New Hampshire is a vastly underrated travel destination. Located in the heart of New England, this northeastern state has it all: beautiful mountains, rich history, upscale restaurants and shopping, and even a little slice of coastline. This means that if you want to spend your trip browsing museums, hiking in a forest, or shopping at malls, you can find a place to do it in New Hampshire. Another thing that is great about this part of the United States is that it is calm and quiet. One of the benefits of being a smaller state is that there are fewer people, which makes the vacation much more relaxing overall. Keep reading to learn more about the best New Hampshire travel destinations for retirees.
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the entire state of New Hampshire, which certainly makes it a travel destination worth visiting. With more than 288 miles of scenic shoreline, there's something for every type of retiree on this lake, whether you want to enjoy a weekend of fishing or want to go kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating motorized on the water.
Weirs Beach is one of the most popular parts of the lake, with great swimming beaches and a promenade which is full of restaurants and hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including live music nights, evenings square dancing, arts and crafts shows. , vintage boat shows and classic car and motorcycle shows.
White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
If you're a nature-loving senior, one of the most beautiful drives you'll ever take in New Hampshire is along the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. This magnificent highway weaves its way through White Mountain National Forest in the northeastern part of the state. Although the loop is only 100 miles, you'll want to stop at one of its many stopping points, like the CL Graham Wangan Ground Lookout, which offers panoramic views of the forested valley below and the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson.
You'll also want to allow time to stop along the Swift River. Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls are two fantastic stops for a swim or a picnic. Hiking the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway is highly recommended in the fall, when New Hampshire's iconic foliage reaches its peak red, orange, and yellow hues. That said, it makes for a truly memorable ride all year round.
Conway North
North Conway is a small town in New Hampshire that retirees will love to visit. Today, it is known as an alpine ski town and is home to one of the very first ski resorts in the United States. There are six mountain resorts around the city, most of which operate year-round. This means that no matter what time of year you arrive in North Conway, there will be something to do. If you love winter adventures, you'll find downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice skating here. However, if you plan your visit in the summer, you can enjoy plenty of gentle hiking trails, golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
Believe it or not, the little enclave of North Conway is also a shopping paradise. It is home to one of the highest concentrations of outlet stores in New England, including Settlers Green Outlet Village. For history buffs, don't miss the Conway Scenic Railroad, which still stands today and was first built in 1874.
Portsmouth
The picturesque town of Portsmouth is a can't-miss New Hampshire travel destination for retirees. Known for its boutiques, upscale seafood restaurants, and cobblestone-covered downtown, Portsmouth is brimming with history and charm. Activities retirees are sure to love include strolling along the Prescott Park waterfront, exploring the Strawbery Banke Museum, a 10-acre museum of homes dating back four centuries in Portsmouth, and hiking the trail from Portsmouth Harbour. This trail is made up of more than 70 important sites, such as the 1716 Warner House and the 1758 John Paul Jones House, all listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and Landmarks.
Hampton Beach
While it is true that New Hampshire has the smallest coastline of all the coastal states, its stretch of coastline is extremely scenic. Visit the beach town of Hampton Beach to see it for yourself. Hampton Beach has always been a popular resort for tourists of all ages, and it remains so today. Not only are there many picturesque beaches for walks and sunset swims, but there is also a bustling boardwalk with restaurants, shops, and the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, which has been converted into a concert and comedy.
A number of events and festivals are also held at Hampton Beach throughout the summer, such as the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Competition and concerts and fireworks at the Sea Shell Stage at the park. Hampton Beach State.
Mount Washington Cog Railway
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is a fantastic travel destination for retirees because it offers the best of both worlds: history and nature. Due to the location of this historic railroad, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. On a clear day, you can see four different states from the top of Mount Washington, which the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you to.
The Mount Washington Cog Rail is an authentic coal-fired steam train that departs twice daily between late May and early October. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit of Mount Washington, although the total journey takes three hours. Be sure to take your time at the summit, as you'll find the Sherman Adams Visitor Center, which has a small museum and cafeteria, as well as the Mount Washington Observatory.
Flume Gorges
No trip to New Hampshire is complete without visiting the Flume Gorges in Franconia Notch State Park. This crack in the rock at the foot of Mount Liberty is a natural wonder. Not only is Flume Gorge 800 feet long, but the walls of the gorge rise 70 to 80 feet above the stream that flows through it.
A boardwalk makes the area extremely accessible to people of all mobility levels. There are also many other short and easy hiking trails in the park that retirees can enjoy. Pack a lunch and hike from The Basin to Cascade Falls, where you can picnic beside a waterfall at Franconia Notch State Park.
Land of history
If you've ever wanted to live in a fairy tale, then Story Land is for you. This historic theme park, located in Bartlett, New Hampshire, dates back to 1954, and from the moment you walk through the entrance gates, you'll be completely immersed in the fairy tales of your childhood. The park is designed to appeal to people of all ages, making it a great place to travel with grandchildren. However, they have also designated “Nostalgia Nights” for adults only. Some of the most popular attractions are based on Cinderella, Goldilocks and Humpty Dumpty. There is a pumpkin carriage, a swan boat and a buccaneer pirate ship. Please note that if you enter Story Land after 3:00 p.m., your ticket remains valid for the following days, which allows you to access the park twice for the price of one!
Now that you know a little more about what New Hampshire has to offer, you're probably eager to book your next getaway. As you can see, this New England state is full of fascinating history, unique culture, and natural beauty. During one trip, you might find yourself visiting an 800-foot-long gorge, taking a ride aboard a coal-fired steam train, and stepping into a fairy tale. There aren't many places you can say that. !
