Although small in area, the state of New Hampshire offers a wide variety of experiences for visitors.
The Granite State""as New Hampshire is called""is divided into a few key regions. Before visiting the state of New Hampshire, get to know these regions. This will help significantly in choosing where you want to visit.
The Seacoast Region is comprised of a few major beach and seaport towns. Portsmouth""an old city incorporated in the 1600's, was once a fishing port. Now it is a cultural oasis filled with art, music and theater. Its downtown district""known as Market Square""features dining options galore, from fine dining on local seafood to an upscale sushi bar. Prescott Park affords visitors a direct water view and during the summer months comes alive with Seacoast Repertory Theater productions.
Hampton""best known for its vast stretch of sand beach and colorful boardwalk""has been a haven for summer tourists for years. Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy beach treats like fried dough at Blink's""a local classic""or enjoy fine dining at the Ashworth by the Sea.
Rye is among the wealthier seacoast towns, and is also home of the very best New Hampshire beaches. Wallis Sands, Jenness Beach, and Odiorne State Park are all exemplary choices for sun and surf, providing pristine examples of the rocky coastline.
The White Mountains region extends from Ossippee well into the Mount Washington Valley. Nationally renown for its skiing and mountain climbing opportunities, this area is a haven for local wildlife and unmarred scenery. North Conway provides the best of both worlds for visitors. Here one can enjoy the city life""complete with hundreds of specialty shops and fine restaurants, while being just minutes away from some of the best ski slopes in the northeastern United States. Rid the Cog Railway in nearby Conway. This provides visitors with a trip up Mount Washington without compromising the breaks on the family car!
New Hampshire's "north country" is the state's least populated region, but is very popular amongst tourists. During the fall months, there is no foliage like that found in the north country. Fishing and hunting are sublime in their respective seasons, and sportsman's camps and lodges often fill to capacity months in advance. Colebrook is among the larger northern towns, flanked by nearby Errol. Snowmobile enthusiasts love the frozen lakes and streams in the winter, and cross country skiers take advantage of mile after mile of clear, undeveloped land. The mountains in the north country as especially fascinating year round. Mt. Azicohoos is a favorite of climbers.
The Monadnock Region of New Hampshire encompasses Mt. Monadnock and a plethora of base towns. Plymouth State College increases the population from September through May, when the region becomes known for its summer camping, swimming and hiking activities. Many summer camps call the Monadnock Region their home.
Concord is New Hampshire's capital, and the city itself is well worth a visit. The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium pays tribute to the fallen teacher who met her fate on the space shuttle. The New Hampshire History Museum provides a synopsis of what the state offers. Tours of the state house are available, and school groups are often seen frequenting its foyer.
The two largest cities in New Hampshire are Manchester and Nashua""each located just about an hour's drive from the seacoast region. Hubbubs of nightlife, entertainment and dining, they are also known for their large shopping malls. Manchester is home to the state's largest airport. Those who don't fly into Manchester typically arrive via Boston, Massachusetts or Portland, Maine""each just over an hour from the central part of the state.
Some of New Hampshire's resources include granite (after which the state is named), fish, and maple syrup. Small businesses tend to thrive in New Hampshire, as do newly formed larger corporations. Several colleges and universities call New Hampshire home, including Dartmouth, the University of New Hampshire and Plymouth State College.
The weather in New Hampshire has evolved in the past few years, with spring being a nearly non-existent season. Winter comes during the holidays and often stretches well into March, if not the first couple of weeks of April. Sometime in May it seems a transformation has taken place and New Hampshire is inundated with blossoms, black flies, mosquitoes and warm weather. Fall is the most pleasant and most beautiful New Hampshire season, with dry and reasonable temperatures and little rainfall. The foliage creates an unimaginable palette of color and texture.
Most folks come to New Hampshire with thoughts of enjoying the great outdoors and of relaxing. Although there are a couple of fairly good sized cities, New Hampshire isn't considered a metropolis. It is one state that still boasts undisturbed land and many species of wildlife. From ocean views to wetlands""mountains to northern streams""there is something for almost everyone in New Hampshire.
