford Notch: Small plunges end up in the Saco River.
Jackson Falls, Jackson: Popular swimming holes on a summer day. Easily accessible.
Diana's Baths, Conway: Perfect for a little moonlit skinny dip! You need to hike about a half mile in.

Moose? Yeah, We Got Those

Many visitors to northern New Hampshire crave a viewing of the magnificent moose, perhaps the state’s favorite non-human representative. If you want to undertake a moose search of your own, drive the Moose Path Trail, considered to be Route 16 from Gorham to Errol or Route 26 to Dixville Notch to Route 3 to Pittsburg. The town of Gorham is home to a Scenic Moose & Wildlife Tour where there is a 95 percent guarantee of spotting some of the Granite State’s unique wildlife.

Unique Riverside Shop for Candles and Gifts

Der Markt at Marklin at 28 Riverside Drive in Contoocook sells interesting and high-quality products from skilled artisans. At this fine-quality shop you will find candles, jewelry, honey, Simon Pierce glass, felt slippers, Himalayan salt, wooden ggifts , cards, books, women's and children's clothing. . The gift shop is associated with the neighboring M G Marklin, which creates candles, wooden products and liturgical goods onsite at this riverside location.

Beautiful Sabbaday Falls Is Easy to Find

Sabbaday Falls, on the Kancamagus Pass, drops 40 feet in an unusual and scenic form. The water drops eight feet into a small emerald green pothole. The outlet of the pothole is a slide resulting in a 20-foot horsetail into a tight gorge where it makes a ninety degree turn. The falls is well-marked, off Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) between the towns of Lincoln and Conway. To find it: Sabbaday Falls is the focal point of the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area, a well marked locale on Route 112, about 11 miles east of Kancamagus Pass, about 3.4 miles west of the Jigger Johnson Campground and about 17 miles west of Conway. Image courtesy of NH Tour Guide.

Portsmouth Harbor Trail Walking Tours

Portsmouth is a delightful riverside city today, with a low-profile downtown, lots of dining and shopping, and a gorgeous park on the Piscataqua River. Its history reaches to Colonial times, when it served as a deep-water port for fishing and shipping timber from inland to the sea. This history is on display through three walking tours of the Portsmouth Harbor Trail. Guided tours are offered from June through October (call 603-610-5518). Three walks take you through or past Market Square, the heart of downtown; Prescott Park on the river; Strawbery Banke, a living history museum encompassing 400 years of the town's story; tug boats at the docks; views of the river; and several historic churches and mansions.

Absolute Hunger Relief at Murphy's

As a college town, Hanover does not suffer a shortage of pubs and heavy comfort food. If you are warming up from a day on the ski slopes or just bumping around town, a place to restore your stomach and spirits is Murphy's on the Green at 11 S Main Street. Travel + Leisure magazine writes: " Murphy’s on the Green is a classic Yankee college town tavern fraternized in equal number by tweedy Dartmouth professors, honor roll students, and townie regulars. Members of the Theta Delta Chi chapter pledge their loyalty to the Murph Burger, a half-pound Angus beef patty with crispy shallots, rémoulade, bacon, and American cheese." Stop in, for your stomach's sake. Phone: 603-643-4075.

Ride The Wilds on Mountainous ATV Trails

Northern New Hampshire’s Ride the Wilds trail network — 1,000 miles of interconnected ATV trails —covers all of New Hampshire’s mountainous Coos County. Ride the Wilds, which is based in Lancaster is your go-to information source for planning ATV adventure in the breathtaking White Mountains. The Ride the Wilds network presents a huge array of options for starting and stopping points, from Berlin, Gorham, Milan and Errol on the eastern side of the county to the Connecticut River towns of Pittsburg, Stewartstown, Colebrook, Stratford, Groveton and Lancaster to the north and west. All towns within the Ride the Wilds trail system allow OHRVs on specified roads to access services like food, gas and lodging, or to connect with other sections of trail. Riders should look for “OHRV Permitted” signs on open sections of highway.

Get Lost at the Gorge

The story of the Lost River in North Woodstock began many millions of years ago, with the formation of mountains of igneous rock in present-day New Hampshire. A thick ice sheet of 150,000 to 25,000 years ago ground down the mountains and tumbled the rocks, creating the Lost River Gorge and partly burying its river. Today, you can visit the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves at 1712 Lost River Road (Route 112W), walk the three-quarter-mile boardwalk into and through the gorge, explore the caves, and climb up the Dilly Cliff. Lantern tours offered at night, Kids enjoy the Lost River Mining Sluice, which replicates the work of sifting for gems. Open early May to mid October. Phone: 603-745-8031.

