Summer is in full swing and that means we're bulking up our list of things we can't wait to do! And the majority of things on that list involve getting outside. If you're feeling the same way, you'll want to check out this beautiful garden. It's not a state park, but it offers all the fun and beauty of being outdoors in the Granite State!

Distant Hill Gardens, located in Walpole and Alstead, is comprised of 58 acres with about half in each town.

The gardens began simply back in 1979, when Michael and Kathy Nerrie purchased 21 acres of land close to the Connecticut River.

Over the next decade they improved the area, building their own home and other buildings on the property.

They also created a thriving veggie garden, added a swimming pool and planted a Christmas tree grove among other additions.

Finally, in 1990, the first garden was built and things have only gotten more beautiful since then!

While the real attraction here are the huge gardens filled with trees, plants and flowers it’s impossible not to marvel at the family’s 1,800-square foot home.

Heated entirely through solar energy that enters through 250-square feet of south facing window, this is a great example of sustainability.

The gardens and surrounding area are private, but visits are allowed on specific weekends throughout the summer and part of the fall.

This year the schedule has been modified so be sure to check out their website below for information on when they’ll be opening to the public.

Or, if you’d like to immerse yourself in the beauty of the area you can enjoy their 1-mile nature trail which is open throughout the year.

The trail, located in Alstead, leads through a lovely area of New Hampshire. The gardens are cared for by experts and you’ll love seeing the care and upkeep each time you visit.

Distant Hill Garden and Nature Trail can typically be visited during their Open Garden Weekends on the first and third Saturday and Sunday of the month in May, June, and July from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

However things are different this year and they'll be reassessing visiting weekends between August and October. The Distant Hill Nature Trail is open daily throughout the year from dawn till dusk. Keep up with schedule changes and learn more about the gardens on their website or you can call them on 603-756-4179.

Here in the Granite State there's a lot more nature where that came from! A wooden bridge and waterfall are just part of what makes the 1-mile Whitehouse Trail in New Hampshire unbeatable.