The Ultimate New Hampshire Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State
For years we’ve been giving you recommendations for our favorite places to eat, see, explore and relax. A lot of these spots we’ve loved for years and based on comments and emails we’ve received we know these are some of your favorites as well. But there’s so much more to the state and we can’t resist sharing some of the lesser-known areas for you to check out as well. The next time you want to explore some new things, load up this road trip and see some more of what the state has to offer. Click here to see exact directions on Google Maps.
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We know that not everyone can simply get up and head out on a road trip that starts miles away from them. So, we recommend a stay at this hidden gem of a bed and breakfast! The farm is home to some of the most friendly horses and the stables are open for you to visit. You'll want to get in touch with them to plan your visit so check out their website. You can also turn this route around and end your trip which will allow you to wake up and spend the day there!
Grab some coffee and make your way to the first actual stop on your trip. And it's an odd one! We truly do believe that this giant boulder is a hidden gem and think you will too. It measures in at about 23 feet tall, 37 feet wide, and 85 feet long, making it the largest boulder left behind by a glacier in North America. And it weighs about 12 million pounds! It can be reached on a short hike which you can learn more about here.
Your next stop is a delicious and fun one! This little store has been around since 1955 and people love their fantastic cheese and the friendly vibes. We love visiting in-person, but you can also check them out online. Either method is worth it as long as you end up with their Cheddar cheese which is said to be the best around!
We always say that one of our favorite things about being in New Hampshire is the food. So, of course we think now would be a great time for another food stop. If it's too early for a meal, simply check out the outside because this place has lots of history. Built in 1826, the building once serve s the Superior Court for Sullivan County. It was also a public school, the district court and now it's a restaurant!
Next up is an important educational stop where you'll want to make sure to spend as much time as you can. Teaching visitors about the history of Native Americans in New Hampshire, the museum does a great job of connecting this history into the current United States. It's even better if you can time your visit when it's warm enough to check out the arboretum and walking trail. You can learn more on their website.
Yes, there are a lot of food stops on this trip. No, we don't think it's too many. This little eatery in Boscawen has great food and an ice cream shop that's attached. If you're there in the right season you can also opt just for ice cream. And that's never a bad idea!
We imagine you'll be stopping to take in the sights along the way which means by the time you near the coast it might be getting late. That means it's time to stop into a place to settle in for the night and this bed and breakfast is a great option. The house was built in 1649 making it one of the oldest homes in the state. You'll love the cozy atmosphere and the great onsite restaurant. Get a good night's sleep and head to your last stop in the morning.
You're well-rested after seeing some great parts of New Hampshire and now you've got one last place to enjoy before heading back. This beautiful turn-of-the-century estate garden is well worth a visit before heading to see the ocean and ultimately back to your starting point! You can learn more about it here.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems? If so, let us know your favorites in the comments. And if we’ve left anything off that you think is worth checking out share that too!
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
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