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NEW HAMPSHIRE
The beauty and diversity of New Hampshire is unrivaled. From the Seacoast
and Mount Washington, to the natural beauty and wildlife, New Hampshire
offers something for everyone. The following are just a few of the wonderful
destinations that comprise the unique and diverse character of New Hampshire.
THE MONADNOCK REGION
The Monadnock Region is named for Mount Monadnock, one of the most  frequently
climbed mountains in the world. Besides winter sports like skiing, ice-skating
and more, the area is also know for its year round arts and cultural offerings.
The MacDowell Colony, the oldest and largest artist colony in the United
States, provides a refuge where artists, writers, composers, visual artists,
photographers, printmakers, filmmakers and architects from all over the
world come to the colony to work and enjoy the experience of living in
a community of gifted artists.
Choose from any of the Monadnock Region's quintessential New England
towns and villages beginning with Keene, a bustling college town and a
shopping center for the entire region. The nearby towns of Hinsdale, Chesterfield
and Winchester include Pisgah State Park, a 13,500-acre undeveloped park
that draws hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, anglers, snowmobilers and
cross country skiers.
THE LAKES REGION
There are 273 lakes and ponds in the Lakes Region, the largest being
Lake Winnipesaukee, which covers 72 square miles. Most activities center
around the water and these include swimming, fishing, water parks, cruise
ships, boat tours and nature centers. During the winter months there's
ice fishing, ice sailing, cross-country and downhill skiing, and snowmobiling.
 Other communities
to explore include Sandwich, where the state's crafts organization was
born; Wakefield, with its remarkable historic district; Melvin Village,
a favorite stop for antique lovers; and Plymouth, home of Plymouth State
College and the Silver Cultural Arts Center.
DARTMOUTH/SUNNAPEE REGIONS
The Connecticut River flows from northern New Hampshire to the Long Island
Sound and it forms the state's and this region's western border. This
region is known for the numerous colleges and academies that dot, and
in some cases dominate, the landscape. Dartmouth College (which the region
is named after) is in Hanover and Proctor Academy is in Andover, while
Colby-Sawer College is in New London.
Attractions in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region include exceptional natural
beauty and a variety of historical sites like Fells Historic Site at the
John Hay National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury. Sports  enthusiasts
will not be bored. Activities abound all year round and include downhill
and cross country skiing in winter; boating, swimming and fishing on the
Connecticut River and the many lakes and ponds in the summer. There are
a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, and a number of challenging
golf courses.
MERRIMACK VALLEY
The Merrimack Valley Region has a very colorful past. Over 100 years
ago, the mill communities here welcomed immigrants from all over the world
including Greece, Canada, and Ireland. The industriousness of these people
helped make Manchester the largest textile-producing city in the world,
surpassing Manchester, England.
The Merrimack Valley Region is the center of government and business
in the state. Its three largest cities are Concord, the capital, where
the State's legislature meets; Manchester, the state's financial center;
and Nashua, which was cited in 1997 and 1987 as the best place to live
in the U.S. by Money magazine.
Beyond the cities is some of the most peaceful and scenic countryside
in New Hampshire. Highlights include Canterbury, with its Shaker village,
Allenstown and the 9,600-acre Bear Brook State Park, and Derry, where
poet Robert Frost once lived and wrote.
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS
The White Mountains Region is the most mountainous area of the state.
It is a must-see for tourists, climbers, hikers and skiers.
The wide range of lodgings and restaurants and the warm hospitality has
ensured the White Mountains position as one of the most popular year-round
destinations in the East. Attractions include family theme parks and water
parks, scenic mountain rides, and historic sites. The White Mountain National
Forest is a mecca for hikers, bikers and nature lovers, and Mt. Washington,
rising 6,288 feet above sea level, offers some of the best skiing in the
eastern United States.
In the last twenty years, tax-free shopping has become an increasingly
important draw, thanks to the region's many unique boutiques, name-brand
outlets, antiques, crafts and other stores.
THE SEACOAST
The Seacoast region is where it all began in New Hampshire, and the area
continues to thrive to this day. There are beautiful beaches and parks,
and a history that dates to the founding of our country. Over 350 years
of tradition provide a unique backdrop to life along the Seacoast region.
 Durham
is a dynamic college town, with all the cultural and sports activities
you'd expect from major university. Hampton is a lively beach resort offering
a variety of seasonal events. The harbor front area of Portsmouth is best
experienced on foot. Don't miss Prescott Park, with its exquisite flower
gardens and annual Arts Festival, or Strawbery Banke, which recreates
life in the Puddle Dock neighborhood of Portsmouth over its 300-year history.
Take a stroll down Bow Street to Ceres Street where you can see tugs and
other boats come in, while enjoying the fine restaurants and shops.
THE GARDENS
Don't miss New Hampshire's celebrated gardens. The following are just
a few suggestions to delight your senses.
The Fuller Gardens in North Hampton are one of the few remaining estate
gardens of the early 20th century. Its seaside location provides the ideal
growing conditions for 1,500 rose bushes of all types. Extensive plantings
of annuals also provide a brilliant display of color. Open daily from
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from early May through mid October. A nominal
admission fee is charged. Call or write for group rates. (603) 964-5414.
Web: http://www.fullergardens.org.
The Kirkwood Gardens in Holderness include a fern garden, a butterfly
garden and a garden displaying a selection of shrubs and flowers native
to northern New England. Open daily from May 1 through November 1, 9:30
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Last admission at 3:30 p.m.) Admission to the Science
Center, including Kirkwood Gardens, is $6.00 in May, June, September and
October and $8.00 in July and August. (603) 968-7194.
The Fields of Lupine Festival in Franconia/Sugar Hill celebrates these
beautiful spring flowers that grow wild along roadside and fields. Each
spring they burst forth in an array of colors-blue, purple, pink, white,
red, orange and yellow-creating a spectacular display for visitors to
New Hampshire. The 2001 festival dates are June 9-25. (800) 237-9007.
Web: http://www.franconianotch.org.
The Fells at the John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, Newbury: The Fells
was the lakeside summer home of American writer and diplomat John M. Hay
(1838-1905) who served as private secretary to Abraham Lincoln, ambassador
to Great Britain and secretary of state under presidents McKinley and
Roosevelt.
Open daily from dawn to dusk year round. Admission is $3.00. (603) 763-4789.
E-mail: fells@kear.tds.net. Web: http://www.thefells.org.
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