Bird Watchers Paradise

The Great North Woods of New Hampshire contains five habitats for bird watching. The open lakes, ponds, and rivers of the northern waterways have nesting water birds like the loon. Freshwater marshland supports warblers, olive flycatchers, and rusty blackbirds. Grasslands kept clear by grazing animals or fires have the eastern meadowlark and bobolink. Mixed forestland supports warblers. The Great Northern Boreal Forest is a unique habitat and has rare birds like the spruce grouse and Canada jay. Experts at the North Country Chamber of Commerce in Colebrook are ready to offer advice, referrals, and assistance to bird watchers. Phone: 603- 237-8939.

Caves Are Cool; Access Is Easy

The Polar Caves off on Route 25 in Rumney were formed about 50,000 years ago as the third continental glacier retreated across New Hampshire’s White Mountains. When glacier left behind a series of caves and passageways. Polar Caves Park has build boardwalks through the caves and among the boulders, creating an intriguing self-guided walks. To get to the caves, visitors walk through a pine forest, where they can learn about the local Indian tribes who spent summers on the Baker River. Behind the maple sugar house are more trails and a gazebo, which is a great place to carry in and carry out a picnic lunch. Phone: 603-536-1888.

Cascading Waters at Beaver Brook Falls

Beaver Brook Falls fans out over a sliding cascade, then broadens and drops about 30 to 40 feet over a sheer and jagged cliff face before collecting itself and cascading about 25 to 30 feet more to the base. The terrain is very steep, and the dirt is slick. Unless you're very comfortable with strenuous and treacherous terrain, stay on the lower level. The falls are the centerpiece of a small park, just north of Colebrook. The parking area overlooks a well maintained expanse of lawn, with picnic tables and restroom facilities. To find it: From Colebrook, take Route 145 east for 2.5 miles. The well marked recreation area and parking lot are on your right.

Gift Shopping in Hanover

You can almost always rely on a college town for fun shopping for new or consigned items. In Hanover, for instance, fans love the the Pink Alligator consignment shop of South Main, where you can easily find top-shelf brands at reasonable prices. Color-obsessed shoppers will enjoy the store’s arrangement, by color. Also for gifts, be sure to visit Lemon Tree Gifts of Hanover on South Main. Again, there’s no way to characterize the stock: think of baby gifts, candles, lamps, cute serving ware.

Even in Outdoorsy New Hampshire, Tea Time Has Its Place

New Hampshire is famous for its magnificent mountains and rugged outdoor sports. But, come on, some of us enjoy a moment of dainty pleasure on vacation, and there’s no better way to do that than with a visit to a tea shop for afternoon tea. The tea houses listed below offer English-inspired tea service, usually with sandwiches or pastries, and other nice touches like fine china and flowers. Get out of your hiking boots, dress up for the afternoon, and enjoy! Silver Fountain Inn & Tea Parlor in Dover. Map. The Cozy Tea Cart in Brookline. Map. The Barn at Harrisville Inn in Harrisville. Map. Tarbin Gardens in West Franklin. Map. Étagère in Amherst. Map. The InkWell Coffee and Teahouse Littleton. Map.

Candy, Candles, Collectibles

Wintry weather, family holidays, and candy. These three go together like two horses and a carriage. Since 1906, Kellerhaus on Endicott Street North in Weirs Beach has been delighting customers year-round with homemade candies, unique gifts, and awesome views, not to mention the candle and collectible showrooms. Visitors can watch the candy being made by hand in the candy shop. Bring your appetite to the ice cream sundae and waffle buffets. Your taste buds will thank you.

Candy, Old-Fashioned Style, and LOTS of It

Do you adore candy, especially old-fashioned penny candy? Do you yearn for mile-high and ludicrously candy-enhanced ice cream shakes? How about a fantasy land rich with “harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings” visuals? All of these pleasures await at Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery, located in the historic Cocheco Mills at 53 Washington Street in downtown Dover. The over-the-top store is the creation of Chris Guerrette, lover of candy and fantasy and excess. Shipping and curbside pickup available.

Catch That Updraft

The Franconia Soaring Association, located at Franconia Airport, Route 116 Easton Road in Franconia is essentially a club for owners and operators of gliders. But! The club offers glider rides to the general public as a way of introducing the general public to the sport of glider flying. Is your inner Indiana Jones starting to tingle at the very idea? Public flights are offered by advance arrangement, weather permitting. All introduction to soaring flights are preformed by FAA licensed commercial pilots or FAA certified flight instructors. 603-823-5034.

