New Hampshirites wait eagerly for spring and then, of course, summer. There are a few signs we've come to look for that give us hope that cold weather and snow are on their way out. First, we start experiencing a few warm days. Then those warmer days become more common until we have a string of them to enjoy. In addition to rising temps, we've also come to look for lupines. These beautiful purple flowers can be found in the most unlikely spots along the roadside, but there are also a few go-to areas that we like to visit to see them en masse. This short road trip, which is really more of a car ride, through Sugar Hill will take you to a few of our favorites.
Click here for the (very brief) Google Map directions for this trip. Remember that these directions are a bit loose so check the article for a more precise description of the location.
Drive through New Hampshire in early-June and there's a good chance you'll spot lupines, one of the most distinctive flowers in the state.
While many have come to equate the flower with New England state, they're actually not native to the area. Most of those you see here have been brought over from state further west. But, no matter how they arrived, they're a beautiful sight to see and one of the best indications that summer has arrived.
Rather than leave your sightings up to chance, we recommend hitting the road and making your way to Sugar Hill in Grafton County where this short, but beautiful road trip will lead you to some of the best lupine fields in the state.
Once you've arrived in Sugar Hill, your first stop is Polly's Pancake Parlor. A Sugar Hill institution since 1938, this restaurant serves some of the best food in the state. And it's also adjacent to one of the most bountiful lupine fields.
Before you even think about checking out the flowers, go inside and enjoy some pancakes. You won't be sorry! To learn more about Polly's check out this article.
If you choose not to stop, simply look for this sign and you'll know you're close. Just up the road is a beautiful field of lupines and there should be room to pull off to take a look.
Be sure not to step on any of the flowers and take only photos. Lupines are gradually decreasing in number so we want to leave as many intact as we can for others to enjoy.
From here, make your way just a few minutes to St. Matthew’s Chapel at the corner of The Birches Road.
Right next to the church is another beautiful field of lupines.
These flowers are gorgeous and when many are in bloom, you'll be shocked at how awash in color the land is.
Next, head a bit further on Route 117 towards the former Sugar Hill Sampler. Just across the street is one of the most stunning lupine fields.
These are particularly special because they come with a wonderful view of the White Mountains!
The entire driving time is no more than about 5 to 10 minutes, making this a doable trip in a day even if you're not in Sugar Hill to start. Once you're done, we recommend exploring the town a bit. This is a beautiful part of New Hampshire and it's worth it.
Where are your favorite spots to see lupines in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments so we can add the to our list! The Annual Celebration of Lupines in Sugar Hill is a must-attend event, however it's been cancelled for 2020 and 2021. To keep up-to-date on when it will be back follow the Celebration of Lupines on Facebook.
There's nothing we love more than a road trip and we're pretty lucky to have some of the best right here at home. We especially love the quick ones, like the lupine trip through Sugar Hill. For more like that check out these 10 quick road trips in New Hampshire you can take this weekend.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
