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Climb To The Top Of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, A Fun Family Outing In New Hampshire

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Hampshire offers scenic views, historical charm, and family-friendly activities.

Published Sep 19, 2019

Written by 

Elisa Regulski

New Hampshire is home to gorgeous scenery and glistening waterfront views. If you want to experience the best of it, venture to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. This idyllic place is one of the few lighthouses in the state that lets visitors climb to the top. You'll love soaking up its history and charm. Take a visit to New Castle and prepare for some family fun!

Portsmouth Lighthouse is located on a Coast Guard Station in New Castle, New Hampshire.

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rickpilot_2000/Flickr

This pretty place sits right next to Fort Constitution.

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The structure has a unique history.

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Wikimedia Commons

In the 1600s, this land was used as a fort to protect the entrance to the Piscataqua River and Portsmouth Harbor. The first lighthouse was constructed in 1771. In 1804, a new structure was put in its place.

Today, visitors can see all of the historic beauty first-hand.

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Climb to the top of the tower and explore the lantern room.

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Chip Griffin/Wikimedia Commons

You'll be able to see the fourth-order Fresnel lens up close!

Lighthouse volunteers love to inform guests about the building's fascinating architecture.

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Have any questions? Ask your friendly guide! There's so much to discover at Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

Breeze by the lighthouse keepers' dwelling and explore the sights. There's so much to discover here.

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Hike up the 44 steps and look out over the shimmering ocean!

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Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse is open on Sundays between Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends. Admission prices are a suggested donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children. Guests must be 42 inches or taller to enter the lighthouse. Address: Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, 25 Wentworth Road, New Castle, NH, 03854. To learn more, visit the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse website here.

Have you explored the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse? What's your favorite family getaway in New Hampshire?

For more spectacular ideas, check out these 6 family-friendly restaurants in New Hampshire.

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Experiences

Ride a Christmas Train, Then Stay in a Christmas Tree Farm for a Holly Jolly New Hampshire Adventure

Discover the charm of New Hampshire in winter with a scenic train ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad and a cozy stay at the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa in Jackson.

Updated Oct 22, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

Winter in New Hampshire can be a magical time with the beautiful snow-draped mountain ranges and quaint villages. The holiday season brings an extra level of charm. If you like to take in the scenery and also relax in a cozy setting, this trip offers up the opportunity for both.

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First up on our seasonal itinerary is a trip on the unforgettable Conway Scenic Railroad's Santa Holiday Express. It's one of the most iconic train rides in New Hampshire, and the Christmas Train is a not-to-be-missed experience.

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Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce / WiseguyCreative.com / Flickr

The fun-filled, family-friendly excursion begins in Conway at the historic North Conway Station, built in 1874. The Conway Scenic Railroad's Santa Holiday Express is the perfect seasonal journey for all ages. This 11-mile, hour-and-a-half ride travels along the former Conway Branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Every child gets a goodie bag with cookies and milk, and everyone can join in for a fun treasure hunt along the way. Kids will also have the excitement of seeing Santa arrive by train! Let's just say you'll want to have your camera ready to snap all of these cherished memories.

For more information and to book your seats on the ride, visit the Conway Scenic Railroad online.

After an unforgettable Christmas Train in New Hampshire, we're headed straight for another magical destination: the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa in Jackson, NH. From Conway, it's a short drive north to the picturesque village of Jackson, well known for its quaint shops, dining, and skiing. Jackson is also home to Christmas Farm Inn & Spa, which takes its name from when the property was given as a Christmas gift in the early 20th century. (In fact, the property itself dates back to the 1700s!)

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Peter Rintels / Flickr

Each year at Christmastime, the inn gets all decked out for the holidays. This includes all of the guest rooms and suites, which are individually decorated. Be sure to book your stay at the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

If you've had a chance to enjoy the Conway Scenic Railroad's Santa Holiday Express or have stayed at Christmas Farm Inn and Spa during the holidays, we'd love to hear from you! Do you know someone who would enjoy this Christmas Train in New Hampshire and a night or two at the Christmas Farm Inn? Be sure to share this article with them! And speaking of the holidays, be sure to take a look at our official gift-giving guide for any traveler on your list.

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Experiences

The One New Hampshire Farm Where You Can Feed Goats, Pigs, Cows, And More

Published Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

We may not always see them but we share the natural environment that we live in with a multitude of animals. I would say that we are definitely guests in their home whenever we venture into New Hampshire's forests. Usually, human/animal encounters are rare as the animals tend to keep their distance from us. But if you want to experience some friendly creatures up close, pay a visit to The Friendly Farm in Dublin. It's one New Hampshire animal ranch where the local residents will welcome you warmly.

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The Friendly Farm in Dublin is a place where humans can mingle with farm animals in their natural and relaxed environment.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

As you wander the farm's five acres, you'll meet some of the most agreeable animals up close and personal.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

From newly hatched chicks you can hold in the palm of your hand to affable sheep and horses, The Friendly Farm has an assortment of animals you'd expect to find here.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

Many of the farm's residents have been born right here and if you are fortunate enough, you may be able to witness the miracle of birth.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

Visit the pig pen to say hi to its residents and, if you time it right, enjoy seeing the baby piglets as they begin their life at The Friendly Farm.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

At The Friendly Farm, kids can become a Junior Farmer and receive a certificate, special recognition, free admission, and more.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

The Friendly Farm welcomes group events, including school outings, birthday parties, or any other event where you can gather 15 or more people together.

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The Friendly Farm/Facebook

And with that, I hope you will start planning your visit to this fun and exciting New Hampshire animal ranch to spend some time with the animals. For more information, visit The Friendly Farm and be sure to also follow The Friendly Farm on Facebook for updates.

Also, check out the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness where you can learn more about the animals that are native to New Hampshire and their place in our state's environment.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/wildlife-park-day-trip-nh/

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