Submitted by Beautiful-Sense-3337 t3_10fi55n in newhampshire
Hey guys!
My friends and I (ages from 29 to 35) are visiting at the beginning of March (3rd to the 5th) and I was wondering if anyone has suggestions of things to do and places to eat.
I come from Europe and would like to try out some local stuff.
Thanks in advance!
Or, if you are sophisticated, go for the lighter syrup for the purest flavor. Nothing beats light amber.
Just ordered some from Mount Cabot Maple. Best maple syrup I have ever had.
That’s like thinking white wine is more pure.
Oh no, red wine is more pure, definitely. As for Maple syrup, it is a matter of preference. I just prefer the best one. Light Amber is true nectar of the gods.
I prefer to drink the sap straight out of the tree
Hardcore, but pretty weak until it has been boiled down.
Have the sugarhouses started early this year due to the weather?
Warm days, frozen nights -> maple sap is flowing. It’s tasty until the leaf buds open.
Some of them were running on New Years Eve!
Yes. Sorta. Sap is flowing but sugar content is a bit low. Some aren't boiling it and some are.
Spend an afternoon in Portsmouth. It’s walkable, has plenty of good shopping and dining, charming neighborhoods and scenic water views.
I second what another poster said about visiting a sugar house! It’s the precise time of year for it and is a unique tradition of this part of the world.
As far as tourism is concerned, New Hampshire is first and foremost an outdoor recreation paradise and March is just about the worst possible time to visit. Hope you have a great trip though!
What is a better time to visit? We were thinking of coming in April...
Spring is the worst season in New England. April is better but still wet, cold, and gray.
The best time to visit would be early June to late October. Extend that through winter if you do winter sports.
March and April are the two worst months. Next would be November (cause typically cold and gloomy but no snow). May-October is pretty warm, and January-February is historically cold. In between can ne very meh/bleh/gray, which someone from London for instance might be used to
I'm from the PNW so don't really mind some gloom and drizzle, but we would like to be able to explore and will have the kids with us, (1-9yrs)
Mud season some roads are all but impassable. Exact dates of mud season vary from year to year
This ⬆️ check out Portsmouth (shopping, restaurants, great walking, historic landmarks, Museums, whale watching, etc…
Stay in the historic part - (Near Market Street / Congress Street / Pleasant Street - great shops, great food, and a bit of local history (Strawberry Banke is within walking distance from there)
Most of the people are edible.
Only if you add enough maple syrup.
Haha you know, I'm gonna stick to normal food. Thanks!
That really depends on what part of the state you will be visiting.
We still haven't decided where exactly. But I think it's gonna be near Gunstock mountain.
We will be travelling from Boston so any suggestions in between those places would be nice
Ah well, I'm not real familiar with much in southern NH but Gunstock and that whole area around lake winnepesaukee is not bad. If you like Mexican food, head west from Gunstock to Bristol NH and check out https://www.cielitomexicanrestaurant.com/
There's a bunch of nice restaurants in Plymouth as well, Foster's Boiler Room is one of my favorites there.
If you get a day to drive further north up Interstate 93, pass through the notch into northern NH and the views while passing cannon mountain are beautiful for first timers, and check out Schillings in Littleon NH. It's an European style brewery that does pizzas and some other items. Hope you enjoy your visit!
I second driving through the notch. There's a nice loop you can do that'll take you through Franconia notch and Crawford notch, to Conway, then down through the lakes region. Probably about a 3h loop if you don't stop but there are areas and short hikes scattered all around that loop. If you do go up to Franconia notch, a classic touristy thin to do is to check out the basin (cool water feature, not quite a waterfall) and the log flume. The polar caves near attitash are a fun little spot too. Attitash also has a Mt coaster but I'm not sure if it'll be open by then, with any luck they'll still be skiing.
