I grew up in Southern New Hampshire, so it was strange to go back as a tourist for my Getaway weekend. It turns out the backwoods state I knew as a child has gotten kind of hip. New Hampshire has a lot to offer, especially for nature lovers, so this is by no means a comprehensive guide. But if you’re headed up for a weekend, these are some spots to keep in mind.
Where to Stay
I stayed in a Getaway House cabin which is perfect for an off-the-grid escape from urban life. The cozy tiny house provides space to relax and shut down, but it’s situated just a short drive from civilization. If you’re like me, relaxation can be hard when you’re used to being on the go 24/7. While it was nice to slow down, I liked having the option of activities close by.
As I mentioned in my previous article, the Getaway experience can be as involved or hands-off as you want. If you want to lay in bed and listen to the radio all day, do it. If you want to go hiking or skiing or adventuring, do it. It’s a completely make-it-your-own experience.
What to Do
You’ve probably seen Ice Castles in Lincoln, NH floating around your instagram. It’s a New England photography favorite through March. If you’re a creative looking to make beautiful content, this is an excellent place to do it. It’s also a wonderful option for families with children. The interior is a large open space with a few artistic nooks, some statement pieces like a fountain, and a number of play spots for the little ones.
Though beautiful, Ice Castles is built for a specific audience. Make sure you fit that audience before driving two hours to see it. For more active readers, McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, NH offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for visitors. Tubing was one of my favorite winter activities as a kid, and let me tell you, it holds up. It’s also a great way to have physical fun if you’re not a skier.
Where to Eat
This part of my trip surprised me the most. My whole childhood we would drive by The Yard Seafood and Steakhouse in Manchester. Owner Ron Doucet opened the restaurant in 1975. Now, Doucet’s children Marcus and Joya have renovated the enormous space into a craft brewery. That’s right, New Hampshire is HIP. Backyard Brewery is a beautiful spot serving up not only spectacular brews, but artisanal food made in house.
Three staple beers stay on the menu year-round, the rest change seasonally. I recommend starting your food adventure off with the fall-off-the-bone (literally) wings. The menu also includes a number of items made with beer cheese created with in-house beers. This is the kind of unique dining experience New Hampshire desperately needed. The craft beer industry has been exploding in the state, but Backyard Brewery smartly pairs their brews with a one-of-a-kind dining experience for a total package evening out.
Please note, I was provided with complimentary goods and services by the above businesses, however, all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that support Trends and Tolstoy!