New Hampshire is famous for its gorgeous mountains, dramatic coastline, and all-around natural beauty - but there's plenty to admire that's man-made as well. The Granite State is home to several gorgeous estates, but we think this one in Newbury stands out.
The Fells, also known as the Hay Estate, was originally the property of John Milton Hay, who served as the private secretary of Abraham Lincoln and the Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
The Colonial Revival summerhouse was built in 1889 and renovated and expanded by Hay's ancestors in the early twentieth century. They also built the stunning gardens that today set this estate apart.
The gardens are open for exploration year-round, and you can take garden tours on certain days during the summer. The variety of flowers is simply exquisite, so you'll want to bring your camera.
Entry fees, hours, and tour times vary by season, so be sure to visit the Fells website for details. You'll find the property at 456 NH-103A, Newbury, NH 03255.
You live in (or love to visit!) New Hampshire, so of course you've heard of Mount Washington. Many of you have probably driven the auto road, if not actually traversed one of the many trails lining the steep slopes of this famed New England mountain. While you've certainly loved the gorgeous photos (and drone footage!) coming from the area, how many of us have actually taken the time to truly explore the top? Those who visit often know that a small house exists at the top of the beloved mountain, but those of you who have only seen second-hand photos might not know this small museum hidden inside even exists. Next time you hike up Mount Washington in New Hampshire, be sure to check out this unique historic house!
advertisement
The trip to the top of Mount Washington is one that acts as a right of passage for many New Hampshirites.
But, how many of us get to the top and gaze at the views before heading back down without truly exploring the area? Especially when the temps are freezing and the wind is howling!
Originally a hotel built in 1853, the Tip Top house is considered to be the oldest surviving example of hostelry on a mountain summit anywhere in the world.
Inside is a warm welcome from the cold if you're visiting the summit on a cold day. You can imagine how welcoming it would have been to travelers who had hiked to the top in the elements.
Food and drink was available here, but you needed to be lucky to find room. Being the only place to stay at the top, you can imagine that getting a spot was fortunate!
The small house offers exhibits with kitchen accessories that would have been used during its hey day.
After a few years of operating as a hotel, in 1877 it was turned into the printing office for the mountain's newspaper, Among the Clouds. When the newspaper relocated, the Tip Top House was abandoned.
advertisement
After this point, a much larger three-story hotel was built here. It had 91-rooms and was built along with a weather observatory. But, the Great Fire of 1908 ripped through the summit destroying all of the buildings...with the exception of the stone Tip Top House. It was then renovated to become a hotel once again. After another fire, it was abandoned again in 1968 before being restored in 1987.
While only a short stop in your exploration of the Mount Washington summit, you'll likely find the small structure full of visitors. But, how many of them talk about it once they've returned to the bottom?
With the impressive views, historic cog railway and museum, there's a lot to recall when talking about your visit to the summit. The next time you're there, be sure to stop into the Tip Top House to relive an important part of the mountain's history. And then, tell folks about it and encourage them to experience more of the history of this wonderful place.
Mount Washington, itself, is no hidden gem, but it nevertheless continues to delight. This historic house in New Hampshire may not be the state park's main draw, but it's absolutely worth exploring as you summit the highest peak in the Whites!
Have you ever hiked to the top of Mount Washington or explored this unassuming hidden gem museum? We'd love to hear about it.
Winter in New Hampshire has a reputation for being dull and gray. Days are short and the light doesn't linger long. To get out of that winter funk and perk up the senses, how about checking out some ice castles in NH? The ones over in Woodstock are a feast for the eyes and mind. Escape into a world of ice caves, waterfalls frozen in place, archways, caves, slides, and tunnels. Oh and I few fun extras that I discovered on my visit!
advertisement
The Ice Castles are a collaborative effort by a team of talented artists who bring their creativity to this unique art form.
While wandering through the cool wonders of these ice castles in NH, it's not hard to imagine yourself on another planet. I had seen pictures of what this was like, but actually going there and seeing it for yourself is certainly something else.
Whether you are celebrating the holiday season or just getting together with friends, the Ice Castles provide an unforgettable experience.
Visiting the Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring experience and makes for a perfect winter outing for the entire family. Winter in New Hampshire is a magical time as snow arrives and blankets the mountains and countryside.
To learn more about the event and book tickets, visit the website for Ice Castles and follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.
Consider staying the night here! Check out what Booking has to offer.
Have you journeyed through these New Hampshire ice castles? What do you recommend when it comes to visiting New Hampshire's Ice Castles? Tell us in the comments!
