New Hampshire's Natural Splendor: Exploring the Granite State

“New Hampshire, where the granite peaks stand timeless, forests whisper with history, and every season paints a new portrait of New England charm.”

Welcome to “50at60” – my personal quest to explore and cherish the diverse beauty of all 50 states as I celebrate my 60th year. In each of these posts, I am sharing some pre-trip research as a kind of a “virtual journey” through each and every state, exploring its stunning landscapes, charming small towns, scenic drives, and remarkable sites. From breathtaking natural wonders to hidden gems in quaint towns, these posts are a mosaic of what makes each state unique and captivating.

My passion for discovery drives this journey, especially towards the serene allure of small towns. As you read on, you’ll find a collection of photographs coupled with an artistic collage and “Must See” lists, both created with the help of AI. These posts are intended to simply serve as a start and jumping off point to further exploration. My goal in this series of “States within the USA” posts has been to capture the essence of each unique state, while creating a source to help all of us plan our journey into and through this amazing country we call the United States of America!

Join me in experiencing the splendor and spirit of every corner of our magnificent country in “50at60.” Now lets get started with New Hampshire!

New Hampshire – “The Granite State”

Embark on a journey through New Hampshire, a state where nature’s beauty is as steadfast as the granite it’s named after. Known as the Granite State, New Hampshire offers a blend of picturesque wilderness, quaint New England charm, and a rich historical tapestry.

From the rugged peaks of the White Mountains to the serene shores of its lakes, this state provides an idyllic backdrop for both adventure and relaxation.

New Hampshire was the first state to declare independence from England.
It holds the first presidential primary every election cycle.
Mount Washington in New Hampshire is known for having some of the worst weather on Earth.

As we traverse the winding roads of this northeastern haven, we’ll explore charming small towns like Portsmouth and Hanover, indulge in the state’s vibrant fall foliage, and discover the tranquil beauty of the Lakes Region. New Hampshire is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat into nature’s embrace.

Join me as we delve into the heart of New England, experiencing the unique allure and timeless beauty of New Hampshire. These lists provide a comprehensive look at New Hampshire’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and charming small towns, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.

Historic Landmarks and Monuments in New Hampshire

Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth: An outdoor history museum focusing on the local history and preservation of Portsmouth’s oldest neighborhood.
Mount Washington Cog Railway: The world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, offering scenic rides to the summit of Mount Washington.
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, Cornish: The home, studios, and gardens of one of America’s greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Canterbury Shaker Village: A well-preserved Shaker village offering insights into the Shaker community and lifestyle.
Fort Constitution Historic Site, New Castle: A historic fortification at the mouth of the Piscataqua River.
Franconia Notch State Park: Home to the former site of the Old Man of the Mountain, a symbol of New Hampshire.
The USS Albacore Museum, Portsmouth: Offers tours of a U.S. Navy research submarine.
Robert Frost Farm, Derry: The homestead of the famous poet Robert Frost, now a state historic site and museum.
Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse offering guided tours and scenic views.
The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion, Portsmouth: A historic colonial mansion and the former home of New Hampshire’s first royal governor.

Scenic Drives and Road Trips in New Hampshire

Kancamagus Highway: A 34-mile scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest with stunning views, especially during fall foliage.
Mount Washington Auto Road: A winding and steep road leading to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.
Connecticut River Byway: Follows the Connecticut River through the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire’s western border.
Seacoast Scenic Byway: Offers beautiful coastal views along Route 1A, from Portsmouth to Seabrook.
Lakes Region Tour: Circles the scenic and popular Lake Winnipesaukee, through charming towns and panoramic views.
Moose Path Trail: A northern route known for its wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly moose.
Route 153: A scenic road passing through the historic and picturesque villages of the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley.
Monadnock Region Loop: A drive around the Mount Monadnock area, known for its natural beauty and charming small towns.
White Mountain Trail: A National Scenic Byway looping through the White Mountains, passing historic sites and natural attractions.
Route 3A through Franconia Notch: A scenic drive offering views of the Franconia Range and access to Franconia Notch State Park.

Best Small Towns in New Hampshire

Peterborough: Known as the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town,” this picturesque town offers a vibrant arts scene.
Hanover: Home to Dartmouth College, with a charming downtown and cultural attractions.
Meredith: Located on Lake Winnipesaukee, offering beautiful lake views and a quaint small-town feel.
Portsmouth: A historic seaport with a lively downtown, rich history, and cultural attractions.
Littleton: A vibrant community in the White Mountains, known for its historic main street and riverwalk.
Exeter: A historic town with a quaint downtown and the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy.
Sugar Hill: Offers stunning views of the White Mountains and is famous for its lupine fields in early summer.
Wolfeboro: Known as “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Jackson: A picturesque village famous for its covered bridge and proximity to ski resorts and hiking trails.
Woodstock: Offers a charming downtown with covered bridges and proximity to natural attractions in the White Mountains.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of New Hampshire! Researching this state and it’s wonders has been a delightful discovery for me, from its scenic drives to the charming small towns that dot its landscape. The insights in this post were enhanced with the help of AI, a testament to the blend of technology and human curiosity. The artistic collage at the beginning of the post, crafted using Dall-E, aims to capture the essence of New Hampshire’s beauty and character in a unique way. It was fun to create!

I hope these images and information spark your curiosity as it did mine. I am working on a post of every state here, so make sure and check out a few more!

As we continue this journey together, I invite you to stay tuned for more adventures, more discoveries, and more stories that celebrate the diversity and splendor of our country. Happy travels!