Summer is a great time to get outside your comfort zone and try something new. That might be a new dish prepared using fresh veggies from a local farm or a visit to a place you've never been. If you are looking to take a trip then perhaps a unique stay in New Hampshire is just what you need this summer. For us, it means visiting new parts of the state we've never seen before. This summer, we've learned that there are a number of fun places to visit and things to try even within places we've been, and this houseboat in Portsmouth Harbor is just one example. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy the state, consider a stay at one of the most fabulous houseboat rentals in New Hampshire.
An overnight stay on the Vagabond Houseboat located at Badgers Island Marina is one of the most lovely ways to enjoy some classic New England houseboat rentals.
The boat, which sits on the Piscataqua River near Portsmouth Harbor, is bigger than it looks and might just have the best views of any kind of accommodation in the area.
This area is perfect for enjoying those New Hampshire summer breezes and watching boats go by. You'll especially love having a meal here, whether it's one you've prepared yourself or one you snagged at a local eatery.
When you step inside, you'll find an adorable living area with plenty of nautical vibes. And, for those who prefer the comforts of home, there's even a TV.
With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a pull-out queen sofa bed, you'll be surprised at just how big these houseboat rentals in New England really are.
The bedroom offers some beautiful views as well. If you're the kind of person who likes to take their time waking up in the morning, you'll have plenty of excuses to do so.
If you agree, you'll want to check out some dates and plan a stay!
The houseboat in Portsmouth Harbor can be booked year-round, and there's no wrong time of year to enjoy it. There's nothing quite like a houseboat rental in New Hampshire to relax and refresh you.
While you're in the area be sure to take some time to explore. This day trip to Portsmouth is one of the best quick getaways you can take in the state.
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When you think of a New England vacation, what comes to mind? Is it the beach? How about the mountains? And then there are the forests, the fall foliage, the winter landscape, the seafood, maple syrup...the list is endless. New England is quite a charming part of our country and the state of New Hampshire encompasses everything that the region is known for. Maybe you're taking an extended New Hampshire road trip, are an NH-for-lifer in need of a staycation, or are just here for the seasonal beauty - whatever your reasons, New Hampshire has plenty of dreamy vacation rentals to choose from. If you are looking for a fantastic place to stay for a few days, a week, or more, here are some of the best places to stay in New Hampshire for an unforgettable getaway.
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Best Affordable Places to Stay in New Hampshire
Getting away can cost a fortune, but not all rentals are expensive especially if you pick a place on a site like VRBO. Here are a couple of excellent places to stay that cost less than $200 per night.
Amenities: Internet, game room, grill, washer, dryer, television
Rating: 4.4 stars
[affiliatelink url="https://www.vrbo.com/2023169"]More Info and Photos[/affiliatelink] If you're looking for where to stay in New Hampshire that's affordable, this rural getaway is hard to beat. Located in North Conway, this cabin is close to all that the town has to offer. However, you may want to stay in, cook a meal in the full kitchen, and play games in the basement game room. What could be better?
Surrounded by nature, this affordable tiny home is one of the most unique Airbnbs in New Hampshire. Set among the trees on private property, you'll experience tranquility, peace, quiet, and privacy. This vacation rental is also modern both inside and out. You're sure to love your stay here!
Amenities: Washer/dryer, exercise equipment electric fireplace, Wi-Fi, dedicated workspace
Rating: 4.96 stars
Have you ever wanted to experience a night in a barn? Well, now you can at this unique Airbnb in New Hampshire. Set in the White Mountains, this is indoor/outdoor living at its finest. The interior is modern and beautifully renovated, and outside you'll have mountain views, access to a large deck, a grill, and a fire pit. You'll love staying here!
Best Places to Stay in New Hampshire for Families
Family vacations in New Hampshire are how some of the best childhood memories are made. Here are two perfect family-friendly places in the Granite State that kids and adults can enjoy.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, independent floor heating, air filtration system, fully stocked kitchen, washer & dryer, jacuzzi tub, fireplace, game room, hot tub, kayaks, fire pit, lake views
Rating: 5 stars
[affiliatelink url="https://www.vrbo.com/1699727"]More Info and Photos[/affiliatelink] Enjoy the hidden gem of Newfound Lake and the beautiful forests of New Hampshire with this awesome spacious cabin. If your idea of the best family vacation is surrounding yourselves with nature, this wonderful home certainly fits the bill. Enjoy your own private dock on the lake perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and simply enjoying a beautiful sunset. The home itself is set up for a cozy family (or multi-family) retreat with a game room, movie room, large kitchen, and even a jacuzzi tub and a shower with a heat lamp for a toasty warm shower. It's these extra amenities that make a rental even more enjoyable.
