New Hampshire Vacation Rentals

New Hampshire, with its picturesque New England charm, offers a wealth of cultural activities that cater to lovers of the arts, history, and local customs. From historic homes and traditional crafts to live music and fine art, the Granite State provides a serene backdrop for a culturally enriching experience. Begin your cultural journey at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, where you can admire works by American and European masters, including Picasso and Monet. The museum also offers tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Zimmerman House, a treat for architecture enthusiasts. For a deep dive into history, visit Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth. This outdoor living history museum showcases over 300 years of American history through restored houses, exhibits, and historical role-players. The museum's gardens and traditional crafts demonstrations offer a glimpse into the past lives of New Englanders. Live music thrives in New Hampshire, with venues like the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord and the Music Hall in Portsmouth hosting a variety of performances, from classical to contemporary. During the summer, the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth presents a series of outdoor concerts, theater productions, and movie screenings, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Piscataqua River. Art galleries abound in the quaint towns and cities of New Hampshire. In the cultural hub of Peterborough, the Sharon Arts Center Gallery showcases regional artists, while the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen offers fine crafts that reflect the state's rich artisanal heritage. The annual League of NH Craftsmen's Fair, held in August, is the nation's oldest crafts fair and a must-visit for those interested in local craftsmanship. For a unique historical perspective, the Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury provides insight into the Shaker community's way of life. The village's beautifully preserved buildings and informative tours offer a look at the Shakers' innovative craftsmanship and simple, communal living. New Hampshire's cultural offerings also extend to its festivals and events. The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival celebrates Scottish culture with music, dance, and athletic competitions, while the Keene Pumpkin Festival, with its stunning display of jack-o'-lanterns, is a testament to local traditions and community spirit. In New Hampshire, the blend of natural beauty and cultural richness creates an inviting atmosphere for those seeking to indulge in the arts, explore history, and experience local customs. Whether you're attending a gallery opening, exploring a historic site, or enjoying a live performance, New Hampshire's cultural scene is as vibrant as the changing leaves in its famous autumn landscapes.

New Hampshire, with its lush landscapes and family-friendly attractions, is a delightful playground for children. The state's natural beauty and rich history provide a backdrop for educational and fun-filled experiences that cater to the curiosity and energy of young travelers. Start your adventure at the Story Land theme park in Glen, where fairy tales come to life. This enchanting park features rides, shows, and play areas that are perfect for children under 12. From Cinderella's pumpkin coach to the thrilling Roar-O-Saurus roller coaster, there's something to spark the imagination of every child. For a day of discovery, visit the SEE Science Center in Manchester. Interactive exhibits on topics like physics, biology, and engineering make learning exciting. The LEGO Millyard Project, the largest permanent LEGO installation at minifigure scale in the world, is sure to impress both kids and adults. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. This natural wonder offers a two-mile walk through stunning scenery, with waterfalls, covered bridges, and mountain views that will captivate the whole family. The nearby Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway provides a breathtaking ride to the summit, offering panoramic views of the White Mountains. The Children's Museum of New Hampshire in Dover is another must-visit. With exhibits like the Dino Detective area, the Yellow Submarine, and the interactive Music Matrix, children can explore and learn through play. The museum's focus on hands-on activities ensures that kids are engaged and entertained. For a unique experience, take a scenic train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Choose from the Valley Train to Conway or Bartlett, or the Notch Train, which travels through the dramatic Crawford Notch. These vintage trains offer a relaxing way to enjoy New Hampshire's picturesque landscapes. During the winter months, New Hampshire transforms into a snowy wonderland. Family-friendly ski resorts like Cranmore Mountain, Loon Mountain, and King Pine offer skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids, as well as snow tubing and other winter activities. Finally, no trip to New Hampshire would be complete without a visit to the Mount Washington Cog Railway. This historic train ride takes you to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, providing an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. New Hampshire's blend of educational attractions, natural beauty, and child-centric activities make it an ideal destination for families looking to create lasting memories.