Hanover Offers Outdoor Fun & Food for the Intellect

The town of Hanover – home to Dartmouth College – offers a mix of New England beauty and lots of interesting cultural activity, as befits a top-drawer college town. Hanover is in the Upper Valley, a swath along the Connecticut River that includes Hanover and Lebanon, NH, and Norwich and White River Junction, VT. Hanover’s downtown offers shopping, cool restaurants, and attractions like the Hood Museum of Art, a gallery of the League of NH Craftsmen, Left Bank Books, Ledyard Canoe Club, among many other intellectual and outdoors hot spots. Outdoor sports and activities are abundant in the region, in all seasons. Find plenty of day hikes and great bike riding.

Meet Our Scary Godmother

New England Curiosities Walking Tours are led by Roxie Zwicker, nicknamed “New England's scary godmother” by The Boston Herald. She is accompanied on tours of Portsmouth, NH, and York, ME, by her elusive companion, Mr. Deadwick, as she leads visitors on explorations by foot into everything from the sordid history of Portsmouth’s South End to the ghostly tales behind the most dignified of colonial doors. Tours includes Haunted Pubs of Portsmouth Walk, Haunted York Village, Historic Portsmouth Legends & Ghosts, Legends, Ghosts & Graves Tour, Shadows and Stones Cemetery. Phone: 800-979-3370.

Dog-Friendly Trails in Merrimack, Lakes, White Mountains Regions

Lake Massabesic Trail, Auburn [Merrimack region] -- This trail network passes through and by woods, fields, and wetlands, with views of Lake Massabesic. Distance is 3 miles and trail is easy. Surface is dirt, grass, meadow, road, and unpaved. Dogs allowed on leash. No admission cost. This is an Audubon sanctuary and there is an Audubon center nearby. Map.
Mount Major and Brook Trail Loop, Alton Bay [Lakes Region] -- Enjoy views of Lake Winnipesaukee while walking this moderate-difficulty trail. Length is almost four miles. Leashed dogs are welcome, and many of them enjoy a dip in a nice stream by the trailside. Map
Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliffs, Bartlett [White Mountains region] -- This 5-mile round-trip walk, which passes a glorious waterfall, is considered difficult. There is a 1,400-foot elevation gain. This is a very popular hike because of the beauty of the water falls and pools. Dogs allowed on leash. Map.

Disc Golf Is Fun in a Group

Cheaper, easier and more family oriented the golf; Disc Golf is the outdoor game of the future, available today. The Woods at Beauty Hill Disc Golf at 557 Beauty Hill Road in Barnstead offers a wide array of playing fields with hay fields, woodlots, and tree-lined lanes. With five different courses based on skill level, it is guaranteed fun for all ages. Disc golf is similar to golf except it uses a Frisbee-like disc and raised baskets. Open to the public all day, seven days a week. Hours: Public can play anytime. Phone: 603-724-4027.

Pickering Farm Quilt Shop celebrates country primitive

Penny quilts? Yes, you quilting people know what that means, and, if you don’t they are a fun way to begin quilting and making unique gifts for yourself and friends. Pickering Farm Quilt Shop at 19 Fitzwilliam Road in Richmond is in an 18th century restored barn. You will find 3000 bolts of 100 percent cotton, notions and supplies of all kinds, and hundreds of antique reproduction fabrics from 1780 to the 1930s. Also: wool for penny rugs, books and patterns, and a fabulous gift line. Fun and inspiring! Open year round Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 603-239-7550

Elegant Antiques; Discerning Taste

Prospect Hill Antiques Barn, off Prospect Hill Road in Sunapee, is three floors of antique furniture and fine furnishings representing years of expertise and collections. The 12,000 square feet of display shows of items of mid-century household goods and art, with more items constantly under acquisition from over the world. Also, original work from the best local artists. Check website for hours of operation; this is a gem you won’t want to miss. 603-763-9676

Fabric Artistry Like You’re Never Seen

People interested in unique ((intended, here, to truly mean one-of-a-kind) fabric art will be charmed by Nancy Morgan Art, a working studio and gallery at 238 State Street in Portsmouth. Using very basic machine sewing gear and techniques, Nancy Morgan, artist and gallery owner, creates images, including many showing Portsmouth town and seaside views, with cloth, embroidery and quilting techniques, and finely detailed stitchery. She is happy to show and demonstrate her techniques, and her books, “Shades of Tulle” and “The Fabric of Bow Street,” offer insights. The gallery is open to the public Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polly Want a Pancake!

