Off The Beaten Path | New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a state with all sorts of fun attractions. Visitors to this state can enjoy a wide variety of recreation, history and much more. During the winter season  and holiday season there are many seasonal activities to enjoy. New Hampshire isn't just a great winter destination, there are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy throughout the year.

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

These gardens preserve the home and gardens of one of America's great sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Visitors can stop and enjoy the parks grounds and Visitor Center year-round, but the other buildings are closed from November to late May. This park offers a wide variety of guided tours, including the tour of Saint-Gauden's home, Aspet, which is only open to visitors through guided tours. Visitors to the park can also enjoy self-guided tours and films. Saint-Gauden's National Historic Site also has some delightful nature trails throughout the park.

Bretton Woods

Winter visitors to New Hampshire that are looking to enjoy some skiing should spend some time at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, the largest of the state's ski areas. Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, also known as Mount Washington Resort is located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Bretton Woods has 434 skiable acres. The ski area has 101 trails, 10 lifts and four terrain parks. The resort also has night skiing.

Franconia Notch State Park

This beautiful New Hampshire State Park is located within the White Mountain National Forest. Visitors to Franconia Notch can stop and explore the Flume Gorge, which is an 800 foot natural gorge, with sheer walls, pools, walkways, waterfalls and covered bridges. The Park also has an aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain. Visitors can also enjoy Echo Lake, the New England Ski Museum and a wide variety of recreation.

Conway Scenic Railroad

The Conway Scenic Railroad is a historic railroad, and is a fantastic way to see some of the scenery of New Hampshire. Visitors can ride the Valley Train, which travels between North Conway and Conway or Bartlett. The Conway Scenic Railroad also has the Notch Train, which travels from North Conway to Crawford Depot or Fabyan Station. During the winter months the train service is reduced, but travelers can enjoy the "Santa's Holiday Express" runs.

Anheuser-Busch Merrimack Brewery Tour

New Hampshire visitors can stop to learn all about beer making at the Anheuser-Busch Merrimack Brewery. The tours include all sorts of fun activities. Visitors can see the Budweiser Clydesdales at the Clydesdale Hamlet. The tour also includes a visit to the Brew Hall, where they can learn about how Anheuser-Busch beers are made. Those visitors that are of legal drinking age can also stop at the Hospitality Room, where the product sampling takes place.

Cornish-Windsor Bridge

New Hampshire is known for its covered bridges. One excellent example of a covered bridge is the Cornish-Windsor Bridge. This bridge spans the Connecticut River, connecting Cornish, New Hampshire and Windsor, Vermont. The bridge is over 449 feet long and was constructed in 1866. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington is the tallest mountain in the northeast part of the United States, and is an excellent destination in New Hampshire. Mount Washington is also known for its extreme weather conditions, which can be dangerous during the summer. Visitors should be aware that the best conditions generally occur between May and October, however, decent weather is not guaranteed during these months. Those visitors that want to ascend the mountain can take the Mount Washington Auto Road, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which are open seasonally depending on the weather conditions. Visitors can also hike Mount Washington, but should be prepared, whether they are hiking during the summer or winter.