Mount Sunapee New England College Mount Washington Cruises Audubon Society McAuliffe Planetarium Concord Hiking Trails Meadowbrook Farm Indian Museum Pat’s Peak Steeplegate Mall

Enjoy Concord, New Hampshire Attractions

Guests of our Concord, New Hampshire hotel will enjoy many exciting and cultural experiences. Antiques, skiing, hiking, wildlife, canoeing, arts, crafts, museums, historic landmarks walking tours, farms, orchards, boating, golf, athletics, dances, country fairs, community suppers, performing arts, youth activities and four beautiful seasons enhance life in the area. Concord's downtown is active and vibrant, with the rejuvenation of Main Street into an active hub of community activities, commerce, politics and entertainment.

Cultural attractions include the Museum of New Hampshire History, Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, Pierce Manse, Concord City Auditorium, the Kimball–Jenkins Estate, Canterbury Shaker Village, the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium and the Gould Hill Apple Orchard in Hopkinton.

The many attractions and tourist destinations of the White Mountain National Forest, the Lakes Region, and the historic and quaint seacoast are within an hour's drive of Concord. Discover historic and romantic covered bridges – Baboosic River, Henniker, and Hopkinton – by taking scenic drives to neighboring towns.

Below we’ve catalogued many of the unique places to visit and things to do in our amazing neighborhood.

Mount Sunapee. Mount Sunapee is a 5–mile–long mountain ridge in the towns of Newbury and Goshen in western New Hampshire. Its highest peak, at the north end of the mountain, is 2,726 feet (831 meters) above sea level. The mountain has three secondary peaks, White Ledges at 2,716 feet (828 m); North Peak at 2,280 feet (695 m); and South Peak at 2,608 feet (795 m). The north end of the mountain, including the summit, is within Mount Sunapee State Park, which encompasses 3.85 mi² (9.97 km²). The mountain extends south to Pillsbury State Park. The entire mountain ridge is traversed by the Monadnock–Sunapee Greenway, a hiking trail that links the summit of Mount Sunapee with that of Mount Monadnock, 50 miles to the south in the towns of Dublin and Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Also crossing the summit in an east–west route is a section of the 75–mile Sunapee–Ragged–Kearsarge Greenway, a 75–mile trail linking ten towns in west–central New Hampshire as it circles the Lake Sunapee region and crosses the summits of the three sub–3,000 mountains for which it is named. The two Greenway trails meet at Lake Solitude and use the same trail to the summit. For more information, visit www.mtsunapee.com.

Verizon Wireless Arena. The grand opening of the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire took place on November 15, 2001. One night later, the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, played their first home game. Aerosmith performed the following night. And that’s what you’ll find at this incomparable arena–great sporting events and incomparable concerts. Seating capacity for the Verizon Wireless Arena varies. Hockey games seat approximately 10,019, basketball seats 11,140, end stage concerts hold about 10,050, while center stage concerts seat about 11,770. The Verizon Wireless Arena site is on 8.03 acres with 2,650 tons of asphalt. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.verizonwirelessarena.com/.  [Top]

New England College. Nestled in an area brimming with natural beauty, New England College offers undergraduate, graduate and professional programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Education and Master of Science. New England College boasts more than 50 years of success in challenging and supporting students of diverse academic and cultural backgrounds in an atmosphere of mutual concern and respect. They seek to ensure that students thrive as they strive to achieve their full academic, personal and social potential. New England College is located in Henniker, a village of 4,000 residents just 90 minutes from Boston and 20 minutes from Concord. For more information, visit www.nec.edu/.

