New Hampshire

People expect New Hampshire to be much more agricultural than it is, and are often surprised to see the row on row of old brick mill buildings lining its rivers. New Hampshire's industrial past has given it a different character from neighboring agricultural states, along with more ethnic diversity. Wave after wave of immigrants Irish, German, Russian, French Canadian and others came to work in the mills and north-country lumber camps. Visually, New Hampshire's mountains are craggier and taller than neighboring states and those craggy rock-strewn peaks brought some of America's first tourists to early White Mountain resorts. The mountains ...

People expect New Hampshire to be much more agricultural than it is, and are often surprised to see the row on row of old brick mill buildings lining its rivers. New Hampshire's industrial past has given it a different character from neighboring agricultural states, along with more ethnic diversity. Wave after wave of immigrants Irish, German, Russian, French Canadian and others came to work in the mills and north-country lumber camps. Visually, New Hampshire's mountains are craggier and taller than neighboring states and those craggy rock-strewn peaks brought some of America's first tourists to early White Mountain resorts. The mountains still continue to draw visitors to sight-see, camp, hike, climb, and ride to their summits on gondolas, trains and chairlifts. The seacoast is the shortest of any state, but its only port city, Portsmouth, packs a high dose of maritime history into its brick streets and waterfront. Touring all its historic houses and gardens could take several days. On the other side of the state, the mountain that gives its name to the Monadnock region is the most climbed peak in the country. Travelers who follow Monadnock's winding back lanes will be treated to covered bridges, peaceful lakes and scenic valleys.

About the Expert

Lura Seavey is the author of Fun with the Family in Vermont and New Hampshire and she has contributed to several Thomas Cook guidebooks, including Drive Around Catalonia, Travellers Mallorca, and Travellers Barcelona.