You're from Europe, absolutely no need rent a car, go all the way up to Littleton to visit Schillings. Some suggestions as you go on your way:
Some genuine New Hampshire/American spots:
Stop in Manchester, if you're interested in American politics or food. If you want a classic food experience, go to Red Arrow Diner. Absolute heavyweights in the political arena, and a damn fine diner meal. That being said, if you want to find the quintessentially American food experience, go to the Puritan in Manchester. Get the tenders. With the dipping sauce? Best chicken tenders I've ever had. Want to be a real American? Get the landslide.
If you want an truly quaint New England/American diner experience, stop at Joanne's Kitchen in Nashua. Some of the best diner food I've ever had, some of the most satifisying meals I've ever had.
In the northern Lakes region? Cross a couple minutes over the state border into Maine, to go visit Kristas over in Cornish. Hands down, some of the best meals I've ever had out. Superb experience.
One more: if you're really going to Gilmanton/Gunstock -- the Tilt'n Diner. Personally, I haven't been back there in a couple years, but the food absolutely slaps every time I go.
DM me if you have any more Qs!
If Gunstock - you can drive around the Lake (Winnipesaukee) in a day (a few hours if you don't stop often).
From Gunstock:
Route 11 into Alton Bay (scenic), swing around to 28A north (turn left, go over the bridge, then take a left) and stay on that to the end at 28. Take 28 north (turn left) into downtown Wolfeboro (scenic, shopping). Take 109N through Tuftonboro and at the end in Moultonboro, turn left (25 west). Take that through Moultonborough, Center Harbor, and into Meredith (scenic and shopping). Take route 3 south into Weirs (if you want to stop at Funspot (arcade) it's fun) for some scenes and maybe some shopping / lake side (not sure how much is open). Then, 3 south to 11 back to Gunstock.
You can also do the reverse (start in Weirs as opposed to Alton Bay)
You can also take 16 (to the southern part of Conway) or 93 north (to Lincoln) to the Kancamagus highway (very scenic drive through the mountains but it might be snowy / ice in early March) or take 16 north into Conway (scenic / shopping).
Eat while your in Boston your not going to find better food in NH.
If you’re talking about fine dining this may be true, but NH is where it’s at for comfort food. Best chicken tendies and perfect pint at Kathleen’s Cottage in Bristol. Great options at the Japanese Steakhouse in town there, too. My favorite restaurant is Moat Mountain, although the beer is whatever. Short rib nachos are amazing.
I worked at the Moat in highschool! Biggest regret was not stealing the recipes when I quit.
I think I still remember how to make the slaw but I haven't tried in years.
The short ribs are pretty simple. Just Sysco ribs smoked with mesquite and apple wood ~3x3" chunks, 50/50. Wood is absolutely soaked. They keep them submerged in buckets of water.
Can't remember the bbq sauce but everything was Sysco ingredients.
That’s funny- I’ve always gotten the tenders and immediately knew they were Sysco, and thought, “how the hell do they make them taste so good?!”
Dunno, but you just reminded me how much I liked the tenders there lol
I live in that general area (south).
Some things:
Try to find some candlepin bowling
If you want to get a little bit of a drink on I recommend Over the Moon in Pittsfield (beautiful, meadery), Blasty Bough in Sanford (odd hours, very small/cozy brewery/farm. Very friendly and laid back. You may have a rooster try to intimidate you), and Chuck's Barbershop ok Concord (speakeasy/cocktails). I listed my 3 favorite places in a line from Gunstock down to Concord in order.
Gunstock obviously has skiing
Depending on the weather, Barrington has a very easy walk/hike, Stonehouse Pond.
Portsmouth is awesome and great for tourists.
Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. I'm 33 and I know the state pretty well up and down as long as it's east of Concord. Only time I go west of it is to go to VT.
Gunstock is a pretty rural area in the state but finding beautiful places to hike and ski nearby is easy. If you make your way 30 minutes north to Meredith NH you will find several good eating options (tripadvisor will steer you in the right direction) and you will be able to enjoy beautiful lake Winnipesaukee, walking out on the ice.
If you’re driving up early from Boston to Gunstock then I recommend stopping for breakfast at Tuckers. They have several, but the one in Bedford serves alcohol. The locations in Hooksett and Merrimack are good too.