Laconia Motorcycle Week. Held each June in Laconia, New Hampshire, Laconia Motorcycle Week is one heck of a motorcycle rally. Attendance is estimated at between 100,000 and 400,000. The rally has its roots in June, 1916, when a few hundred motorcyclists gathered at Weirs Beach in Laconia. Seven years later, the event was officially recognized by the Federation of American Motorcyclists (to be later called the American Motorcyclist Association) as part of the Gypsy Tour, where motorcyclists celebrated races and hill climbs for an entire weekend. The Federation of Motorcyclists continued to sanction the event until 1960. In the 1990s, local business owners joined in a coalition with local motorcycle groups and founded the Laconia Motorcycle Rally and Race Association, which organizes and schedules all events associated with motorcycle week. The group is also responsible for promoting the event nationwide and issuing licenses to vendors. Laconia Motorcycle week is now a nine day event which officially ends on Fathers Day. For more information, visit www.laconiamcweek.com.  [Top]

Mount Washington Cruises. Mount Washington Cruises operates a fleet of three motor vessels that offer day, evening, charter and island mail delivery cruises on New Hampshire’s scenic Lake Winnipesaukee. The flagship of the fleet is the M/S Mount Washington, a first–class, 230–ft. excursion ship offering daily scenic cruises and dinner dance cruises each evening. The fleet also includes two smaller vessels, the M/V Sophie C., and M/V Doris E. Located in New Hampshire’s beautiful Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains, Lake Winnipesaukee’s wooded shoreline and crystal clear water makes it a popular summer resort for vacationers from all over the world. For more information, visit http://cruisenh.com/MtWashington/home/index.php.

New Hampshire State Capitol Building.The New Hampshire State House is the state capitol building, which houses the New Hampshire General Court, Governor and Executive Council. Constructed between 1815 and 1818, the state capitol held the first session of the General Court in 1819. The State House is the oldest state capitol in which the legislature meets in its original chambers. For more information, visit www.nh.gov/nhinfo/sthouse.html.  [Top]

Audubon Society of New Hampshire. The Audubon Society of New Hampshire, a nonprofit statewide membership organization, is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and habitat throughout the state. Independent of the National Audubon Society, ASNH has offered programs in wildlife conservation, land protection, environmental policy, and environmental education since 1914. ASNH sanctuaries are open to the public free of charge, and accept donations for wildlife conservation. Activity guides, field guides, family programs, and other educational materials are available at the Nature Store at NH Audubon's Headquarters in Concord. For information, call 866–463–5201 or visit www.nhaudubon.org.

Canterbury Shaker Village. Founded in 1969 to preserve the heritage of the Canterbury Shakers, Canterbury Shaker Village is an internationally–known, non–profit museum and historic site with 25 original Shaker buildings, three reconstructed Shaker buildings and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. Designated a National Historic Landmark for its architectural integrity and significance, Canterbury Shaker Village is dedicated to preserving the 200–year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers and to providing a place for learning, reflection and renewal of the human spirit. Visitors learn about the life, ideals, values and legacy of the Canterbury Shakers through tours, programs, exhibits, research and publications. Spend a day at the Village learning how to make traditional Shaker products such as brooms or oval boxes or learn to put together an herbal medicine chest or to create your own natural skin care products! The Village offers guided tours, shopping and dining at The Shaker Table and The Creamery. Visit www.shaker.org.  [Top]

Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. Come where day magically becomes night. The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, located in Concord, New Hampshire, is a living memorial that combines Christa McAuliffe's dream of traveling through space with her dedication to teaching, and her belief that everyone should have the opportunity to "reach for the stars.” Fascinating shows blend computer generated effects, video, slides and music into an awe–inspiring experience. Education and entertainment mix in their 400–foot domed theater to delight audiences of all ages as you discover the wonders of the cosmos and our place in it. One–hour shows take you on an extraordinary voyage into astronomy. Find a place in the 92–seat theater and a universe of computerized three–dimensional images surrounds you as you fly through the stars on stunning voyages of discovery. For information, call 866–463–5201.

