12 Things To Do In New Hampshire When You Thought You’ve Done Everything
By Michelle|Updated on July 26, 2023(Originally published February 22, 2019)
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
We all know what it’s like. You’re sitting at home, you’ve got two days off ahead of you, and… absolutely no idea how to properly fill them. Or, maybe you’re lucky and have retired to the great state of New Hampshire and find that every single day is one you get to fill with fun things to do. Whatever it is that allows you some free time, be sure you’re spending it wisely. To help you plan, we’ve gathered up some unique things to do in New Hampshire. So, what are you waiting for? Try them out and then pass them on!
1. Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury
Canterbury Shaker Village, 288 Shaker Rd, Canterbury, NH 03224, USA
The only Shaker village in New Hampshire, Canterbury has been a museum since 1992. The visit is well worth it considering they've got some of the best intact examples of Shaker life in America. Today, you can see the many buildings that are still here and imagine what life might have been like when things were hustling and bustling. You can read more about one of the best things to do in New Hampshire in our previous coverage.
You might think the best driving route in the state is the Kanc, but consider doing something different with this fun drive. It's a biggie at 140 miles, but it will take you through the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region for views of some of the most unique places in New Hampshire.
Advertisement
3. Funspot in Laconia
Funspot, 579 Endicott St N, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
With more than 600 games this place is one of the largest arcades and a great adventure if you need something to occupy you all day long. It's even better on a day when the weather is bad. But, spend the day here in the summer and enjoy all the outdoor attractions as well. You can learn exactly why we think this is one of the most unique things to do in New Hampshire in our previous coverage.
There are worse ways to spend the day than hyped up on sugar and this famous New Hampshire candy store might just be the best place to get that way! They've got the longest candy counter in the world, which means you might want to schedule a few hours here. You can find them in both Littleton and Lincoln. Take a peek at our previous coverage to learn more about these New Hampshire hidden gems.
Drive through this small New Hampshire town's downtown area and you'll find this Cold War-era rocket sitting beside the road. No one's completely sure how it came to be here, but it's a great thing to visit nonetheless! Read more about one of New Hampshire's (not so) hidden gems in our previous coverage.
6. Take in history at the U.S.S. Albacore in Portsmouth
Head to the city of Portsmouth to see this submarine... out of the water. It's sitting in a ditch, but you can take a look around just before heading to the museum. It's just weird enough to be considered one of the most unique things in New Hampshire.
This beauty located in the White Mountains is reachable via a 1.1-mile trail. The out-and-back route leads through lots of beautiful forests and it's great for all skill levels. Hence, it's one of the best things to do in New Hampshire.
8. Uncle Sam's Home in Mason
Uncle Sam's House, 35-281, NH-123, Mason, NH 03048, USA
If you're a history buff, make a point to stop by Uncle Sam's house. Yep! He was a real guy and his name was Samuel Wilson. Today you can visit his home, one of the unique places in New Hampshire.
This bridge was once used for the rails of the Maine Boston and Maine Railroad and gets its name from the sulfur it once carried to the paper and pulp mills. This bridge is known as a deck-covered bridge, and it's the only one remaining in the United States. There's a lot more to learn about this bridge, which you can do by taking a look at our coverage of some of the best things to do in New Hampshire.
10. Explore Lakes of the Clouds in Sargent's Purchase
Lakes of the Clouds, Sargent's Purchase, NH 03846, USA
Located between Mount Washington and Mount Monroe, this network of lakes is worth the 5,000-foot trip above sea level it will take to visit! It's beautiful, fun but will tucker you out! Take a look at this piece about the best things to do in New Hampshire.
11. Skip the snow and enjoy the indoor beach at this water park in North Conway. - EDITOR'S NOTE: This park is permanently closed.
A 20-person hot tub? A beach that makes you feel as if you've gone to the actual beach? A way to keep the kids occupied all day? Yep, it's real and it's right here in the Granite State. Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park is so much fun, we can't contain ourselves. So, head to one of the most unique places in New Hampshire today.
12. Shop at Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor.
- EDITOR'S NOTE: This shop is permanently closed.
If you're a quilter or just love a good crafts project, this store will certainly keep you busy. They've been around since 1986 and, at this point, they're a name across the nation. Stop in simply to browse or take home the supplies for your next big project.
Well, how do you think we did with this list? Let us know in the following comments section about other unique things to do in New Hampshire too. Feel free to check out Tripadvisor for fun ideas of places to go as well.
Currier Museum of Art in Manchester: You'll get to wander through galleries featuring sculptures, American art, European paintings, and more when you spend a rainy day here.
Mystery NH in North Conway: Escape the bad weather by spending an afternoon having a good time solving a mystery.
Diversions Puzzles & Games in Portsmouth: Kids of all ages will have a blast browsing this fun store.