All people who hold an appropriate reverence for pancakes need to trek to Polly’s Pancake Parlor on Route 117 in Sugar Hill, a third-generation family business that has been making and serving pancakes since 1938. All day long, Polly's serves whole wheat, buckwheat, and cornmeal pancakes, sausage or bacon, and maple toppings. Visit the gift shop and take home the pancake mixes and maple syrup to hold you over until your next visit.

Train Ride in the Foliage

A fun and memorable event that just oozes autumn in New England is a trip on the fall foliage excursion trains of New Hampshire. Plan quick -- many trains operate only through October. Several opportunities exist for an old-fashioned train ride in the mountains. Some trips include dining. Kids will love it, too!
Café Lafayette Dinner Train from North Woodstock offers dinner in a plush restaurant with constantly changing vistas. Offered spring, summer, and fall. The dinner is cooked on the train and the food is delicious. Schedule. (603-745-3500). The Hobo Railroad offers scenic foliage trains with lunch and a stop at a historic railroad station with costumed guides. The four-hour fall foliage specials depart Meredith Station, travel over Ashland Summit, stop in Plymouth for lunch at the Common Man Inn, and visit a beautiful old station in Ashland. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad operates a ride along Lake Winnipesaukee, departing from Meredith. Coaches are heated.
Conway Scenic Railroad from North Conway has two excursions. The Valley Train moves along historic rail routes in vintage passenger cars to either Conway or Bartlett and back again. The Notch Train presents passengers with some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East on its trip through Crawford Notch. Views include sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, and mountain vistas. The train crosses Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge on its trip to Crawford station. [photo by James Nigzus]

General Store Celebrates Inspired Nonsense

Zeb’s General Store in the mountain village of North Conway is the place to find New England products of all imaginable kinds – and some you might not easily imagine, like Nantucket Sea Clay Soap, Maine Maple Champagne Mustard, or Out on a Limb Blueberry Pie Filling. Some products are eccentric and all are worth a ride home in your shopping satchel. There are plenty of New England specialty foods and classic favorites like penny candy. You can even design your own gift basket from crates, baskets, or boxes (one of them a replica of the store itself), which you then fill with Zeb’s goodies. Phone: 800-676-9294.

Up in the Mountains, AMC’s Got Your Back

You don’t need a ton of equipment or know-how to get outdoors -- deep outdoors -- in the mountains of northern New Hampshire. The reason is: because you have the Appalachian Mountain Club in your corner. At two AMC lodgings in the mountains, the club offer shelter along with equipment and easy access to outdoor sports like hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing. From Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch you may nearby peaks or take a quiet stroll around a mountain lake. And at the Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch you can get outfitted to hike the trails on foot or skis. In the evening, dinner and bed or bunk will get you fired up for the next day.

Awake Your Inner Shooter with Adventure Photography Tours

Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, based in the town of Freedom offers outdoor and wildlife photography tours in New Hampshire all year. Half-day and full-day guided day trips may be customized for you and your group, depending on your photographic interest. Moose? Foliage? Landscapes? Escapes can be geared for beginning photographers all the way to experts. Design your outdoor photographic objective and this company can help you make it happen. Phone: Lucie Villeneuve at 603-528-0136 or Jeff Barrie at 603-867-3778.

Where Eagles Roam

The Monadnock Region is also home to some of the best bird watching in the state. One suggestion is to take the auto road to the summit parking lot in Miller State Park on Route 101E in Peterborough. A short trail leads from the parking lot to an observation platform with rock benches. Large interpretive panels provide visitors with a key to identifying the raptors of New England. The best days for viewing are warm and sunny, with winds from the northwest, especially during September. Hours: The park is open weekends only starting Memorial Day weekend, then full-time from June through November, weather permitting.

It’s an Island; It’s a Playground

We love strolling the streets of Portsmouth but, let’s face it, sidewalks get hot in summer. Solution: Escape to Peirce Island, a 27-acre island in the Piscataqua River, an easy hop across a bridge from the south side of the city (the island is part of and managed by the city). The island has a glorious public pool, 100 yards longs, 33 yards wide, and 14 inches down to 6 feet in depth. The public is welcome, from end of June through August. Walking trails take you to five waterfront overlooks, of Naval Shipyard, the south end of Portsmouth, and the three Piscataqua bridges. There are public boat launches and a playground. It’s like a summer day in the country next to a great small city.

