New Hampshire has breathtaking landscapes, including the White Mountains, picturesque lakes, and vibrant foliage during the fall. But, there’s much more to New Hampshire than just its stunning scenery. From charming coastal towns to its regional cuisines, there’s a lot that New Hampshire is known for.
Whether you’re considering moving to the state, are renting an apartment in Manchester, or recently bought a home in Portsmouth, read on to find out what New Hampshire is known for.
Economy and job opportunities
New Hampshire’s main job industries span a range of sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Major corporations that contribute to the state’s economy include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Velcro Companies, and Timberland.
New Hampshire’s top five employers
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
- Elliot Hospital
- Fidelity Investments
- BAE Systems
- C&S Wholesale Grocers
Charming tourist attractions
- White Mountains National Forest: From breathtaking scenery and hiking trails to outdoor recreation opportunities like skiing, leaf-peeping, and hiking the Appalachian Trail.
- Mount Washington: The highest peak in the Northeast beckons adventure-seekers with its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather. Whether hiking, driving the scenic auto road, or riding the historic cog railway, you’ll find panoramic views along the way.
- Portsmouth: This historic city has charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. You can explore the city’s maritime heritage at the USS Albacore Museum, stroll through Market Square, or eat fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
- Franconia Notch State Park: It’s known for dramatic landscapes, including the iconic Flume Gorge and the towering granite profile of the Old Man of the Mountain. There are plenty of activities like hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in the winter months.
- Lake Winnipesaukee: New Hampshire’s largest lake offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing. The picturesque shoreline is dotted with quaint towns and summer resorts, so it’s a favorite destination for New Hampshirites.
Popular regional cuisine
New Hampshire has a rich culinary heritage, with its regional dishes reflecting its coastal and agricultural influences. Lobster rolls, featuring succulent lobster meat in a buttered bun, represent the state’s seaside charm. Maple syrup-infused delicacies like pancakes and maple candies pay homage to its abundant forests. Other notable favorites include clam chowder, apple cider donuts, and the iconic New England boiled dinner, showcasing hearty flavors and traditional cooking methods.
Top restaurants in New Hampshire
- Hanover Street Chophouse in Manchester
- The Old Salt Restaurant at Lamie’s Inn in Hampton
- The Black Trumpet Bistro in Portsmouth
- Moxy in Portsmouth
Arts and entertainment
New Hampshire has a great arts scene, historic cities, and museums reflecting the state’s past and present. For example, you can find popular museums like the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester and the Hood Museum of Art in Hanover.
The state holds festivals like the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Music Festival in Plymouth. Cities such as Manchester and Portsmouth have creative energy, hosting galleries, theaters, and performance spaces that showcase local talent.
Five great places to catch a show in New Hampshire
Fun fact: New Hampshire is home to the longest continually operating community theater in the US, the Weathervane Theatre, which has been staging performances since 1966.
Stunning forests and lakes
New Hampshire has a range of natural land formations, from the rugged White Mountains with peaks reaching over 4,000 feet, to the tranquil lakes region home to spots like Lake Winnipesaukee. The state also features dramatic rocky coastlines and coastal towns along the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking vistas and places to explore.
National and state parks in New Hampshire
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail throughout the state
- Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown
- Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham
- White Lake State Park near Tamworth
Popular New Hampshire phrases
Living in New Hampshire means immersing yourself in a dialect as rich and diverse as the state’s landscape.
- “Wicked,” to emphasize something as extreme or impressive, like a “wicked good” lobster roll.
- “Leaf peeping,” for the autumn tradition of admiring the vibrant foliage.
- “Ayuh,” a distinctive New England affirmative
- “Grinder,” is a local term for a submarine sandwich.
- “Mud season,” is the messy and muddy period between winter snow and spring thaw.
- “The 603,” referring to the state’s sole area code, is a badge of pride for Granite Staters.
More things New Hampshire is known for
- Maple syrup: New Hampshire’s sugar houses offer a sweet taste of tradition during the spring maple sugaring season.
- Outdoor recreation: With skiing, hiking, camping, and water sports, New Hampshire has endless outdoor adventures in all seasons.
- Covered bridges: New Hampshire’s quaint covered bridges are iconic symbols of rural charm and architectural heritage, offering picturesque spots for photography and exploration.
- Presidential primary: The New Hampshire primary holds significant political importance, traditionally being the first primary in the U.S. presidential election cycle, shaping national politics and candidates’ campaigns.
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