12 ATTRACTIONS - FOR YOUR NEW HAMPSHIRE TO-DO LIST

C A S T L E I N T H E C L O U D S – moultonborough

In 1913-1914, Tom and his wife Olive built a unique and stunning country estate overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains, which they called Lucknow. The property spanned 6,300 acres and featured a 16-room mansion, a golf course and tennis court, a man-made lake, and a boathouse on Lake Winnipesaukee. Thomas Plant made his fortune as a shoe manufacturer, establishing the Thomas G. Plant Company which later became the largest shoe factory in the world. Today, you can visit the historic Lucknow mansion, dine in the Carriage House Restaurant located in the original stable, feed the trout in Shannon Pond (the Plants’ man-made lake), grab a sandwich or an ice cream at Cones in the Clouds, and hike or enjoy a trail ride on over 35 miles of trails.

C A N T E R B U R Y S H A K E R V I L L A G E - canterbury

The religious group known as the Shakers, or the “Shaking Quakers,” emigrated from England in the 18th-century, creating communities from Maine to Kentucky. The Canterbury Shaker Village was established in 1792 and remains one of the oldest and most preserved Shaker Villages. The Shakers’ revolutionary Christianity challenged almost every mainstream ideal of American society during their time. Shakers believed in communal ownership, pacifism, dancing in worship, equality of the sexes, celibacy, and living simply. The Shakers devoted their “hands to work and hearts to God.” They believed in community ownership, but were aggressive entrepreneurs, launching industry after industry, developing and adopting new technologies, and reinvesting the earnings into community enterprises to encourage greater growth and productivity. At its height in the 1850s, 300 people lived and worked in over 100 buildings on 3,000 acres at Canterbury Shaker Village.

M O U N T M O N A D N O C K - jaffrey

At 3,165 feet, Monadnock is nearly 1,000 feet higher than any other peak within 30 miles and rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape. Its barren, rocky summit was created by early settlers, who set fire to the mountain to clear lower slopes for pasture and ward off nearby wolves. This amazing prominence and bare summit create jawdropping views, which is probably why Monadnock is one of the most hiked mountains in the world. With loads of rock scrambles, this hike is especially exciting for kids. Just make sure to bring lots of water, warm clothing for the summit, and plan your trips when the trail is dry (wet rocks & leaves are a treacherous combination).

A N H E U S E R - B U S C H F A C T O R Y - merrimack

Opened in 1970, the Merrimack Brewery is vital to the distribution of fresh Anheuser-Busch beer to locations in the Northeast including Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and more. The brewery offers tours of its brewing process, the Biergarten Taphouse, and the Clydesdale Stables. On the brewery tour, you can learn about Budweiser’s signature 7-Step Brewing Process—from “Seed to Sip”—that was created and perfected more than 100 years ago, and (most importantly) you get to try a pint or two. At the Biergarten’s taphouse, you can kick back and enjoy Anheuser-Busch’s premium beers and some light fare. Take a stroll through the courtyards or even down to the stables where the Budweiser Clydesdales will be sure to impress. Merrimack was once the training grounds for the Budweiser’s hitch team (the ones you see at parades and on the commercials). Today, you can still visit the Clydesdales and even snap a picture with them—when they’re not on tour.

L A B E L L E W I N E R Y - amherst

Established in 2010, LaBelle Winery has roots back to 2001, when founder Amy Arboleda first began experimenting with winemaking in her Boston Apartment. Over the years, business has grown to a 20,000 square foot winery with over 2,000 grape vines and numerous award-winning wines. With the dream of winemaking was also born the dream to build a place where community could gather and enjoy excellent food, wine, and cultural arts. At LaBelle Winery you can taste award-winning wine, learn on a winery and vineyard tour, dine in The Bistro with fresh, organic product from the farm, listen to live music or stroll through the art gallery, take a class, or simply put your feet up and relax with a glass of wine. Wine tastings run just $10 for your choice of 5 wines and are available both inside the winery or outside on the terrace on a nice day.

W H I T E M O U N T A I N S N A T I O N A L F O R E S T - mountains region

Located in the heart of New Hampshire and overflowing into Maine (but we won’t talk about that), the White Mountains National Forest envelope alpine peaks, clear streams, waterfalls, gorges and villages alike. It is home to wildlife species including bald eagle, white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, coyote, peregrine falcon, Canadian lynx, and bobcat. Home to some of the worst weather in the world, the observatory on the summit of Mount Washington once recorded a surface wind speed of 231 miles per hour. If you’re looking for a leisurely day, tour North Conway’s village district, filled with plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions—all with a view of the mountains. Take a ride on Conway’s Scenic Railroad or try your luck on a moose tour. Witness the awe of the Whites on top of Mount Washington—accessible by car, cog, or foot. Cool off in Diana’s Baths natural pools or in Arethusa Falls. If you’re looking for some exercise, hike up Mt Moosilauke for one of the best views in the Whites.

