Known as ‘The Granite State’, New Hampshire may not be the first state that you think about exploring when heading to the United States. However, given its location in close proximity to many other New England states, it’s conceivable that this would be a perfect addition to a road trip around the North-East corner of USA. So, why would you want to visit New Hampshire?
Paula and Gordon from Contented Traveller are avid travel bloggers from Australia that have explored much of USA and headed to New Hampshire with little to no expectations. Let’s take a look at what they consider the top reasons for visiting New Hampshire.
We had read some very funny jokes about the characteristics of the people from this state, and that is about all.
Mount Washington Valley
Mt. Washington Valley is named after the highest peak in New England, USA. It is home to some of the most beautiful villages, including our favorite, Jackson.
These villages or towns are located in the White Mountains, where there are some of the best ski slopes, with the largest slopes at Wildcat, Attitash, Cranmore and Bretton Woods and where Mt Washington dominates the vista.
Lakes, More Lakes, and Mountains
Australia does lakes well, but we totally concede that the lakes in New Hampshire are some of the most impressive lakes we have ever seen. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake, and it was like a sheet of glass with the surrounding countryside reflected deep into the water.
We stayed at an inn on Squam Lake where the movie ‘On Golden Pond’ was made, and we tried to see the loons and find Walter, the fish. New Hampshire is just a really very beautiful state when it comes to natural landscapes!
Amazing Little Towns
We got to see and stay at some incredible little towns in New Hampshire, each with a unique character. North Conway is a perennial favorite and often on the most beautiful small town lists, as is nearby Jackson, which we loved. It was in Jackson that we took on the Wildcat Ski Runs. Meredith was a pretty and crazy town that roars loudly when the Harley Davidson convention hits the town annually.
Covered Bridges
I wanted to see the covered bridges because they are synonymous with New England. We were lucky as New Hampshire has 54 of them scattered around the state, and we were able to kiss under as many covered bridges as we could, as that is the tradition in this part of the world.
The People of New Hampshire
Seriously, any state with the motto “Live Free or Die”, had me intrigued from the word go. We met some of the most amazing and friendly people as we travelled around. The innkeepers at Manor on Golden Pond, Holderness, NH, and Chesterfield Inn in Chesterfield were just fantastic.
The husband and wife owners of the Red Parka Pub in Glen went “belly up to the bar” with us. This became my new favorite expression in the US.
We even went to Hart’s Location, the smallest town in New Hampshire and the First in the Nation to Vote. We met the innkeeper Edward Butler, the Democratic member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing the Carroll 1st District since 2006.
Everyone we met was nice, including the old man who told me I was too little to cope with the skiing at Wildcat and to get back in the car. He was probably right.
We loved New Hampshire. It was physically beautiful, the people were really nice, and …we kissed a lot.
Visit New Hampshire – Our Thoughts
We spent a few hours exploring the Granite State during our road trip from Boston to Quebec and can certainly relate to what has been previously mentioned.
The New Hampshire folks are some of the friendliest we have encountered while exploring the States. We spent some time in Portsmouth, which is one of the larger towns on the eastern side of the state, and perhaps offers a more urban experience to New Hampshire than anything that Paula and Gordon experienced in the real heart of the state.
The waterfront location of Portsmouth offers a variety of options for visitors including a myriad of local restaurants along with some great walks by the river to peruse the boats that dock here before heading out on their daily excursions.
Summary
Thanks to Paula and Gordon for sharing their thoughts on why New Hampshire should be a state you should consider visiting on your next trip to the States.
In addition to their website highlighted above, you can also follow Paula and Gordon on their travels via their social media networks:
Twitter – @gordyandpaula
Facebook – Contented Traveller
Instagram – Contented Traveller
Having only spent a few hours exploring this New England state, we are looking forward to a return trip sooner rather than later to explore more of the beautiful scenery.
Have you visited New Hampshire before? If so, what are your experiences? Where is a must-see attraction, restaurant or hidden gem that we can’t afford to miss when we next visit the Granite State?
I love the American Gothic photo – how hilarious.
I smiled whenever Paula and Gordon sent through that image 🙂 Welcome to New Hampshire folks!!
I was really surprised by the beauty of New Hampshire! I was there a few years ago and I’d love to go back. Driving through the rolling hills was simply stunning!
It really is a beautiful state to just explore on weekend road trips. I could imagine taking a number of day trips from Manchester or even somewhere in the surrounding New England states and experiencing the natural beauty that Paula and Gordon experienced.
