If you’re is planning a trip to New Hampshire, one might seek out the usual tourist spots. Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire is a favorite attraction, as is Story Land in Glen and Funspot in Weirs Beach.
If you’re an active sort, perhaps hiking or rock climbing is the way to go. In that case, one may be seeking to take on Mount Major in Alton Bay, Mount Washington in the White Mountain National forest, or up to the cliffs of Franconia Notch.
However, in the event of wanting to take trip to enjoy not only the scenery and activities but also the vibrant culture of New Hampshire, there are some stops everyone ought to make. Herein are compiled several places people really should enjoy. Some are known almost exclusively to residents, and some are well known to tourists. All are worth seeing.
While in Laconia, New Hampshire, it is an excellent idea to stop in at The Soda Shoppe. While some may consider this fantastic eatery a “hole-in-the-wall,” locals know it to be one of the best places to go for a hearty and inexpensive breakfast. Not only will one get generous portions for the money, but the establishment also makes real New Hampshire maple syrup available to its patrons. This is definitely a breakfast stop one should make while in the Granite State.
If you’re craving a diner experience in Tilton, one of the best places to go is the Tilt’n Diner. It is a traditional 1950s style diner, complete with furnishings and period accurate music. Serving breakfast all day long, the Tilt’n Diner’s regular favorite dish is the “Cadillac.” However, their lunch and dinner specials should not go without mention: One can get everything from a classic Reuben to comfort foods such as shepherd’s pie and meatloaf. This establishment is also located near the Tanger Outlet Center, right off Interstate 93.
If one enjoys documenting one’s trip with the ever popular “selfie,” one should certainly stop in several locations throughout the Lakes Region area. Veteran’s Square in downtown Laconia boasts monuments and cannons; the Lake Opechee beach in Laconia has a massive Indian head carved from a single log; and the town of Gilford has a beautiful covered bridge located just behind the fire station.
If one is more into posing before an impressive view while standing next to monolithic stone structures, the city of Tilton has the gargantuan Tilton Monument. Recorded in the National Register of Historic Places as the Memorial Arch of Tilton, though often referred to by residents as “Tilton’s Folly,” it is actually located in the town of Northfield, overlooking the city of Tilton. This structure is modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome, and cost $50,000 in 1882. Perhaps its best known feature is the large stone lion perched atop an altar at the center of the arch.
Perhaps a visitor’s tastes run more towards the historic when visiting another state. If this is the case, the historic Laconia Public Library is an excellent stop to make. From there, one might journey into the White Mountains to ride the
, or perhaps to Lucknow in Moultonborough, better known as Castle in the Clouds. If one wishes to get a tour of the entire Lake Winnipesaukee, a ride aboard the M.S. Mount Washington would be perfect. This ship began its service in 1940, taking over the duties of its predecessor, now known as “the Old Mount,” after fire destroyed her in 1939. It has been overhauled several times since, and now boasts two green Caterpillar motors, making this ship more environment friendly.
There is plenty to do when visiting New Hampshire, from enjoying tours of the state building and museums in Concord, to eating a five star dinner at Fratello’s Italian Grille in Lakeport. A visit to The Old Country Store and Museum in Moultonborough brings patrons back to times of pickle barrels and penny candy, while a visit to Lost River Gorge in Kinsman Notch can spark the imaginations of young and old alike.
One thing is certain about a trip to New Hampshire: When done right, there is never an uneventful day. Whether it’s the lack of sales tax, the intense fall foliage, the winter skiing, or something entirely different, everyone can enjoy the Granite State!