M E R R I M A C K P R E M I U M O U T L E T S - merrimack

Merrimack Premium Outlets is an outdoor shopping center located off Exit 10 of Everett Turnpike. With over 100 stores including Michael Kors, Banana Republic Factory Store, Coach, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and Under Armour, the Outlets offer tax free shopping and savings of 25%-65% everyday. If shopping is not really your thing, feel free to take a stroll through the grounds. There are playgrounds for children, a massive fire pit, and convenient sitting areas—even Fido can come along! In true New Hampshire fashion, the Outlets are situated on a hill with views of the valley.

V E R T I C A L D R E A M S I N D O O R C L I M B I N G G Y M - manchester

Vertical Dreams offers something for everyone. They offer versatile climbing experiences for all abilities with top roping, lead climbing, and bouldering. Memberships and lessons are offered to youth and adults as well as beginners and advanced alike. Also offered are outdoor climbing, top roping, and sport climbing instruction. Vertical Dreams sports New Hampshire’s tallest climbing wall, known as the “Elevator Shaft”—a 70-foot wall, passing through the Mill’s old elevator shaft. Whether you’re new to climbing or are looking to take your climbing skills to the next level, Vertical Dreams has you covered.

L A K E W I N N I P E S A U K E E - lakes region

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of New Hampshire’s top attractions. In the summer, locals pack up their cars and head to the lake for the weekends. With attractions for young and old, it’s easy to see why. If you’re in for a more leisurely getaway, head to the 81-mile loop road around the big lake that takes you from Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, Ossipee Mountain area to Wolfeboro, and finally landing you in Alton Bay Area. Check out Weirs Beach—Winnipesaukee's most popular beach and home base to many family attractions. The 1300 foot long boardwalk offers amazing views of the lake and mountains. Take a tour on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad or a ride on a boat cruise. To really get the best of views, hike up Mount Major and see Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossippee mountain range from the air.

E D U C A T I O N A L F A R M A T J O P P A H I L L - bedford

The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill is a non-profit 501©3 organization dedicated to preserving the agricultural heritage of New Hampshire through hands-on experiences. On the farm, they raise animals and teach children and families how to grow and prepare their own food, care for livestock, and be good stewards of the land. The 35-acre farm was formerly a working dairy farm and is now home to horses, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits, alpacas, etc. They offer garden plots, meat and eggs, food preparation classes, school field trips, summer camps, agricultural fairs, and other educational resources. Feel free to stop by the farm to meet the animals, explore the trails, visit the pond, have a picnic, or just enjoy the agricultural atmosphere.

H A M P T O N B E A C H - hampton

The whole family will be happy with a day (or weekend) at Hampton Beach. But, did you know that there are different beaches to choose from? Hampton Beach main beach boasts Atlantic ocean-front facilities situated along miles of sandy beach. The Seashell complex includes a band shell amphitheatre, with bands playing almost every night in the summer. If you want hustle-bustle and want to be in the “thick” of things, head to Hampton main beach. If not, drive a little further north, past Boars’ Head, to Hampton’s North Beach. You’ll know you hit it when you see “the wall.” North Beach offers a quieter, more relaxing beachgoing experience. You’ll most likely spot locals hanging out and sunbathing and maybe even a dog or two (dogs are not allowed on the beach during high season). Whichever location you choose, rest assured knowing that Hampton Beach was one of the top 3 cleanliest beaches in the United States.

S U N S E T A T D E R R Y F I E L D P A R K - manchester

Derryfield Park is a large 76-acre park located on Bridge Street on the east side of Manchester. Hidden in the park behind the fields and just a short walk away is the Weston Observatory, which has been sanctioned as a part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It was used as a picnic and lookout area for families primarily, but during World War II it was used as a spotting post. Presently, Derryfield Park is known for its trails, fields, and its new playground. It is home to one of the more challenging cross country courses in New England, and hosts cross country meets annually. The park’s hidden gem is its fields and gazebo, overlooking the Uncanoonuc Mountains to the West and providing gorgeous sunsets that you won’t want to miss.