Road Trip: New Hampshire
Thinking of a road trip this summer? Consider New Hampshire, which offers remarkably diverse landscape – from clear lakes and historical coastline, to the tallest mountain peak in the Northeast. Below is our 6-day trip, including 4 pit stops and a whole host of childhood amusement and outdoor adventure.
📍 Day 1. From northern NJ, travel roughly 4 hours to Salem, NH and visit one of America’s oldest and best amusement parks in America – Canobie Lake Park.
📍 Day 2. Depart Salem and drive 80 miles north (1hr 30m) to Wolfboro, NH, which is located on the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. Along the way, visit America's Stonehenge and ponder this astronomical phenomenon. Afterwards, head to Meredith, NH for lunch at the Town Docks Restaurant, hit an arcade on Weirs Beach, and end the day with homemade ice cream at the renowned Kellerhaus. Then unpack at the Wolfboro Inn, which is conveniently located right on Lake Winnipesaukee and within walking distance to downtown Wolfboro.
📍 Day 3. Rent a pontoon boat at the Wolfboro Corinthian Yacht Club, adjacent to the Wolfboro Inn, and explore Lake Winnipesaukee. Don’t worry if you get lost (like us) on New Hampshire’s largest lake, Google maps will guide you back to Wolfboro.
📍 Day 4. Get back on the road and continue north another 70 miles (1hr 40min) to Bretton Woods, NH, situated at the base of the stunning White Mountains. For an unforgettable pit stop, stop at the Flume Gorge located in Fraconia, NH, about 30 mins out from Bretton Woods. This 2-mile hike is suitable for little ones (our 5-yr-old did it) and carves through a granite gorge to the top of Avalanche Falls. Then settle in at the Omni Mount Washington Resort and let the kids play in the pool, roast s’mores, and play board games on the wraparound porch while you take in the gorgeous mountain view with a cocktail.
📍 Day 5. Visit the Mount Washington Cog Railway and ride a steam-engine, mountain-climbing cog to the top of Mount Washington– the tallest peak in the Northeast. After exploring the rocky summit and pinnacle of the Appalachian Trail, head 35 miles west to Littleton, NH for lunch and visit Chutters to experience the world’s longest candy counter (112ft).
📍 Day 6. Hit the road and head south 112 miles (2.5 hours) for one final pit stop in Portsmouth, NH. While there, explore the historical coastal town, taste some microbrews at Earth Eagle Brewery, enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront at the River House, and end the day at Annabelle’s for ice cream before returning home the next day.