You can find good food in Manchester or Nashua, but it depends on the type.
Why go to a shopping plaza in Bedford to eat at tuckers when they could go eat in Portsmouth on the way to Boston? Way better food and opportunities to walk around/hang out.
If they are going to Gunstock then I assume it’s for skiing so they’ll want to be there early. Going up 93 is the fastest route from Boston. Tuckers is very good and on the way.
If they’re looking to walk around then they may as well stay in Boston. I’m not sure what Portsmouth offers that Boston doesn’t.
Gunstock to Portsmouth is an hour, Gunstock to Bedford is an hour and then another hour to Boston either way. They are tourists asking to see what NH has to offer & it sounds like they are going to Boston after Gunstock (not sure same day or next.)
Tucker’s has decent food but we have better spots than a plaza with Kohls, Staples, and Tucker’s …
93 is 20 minutes faster
What does the location being in a plaza have to do with anything? If you’re not planning to stop and wander around then it doesn’t matter.
Boston offers a lot more if they want to walk around. NH offers outdoor, rural activities (skiing, hiking, boating, etc.). If you’re looking for urban then you’re in the wrong state. There’s absolutely nothing that Portsmouth offers that say Newburyport wouldn’t. And if time isn’t an issue at all, then go to Portland directly to/from Gunstock.
The whole point of OP’s post is that they’re tourists looking for fun stuff to do in New Hampshire (not Maine) .. why do you assume they’re not stopping to wander around?
The OP’s reply (which I responded to) said they were traveling from Boston to Gunstock. Most people wake up early to go skiing, especially on Fri- Sun when the OP is going. It’s a reasonable assumption to have if you’ve ever been skiing up there.
I offered a suggestion for a place they could stop for breakfast on their way up the most direct route.
If they want to walk around or hang out, there’s plenty of other suggestions already posted.
I don’t know why you’re being so aggressive towards my suggestion. You’ve also offered nothing specific aside from saying “we have better spots” while not actually listing anything. I’m done responding to you now.
I just want them to have a fun time which I don’t consider a basic breakfast & Kohls lol! I hope you enjoy if that’s what you like to do though. Nothing about my reply was aggressive… you might be projecting :)
If they want to stop and have good breakfast on their way up to skiing, without having to deviate and waste time, then Tuckers is a good bet. It's one of the highest rated places in NH.
>Tucker’s has decent food but we have better spots than a plaza with Kohls, Staples, and Tucker’s …
So then actually state which place is better in Portsmouth to go to. You've contributed nothing other than saying to go to a general area - it's super lazy and not helpful. You keep getting hung up on Kohl's too which is strange.
>we have better spots than a plaza
>
>I just want them to have a fun time which I don’t consider a basic breakfast
>
>lol! :)
Your replies were super passive aggressive, and you come off as a see you next Tuesday.
If you’re going to gunstock you should hike/ski/snowshoe around there. Should still be possible especially early in March. That’s the only reason people go to that area as a tourist.
On your way to Boston, stop in Portsmouth. I don’t know why no one else is saying that. It’s NH’s most charming (small) city with the best food and shopping. Also on the coast so you can go from seeing the mountains to the very small coastline which is pretty! The drive from Portsmouth to Boston is easy.
Maple syrup, seafood and Funspot.
Surfside in Meredith for some delicious burgers!
And Lakeside next door for some delicious sandwiches:)
Portsmouth 100% for the scenery, bars, restaurants and shops. Combine with a drive up RT 1A along the coast. White mountains (North Conway) with a day of spring-ish skiing and after ski apres!
Portsmouth is a great walking city as many have recommended. They have outdoor ice skating in the historic strawberry bank settlement, which is absolutely magical, and lots of good restaurants, like Moxie and Street, and Liars Bench is a cool brewery
As far as restaurants and eating you'll be pretty disappointed compared to Europe for the most part. If you might want to explore Manchester (biased cause it's my home), it's probably an easier drive from gunstock than Portsmouth. People tend to shit on Manchester, but it has some of the best restaurants in the state. Elm st and Hanover st have several great places and I'd recommend Industry East (doesn't accept reservations, but has the best food in town), Firefly, Ignite (Mahi mahi dish), the Crown, and the Foundry. Birch on Elm is also reopening soon. I would definitely recommend driving past Concord and heading to Manchester. Concord doesn't have as good a food scene imho.
