The Fairytale Road Trip That'll Lead You To Some Of New Hampshire's Most Magical Places
By Michelle|Updated on December 12, 2022(Originally published December 07, 2022)
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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.
It’s easy to head to a particular destination that we’ve recommended for you, but hopping in the car to go explore is the best way to find the hidden corners of New Hampshire. That’s why we think driving through the state is one of the best ways to get to know it better. This road trip includes some of the most magical spots we’ve found, but you might be surprised at just what we consider “magical.” Plan a weekend to check it out for a unique excursion. You can use this interactive Google Map to get full driving directions for this road trip to some of the most magical places in New Hampshire.
While we've decided to make this the first stop on our magical road trip, you can certainly change things around. But starting in the morning with some outdoor time is a great idea and this beauty is one of the best on this trip. The natural area is home to smooth rocks carved and sculpted into various formations by the Cockermouth River. It's also a great place to swim in the summer. Sculptured Rocks Natural Area is one of the best hidden gems in New Hampshire.
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2. Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch State Park
Flume Gorge, 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
Next, it's off to another beautiful natural attraction that can only be seen here in New Hampshire. Flume Gorge feels like another world. It was created more than 200 million years ago when the granite walls were just molten rock buried below the earth's surface. Eventually, it cooled and the granite was broken by fractures creating the deep gorges. Flume Gorge is one of the most magical places in New Hampshire.
This geological wonder is more than 25,000 years old. The story begins when Franconia Notch, which was formed by a glacier, saw the end of the ice age. When the glacier melted the granite beneath it eroded and was made smooth by the river that came next. Today it's one of the most beautiful and magical places to visit. You won't want to leave The Basin after experiencing its magnificence.
4. Echo Lake State Park, North Conway
Echo Lake State Park, 68 Echo Lake Rd, North Conway, NH 03860, USA
We know this stop might be one you want to spend some time at and we're all for it! Maybe you do part of the road trip one day and finish things up the next. Either way, Echo Lake is a magical spot to enjoy. Be sure to take the walking path around the lake for some great views of Cathedral Ledge. This is one of the most extraordinary fairytale places in New Hampshire!
Who says magic can only be found in nature? To some of us, the most magical spots are the ones where we can shop! This store gets bonus points because it's also a celebration of the most magical time of year. Stop in to load up on everything you need for the holidays. You will love the charming Christmas Loft in North Conway.
6. Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd, Moultonborough, NH 03254, USA
Sitting on more than 5,000 acres of land, Castle in the Clouds was built in 1914 and was known as the Lucknow estate. Today it's a popular spot for weddings and sightseeing due to its beautiful hilltop location. The views of Lake Winnipesaukee are unbeatable. You will love walking around the stunning Castle in the Clouds.
7. Fezziwig's Food and Fountain, Portsmouth
Fezziwig's Food and Fountain, 112 State Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
Now is a great time to stop for a refreshment and there's no place more magical than this one. This old-fashioned soda fountain is owned by the same people who run Pickwick's Mercantile so it's sure to be special. Enjoy a sweet treat or a special drink and step back in time for a moment or two. It's quite a special hidden gem in New Hampshire.
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8. Great Island Common, New Castle
Great Island Common, 301 Wentworth Rd, New Castle, NH 03854, USA
Next, it's just a short drive to a pretty little area just outside of Portsmouth. This is a gorgeous place to take in the best of the (short) New Hampshire coastline. Visit the New Castle, New Hampshire website for more information on Great Island Common.
9. Funspot, Laconia
Funspot, 579 Endicott St N, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
Bob Lawton started this (literal!) fun spot back in 1952 and it's still one of the most popular places for kids and adults of all ages to have fun. It's earned the distinction of being the largest arcade in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records which means you'll definitely want to plan on spending some time here. You'll have so much fun at this magical place in New Hampshire.
10. Ledge Water Steakhouse, Bristol
Ledge Water Steakhouse, 77 Ravine Dr, Bristol, NH 03222, USA
The last stop on this road trip to the most magical places in New Hampshire is one of the best places you can eat! After all that driving and seeing and doing and shopping you're probably ready to relax with a great meal. This is certainly the place to do it. With views overlooking Newfound Lake, there's no better place to tuck into a steak dinner than this one! There's no better place to dine than at Ledge Water Steakhouse.
Have you been to any of these magical places in New Hampshire? Are there any you wish we’d included? Let us know in the comments so we can remember to add it to the directions later!
Oak & Grain, a secret garden restaurant in New London
What are some of the best road trips in New Hampshire?
Whether it’s food or scenery, there’s a curated road trip on the Only In Your State website. Here are ten of the best road trips in New Hampshire for an epic adventure:
