From the seacoast to the mountains and in between, these New Hampshire cities offer something for everyone who visits the Granite State.
The Granite State is a northeastern wonder. A small state in comparison to many of its 49 counterparts, it still boasts versatility throughout all four seasons. There is something for everyone in New Hampshire. The outlined cities below are but highlights of what the culturally rich, scenic state can offer.
Concord is the state capital. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, it was settled by Massachusetts immigrants in 1725. The community grew throughout the 18th century and became the capital in 1808. Its location made it a hub of commerce. Carriage making was a prime business and the city became famous for its Concord Carriages. Local granite quarries supplied many areas of the country with its infamous granite. Now known as a center for healthcare in New England, it is home to several major insurance companies. Tourists flock to its historical downtown area for unique shops, restaurants and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts explore the bluffs on the Merrimack River""a popular site for hiking. The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium""named for the late famous "teacher in space" is a must-see in Concord. The current population of Concord is just over 38,000.
The largest city in New Hampshire""dubbed the "Queen City" is Manchester. With a population of nearly 106,000, it is a hub of commerce, culture and history. Settled in the late 1700's by a combination of Canadian settlers, Europeans, and Native Americans, it remains a city of many ethnicities today. Once home to the world's largest cotton textile mill, it now houses the state's largest cultural and entertainment center. The Verizon Wireless Center has hosted the likes of Elton John, Disney on Ice, and Cher. Home of the Mall of New Hampshire, residents flock to Manchester from all over the state to enjoy some fine shopping and dining. New Hampshire's largest commercial airport is located in Manchester. Recent years have found hundreds of thousands of travelers converging on this airport to avoid the congestion of Boston's Logan Airport.
Nashua, New Hampshire is the state's second largest city. With a population of just under 85,000 residents, it thrives in its close proximity to Boston, the seacoast and the White Mountains. Originally known as Nashua Village, back in 1803, it was once a mill town""following the lead of the city of Lowell, Massachusetts. Nashua watched a national revolution of women's labor take place within its boundaries""as women flocked here to work in its mills. Today, people who live in and visit Nashua are never at a loss for entertainment. Museums, historical sites, landmarks, amusement areas, and assorted recreational diversions provide endless intrigue. The Pheasant Lane Mall and adjacent shopping district is noted as among the best north of Boston. New Hampshire's only professional minor league baseball team""the Nashua Pride""is located here as well. Fans travel from throughout the state to cheer them on.
New Hampshire's short stretch of rocky coastline is home to Portsmouth""one of the oldest and quaintest cities in New Hampshire. One of the smaller cities""coming in with a population of just under 25,000, Portsmouth is known as a center of arts and culture. Its historical Strawberry Banke site is home to Portsmouth's first known homes and buildings. Settled in 1623, it is the third oldest city in the United States. Originally a seaport, the Piscataqua River brought settlers and commerce in through Great Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Summer finds thousands converging on Portsmouth for its annual Market Square Day. Arts, crafts, street vendors, a road race, a clambake and musical entertainment are but a few of the diverse attractions featured on this day""typically the first Saturday in June. Lots of our nation's history took place here in Portsmouth. Its Black Heritage Trail is well worth the time spent walking through historic homes and burial grounds in honor of former slaves. Prescott Park is home to musical and theater productions throughout the summer months. Just minutes from the beach, Portsmouth receives the most visitors during its summer months.
Conway""although very small when compared with these other New Hampshire cities""(population under 9000) is probably visited by more tourists than any other in the state. In the base of the Mount Washington Valley, Conway is a favorite scenic stop on the way to the White Mountains. Flourishing with tourism year round, it is a hub for skiers in the winter, campers throughout the other three seasons, and hikers nearly year round. It is quintessential New Hampshire at its finest, and probably one of the prettiest towns in the Granite State.
These examples are but a few, however they represent the finest of what the state of New Hampshire has to offer. From the mountains to the seacoast, to the shores of the Merrimack River, New Hampshire is scenic and diverse. It represents a state rich in history and commerce, and one that now entices hundreds of thousands each year with its tourism. From small towns to larger cities, New Hampshire satisfies history buffs and art enthusiasts. It caters to sportsmen and lovers of the great outdoors. No one will come away from a visit to New Hampshire without fulfilling a dream.
