A Little About
New Hampshire

The New Hampshire region was first settled by colonists led by David Thomson in 1623. Originally a part of Massachusetts, these settlements were decreed a separate province by Charles II in 1679. In January, 1776 New Hampshire became the first colony to declare independence from England, a reflection of the political independence that remains in a state where the license plates bear the motto "Live Free or Die."

Only eighteen miles long, New Hampshire's coast ranges from the 1940's boardwalk of arcades and entertainment in Hampton Beach to the historic district, shopping malls, theater and restaurants of Portsmouth. Traveling north along Route 1A from Hampton Beach takes you through prime summer beach sites--Rye Beach, Jenness Beach State Park, Wallis Sands State Park, Odiorne Point State Park--and right by New Castle (Great Island) and Prescott Park on the waterfront between Strawberry Banke (home to a museum of buildings built from 1695 to 1820) and the Piscataqua River.

By far the largest lake in the region, Lake Winnipesaukee (Native American for "Smiling Waters") is only one of many lakes in this part of New Hampshire. The commercial hum of Lake Winnipesaukee dominates the area in summer, but the calm tranquillity of the movie On Golden Pond is close by on Squam Lake and dozens of other small lakes. In addition to water sports, the region offers golfing, hiking trails, antique shops and fine restaurants.

For spring and summer hiking, fall foliage, winter skiing, and year-round photography, the White Mountains are the region of New Hampshire to visit. Geographically, the area is dominated by Mt. Washington, the highest mountain in the Northeast and home to the lowest air temperatures ever recorded. The peak can be reached by car. State parks in this region include Crawford Notch, Dixville Notch State Park, Echo Lake State Park, and Franconia Notch State Park. Ski resorts include Attitash, Balsams/Wilderness, Black Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, King Pine Ski Area, Loon Mountain, Mt. Cranmore, Waterville Valley, and Wildcat Mountain. North Conway is the shopping center for the area, but non-shoppers can enjoy a 11-mile scenic ride on a steam or diesel powered train on the Conway Scenic Railway.

Unlike the more commercialized regions to the north and east, Western and Central New Hampshire is characterized by quiet villages, small museums, and covered bridges. Places of interest range from Dartmouth College in Hanover and Lake Sunapee in the west to Mt. Monadnock in the central area. State parks include Mt. Sunapee State Park, Bear Den Geological Park, Curtis Dogwood State Reservation, and Pisgah State Park. Ski areas include King Ridge, Mt. Sunapee, and Pats Peak.

For it's modest size, 168 miles from north to south and 90 miles at it's widest, covering 9,304 square miles, New Hampshire boasts a wide variety of events and activities for the whole family!

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