Things to do in New Hampshire
Interesting places to visit in NH from Pemi Shore Cottages
BankNH Pavilion
This is a popular outdoor amphitheater located in Gilford, near Lake Winnipesaukee. It hosts concerts and live events, primarily during the summer, with a seating capacity of approximately 9,000. The Pavilion is one of the premier music venues in New England, attracting major artists from various genres, particularly rock, country, and pop.
Castle in the Clouds
This mansion on Lee Mountain was built in 1914 by shoe industry magnate Thomas Gustave Plant in the Arts and Crafts architectural style. The 5,500-acre estate offers breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains, giving it the nickname "Castle in the Clouds." Visitors can tour the mansion, which is preserved with its original furnishings, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury living. The property also includes scenic walking trails, waterfalls, and stables.
Weirs Beach
Weirs Beach is a popular lakeside destination in Laconia, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. Known for its sandy beach, boardwalk, and family-friendly atmosphere, it offers swimming, boating, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy arcades, restaurants, and shops along the boardwalk, as well as scenic cruises from the M/S Mount Washington. The area is also famous for Laconia Motorcycle Week and its historic Weirs Beach Drive-In Theater. It's a favorite spot for both tourists and locals seeking a fun, lakeside getaway.
Mount Washington Cruises
Mount Washington Cruises offers scenic and themed cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee, aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington and other vessels, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Options include narrated daytime tours, dinner cruises, and special event cruises. They also offer private charters for weddings and other events.
The Mount Washington Cog Railway
You can hike, drive, or take the train up to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet. I recommend the train aka "The Cog". Built in 1869, this was the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway. The line runs on a steep incline, using a cogwheel system to grip the track, allowing trains to ascend and descend safely. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys.
Funspot
The largest arcade in the world is in NH and definitely deserves a mention. I spent a lot of time here as a kid! They have over 600 games, including classic arcade games, pinball machines, and modern video games, as well as entertainment options like skee-ball, bowling, mini-golf, bingo and more. Funspot also hosts the American Classic Arcade Museum, which preserves vintage games from the 1970s and 1980s.
Clark's Bears
Clark's Bears up in Lincoln, NH is a family-friendly attraction known for its live trained black bear shows. The park also offers a variety of other activities, including steam train rides, a water raft ride, and several museums that showcase Americana and historical artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy climbing challenges and a maze. Established in 1928, Clark's Bears is a blend of entertainment, education, and fun, making it a popular destination for families and tourists.
Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge is a natural attraction in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. It is a stunning, 800-foot-long gorge that was discovered by settlers in 1808. Visitors can walk along wooden walkways that wind through towering granite walls up to 90 feet high, rushing waterfalls, and lush forest scenery. The Flume is part of a 2-mile walkable loop trail that also offers views of covered bridges, glacial pools, and scenic vistas. Very popular.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Lost River Gorge is a scenic natural wonder located up in Kinsman Notch, New Hampshire. The gorge features a series of boulder formations, caves, and waterfalls, carved by glaciers many thousands of years ago. Visitors explore this location via wooden boardwalks that wind through narrow passageways and dramatic rock formations. Highlights include a variety of impressive caves to explore, quaint waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding White Mountains. One of my favorites.
Granite State Scenic Railway
The Granite State Scenic Railway offers multiple scenic train rides along the picturesque Pemigewasset River and through the White Mountains. Passengers can enjoy views of forests, rivers, and historic sites while learning about the area's history. The railway runs seasonal and themed trains, including fall foliage tours, family-friendly rides, and holiday events like the "Santa Express."