Nothing beats summer in New England, check out this series where we take you on the perfect summer day in the most notable vacation spots across New England.
New Englanders put up with frigid temperatures, icy roads, and shoveling multiple feet of snow every year just to be able to enjoy the few blissful months of summer awarded every year from June to August. There is truly no weather that beats a sunny and clear sky New England summer day. If you are smart enough to be a snowbird (someone who leaves New England in the winter and returns for warm weather,) or just on vacation up in the historic north, here are some of the best spots to check out throughout the region this summer.
New Hampshire
Continuing on this series with my home state, New Hampshire, known for the man in the mountain (who no longer exists,) its hard granite interior, and the people who live free or die. New Hampshire is often one of the more overlooked states in New England, as it doesn’t necessarily boast a famous city. There are, however, many wonderful summer experiences to be had in the state if you know where to go. Here are my top three favorite summer destinations to visit in the granite state.
Franconia Notch State Park
Once the home of the infamous “Old Man of the Mountain,” Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln, NH is the perfect outdoors experience for summer travelers. Whether your interest lies in camping, hiking, biking, or simply taking in breathtaking natural views via the aerial tramway; the park offers a wide variety of activities amidst the backdrop of the White Mountains. One of my personal favorite must-do’s in the park is the Flume Gorge trail. Visitors trek a two-mile “hike” through gorgeous 70-90 foot high natural granite gorges. The hike is nothing short of ethereal, as the combination of misted waterfalls, wondrous stone, and stacked wooden stairs combine to offer one of the most intriguing outdoor adventures that will leave your mouth open the entire way.
Hampton Beach
Although New Hampshire’s coastline is small, it’s still mighty. One of the best ways to spend a hot and sunny summer day in New England is to take a day trip to Hampton Beach. Located right on the Atlantic Coast, Hampton is a cute and scenic little beach town. Its buildings vary in shades of white, gray, light blue, and brown, and are surrounded by tall grass and sandy dunes.
The beach stretches 1.1 miles, allowing vast space for visitors to settle down and enjoy the sun and salty air all day long. The boardwalk that runs along the side of the beach is absolutely perfect in its clichés, from the “Funarama” arcade to the fried dough and other tasty treats readily available to hungry bellies. Hampton Beach satisfies the desire for the quintessential beach experience we all crave each year.
Portsmouth
Rich in its history, architecture, and culture; the seaport city of Portsmouth, NH is one of my favorites. Offering both a historical aspect like that at the Strawbery Banke Museum and also a hip downtown which features delicious restaurants, unique shops, and live entertainment. Portsmouth is best to visit in the summer, as live music, farmers markets, and public events are frequent during the warm weather months. The seafood in Portsmouth is also a must-try: fresh caught platters include oysters, scallops, lobster, and more can be found throughout the city. Stop by for the day or spend a few nights at a quaint New England Inn to fully allow yourself enough time to enjoy this beautiful city.
