New Hampshire, like much of New England, is dotted with old mill towns. Wherever there was a river, manufacturing sprang up beside it. Many old mills still sit idle to this day, decaying over time. Others are repurposed and given new life. One example is this historic mill complex in Claremont.
Monadnock Mills occupies the banks of the Sugar River in Claremont. The mill buildings are what's left of the largest and one of the oldest manufacturing complexes in the upper Connecticut River Valley.
Monadnock Mills began as The Sugar River Manufacturing Company in 1831. It was established to manufacture cotton and woolen textiles. It took on the "Monadnock Mills" name in 1846 and operated until 1963.
In 1979, the mills were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the most complete and well-preserved mill complexes in the state.
As a resident of New Hampshire, I realize that tourism is an essential component of the state's economy. Last I heard, it was the number two industry in the state (timber harvesting was number one). And it's no wonder a lot of people visit the state; we have lots of cool things to do and see! But if you're like me, you might want to shy away from the popular spots to see and do things that are a little more under the radar. Here are a few things to do in New Hampshire where you can avoid the tourist crowds.
Let the expert guides at North Country Kayak in Littleton introduce you to the beautiful waterways of Northern New Hampshire. All necessary gear is provided and all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. To learn more, visit North Country Kayak.
2. Celebrate Autumn At Muster Field Farm Museum's Harvest Day
Celebrate the arrival of autumn and enjoy the benefits of the growing season at this annual event in Sutton. Fresh produce will be on sale and you can enjoy fine food while listening to great live music. Local artists will also be exhibiting and selling their finest arts and crafts. To learn more, visit Muster Field Farm Museum.
3. Enjoy A Performance By The Peterborough Players
The Peterborough Players have been entertaining audiences since 1933 with their professional theatre productions, which has earned them a reputation as being one of the best in the business. All performances are held in the intimate setting of a converted 18th-century barn in Peterborough. To learn more, visit The Peterborough Players.
In 1949, Isadore J. Zimmerman & his wife Lucille of Manchester commissioned noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright to build their dream house to match their values and personal way of life. The Zimmermans would live in the house for the next 36 years and now the public is welcome to visit this iconic home. To learn more, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
This coeducational university preparatory private school in Exeter serves students in grades nine through 12 and has been doing so since 1781, making it one of the oldest boarding schools in the United States. Its campus features more modern buildings along with structures that date back to the institution's founding, making it of great interest to fans of early New England architecture. To learn more, visit Phillips Exeter Academy.
6. Attend The New Hampshire Sheep And Wool Festival
Put this one on your spring to-do list as a fun Mother's Day event! Join the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Growers Association for their annual festival at Deerfield Fairground in Deerfield. It's two days packed with craftsmanship, fiber vendors, sheep shows, workshops, delicious food, and so much more. To learn more, visit the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Growers Association.
The small town of Harrisville in the Monadnock Region is one of many significant mill towns in the state that developed around manufacturing. Today, the town is still much the same as it was in the 19th century, and its mills, boarding houses, and other buildings are currently occupied by businesses, restaurants, and shops. As such, Harrisville was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of Interior in 1977. To learn more, visit Historic Harrisville.
Looking for some other off-the-beaten-path things to check out in New Hampshire? Check out our guide to 12 more hidden gems to discover.
Crossing into the Granite State from elsewhere, whether it's another state or Canada, can be such a great feeling. Whether you're coming here for a vacation or coming back home, a Welcome to New Hampshire sign may very well be the best sight in the world. So, why is this state such a great place to live or visit? Well, we are about to tell you.
advertisement
Welcome to New Hampshire! With a population of nearly 1.4 million people, it's easy to see why people love living here. In fact, it's one of the top-ranked states to live in the country.
Furthermore, plenty of families come to New Hampshire each year to vacation. After all, it offers both beaches and mountains along with plenty of wilderness and countless attractions.
New Hampshire is home to several cities including Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Derry, and Portsmouth. While these may not seem like major cities compared to the cities in other states, they have plenty of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more to enjoy.
And then there are the charming small towns found in every corner of the state. With a population of just over 800, the town of Pittsburg borders Quebec, Canada and is known for being the "Snowmobiling Capital of New England."
You can also take a scenic drive in New Hampshire from Pittsburg towards the Canadian border and take a look at the Welcome to NH sign in French!
There are so many towns, cities, state parks, mountains, coastline, and attractions to explore around the Granite State. And seeing a New Hampshire welcome sign should put a smile on your face!
How do you feel when you see a Welcome to New Hampshire sign? Perhaps a bit of excitement? Is New Hampshire home to you or do you just enjoy visiting? Let us know in the comments.