Altar of the Nation

Cathedral of the Pines at 10 Hale Hill Road in Rindge is a simple, inspiring monument to patriotic sacrifice. Two hundred acres of pine forests and formal gardens give way to panoramic views of neighboring mountains. Sibyl and Douglas Sloane founded the Cathedral of the Pines in 1945 as a memorial to men and women who had sacrificed their lives in World War II. They envisioned that their cathedral without walls would welcome people of every faith in a spirit of unity and mutual respect. Within this property is the Altar of the Nation, built with stones from all 50 states, the Parthenon in Athens, the Coliseum in Rome, and some American battlefields. Open daily from May through October for tours and private meditation. Phone: 603-899-3300.

Bretton Woods Canopy Tour in Bretton Woods

Hold on to Your Helmet

Descending over 1000 feet of elevation, the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour on Route 302 in Bretton Woods takes nature-lovers and thrill-seekers across a series of treetop zip lines, and is one of the longest canopy tours in the continental United States. High-flying suspension bridges and hiking trails connect the zip lines, and the tour concludes with the Williwaw Racing Zip, a dual, side-by-side zip line leading right into the Bretton Woods base area. Designed and constructed by Bonsai Design Inc., this unique canopy tour features a dual-cable construction and coated cables to reduce noise. On the tour, guides describe the local flora and fauna, the natural history and White Mountain lore. Wow!

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company of Portsmouth

Bustling Harbor

The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company offers a boat tour of Portsmouth harbor that takes visitors deep into the heart of a working waterfront of tugboats, tankers, forts, and lighthouses. This fascinating tour takes visitors past the oldest naval yard in the country, five forts, two lighthouses, and the Olde Port waterfront. Another tour offered by the company takes visitors seven miles offshore to visit the historic and romantic Star Island, once the home of a grand hotel of the 19th century. "Walkabout" or "Stopover" cruises to Star Island offer a one-to-four-hour stopover, with time to stroll past ancient hotel buildings and a historic garden. Steamship company boats docked at 315 Market Street. 800-441-4620

Explore the Rocks

The Rocks Estate at 4 Christmas Lane in Bethlehem is famous for its Christmas trees, but this former summer home of the wealthy Glessner family also hosts lots of other seasonal outdoor activity for visitors. This site of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the 1,400-acre property offers guided and individual exploration and learning programs. Guests may hike and explore through the spring, summer, and fall. The property has short, easy strolls or longer hikes, past magnificent views of the Presidential Range. Northern wildlife abounds at the estate. Phone: 603-444-6228.

A New Hampshire Country Store, from Aged Cheese to Pewter Gifts

Calef’s Country Store, at routes 9 and 125 in the Seacoast town of Barrington, has been dispensing welcome, hospitality, and good food since the horse-and-buggy days. Stop in for a deli sandwich during your explorations of the area, and, if you can, pick up some great food gifts to charm the people you left back home. These include Caleb’s Snappy Old Cheese, maple foods, jams, jellies, butter, pickles, relishes, olives, chutney, salsa and pretzel dips, soup mixes, and more. Caleb’s also carries beautiful artwork by the New Hampshire Pewter Company. Open daily.

Canterbury Shaker Village and Shaker Table Restaurant in Canterbury.

Wholesome Living With the Shakers

A fascinating day of history, exploration, outdoor walks and fun shopping awaits the curious visitor at the Canterbury Shaker Village at 288 Shaker Road in Canterbury. This National Historic Landmark preserves 200 years of Shaker life on 694 acres, 25 original buildings, gardens, and trails. Known for its tranquil beauty, the village offers tours, exhibits, workshops, family programs, hiking trails, unique shopping and live music in the summer. There is a great museum store. Open daily, May-October; weekends in November for guided tours only. Phone: 603-783-9511.

John Paul Jones Slept -- and Prepped -- Here

The Portsmouth Historical Society displays the history of Portsmouth through its collections of furniture, paintings, ceramics, costumes, and maritime artifacts at John Paul Jones House at 43 Middle Street in Portsmouth. John Paul Jones rented rooms in this house, home of the Widow Purcell, in 1781, while he supervised the building of the Navy’s ship America nearby. The 1758 house is an artifact of that period and a historic treasure. It is am easy walk from Market Square, the heart of Portsmouth’s downtown. Open Memorial Day through mid-October. Phone: 603-436-8420.

Currier & Ives Trail Is a Peaceful Meander

The 30-mile Currier and Ives Scenic Byway displays the beauties of small-town New England along its entire length, through or near the towns of Hopkinton, Warner, Henniker, and Webster. The trail follows Route 127 from Salisbury at its northern end down to Contoocook and Hopkinton, and from there along Routes 103 and 202 towards Hillsborough. Hopkinton has its historic covered bridges and grand colonial houses along Main Street. Downtown is split by the Contoocook River runs shimmering through the heart of Hopkinton. Henniker is rich in the arts and culture of the region. Warner is the home of Rollins State Park and Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum. Webster is filled with old farms and fields.

