8 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, one of the six states included in New England, has a plethora of towns that are ideal for a long weekend getaway with friends or family. From North Conway, home of the Conway Scenic Railroad, to the town of Laconia, home of Weirs Beach, these towns are perfect havens for natural, historic, and cultural attractions, urging visitors to return year after year. Whether it is hiking a nature trail through the forests of the White Mountains or kayaking down the mighty Swift River, which flows alongside the majestic Kancamagus Highway, there is a little of something for everyone in and around these eight great destinations across the picturesque state of New Hampshire.
North Conway
The picturesque town of North Conway, known best for being in close proximity to Mount Washington, is home to a vast variety of stunning natural attractions, like Whitehorse Ledge and Diana’s Bath. North Conway also has several kid-friendly attributes that can be appreciated any time of the year, making it the ideal place to spend that long weekend with the family. The Conway Scenic Railroad provides a charming trip through the stunning White Mountains, while Cranmore Mountain Resort has skiing and snowboarding at various difficulty levels. The Kancamagus Highway, following the mighty Swift River, offers activities like fishing, hiking, swimming, and even camping overnight, and Stonehurst Manor, situated in downtown North Conway, provides a 19th-century charm through modern-day amenities.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is home to a variety of excellent attributes that provide a taste of small-town charm. Home to Market Square, the historic heartbeat of the town, Strawbery Banke Museum, and the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden, the heritage of Portsmouth is thriving year-round. There is also an impressive cultural vein flowing through Portsmouth. Festivities like the St. Nicholas Greek Festival commemorate Greek heritage through a variety of dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and baklava. In regard to some great lodging options, Hotel Portsmouth is a Victorian-era house with a cozy charm, while the Sailmaker’s House, otherwise known as the building with the yellow door, is centrally located, making it equidistant to restaurants, shopping, and scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Lebanon
Home to the Packard Hill Covered Bridge, first built in 1878, and the Lebanon Opera House, celebrating over a hundred years of art and culture, the town of Lebanon showcases the importance of history. There are also several attractions urging visitors to enjoy nature at its best, including the Boston Lot Lake and the Northern Rail Trail, the latter running from Lebanon to Boscawen, approximately fifty miles to the south. Several festivities are also called Lebanon home, like the Nexus Music & Arts Festival, which is held at the opera house, and LebFest at Colburn Park in September. Both of these events cater to the New Hampshire community through the power of music and art. Lebanon also has several great lodging choices, including Fireside Inn in western Lebanon and the Stanford Bed & Breakfast in nearby Enfield.
Franklin
The town of Franklin, located on both banks of the Pemigewasset River and near Webster Lake, is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Daniel Webster, a noted statesman and orator. Yet this town of around ten thousand residents is also home to Tarbin Gardens, which includes English-stylized garden plots, ponds, and even several animals, and Mill City Park, situated on the Winnipesaukee River. Franklin also has several great places to stay overnight, including the Aiken Manor, which is only a few miles from the Lake Sunapee Golf Course, and several festivals, like the Festival del Taco in Mill City Park and the Franklin Fall Festival in downtown Franklin.
Keene
An hour west of Concord, Keene has a plethora of attributes that will encourage a return trip. From historic buildings to cultural venues to natural amenities, Keene is a haven for activities such as shopping and dining in Central Square or checking out the local art scene at Thorne-Sagendorph Art Studio. There are also many lodging choices in Keene that present a taste of nostalgia, including the Burrell House Inn and Chesterfield Inn. As for natural attractions, there is the Goose Pond Loop, the Ashuelot Rail Trail, and the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail. Several festivities are also held in downtown Keene. The Jonathan Daniels Preschool Craft Fair happens at the beginning of December, and the Ice & Snow Festival is held in early February.
Amherst
The quaint town of Amherst, located southwest of Manchester, is home to several natural and cultural attributes, making it an excellent choice for that long weekend retreat. From a variety of culturally-oriented festivities, including the Amherst German Christmas Market, the Amherst Cider Festival, and the Amherst Apple Harvest Festival, the last being the longest-running Amherst tradition, there is something for everyone in this town of just under twelve thousand people. There are also several lodging choices for the avid traveler, like Joe English Reservation and the Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary. Several great lodging choices also call Amherst home. The Black Walnut Inn, first built in 1820, offers a peaceful stay in a stately quarter and offers free parking, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
Rochester
Twenty miles from Portsmouth and the Atlantic Ocean, the town of Rochester is filled with cultural and historic attributes, including the Rochester Opera House. There are also a variety of natural venues, like Dominicus Hanson Pines and the Rochester Riverwalk, in and around the town of Rochester, encouraging visitors to experience nature at its best. Plus, if dining and lodging are a concern, Rochester has many great places to dine and relax for the evening. Lilac City Grille and Windjammers Seafood both provide some excellent food, while Governor’s Inn, located on Wakefield Street, has two restaurants, live music, and several events catered to the community, including luxuriant gardens for that perfect wedding or graduation ceremony.
Laconia
Home of Weirs Beach and in close proximity to Gunstock Mountain Resort and Lake Winnipesaukee, the quaint town of Laconia is an oasis of natural amenities and attractions. Yet this town of around 17,000 permanent residents has an influential cultural side as well. The Laconia Antique Center, home of several antique stores and shops, Laconia Bike Week, held on the shores of the Lake, and the Lakeport Opera House all provide a taste of the cultural community. There are several other natural attractions in and around Laconia as well. The Endicott Rock State Historic Site, the Weirs Beach Boardwalk, and Opechee Point Beach are all just around the corner. Plus, if you are looking to stay the night, the choices are endless, including the Margate Resort and the Naswa Resort.
As everyone wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, as well as the tribulations of attempting to push forward in a hectic city life, the ability to plan ahead for a long weekend is a great thing. Whether it is with friends, with the family, or alone, several locations in New England, and in New Hampshire in particular, are ideal for that long weekend getaway. And remember, there is always another three-day weekend, including Memorial Day weekend, the 4th of July weekend, and Labor Day weekend.