This is getting me excited about my trip to New Hampshire in a few months. I’ll be driving across the state and spending a few days there, so I’m hoping to get to see some of the small towns and covered bridges Gordon and Paula mention. I’d love to visit there in the autumn when all the leaves are changing, but this trip is a summer one.
I agree with you Michele that New Hampshire in the Fall would be spectacular! But regardless of the season you visit, I am sure you will have an amazing time especially now that you have a few more hints and tips on what to experience.
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I do not understand what the motto ‘Live Free or Die’ means – honestly I think they need to change that one but NH is a great place to visit. We have just spent a week there and loved every minute.
Yeah, I wasn’t aware of that motto until I researched New Hampshire a little more and I have to agree it’s not my favorite either! But I guess one thing is for sure, just like Paula and Gordon indicated, it immediately has you intrigued. Apparently, it’s related to a toast made by New Hampshire’s most famous soldier in the American Revolutionary War when he toasted, “Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils”…Make of that what you want 🙂
I haven’t been to New Hampshire, but it’s on the bucket list, along with the rest of New England. I would love to see all of those covered bridges.
All of the states in the New England area of USA are amazing!! It’s definitely our favorite part of the country because of so many different states being close together. It may not have the breathtaking natural beauty of Utah, but New Hampshire really does have a plethora of landmarks that will keep you intrigued as you explore the state.
Ooo! Covered bridges and glass-like lakes make for such excellent photo opportunities!
Completely agree with you, Lauren! I can certainly imagine us taking A LOT of pictures of these bridges and perhaps one or two selfies 🙂 Very envious of Paula and Gordon for having these great opportunities but it just inspires us to get back to New Hampshire hopefully sometime in the near future to experience more of this beauty.
I am sure the state is full of natural beauty. That alone seems like a big attractions to me.
Very true Ruth! It’s a beautiful part of New England.
Haven’t stopped in New Hampshire but it does seem very East Coast American. Covered bridges are always a treat and I love that kissing tradition!
We developed a serious crush on New Hampshire during a visit to the White Mountains last fall! It really is quintessential New England, and has SO much natural beauty! We spent a few days in and around North Conway, and just loved it. When you go, you MUST stop for breakfast at the Stairway to Heaven Cafe. Tiny place, great people. (See our blog posts on New Hampshire for more to see/do!) Looking forward to more time in Portsmouth and the gorgeous town of Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee. Thanks Chris & Heather, and Paula & Gordon for your take on the Granite State – we all seem to be a little enamored!
Love New Hampshire, we live in Boston and always have a great time up there, people are as you mentioned super friendly, there are so many great dinners and the white Mountains are amazing whatever the season! Great post!
Thanks for your kind comments, we appreciate it! Very envious of you living in this part of the country because not only do you have easy access to New Hampshire, but also all of the other New England states which we really enjoy exploring. Our road trip from Boston to Quebec City via all the New England states was definitely one of our favorite road trips.
I absolutely love New Hampshire. My Husband and I were married at the Mount Washington Hotel, and it was so beautiful. We miss it so much, would love to return some day.
[…] New Hampshire – Don’t be fooled by the Granite State’s reputation. From towering mountains to expansive lakes – intrepid explorers will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in New England: 5 epic reasons you should want to visit new Hampshire. […]
I appreciate your tip to visit the Mt. Washington valley if we visit New Hampshire. It sounds like a beautiful attraction. I love what you said about the small towns, lakes, and people; it seems like New Hampshire isn’t your typical tourist attraction, but it should be!
I was born, raised, and still live in southeastern New Hampshire. The most unique state in New England, and easily one of the most beautiful states in the country. Southeastern and southern NH is very urbanized, while the north and west are the epitome of quaint, country living.
We had a great time Andy exploring New Hampshire and can’t wait to return! It’s actually one of the states we are considering moving to in the near future along with the other states in the North-East corridor.
[…] towns! But don’t just take it from us, esteemed blogger, Chris Boothman the co-founder of A Brit and A Southerner documented his trip to New Hampshire and told his […]
Ohhhh… you were in the Mount Washington Valley and didn’t stop in North Conway? The crowned jewel of the White Mountains!
North Conway started as a ski town and eventually grew into a 4 season resort town. It was the location of one of the first outlet malls in the country making shopping somewhat of a local sport!
There are 5 major ski areas within a half hour drive, the best foliage viewing in the country and the home of the most gorgeous vistas to photograph too!
I have an extensive blog on my website. Please feel free to check it out for suggestions of what to do on vacation in the White Mountains!
Look me up when you’re in town. I’d love to give you some suggestions of how to spend a great day in the area!
Happy travels,
Teena from Four Seasons Lodge