So, you've lived in New Hampshire you're whole life. Or maybe you've visited every year since birth. Either way there's a good chance you think you've done it all. With all that time in the Granite State we bet you've done a lot, but everything? Probably not. Before you start investigating the attractions and activities in neighboring states, make sure you've done some of the lesser-known things here in New Hampshire.
The "Little White Church" was built in May of 1879 as a place of worship for Freewill Baptists. But after the membership of the Free Will Baptists in Eaton Center eventually dwindled down to one lone member, the church was bought and turned into a nondenominational place of worship. The Little White Church currently hosts events and weddings throughout the year. And it's a beautiful trip to make in the fall months. Learn more here!
Tomten Farm and Sanctuary is a small nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting animals in need. The farm houses in-need animals ranging from horses to donkeys to pigs to goats to hens to everything in between. While they don't allow drop-in visitors right now, they do host farm tours during the warmer months so be sure to keep track of when you can make a visit! Learn more here!
This park is unsurprisingly mamed for the 16-acres of Rhododendron Maximum found within it. Visitors can access the park through a walk on a .6 miles boardwalk. The Rhododendrons bloom in July and viewing them up-close is a beautiful experience. The trail allows for lots of places to stop and view them. And, of course, there are lots of photo ops! Address: 424 Rockwood Pond Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447.
This charming restaurant is located inside a barn built in the 1880s, making it a wonderfully rustic and rural dining experience. The menu is always changing based on what's in season and the ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible. Get a drink, try some apps and always get dessert! You can learn more here!
This hidden little monastery is a contemplative sanctuary for monks who live here, but they also welcome guests to experience the peace as well. Enjoy strolling their gardens, learning more about Buddhism and taking in the natural surroundings. The best time to visit is during morning hours between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., or for meditation at 5 a.m. or 7 p.m. During afternoon and early evening hours, the monks are practicing in solitude. Learn more here!Address: 32 Derbyshire Lane, Temple, NH, 03084.
You might know this orchard by name given that they sell produce at various markets in the summer. But in the fall they actually open to the public for picking and we can't think of a better way to enjoy the fall season than picking your own apples.
One of the reasons this spot is a lesser-known is its location. Mostly known as a spot for vacationers, the creamery is easily overlooked even by New Hampshirites. It's been around since 1995 and over the years they've perfected the art of cow’s milk farmstead cheeses. From aged to smoked cheddar, Caerphilly to Coulommier, and brie, this a wonderland for those who love fresh, farm-made cheeses. Learn more here!Address: 130 Hannah Road, North Sandwich, NH 03259.
This new glamping spot should be on your list if you love the Granite State outdoors, but aren't a fan of sleeping on the ground. Guest can choose from either a canvas-walled tent or a cabin and the location on Iona Lake makes it absolutely gorgeous. You can learn more about it here!Address: 57 Pine Knoll Road, Albany, NH 03818.
This interesting labyrinth was created by artist Marty Kermeen who worked by hand to ensure that each brick was laid in the exact right spot. The simple design allows for quiet contemplation in a quiet environment. It's nothing complicated -- just a simple labyrinth with benches, making it a wonderful place to visit when you just have a few minutes. You can learn more here!Address: 315 Main Street, Rotary Common, Nashua, NH 03060.
Another under-the-radar activity in New Hampshire? Getting cider slushies from one of our favorite restaurants in the state!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Remember when we were kids and it seemed like summer went by way too fast and then we had to go back to school? Sometimes as an adult, I still feel that way, especially living in this part of the country. With today's busy lives, it often feels like there just isn't enough time to get out and have fun. Well, this summer make sure to schedule a break for some fun things to do in New Hampshire before summer ends. Here are a few!
Yes, I admit I put this one first because I'm biased as a hiker! But there are just so many places to explore around New Hampshire. For a short hike to a sweet view over Merrymeeting Lake, take a walk up Mt. Molly within Collins Family Forest in New Durham. For more information, visit Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire.
Even if you live in New Hampshire, there still may be places you haven't been to. And that's okay! Pack up the car and head out to play tourist at a destination like Franconia Notch State Park, where you can visit natural attractions such as The Basin. In all honesty, though, I recommend doing a visit like this during the week if you can so it isn't quite so crowded. For more information, visit Franconia Notch State Park.
This area of New Hampshire along the Connecticut River and the Vermont border is very scenic due to its open vistas and sprawling farmland. Several small towns line the banks of the river and all are worth exploring on a weekend-long road trip. For more information, check out the Connecticut River Byway.
I've personally done this trip and can endorse it as being pretty great! Starting in Conway, travel northward toward Crawford Notch with ever-increasing views along the way. I did this one for my birthday but it's a great ride anytime! For more information, visit the Conway Scenic Railroad.
Well, not exactly soar on your own but experience what it might be like for an owl to swoop through the forest as you zip line through the tree canopy. This is a safe and fun way to get that adrenaline rush without putting yourself in danger. Plus, you'll see some great natural scenery to boot. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Division of Travel and Tourism Development.
These giants of New Hampshire's forests are often elusive but at the right times of day, there's a good chance you'll be able to see one. Joining a tour with an experienced guide can help to increase the odds of catching one of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. For more information, visit Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire.
There's no doubt that New Hampshire's summers have been getting hotter and hotter. If being outside during these times is too uncomfortable, try spending some time inside one of the state's many museums. From children's activities to scientific wonders to modern art, the rich arts culture in the Granite State has something for everyone. For more information, visit the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Division of Travel and Tourism Development.