If you've ever wanted to take the classic family vacation at the lake up a few notches, this is THE place to do it. This ultra-modern family lake cabin is swanky and contemporary in all the right ways - complete with an in-deck outdoor spa, firepit, complimentary lake toys (think kayak, canoes, rafts, etc.), a private dock, and high-end furnishings and finishes around every corner. Drink in crystal clear Squam Lake views from any of the multiple balconies, or right from the waterfront deck and hot tub. Next, pop out on the private dock to enjoy a sunrise or sunset and cool off in the lake before coming back to play ping-pong with the whole fam in the rec room. No doubt a delicious meal with all the fixings is sure to satisfy when whipped up in the full, state-of-the-art kitchen! But don't worry about sharing in the beauty; this modern cabin is fully immersed in the trees, so you'll have plenty of privacy to enjoy on your stay.
This bright and airy waterfront A-frame cabin gives off beach vibes without the coastal beach crowds. Families will love having easy access to Mendums Pond, plus a host of watercraft for taking full advantage of the crystal clear lake. Younger kids will especially love the fun sleeping loft and having their own private space to play and imagine! Enjoy phenomenal sunsets over the water from the spacious deck or even over morning mimosas from the dining room, which features a gorgeous wall of windows overlooking the lake.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in New Hampshire for Couples
When romance is in the air and you want some alone time with your significant other, it's sometimes a challenge to pick a place to stay. Here are a couple of romantic places to stay in New Hampshire for couples.
Amenities: Internet, heating, air conditioning, fitness room, Smart TV
Rating: 5 stars
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[affiliatelink url="https://www.vrbo.com/1319286"]More Info and Photos[/affiliatelink] Romance is certainly in the air at this cabin accommodation in New Hampshire. Close to skiing and hiking, spend time together outdoors during the day, and then cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine in the evenings. How romantic!
[affiliatelink url="https://www.vrbo.com/9427853ha"]More Info and Photos[/affiliatelink] Lake Winnipesaukee has to be one of the most charming and romantic lakes in all of New England. And this delightful custom cottage in the picturesque town of Meredith sets the tone for a romantic getaway like none other. As you cruise through the photos just imagine the feeling of sharing this beautiful part of New Hampshire and this cozy cottage with someone special. You are but a few minutes stroll from all of the wonderful downtown attractions, in close proximity to beaches, nature trails, kayaking, chartered boat trips, and romantic dining options.
While this spacious lake cabin certainly has enough room for a whole family, the muted colors and woodsy, waterfront setting just screams cozy getaway for two. Couples can snuggle up in any room of the house to enjoy the toasty, 360-degree wood stove on chilly days or pop out onto the spacious deck for coffee, drinks, and lake views any time. The comfy porch swing is absolutely dreamy! Inside, high-end finishes, plush linens, and a spectacular bathroom make this cabin in the trees far from rustic. But it's the phenomenal setting of this romantic lake cabin that puts it at the top and makes it idyllic in any season - feel free to ice skate when Crystal Lake freezes over in winter!
Amenities: Ski-in/Ski-out, indoor fireplace, fire pit, BBQ grill, barrel sauna
Ratings: 4.9 stars
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This has to be one of the most unique vacation rentals in New Hampshire. This solar-powered, off-grid home is a cozy 196 square feet. However, it feels roomier due to the large windows. The loft bedroom has a king bed but the best feature of the home is the barrel sauna outside. You'll really be able to unplug, rest, and relax with your partner on this romantic getaway!
Best Places to Stay in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a lovely city located on the Piscataqua River and has so much to offer both travelers and locals. So, why not spend some time exploring Portsmouth and its surrounding communities?
Amenities: Wi-Fi, kitchenette, king bed, washer & dryer
Rating: 5 stars
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[affiliatelink url="https://www.vrbo.com/9445336ha"]More Info and Photos[/affiliatelink] This delightful boutique apartment in downtown Portsmouth is a little slice of luxury. It is one of ten apartments in a renovated 1809 home that is within walking distance of all that beautiful Portsmouth has to offer. Sanders Fish Market, Market Square, the Portsmouth Brewery, the Portsmouth Harbor Trail, and The Friendly Toast, an adorable little restaurant that serves breakfast all day long (with plenty of vegan options too).