Up near gunstock all I can really recommend first hand is the brewery Kettlehead.
Edit: I could make an argument for spending a night in Manchester rather than Portsmouth. The drive up 93 from is substantially easier imho.
Driving through Franconia notch is stunning and good little hikes on the side if you want something outdoorsy!
Typically you can get some nice spring skiing days in March if that’s your thing.
Loon Mtn in the spring <3
Along Interstate Highway 93 is a place called Moonlight Meadery in Londonderry. As the name suggests, they make mead (essentially a honey wine) and some other drinks. They sell reservations for tastings so you can try a few and buy some at the same time. During covid they stopped doing a lot of the tours, but they may have started back up. They also have a Farmstead in Pittsfield NH. The Londonderry location would be best on the drive up to or back down from your destination, but possibly too far for a trip during the vacation .If alcohol isnt your groups thing, probably discard this suggestion.
I’ll piggyback off this. There are numerous breweries in the Derry area, right off 93.
I would do Portsmouth and Conway 🤷♂️
Right now is a weird time, it’s too warm for skiing from what I’ve heard, but it’s too cold for hiking and all the animals are dormant anyways. The ideas other people have had about sugar shacks and Portsmouth are good. While in Portsmouth you can also visit strawberry bank (one of the oldest settlements in NH). If you have time, Dover can be a cool place too
All near Gunstock: Ella Coya Barn & Grill, The Breeze, Patrick’s Pub, Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls (Bagelry), Shibley’s, Foster’s Tavern
Meredith (shops, restaurants): Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Lago, Twin Barn Brewing, Witches Brew Pub, Surfside
Wolfeboro (shops, restaurants): El Centenario
Portsmouth (1-hour but you might include as a stop to / from Boston as it’s beautiful): Portsmouth Music Hall, Surf
Mt Major is near Gunstock, overlooks the lake; 1 hr hike, unreal view but may need mini crampons if icy
Not much reason to come to the west side unless you want to try Burdick's - they're a chocolate maker and have a lovely restaurant. If you want to squeeze in another state, Brattleboro, VT has a cute Main Street with shopping and food.
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Depends on where in the state you’re staying.
Drink beer
Not sure if y'all will have a car, but I recommend Hannaford (the grocery store) because it's so clean (compared to other grocery stores) and I always like visiting the local grocery stores whenever I was on roadtrip with my parents (originally from NJ but moved to New England for grad school and beyond)
That time of the year...head to the Boston metro area.
Go to Exeter and stop at Vino e vivo. Hands down best food I've ever had, including all my trips to different parts of California. Reservations are tight though so I'd start looking soon if you had interest.
Plus Exeter is a cute typical new England town with lots to do.
fentanyl
Look at the Only in Your State web site: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire
Go to Swell Oyster and pick up your shucks!!
Local, greeat NH story and great products!!
Could check out Pollys Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill if you're north.
I have been mapping out the entire US slowly but surely. You can download what states you are interested in and it will show a map of pins with stuff to do or anything remotely interesting!
I recommend you go straight to the Dinnerhorn
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I have some homework to do this weekend🤓
Shoot some high powered rifles!
Stare at the wall
There’s the Tilton Diner in Tilton NH which is a part of the Common Man chain allover New England. There’s Fun Spot in Laconia NH (Worlds Largest Indoor Arcade). If you need any Vape supplies you should visit Raven Vape in historic downtown Tilton NH!
Selfless- t1_j4x34un wrote
Just in time for maple sugaring! There’s over 200 sugarhouses in NH and they should all be boiling. Drop in for a demonstration. Go home with maple syrup and sugar candy.
Choose the darker syrup for more punch.
The 1.5oz maple leaf shaped candy are perfection. Consume as single serving (may contain diabetes).