New Hampshire Vacation

Anchorage at the Lake NH Attractions

There’s plenty to do in New Hampshire-all year long.
Visitors who come in the spring and summer will enjoy New Hampshire’s great outdoor activities. Boating, fishing, hiking and biking are just the tip of the recreational iceberg. The state has more than 90 golf courses-from semi-private and public courses to the courses that are the centerpieces of some of the state’s finest resorts. Golfers can choose from seaside or lakeside courses, historic courses edged by mountains, or newer courses that follow the rugged natural contours of the land.

Come fall, it’s tough to find a place to stay in the entire state. That’s when the incredible explosion of colors bursts all over the landscape. Beginning in mid-September, you can call 800-258-3608 to check on where peak foliage is in full bloom. Remember, leaf-peeping is very popular, so make sure you make your reservations early.

Winter is an exhilarating time to be in New Hampshire, the perfect home base for all types of winter sports. From the pulse-pumping action of big mountain downhill skiing, to the quiet solitude of a backcountry trail or the magic of a ski tour under a full moon, it’s no surprise that skiing is the state’s official sport. Winter also means 16 weeks of snowmobiling opportunities and some of the finest, most picturesque and extensive snowmobiling trails in the East. The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association is an excellent source of information as is the New Hampshire Trails Bureau.

Anytime of year is a perfect time to discover New Hampshire’s more than 50 covered bridges. Sometimes known as “kissing bridges,” they are picture-perfect for waiting out a summer rain, watching a snowfall, or for admiring the reflection of fall foliage in the clear water. These mostly wooden structures are a reminder of New Hampshire's history, and are a lasting testament to good old Yankee ingenuity.

From spectator sports to skiing to leaf peeping, the Granite State covers all the bases. For more information, visit www.visitnh.gov.

New Hampshire Attractions

• Canterbury Shaker Village. Experience the Village where 300 Shakers lived, worked and worshipped for 200 years. Take guided tours, see live craft demonstrations, discover Shaker customs, inventions and architecture, enjoy family activities, hike trails, attend special events or enroll in craft workshops. The Summer Kitchen offers snacks, baked goods and ice cream. Canterbury Shaker Village is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. May 13th through October 31st and weekends in November. For more information, call 603-783-9511 or email info@shakers.org.


• Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. Named for NASA’s first “teacher in space,” Concord’s Christa McAuliffe, the planetarium is the perfect combination of space science, astronomy and aviation-related activities. Indoor hands-on exhibits include landing the space shuttle and creative building with robotics. Outdoor exhibits (weather permitting) offer a self-guided planet walk of the solar system and human sundial. Seasonal offerings include Valentine Evening, Celebrate Spring Equinox, Astronomy Day (1st Saturday in May) and Midnight Merriment (December). For more information about northern New England’s largest planetarium, call 603-271-STAR (7827).


• Canobie Lake Park. This amazing amusement park is celebrating more than 100 years of family fun. Attractions include daVinci’s Dream, the Starblaster, an antique carousel, an authentic 24-gauge steam train, Yankee Cannonball Roller Coaster and the wet and wild Timber Splash Water Coaster. In all, there are more than 85 rides, games, and attractions. The Park also features fireworks, live shows, costumed characters and specialty acts. For hours and information, call 603-893-3506 or email info@canobie.com.  [Top]