New Hampshire, a state renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures, is a paradise for those who love to immerse themselves in nature. From the majestic White Mountains to the serene lakes and rivers, this New England gem offers a wealth of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The White Mountain National Forest is the crown jewel of New Hampshire's natural wonders. Home to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, it offers a range of activities including hiking, camping, and skiing. The Appalachian Trail runs through this area, providing long-distance hikers with a challenging and rewarding journey. The forest's diverse ecosystems also make it a prime spot for wildlife watching and photography. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Lakes Region is a must-visit. With over 273 lakes and ponds, including the largest, Lake Winnipesaukee, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. The surrounding towns offer charming accommodations and dining, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. The Flume Gorge, located in Franconia Notch State Park, is a natural chasm that extends 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. A trip through the gorge offers an unforgettable experience with its waterfalls, covered bridges, and scenic pools. For a unique adventure, the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in North Woodstock provide an opportunity to explore river-carved caverns and boulder-strewn canyons. This is a family-friendly attraction where visitors can navigate boardwalks and climb through caves. Outdoor adventurers can also take to the skies with a scenic aerial tramway ride at Cannon Mountain. The tramway provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, especially during the fall foliage season. Rock climbing enthusiasts will find their haven at Rumney Rocks, one of the premier sport climbing destinations in the country. With hundreds of routes on schist rock, climbers of all levels can find a challenge here. Lastly, for those who appreciate a scenic drive, the Kancamagus Highway offers one of the most spectacular fall foliage viewing areas in the country. This 34.5-mile scenic byway runs through the White Mountain National Forest, with numerous overlooks and trailheads along the way. New Hampshire's natural wonders and outdoor activities cater to all interests and skill levels, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of New England, offers a quintessential four-season experience, each with its own distinct charm and weather patterns. The state's weather is characterized by cold, snowy winters, warm, humid summers, and crisp, pleasant springs and autumns. Winter, from December to February, transforms New Hampshire into a snowy wonderland, with average temperatures ranging from 15°F to 35°F. This is the time for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the state's beautiful White Mountains covered in snow. However, it's essential to dress warmly, as the cold can be biting, especially in the northern parts of the state. Spring, from March to May, is a time of renewal as the snow melts and the landscape turns green. Temperatures gradually warm up, ranging from 30°F to 70°F by late May. This season can be unpredictable, with the possibility of late snowfalls in March or April, but it eventually gives way to milder weather, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and enjoying the blooming flora. Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to visit New Hampshire, especially for those looking to enjoy the state's lakes, beaches, and outdoor attractions. Temperatures are warm, ranging from 50°F to 80°F, but can occasionally reach the 90s during heatwaves. Humidity can make these temperatures feel warmer, and afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon. Autumn, from September to November, is arguably the most spectacular season in New Hampshire, with the state's famous fall foliage drawing visitors from all over. Temperatures range from 40°F to 70°F, gradually cooling as winter approaches. The crisp air and lower humidity levels make this an ideal time for leaf-peeping, apple picking, and enjoying the harvest season. The most pleasant climate is often found in late spring and early fall when temperatures are moderate, and humidity is lower. These times offer comfortable conditions for exploring the state's natural beauty without the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. For those seeking the best weather, late May to early June and September to October are particularly delightful. During these periods, you can enjoy the outdoors with fewer crowds and the added bonus of witnessing either the awakening of spring or the vibrant colors of autumn.

New Hampshire, with its picturesque landscapes and charming New England towns, offers a variety of transportation options for visitors. The state is served by several airports, with Manchester-Boston Regional Airport being the most significant. It provides a convenient gateway for travelers, offering flights to major cities across the United States. For international and more extensive domestic service, Boston's Logan International Airport is just an hour's drive away and is a common entry point for those visiting New Hampshire. For those who enjoy scenic drives, New Hampshire is accessible by car via several major highways, including Interstate 93, which runs north-south through the state, and Interstate 95, which skirts the seacoast area. Driving offers the flexibility to explore the state's diverse regions, from the White Mountains to the Lakes Region to the seacoast. Public transportation within New Hampshire is more limited compared to urban areas, but there are still options available. The Concord Coach Lines bus service connects several towns and cities within New Hampshire, as well as providing connections to Boston and New York City. Additionally, the Downeaster train service operated by Amtrak connects the seacoast town of Dover to Boston and points in Maine. Within cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth, local bus services are available, and in more tourist-centric areas like the White Mountains, shuttle services often operate seasonally to transport visitors to popular attractions and trailheads. New Hampshire's small towns and natural attractions lend themselves to exploration by car, but some areas are quite walkable. Portsmouth, for example, is known for its walkable downtown area, where visitors can stroll through historic streets, visit shops, and enjoy waterfront dining. Similarly, the town of Hanover, home to Dartmouth College, offers a pleasant, pedestrian-friendly downtown area. For outdoor enthusiasts, New Hampshire's extensive network of hiking trails and proximity to nature means that much of the exploration within state parks and natural areas is done on foot. However, to reach these starting points, a car is often necessary. In summary, while New Hampshire's transportation options are more limited than those in larger urban centers, the state is still accessible and navigable for travelers. A car is the most versatile mode of transportation for those looking to fully explore the state's natural beauty and quaint towns, but for those sticking to urban areas, local transit and walking can be sufficient.