Koi, Roses, Perennials Decorate this Botanical Garden

Once owned by Alvan T. Fuller, Fuller Gardens at 10 Willow Avenue in North Hampton is a shoreline gem filled with blooming life and vibrant sights and scents. The best part of Fuller’s now-public botanical garden is the variety; stroll down lines of formal English perennials, through a Japanese garden with a Koi pond, blushing rosebushes and more. Check out the garden gift shop’s book and souvenir collection before you leave. Creatively sculpted hedges protect the garden’s cozy atmosphere as guests discover exotic plant species and beautifully landscaped design. Open mid-May through October, daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 603-964-5414

Craftsmen in Merrimack

Founded in 1932, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country. The League was formed during the Depression to help New Hampshire craftspeople make a living through difficult financial times by building an audience and market for fine handmade craft. The League operates seven retail galleries throughout New Hampshire. The galleries present the work of juried craftspeople, along with demonstrations, exhibits and educational programs.
Galleries in the Merrimack region are Concord Retail Gallery, 36 North Main Street, Concord, 603-228-8171.

Close-Up View of New England Farm Life

If you are curious about New England farming and would love to see farming up close, plan a day-long or overnight visit to D Acres of New Hampshire, a farm and educational homestead at 218 Streeter Woods Road in Dorchester. The farm’s mission is to teach skills of sustainable living and small-scale farming. Its grounds include forests, walking trails, a swimming hole, and gardens. Workshops are plentiful, but many visitors come just to hike, tour the gardens, visit the farm animals, paint landscapes, and take nature photography. The farm offers lodging, accommodations, and camping. The farm hosts weekly breakfasts, weekly dinners, and a farm store. Nearby attractions include the White Mountains Forest, Rumney Crag and Quincy Bog.

little harbor trail from Wentworth coolidge mansion

Little Harbor Loop Trail Wanders Shoreline & Gardens

A really easy and pleasant 1.5-mile Little Harbor Trail now wanders through the the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion grounds, at 375 Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth and Portsmouth Conservation Land. The trail is flat and fine for little ones or elderly people. Views of the Piscataqua River just south of Portsmouth and tidal pools and gardens are delightful. There is free parking & trail access at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion at 375 Little Harbor Road. Trail map.

The Light of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle guards Portsmouth Harbor and the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Views from the top, out toward the sea, up the river, and across the towns of Portsmouth, and Kittery, Maine, are some of the most glorious inn all New England. Tours of the lighthouse are offered Sundays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day, 1 to 5 p.m.. No reservations are needed. There are 44 stairs to the watch room and a 7-rung ladder to the lantern room. Feel the thrill of New England seafaring tradition as you rise. Lighthouse boat cruises are offered periodically during the summer and fall.

Fruit Wines, Apple Brandy, and Vodka to Taste Year-Round

Flag Hill Vineyard and Winery at 297 North River Road in Lee has ground in 20 years from a family-operated vineyard to an established winery in this picturesque seacoast region. The winery produces more than 15 varieties of red and white wines. Flag Hill produces distilled spirits such as General John Stark Vodka and Josiah Bartlett Apple Brandy. A tasting room and gift store, offering events, tours, sales, is in a post-and-beam building that once served as a barn. Open year round, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. except for major holidays. 603-659-2949.

Antiques From the Potato Barn

Yes, the 7,500-square-foot Potato Barn Antiques at 960 Lancaster Road in Lancaster was, indeed, a barn for potato farming back in the day. Now it houses antique glassware, tools, quilts and textiles, books, furniture, jewelry, prints and pictures, and vintage lamps and shades. An adjunct of the shop, Ladies Slipper Vintage, sells clothing and accessories. Voted Best Rural Antiques Shop in 2009 by New Hampshire Magazine, the shop has a wide collection of friends and fans. Owners Mark and Kellyann are happy to search out special requests. Phone: 603-636-2611

Stop to Shop

The Seacoast region has wonderful shopping for beautiful and unusual items. The Fox Run Mall in Newington is a place to start for national names, followed by a trip to Boardwalk Strip at Hampton Beach. The cream of the shopping experience has to be Portsmouth's Market Street, crammed with art, toys, home decorations, clothing, hardware, jewelry, flowers, and more. Voted one of New England's Best Shopping Streets by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Off-Road Adventures in High Mountains

Alpine Adventures on Main Street in Lincoln offers off-road trips in all seasons through fantastically beautiful wintry scenes through Franconia Notch, Twin Mountain, Bog Pond, and Mount Moosilauke. Buckle up and hold on, because you're in for an off-road thrill, via the six-wheel-drive Swiss army transport vehicles called Pinzgauers. Pinzgauers have modified seating to accommodate 11 guests in blue bucket seats with lap belts. The company padded the overhead cages and added a kickin' stereo system with mikes for the guides to entertain you on your journey. Book online in advance.