Capitol Center for the Arts. New Hampshire’s famed center for performing arts features theatrical shows, musical productions, concerts, contemporary dance companies and classic movies throughout the year. The 1,307–seat theater is now equipped to present many of today's lavish Broadway shows. The Capitol Center presents a wide mix of high–quality events, including Broadway shows, dance performances, pop and country stars, family shows, international performances, school–time shows and business conferences and seminars. Today, the Capitol Center for the Arts is the largest, most successful performing arts center in New Hampshire and has helped position Concord as a cultural destination. Its richly varied programming attracts diversified audiences; Broadway, ballet and country & western fans travel from all over New England to attend performances here. The Capitol Center also houses The Governor's Hall, a full–service function room that can accommodate up to 350 guests, and the adjacent Kimball House, a Victorian mansion featuring a stately, formal dining room and board room. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. For more information or tickets, call 866–463–5201 or email friends@ccanh.com.  [Top]

Concord Hiking Trails. Explore Concord’s extensive trail system for hiking and enjoy the natural surrounds, parks, plants, wildlife and forests. Printable maps and descriptions are available for each of the trails at www.onconcord.com.

Lakes Region Greyhound Park. Enjoy year–round simulcast racing, harness, thoroughbred and greyhound racing seven days and seven nights a week, featuring the finest racing available from all the major racetracks seasonal live racing. For information, call 866–463–5201.

Lake Winnipesaukee. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest of New Hampshire’s 270 lakes and ponds that make up the Lakes Region. Lake Winnipesaukee sits 504 feet above sea level, covers about 72 square miles, or about 44,586 acres, and is broken up by its many islands. The lakes numerous coves, bays, beaches and stretched out profile gives it 182 miles of shoreline, some developed and some untouched. A scenic 65–mile drive around the lake winds you through many popular towns such as Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, and Wolfeboro that encircle the lake. Whether you take a guided tour aboard the Mt. Washington, the Winni Water Taxi, or rent your own boat, getting out on the Lake is the only way to appreciate it's size and complexity. It's also the only way to experience 360 degrees of stunning views created by the lake, islands, and three surrounding mountain ranges. Weirs Beach is the closest, most conveniently located access point to Lake Winnipesaukee from the South and West. The wide, sandy beach offers breathtaking views. Its attached park is beautifully landscaped with picnic areas, a play area, the historical Endicott Rock monument, and a jetty from which to watch an endless parade of boats. There are a multitude of attractions and things to do in Weirs Beach, such as arcades, boat cruises, railroad rides, waterslides, miniature golf, go–carts, laser tag, and a drive–in movie theatre, all within walking distance of the boardwalk. Visitors can also enjoy shopping for gifts, candles, jewelry, and antiques. Aside from swimming and boating, fishing is the next most popular activity on Lake Winnipesaukee.  [Top]

Meadowbrook Farm. Located in nearby Gilford, Meadowbrook Farm is New Hampshire’s ultimate music concert venue, with state–of–the art sound, beautiful grounds for roaming and enjoying great food and drinks, awesome atmosphere and the new Pavilion. Meadowbrook Farm’s summer concert series has an entire summer series of sensational acts and your favorite bands. For information, an event calendar and tickets, call 866–463–5201.

New Hampshire Historical Society and Museum of New Hampshire History. The New Hampshire Historical Society serves thousands of children and adults each year through its Museum of New Hampshire History, research library, exhibits, educational programs, and award–winning publications. The Museum of New Hampshire History, located in Concord, offers exhibitions on the state's heritage and traditions as well as a variety of programs for children and adults. The museum's Hands–on History Family Center offers activities that make learning fun for children. The museum is fully accessible, and the museum store features the state's best selection of New Hampshire's books, products and crafts. For information, call 866–463–5201.  [Top]

Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum. The Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum Education and Cultural Center is located in Warner, a classic New England village nestled in the New Hampshire hills. The Museum is situated on 100 acres of field, wetlands and forest and lies at the foot of Mt. Kearsarge, the home of Rollins State Park, and a popular hiking mountain known for one of the most spectacular views in New England. MKIM is open the first Saturday in May through the Thanksgiving Holidays, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. In November and December, MKIM is open weekends, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, and 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call 866–463–5201 or 866–463–5201.

