New Hampshire is called the "Granite State" and is located in the New England region of the US. It was one of the original 13 colonies who established the US.

New Hampshire Trip

July 2010

We were in New Hampshire for less than a week, and we visited the coastal area and the White Mountains. The state is made up of seven very different regions and represents true New England living.

Portsmouth

An historic seaport town on the New Hampshire coast with approximately 21,000 people, situated at the river's mouth. New Hampshire may have a small coastline, and Portsmouth may be its crown jewel. It is an important center of trade and shipping.

This small city has historic homes, a lively downtown area, beautiful waterfront parks, an attractive harbor, and cultural activities….and it is easily reachable from both Portland, ME and Boston, MA. It has quaint, narrow downtown streets and old brick buildings. Portsmouth appears to resist urban sprawl while recognizing a vital, pedestrian-friendly downtown. It may be one of the best small cities in New England.

North Conway

The population was 2,069 at the 2000 census. A year-round resort area, North Conway is the largest village within the town of Conway, bound on the east by the Maine state line. North Conway is located in the White Mountains with Mount Washington located to the northwest.

The rugged terrain became popular in the 19th century with artists, and this attracted tourists to the area, particularly after the Portsmouth, Great Falls & Conway Railroad extended service in 1872 to North Conway. In the late 1980s, the Settlers’ Green Outlet Village was developed and growth continued through the 1990s and 2000s in North Conway. The villages nearby made Conway the most populous community in the county. North Conway remains a popular destination due to its shopping, recreation, and attractions.

North Conway and its surrounding towns offer hiking in the White Mountain National Forest. The area is a major destination. In late September through early October, tourists arrive to see the autumn colors on the surrounding mountains and forests. The Conway Scenic Railroad features train rides that leave from the village's Victorian station. In the winter, the village is the nighttime destination for skiers visiting the area resorts, including Wildcat Mountain.

Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park, a 6,440-acre park, is located in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. The notch was formed thousands of years ago by glaciers. The receding soil erosion left behind the granite that formed Franconia Notch.

One of the early tourist draws to this particular area was the Old Man of the Mountain. Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about it in 1850 in a short story called "The Great Stone Face". The Old Man was a geological granite formation in the shape of an old man's profile. It was a favorite landmark to go see; however, a few years back, the great stone face made his departure and disappeared into the mountain.

The park offers year round outdoor recreation. The warmer months offer hiking, camping, canoeing, rock climbing and biking. The Appalachian Trail passes through the notch. In the winter, Cannon Mountain is open for skiers. The Cannon Aerial Tramway brings skiers up to the top of the mountain in the winter and sightseers up during the warmer months. We entered the 80 passenger tramway as sightseers for outstanding views of the White Mountains, taking the trip to the top where we were able to hike around the mountain top or check out the observation deck.

The Flume Gorge

Another of Franconia Notch’s geological wonders is the Flume Gorge, a two-mile self-guided nature walk that includes an 800 foot long gorge with 70-90 ft. rock walls. A mountain stream tumbles down in a series of waterfalls and pools. A secure, well-constructed boardwalk leads you through the gorge; however, there are some steep grades. There is also a shuttle to take you up the first half-mile, should you desire. We decided to take this spectacular and beautiful walk. It passes through a natural chasm, over covered bridges and past waterfalls, a scenic pool and mountain views.

Sugar Hill

Sugar Hill is a resort town in New Hampshire. The population was 563 at the 2000 census. The town overlooks the White National Forest. This town is New Hampshire's youngest, incorporated in 1962. The name Sugar Hill comes from a large grove of sugar maples in the hills. With clean air and panoramic views from atop Sunset Hill Ridge of both the White and Green Mts., the community became a fashionable Victorian resort.

Our main reason for coming here was to have breakfast at Polly’s Pancakes, which I had read about in my Roadfood Book. However, titlehough the pancakes were tasty, and the service was good (we did get there at 8AM), the pancakes are over-priced. We each had pancakes, a cup of tea, and I had 3 thin slices of bacon. Our total was a tad under $25, without the tip. Quite a price for 3” pancakes (titlehough there were 6 small ones per person).

New Hampshire Photo Gallery

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