New Hampshire, being a four season state, has much to offer. And, if you love shopping, New Hampshire is sales tax free. New Hampshire attracts many visitors and vacationers due to the fact, there is a huge variety of attractions contained in this one small state. Following are some of the fun things you might like to do while visiting here.

ATLANTIC SEACOAST:

NH has an 18 miles of beautiful coast line, connecting to both Maine and Massachusetts. Driving along this stretch of Route 1A, you will see many fine stately homes, clean family-friendly beaches and a few great places to try out some delicious sea foods. Live nightly entertainment, with big- name entertainers, perform at the Hampton Beach Casino. There are free fireworks every Wednesday night throughout the summer.

Popular beach activities include surfing, swimming, sunbathing, metal detecting and enjoying the arcade. If you are more interested in a cruise, you can journey out to the Isle of Shoals, go on a whale watching expedition or try your hand at deep sea fishing. You can visit the maritime museum on Rye beach and view a live "blue lobster." Blue lobsters are a rarity, the odds of catching one are, 1 in 5 million.

MOUNTAINS:

New Hampshire White Mountain National Forest is brimming with many attractions. You can climb or ride to the summit of Mt. Washington which is 6,280 attitude, the highest peak in all New England. Children love going to Storyland, Santa's Village, Attitash Alpine Slides, Clark's Black Bear Trading Post, Hobo Railroad Jungle, Six-Gun City and riding a gondola to the top of Cannon Mt.

There is more. Throughout the mountain notches, you can view excellent waterfalls. The best one is the Flume Gorge where you walk through 90 foot tall granite walls, witnessing this spectacular waterfall. There are numerous hiking and biking trails with different skill levels. In the fall, millions come to witness the exquiste colorful foliage and there are places to picnic along the way.

If you love skiing, snowboarding and winter sports in general, New Hampshire has plenty of places to satisfy even the most experienced. The crisp fresh air and magical white surroundings of natural beauty appeal to all ages.

LAKES REGION:

NH has many fresh water lakes in and around the Wolfeboro area. Here you can enjoy a day or night time cruise on the Mt. Washington, dining and dancing to a variety of music. Boating and water skiing, or just enjoying a fabulous sunset from the porch of a rented cabin, is enjoyable and creates wonderful memories.

OTHER PLACES:

IN Salem, NH, you can visit the Canobie Lake Park with over 80 fun-filled, exciting amusement rides. Also, in Salem, visit the Mystery Hill Caves. In Manchester we have the Mall of NH. If you prefer antiques, go to Northwood on Rte. 4, named "Antique Alley" by the locals. While your at it, stop in to the Sugar Shack and taste some samples of maple syrup. Maple syrup is made on site here. Dotted throughout the state you will find art and history museums. NH is filled with early American history. In Portsmouth you can visit Strawberry Banke, where you will see 4 centuries of historic homes come alive by live costumned volunteers. See what a home looked like in the 1600's to the 1950's.

It is not difficult to get from one place to another in New Hampshire by vehicle. It is very possible to visit a number of places in a short period of time, having a great time. There are many accomodations to suit all budgets, from campgrounds, cottages to condos, bed and breakfasts, to quaint inns and hotels. So, if you are in the New England area, be sure to see what sits in the heart of it, and that is the state of New Hampshire!

Learn more about this author, Victoria Rose Perkins.
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