Head to the Hood

People with every taste and preference in world art will find something wonderful to savor at the Hood Museum of Art on East Wheelock Street on the campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover. The Hood is home to an outstanding collection of European, American, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian art and artifacts. The collections are especially strong in American art, with portraits and landscapes by noted Americans. A new app uses augmented reality technology to let viewers discover these and other hidden details in two of Dartmouth's most prized works of art. What's going on in the landscape behind the throne in Perugino's painting "Virgin and Child with Saints"? 603-646-2808.

Biking Alongside Winnipesaukee History

The Winnipesaukee River Trail is just right for people interested in taking a walk or bike ride on a scenic historic trail -- yet with the feel of wilderness -- close to the downtowns of Franklin and Northfield. This five -mile trail connects Tilton, Northfield and Franklin along the Winnipesaukee River and passes the historic Sulphite upside-down covered bridge. Walkers on the trail can view mill ruins and remaining portions of dams that tell the history of the five mills that operated on this river in the mid-19th century. Access points: Central Street in Franklin (under the railroad trestle); Cross Mill Road in Northfield; Old Surrette Battery property off from Park Street in Northfield (across the street from the library); 142 East Main Street off Route 3 in Tilton; Route 140 at Railroad right-of-way just past McDonalds. Email: innirivertrail@gmail.com. Trail brochure and map.

Vroom Vroom at NH Motor Speedway

Notice to Dixie: You don’t own NASCAR. The New Hampshire Motor Speedway at 1122 Route 106 North in Loudon welcomes about 500,000 visitors every season, most of them for two NASCAR weekends in July and September. Also, every month, the Loudon Road Race Series and Granite State Legends Cars arrive for a race weekend. The two series provide some of the premier racing at NHMS outside of NASCAR weekends. The pinnacle of their season is the Loudon Classic, which runs in June as a wrap-up for Laconia Motorcycle Week. Phone: 603-783-4931

Apple Cider Is Ingredient #1 at This Restaurant

Fine dining, café, market and apple pressing – apples are the thing, but not the only thing, at White Mountain Cider Co. at 207 Route 302 in Bartlett. Owner Teresa Stearns, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef, presents fine dinners with a Cidertini cocktail, cider-braised pork and ice cream-topped cider doughnuts for dessert. Try the cider slushy and watch cider-making in progress on fall weekends. A fall pleasure, any time of the year. 603-383-9061

great bay national wildlife refuge newington nh

Meet Our Fabulous Wetlands

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge at 4 Arboretum Drive in Newingtonis a beautiful estuary and woodlands protected by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The refuge is open every day to the public for hiking, bird watching, photography, and other outdoor activities. Visitors will find two trails, parking lot, restroom, and an interpretive kiosk. Interpretive programs are regularly offered at the refuge. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing on these same trails are popular activities during the winter. Learn more here: Brochure.

The Old Country Store; Old History Stage

You can buy treats and trinkets of all kinds at the Old Country Store on Whittier Hwy. in Moultonborough. And if you have all your senses tuned up, you might feel the stories of long ago in this place, built in 1781 on land given to Jonathan Moulton for his service during the Revolutionary War. The place also has served as a library and a post office and has hosted town meetings. Today, go there for candles, toys, shoes, local products, kitchenware, and penny candy, with a pickle barrel, maple syrup, and a good dose of John Deere merchandise. Kids will love it. 603-476-5750

Mad for Mead

Mead is a wine made from honey, water and yeast. The sweetness ranges from dry to sweet, it can be still, lightly carbonated, or sparkling. Michael Fairbrother, founder and mead maker at Moonlight Meadery, 23 Londonderry Road in Londonderry, has a passion for mead, and he wants to convert you. "Everyone knows beer, wine, but mention mead and watch the blank looks. However once they try one of our special meads, they usually start to smile and ask, 'Why haven't I ever tried this before?' " Fairbrother says. Visitors are welcome and tastings are offered at the Londonderry location and at a sister site at 1253 Upper City Road, Pittsfield, NH.

