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 our favorite hidden gems in New Hampshire 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.
From point to point, you're looking at a 6-hour drive, but of course, you'll want to get out and give yourself time to explore all the attractions.
We've included a few bed and breakfasts that make perfect stops to rest your head so you don't feel rushed. Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way, or create your own stops along the way.
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 in New Hampshire that's a charmingbed 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 for rates and availability. You can also turn this route around and end your trip here which will allow you to wake up and spend the day there!
The Farm By The River, 158 Province Lake Rd, Effingham, NH 03882, USA
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 Madison Boulder is one of the most unique places in New Hampshire that few people have visited. 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!
Your next stop is a delicious and fun one! A little-known place in New Hampshire, this charming 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. If you do visit in person, you may want to spend a little extra time exploring all that the lovely town of Sugar Hill.
Harman's Cheese & Country Store, 1400 NH-117, Sugar Hill, NH 03586, USA
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 served as the Superior Court for Sullivan County. It was also a public school, the district court and now it's a hidden gem restaurant in New Hampshire serving up delicious local seafood and more.
The Old Courthouse, 30 Main St, Newport, NH 03773, USA
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. If you're there in the right season you can also opt just for ice cream, and that's never a bad idea!
Smoke Shack BBQ, 146 King St, Boscawen, NH 03303, USA
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.
Three Chimneys Inn & Frost Sawyer Tavern, 17 Newmarket Rd, Durham, NH 03824, USA
You're well-rested after seeing some great parts of our state and now you've got one last place to enjoy before heading back, and it's one of the most incredible lesser-known places in New Hampshire, just blooming with color! 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.
Have you been to any of these hidden gems in New Hampshire? 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!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
hidden gems in New Hampshire
May 26, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the most unique towns in New Hampshire?
Some of the best New Hampshire hidden gems are actually our small towns. For beer lovers, a trip to Merrimack is always a good choice, since you can tour the Budweiser facility and learn all about the brewing process, sample some beers, and even meet some of their famous Clydesdales. The town is also home to several premium outlet stores, a great place to score deals and shop till you drop.
What are the best road trips through New Hampshire?
Road trips are the best way to see any state, especially New Hampshire. With all of our beautiful mountain ranges and coastline, there are plenty of incredible road trips in New Hampshire that will show you just how beautiful our state really is. Maybe you want to chase some waterfalls, explore the haunted side of the state, or take on some of New Hampshire’s natural wonders. If you’re planning a road trip during the fall, this fall foliage road trip in New Hampshire is an absolute must.
What unique tours in New Hampshire can I take?
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then you’ll want to book this unique safari tour in New Hampshire where you’ll get to do a little moose-watching as you tour through Moose Country. However, if you’d like to control your own tour, consider taking this charming covered bridge tour of New Hampshire. New Hampshire has over 50 covered bridges, each one with a fascinating history and unique beauty.
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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.
