Road Tripping through New Hampshire: The Best Things to Do
New Hampshire is a state of natural beauty, offering scenic routes and a plethora of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for road trippers. By starting in Campton and ending in Lyndeborough, drivers can take in some of the state's most breathtaking scenery, from the White Mountains to the Atlantic coast. The 160-mile route takes about four hours, with the halfway point located in Boscawen, NH. Here are five must-see stops along the way:
Exploring Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is a natural gorge that's approximately 2 miles long and surrounded by mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives. One of the most popular sights is the Flume Gorge, which is about a 2-mile hike that provides stunning views of the gorge. For those who are not into hiking, the park offers various scenic drives, including the Franconia Notch Parkway, which provides an unparalleled view of the White Mountains.
Interesting fact: The name Franconia Notch comes from the Franconia Range, part of the White Mountains, and the notch represents a mountain pass.
Finding Serenity at Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, covering approximately 71 square miles and boasts more than 250 islands and miles of shoreline. The lake is a popular destination not only for residents but also for visitors who appreciate the stunning scenery and the multitude of available activities such as swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing. The lake offers a serene environment, perfect for families and couples alike.
Interesting fact: The name Winnipesaukee comes from Winnebago, meaning "The Smile of the Great Spirit."
Walking Along the Hampton Beach Boardwalk
Hampton Beach is a 1-mile-long beach located along New Hampshire's Atlantic coast, and it is perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and strolling. The boardwalk offers a wide range of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including an arcade, playgrounds, and mini-golf. There's also nightly entertainment at the Seashell Stage, such as live music performances and fireworks.
Interesting fact: The Hampton Beach Boardwalk was originally built in 1899, after a devastating fire completely destroyed the first boardwalk.
Seacoast Science Center: Learning About Local Marine Life
The Seacoast Science Center is an educational center that provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the ocean wildlife found in New Hampshire's waters. The center houses various marine animals and offers interactive exhibits where visitors can get up close and personal with sea stars, sea urchins, crabs, lobsters, and other marine animals. The center also offers various educational programs and guided tours.
Interesting fact: The center was initially known as the Marine Rehabilitation and Education Center when it opened in 1992, but it was later renamed the Seacoast Science Center in 2003.
Enjoying Art and History at Currier Museum of Art
Currier Museum of Art is a museum located in Manchester that offers works of art from American and European artists, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and photographs. The museum also features history exhibits that provide insight into the history of Manchester and its people. Visitors can also enjoy various guided tours, lectures, and concerts.
Interesting fact: The museum was designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, who also designed the Dallas Museum of Art and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.
A Scenic and Exciting Road Trip
Overall, this New Hampshire road trip offers a variety of scenery landscapes, activities, and attractions that make it a worthwhile travel destination. The 160-mile route, with Boscawen, NH as its midpoint, takes drivers through some of the state's most scenic areas, including the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee, and the New Hampshire coast. Though it's possible to do the trip in about four hours, visitors are encouraged to take their time and enjoy all that New Hampshire has to offer.