New Hampshire International Speedway. Located in the heart of New Hampshire's thriving Lakes Region, the New Hampshire International Speedway is the only super speedway in the New England area and is host to a diverse series of racing divisions that includes AMA motorcycle competition, NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch Series, plus several local and regional club events and vintage racing. The inaugural NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event was sensational with a record crowd of more than 88,000. The speedway has experienced tremendous growth and success as an active member of the community. Fans can also take driving lessons from the pros at the Richard Petty Driving School. Located in Loudon, NH on Rt.106, approximately 10 miles north of Concord, the Speedway provides ample parking for RVs and campers. For information and tickets, call (866) 463–5201 or visit www.nhis.com.  [Top]

Pat’s Peak. Pat’s Peak in Henniker, New Hampshire, is a favorite ski resort in Southern New Hampshire, located just 30 minutes from most metropolitan areas and 90 minutes from Boston. Pat’s Peak is the Lakes Region’s most accessible learn–to–ski and snowboard mountains, with three separate beginner areas to an F.I.S. race trail. The Pat’s Peak Ski Area offers 21 groomed trails, seven lifts, 90 percent snowmaking, night skiing on selected evenings, three isolated beginner areas, cross country skiing, snow tubing, alpine skiing, a terrain park, a summit elevation of 1,400 feet, plus snowboarding is allowed everywhere. Hurricane is one of the steeped runs in the region and there's plenty of family atmosphere in this family–run ski area. PSIA–certified ski instructors teach all ages and ability levels, from first–timers to advanced skiers, and there are a variety of learn–to–ski packages to choose from. Services include an expanded nursery, children's ski programs, homemade foods, a rustic lounge, and a new ski shop with ski repair services and ski rentals. Pat's Peak has a new triple chair that boosts uphill capacity by 22%. A family designed, owned, and operated ski area built by the Patenaude family in 1963, Pats Peak supports many adult racing teams, after school ski programs, and the most night skiing in southern New Hampshire. For additional information, call 866–463–5201 or 888–PATSPEAK.

Strawbery Banke. Strawbery Banke is a 10–acre waterfront neighborhood and museum in Portsmouth, NH named by the first English settlers in 1630 for the profusion of wildberries found on the shores. Visitors can experience its rich culture, historic homes, costumed role players and period gardens. Throughout the centuries, people lived and worked here, experiencing the major events and currents of America's history. The Museum is dedicated to the study of the lives of these people and others who left their mark on Portsmouth's history, including Washington and Lafayette, Daniel Webster, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere and Admiral George Dewey. The houses that survived provide a strong link to the lives of our forefathers, their activities and human values. Some of the houses have been restored and furnished to particular periods in the past, some are used for exhibits on architecture or archaeology, and others serve as shops for artisans practicing traditional trades. Strawbery Banke provides a rich opportunity for the exploration of America’s past.  [Top]

Steeplegate Mall. For mall shopping, Steeplegate Mall at 270 Loudon Road features more than 70 stores, specialty carts and includes anchor stores JC Penney, Sears and The Bon–Ton, and Old Navy.

Squam Lakes. Squam Lakes are considered some of the most pristine lakes in the New Hampshire lakes region. Located at the beginning of the White Mountains and near Lake Winnipesaukee, the Squam Lakes region consists of Big Squam Lake, Little Squam Lake, and White Oak Pond. Featuring a peaceful splendor, and an assortment of outdoor recreational activities, Squam Lakes are an idyllic vacation destination. The magnificent surroundings are only part of the charm of this part of the New Hampshire lakes region, which boasts a variety of lodging, dining, attractions and shopping for visitors to experience. Ideally situated in central New Hampshire, Squam Lakes are less than an hour away from Concord. If you are a nature lover with appreciation for the outdoors, explore the natural resources of Squam Lakes by land or lake.  [Top]