[affiliatelink url="https://www.vrbo.com/2678308"]More Info and Photos[/affiliatelink] The Tobias Lear House is an elegant 18th Century Georgian home that takes you back to an era when embellishments and extravagance ruled the day. Imagine sitting down for tea with George Washington himself in the ornate drawing room. (He did in fact visit this home for tea in November of 1789!) Enjoy beautiful views of the Piscataqua River as you sip your own cup of tea, or stroll through the lovely downtown Portsmouth area in search of cute shops and quaint eateries. If that sounds a little highfalutin, the Portsmouth Brewery is a great place to grab a brew as you enjoy the sights of the charming South End downtown.
The Charming Riverfront Cottage is certainly charming! From its colorful exterior to the cozy interior, you'll feel at home here. Located across the street from the Portsmouth waterfront, you'll be in walking distance to places like Strawberry Banke and Prescott Park. Enjoy your stay!
Want to be in the heart of the city of Portsmouth? Located downtown is a modern loft Airbnb with all the amenities you could desire. The chic space has a spiral staircase leading up to the loft bedroom. There's also a gas fireplace inside and your very own private deck with city views. How's that for location?
Best Places to Stay in Manchester
Located on the Merrimack River, the city of Manchester offers history, art, culture, museums, restaurants, shopping, and more. It's also quite a picturesque city for a weekend getaway.
As far as vacation rentals in New Hampshire go, this one has it all! With three levels and four bedrooms, this townhome can accommodate up to 10 guests. It's also quite spacious and even has its own sauna!
Have you ever vacationed in an unusual place? A tiny house, remote campground, or rustic treehouse? When my family travels, we tend to favor unique rentals and out-of-the-ordinary spots over large chain hotels. In my opinion, accommodations should always be part of the adventure! Fortunately, my home state of New Hampshire has many interesting places to stay the night. Last month, my family and I booked an overnight on the Lil' Red Caboose train car in Lincoln, and it turned out to be one of the best getaways yet!
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That’s right, we got to spend the night in an actual train caboose!
I found the Lil' Red Caboose while perusing Airbnb properties. The listing had hundreds of positive reviews, a “guest favorite” rating, and an affordable price. It looked like a great place to stay during our quick February getaway to visit the nearby New Hampshire Ice Castles.
While packing a family of four into a small train car might sound a little cramped, I have to tell you that the trip was an absolute blast!
We headed to the mountains around mid-morning. After a magical visit to the ice castles and a fun stop at Fadden's General Store in Woodstock, we headed over to the caboose. I couldn’t wait to see what it looked like in person!
The owner had sent us detailed instructions about checking in. We were able to easily enter the train car and get settled inside.
Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the renovated caboose was completely furnished with everything we needed to spend a comfortable night here. The owner thought of absolutely everything!
We spent a lot of time exploring the train. We found the kitchen was stocked with dishes, mugs, and cutlery. A microwave, stovetop, coffee maker, and mini fridge were also available to use.
We opened a set of barn doors and discovered a modern bathroom with a good-sized shower. There was also a loft area and a bedroom with a queen-sized bed.
The caboose was warm, cozy, and had lots of fun little touches. There were several children’s train toys as well as a copy of “The Little Engine That Could” storybook. There was also a photo album with pictures of the caboose before it was renovated.
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We headed out to grab some dinner and returned to the train for our overnight adventure.
After changing into our PJs, we settled in for a quiet night. I curled up with a book, my husband caught a show on one of the caboose’s two flat-screen TVs, and our kids hooked up to the WiFi to do a bit of gaming.
Then it was time for bed! I really appreciated that we all had our own spaces.
We brewed up some complimentary beverages and my husband walked down to the local coffee shop and returned with some delicious pastries for us to share. The kids headed outside for a snowball fight on the front lawn.
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As we packed up the car, we ran into the owner, Randy, who lives next door. We told him how much we enjoyed our stay and he patiently answered all of my questions about the caboose’s history.
We ended our visit by snapping a family picture on the steps of the train. The photo now sits framed in our living room and reminds us of one of our best vacations to date!
Have you ever stayed in a caboose or train car? How was your experience? If you have never had the chance to do so, I highly recommend booking a stay on the Lil' Red Caboose through Airbnb. The train is located right next to Whale’s Tale Waterpark and is close to other popular local attractions such as the Flume Gorge and Loon Mountain ski resort.
