New Hampshire Recreation
The Granite State as its known, is a cross section of countryside villages, ocean beaches, granite mountains, and beautiful lakes. We created this page to provide additional information that our clients often ask about such as healthcare, shopping, taxes, recreation, transportation, food, and cost of living.
NH Real Estate Monthly Indicators
The New Hampshire real estate market continues to experience strong demand, limited inventory, and rising prices. Like many parts of the United States, New Hampshire has seen increased interest in suburban and rural areas, driven by factors such as remote work opportunities and lifestyle changes which accelerated during Covid-19. This heightened demand has led to a competitive market, with multiple offers common for desirable properties although the multiple offer scenarios are showing some signs of moderation. Despite rising prices, New Hampshire's real estate market demand remains high. Homebuyers are seeking more space, natural beauty, and a high quality of life. However, limited inventory continues to pose challenges for buyers, and experts anticipate that the market will remain competitive in the near term.
For a full report on the current NH market download a copy of the February 2024 Market Report from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors.
Click Here to Download NH Real Estate Activity Report
If you desire further information about a specific property please request a consultation.
HISTORY
People lived in what’s now New Hampshire at least 12,000 years ago. Thousands of years later Native American tribes, including the Abenaki and the Pennacook, lived on the land.
French and English explorers began to arrive in the 1500s, and the English established the first permanent European settlement in 1623. The French and English fought during the late 1600s and early 1700s, and at first the Native American tribes tried to stay out of the wars. But eventually they sided with the French, and as the British won more battles, the Native Americans were forced out of the region.
In 1776, during the American Revolution, New Hampshire became the first colony to create a constitution and declare its independence from Great Britain. In 1788 it was named the ninth U.S. state.
WHY’S IT CALLED THAT?
Englishman John Mason named New Hampshire after Hampshire county in England where he’d lived as a boy. He invested in building on the land, but never left England to see it. New Hampshire is nicknamed the Granite State because it has a history of granite mining.
Recreation & Entertainment
New Hampshire offers a wealth of recreation and entertainment opportunities that cater to diverse interests and preferences. Nature enthusiasts can explore the state's stunning landscapes, including the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and picturesque coastline, which provide endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, boating, and outdoor adventures. The state is also home to numerous state parks, campgrounds, and scenic trails, such as the Appalachian Trail and Franconia Notch State Park, offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. For those seeking cultural experiences, New Hampshire boasts vibrant arts and cultural scenes, with museums, theaters, and galleries showcasing local art, history, and performing arts. Additionally, the state hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to craft fairs and agricultural traditions. From outdoor escapades to cultural pursuits, New Hampshire provides abundant opportunities for recreation and entertainment for residents and visitors alike. Here are some of the best recreation and entertainment in New Hampshire.
- Meadowbrook Farm. Great place for concerts. You'll find some the biggest performers here! https://www.banknhpavilion.com/
- Mount Washington Cog Railway. The Mount Washington Cog Railway, also known as the Cog, is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway. The railway climbs Mount Washington in New Hampshire. https://www.thecog.com
- Lost River Gorge. Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, located in New Hampshire’s Kinsman Notch, is a land of spectacular beauty forged by the powerful forces of nature. Follow the wooden boardwalk trail through the gorge as it winds its way along the Lost River. https://lostrivergorge.com
- Lake Winnipesaukee. The largest lake in the state at 72 square miles, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of New Hampshire's most popular summer vacation spots. https://lakewinnipesaukee.net/
- North Conway. North Conway is a fabulous vacation destination for fans of scenic railroads, historic covered bridges and outdoor adventures. The village is an especially popular spot in the winter months, as it's been ranked among the best ski towns in North America, with more than a dozen ski areas within a short drive of the village. https://northconwaynh.com
- Hampton Beach State Park. Hampton Beach State Park is popular for people in the summer, especially on hot, sunny weekends. https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/hampton-beach-state-park
- Mount Washington Auto Road. The Mount Washington Auto Road bills itself as America's oldest continuously operating attraction. It opened in 1861, allowing visitors to take a four-hour carriage ride to the frigid summit of Mount Washington. Nowadays, you can do it a lot faster in your own car – just drive to the base of the road, pay the fee (you have to pay on a per-passenger basis) and start your ascent. https://mt-washington.com
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Concord's must-visit McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center honors two New Hampshire residents: Alan Shepard, who in 1961 was the first American to travel into space, and Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger that tragically exploded just after it launched in 1986. https://www.starhop.com
- Canobie Lake Park. Canobie Lake Park has been delighting visitors since it opened in 1902 with its botanical gardens, swings, canoes and penny arcade. Today it's a fun-for-the-whole-family amusement park filled with exciting rides, a water park and carnival-style midway games – plus dining venues that serve quintessential New England favorites like lobster rolls and fried dough. https://www.canobie.com
- Flume Gorge. Part of Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume is a scenic gorge with a 2-mile loop trail that allows visitors to admire the looming granite walls, rushing Flume Brook and even a classic New England covered bridge. https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/flume-gorge
- Story Land. For small children or nostalgic adults, this attraction is probably one of the most fun places in New Hampshire to spend the day. https://www.storylandnh.com
- Santa's Village. Just as the name suggests, Christmas-themed Santa's Village is a celebration of the jolly old fellow himself, as well as all things that make this winter holiday special, from elves and reindeer to sleighs and sweet treats. https://www.santasvillage.com
- Whale's Tale Waterpark. Cool off during New Hampshire's hot and humid summer months at Whale's Tale Waterpark in Lincoln. Thrill rides include the Plunge body slides, where you might reach up to 40 miles an hour, as well as the Banzai Pipeline, which is a speedy tube ride that shoots you into a quarter pipe. https://whalestalewaterpark.net
- Polar Caves. The Polar Caves in Rumney were formed by a moving glacier 50,000 years ago. Visitors can pass through nine distinct boulder caves on a self-guided tour, while enjoying the cooler temperatures on a hot summer day. https://polarcaves.com
- Gunstock Mountain Resort. Gunstock Mountain Resort also shines in the warmer months with its activity-packed Adventure Park. Go zip lining amid the trees up to 70 miles an hour, zoom through the forest on the Mountain Coaster, or walk along swinging bridges on an aerial obstacle course. https://www.gunstock.com
- Jenness State Beach. One of our favorites for kids! Smaller, with fewer bells and whistles than nearby Hampton Beach, Rye's Jenness State Beach is popular among families especially on sunny summer weekends, when you'll need to arrive early in the day to snag a metered parking spot, according to past visitors. https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/jenness-state-beach
- The Lakes Region. The aptly named Lakes Region, just south of New Hampshire’s storied White Mountains, is home to no fewer than 273 bodies of water. https://www.lakesregion.org
- USS Albacore Museum. Celebrating 70 Years of Service (1953 - 1972) The USS Albacore is a research submarine, designed by the U.S. Navy to test experimental features used in modern submarines. The Navy tested top-secret features that led to the high-speed silent operation used on modern U.S. submarines. Today, Albacore has been preserved and is opened to the public. Every visitor can go inside and explore this remarkable submarine. You will be able to look through the periscope, explore the control room, engineering spaces, and bunkrooms, and hear crew members tell of things that happened when they were at sea.
https://www.ussalbacore.org
New Hampshire holds so many fascinating adventures and opportunities. We hope you found this information helpful. Contact us with your questions about New Hampshire attractions!