Byway, Not the Highway, By the Lakes

So, what’s so great about traveling by car? To take in great sweeps of Lakes region scenery, get in your vehicle and tap into the Lakes region scenic driving tours. Several self-guided driving and walking tours are described by the people who know the area best -- the Lakes region tourism association. Scenic drives take you along Lake Winnipesaukee and around the general region, presenting grand views, lakeside villages and fun places to eat and shop. [ photo: NH Dept.of Resources and Economic Development ]

Art in Pewter Evokes New England's History

Few artistic materials are more evocative of New England than pewter. Hampshire Pewter at 9 Railroad Avenue in Wolfeboro, practices the Colonial pewterer's craft in a modern environment. The company welcomes guests to tour its workshops and watch the creation of its pewter tableware and ornaments. Watch pewter artists mix pure tin with other fine metals and then cast this liquid pewter into shapes using bronze molds. Then, workers join these castings to create classically shaped goblets, tankards, and candlesticks. After joining, they cut away all of the rough gray metal and carve the fine details. After your tour, browse through the Gift Shop to choose a piece of Hampshire Pewter as a remembrance of your visit. Open daily except Sunday. 866-282-7384

Rhododendron State Park near Fitzwilliam,

Blooms Abound at this Rhododendron Park

Come of southern New Hampshire in June and July for rhododendron delight. At Rhododendron State Park at 424 Rockwood Pond Road (Route 119W) near Fitzwilliam, wildflowers and glorious rhodies bloom throughout the 2,723-acre park from early spring to the first frost. A wildflower trail winds through the forest. The park also is home to a 16-acre grove of Rhododendron Maximum, which bloom in mid-July. Phone: 603-532-8862

I, Whirlygig

Here’s a chance to get the fun of flying without the fear of flying. SkyVenture , located on Poisson Road in Nashua, is a vertical wind tunnel where visitors can experience the freedom of flight. There is no falling sensation. You just float above the trampoline floor with ease. The indoor vertical wind tunnel is not only used by the world’s best skydivers to train in but it was also designed for the general public to experience the sport of body flight. No experience necessary! Also: indoor rock climbing, indoor surfing. and water slides. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. 603-897-0002.

Hanover Region Is Full of Interesting Things to See and Do

Hanover is home to Dartmouth College and it has a fun business district of good, casual dining and cool shopping for books, clothing, and art. If you love fine furnishings, Simon Pearce in Hanover designs elegant glassware, handcrafted by artisans. The old and respected League of New Hampshire Craftsmen has a retail gallery in Hanover. Saint Gaudens National Historical Site in Cornish will school you in the work of one of America’s greatest sculptors. Theater is live at the 800-seat, historic Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon. Regional artists display work at Gilded Edge, a gallery in Lebanon. The Enfield Shaker Museum in Enfield welcomes you to explore a society of people living a unique and low-tech way of life for hundreds of years.

Drive and Nibble; Drive and Sip

There’s no reason to be craving fine chocolate, cheese, or wine on a visit to the Granite State. The state’s tourism and farming people have creating a marvelously helpful and also beautiful brochure -- available as a pdf -- of New Hampshire’s Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Trails . A simple and useful map heading the brochure is followed up by detailed listings of wineries, vineyards, cheese makers and chocolatiers. Drive and taste, drive and nibble, year-round. Fall brings bright foliage but all the seasons have great visuals from the car.

Lay Your Hands on NH’s Military History

New Hampshire’s military history dates to the 1600s; one in every ten citizens has served in our nation’s military. The concept led to the creation of the Veterans Heritage Learning Center on the grounds of the NH State Veterans Cemetery at 110 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Boscawen. The center will house exhibits of NH heroes, a multi-media Foot Locker theater with hands-on exhibits and military items from various wars and services, a Journey of the NH Soldier time line, and an interactive Hallowed Grounds touch table. Through the 20 Points of History constructed in 2000, and updated in 2015, along with the Memorial Walkway, visitors gain knowledge of New Hampshire veterans who have served our country. Open weekdays, concurrently with the cemetery.

History Along a River Trail

New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a 230-mile walking trail across New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Canada. Plymouth’s portion of the Heritage Trail, a 5.6-mile loop with 16 points of interest, begins at the Railroad Depot, constructed in 1909 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. Other highlights are a cottage where Robert Frost lived while teaching at Plymouth Normal School and Silver Cultural Arts Center, once a stop on the underground railroad. Park at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center on Green Street. The trail begins north of the Senior Center, past the District Courthouse. Follow the brown Heritage Trail directional signs. 603- 536-1001.

Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee

Great North Woods

Lakes

Merrimack Valley

Monadnock

Seacoast

White Mountains