bigtravelbuzzConcord is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is located in central New Hampshire, about 20 miles north of the state’s largest city, Manchester. Concord has a population of approximately 43,000 people and is known for its rich history, vibrant downtown, and scenic surroundings.
Some of the top attractions in Concord include:
New Hampshire State House: This historic building houses the offices of the governor, speaker of the House, and other state officials. Guided tours are available.
Capitol Center for the Arts: This performing arts center hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and events throughout the year.
Kimball Jenkins Estate: This historic estate features a mansion, carriage house, and gardens, and is home to an art school and gallery.
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: This science museum is dedicated to the exploration of space and features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a science store.
White Park: This park features a playground, picnic areas, and a public pool in the summer.
Canterbury Shaker Village: This historic village showcases the unique lifestyle and culture of the Shakers, a religious group that settled in the area in the 18th century.
Merrimack County Courthouse: This historic courthouse features a striking granite facade and is located in the heart of downtown Concord.
In addition to these attractions, Concord also has a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural events. The city is located in the heart of New Hampshire, making it a great base for exploring the state’s many outdoor attractions, including hiking trails, ski resorts, and scenic drives.
Best Time To Visit Concord
The best time to visit Concord, New Hampshire, depends on your interests and preferences. Each season offers unique activities and experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons in Concord:
Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Concord when the snow melts, and flowers bloom. Temperatures are mild, and there are fewer crowds than in the summer. This is an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Summer (June-August): Summer is a popular time to visit Concord when the weather is warm and sunny. There are many outdoor concerts, festivals, and fairs throughout the season, and the area’s lakes and rivers are perfect for swimming, boating, and water sports.
Fall (September-November): Fall is arguably the best time to visit Concord, as the foliage colors are breathtaking, and the weather is crisp and cool. The autumn colors peak in late September and early October, and there are many fall festivals and events to enjoy.
Winter (December-February): Winter in Concord is cold and snowy, but it is also a magical time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. There are many winter activities, including ice skating, sledding, and snowmobiling, and the holiday season is full of festive events.
Overall, the best time to visit Concord depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, spring, summer, and fall are excellent choices. If you’re interested in winter sports, then winter is the best time to visit.
Things to Do in Concord
There are many things to do in Concord, New Hampshire. Here are some of the top attractions and activities:
New Hampshire State House: Take a guided tour of the state’s Capitol building, which was built in 1819 and is considered one of the nation’s most beautiful.
McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: This science museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a science store. It is dedicated to the exploration of space.
White Park: This beautiful park in the heart of Concord features a playground, picnic areas, and a public pool in the summer.
Kimball Jenkins Estate: This historic estate features a mansion, carriage house, and gardens, and is home to an art school and gallery.
Canterbury Shaker Village: Visit this historic village to learn about the unique lifestyle and culture of the Shakers, a religious group that settled in the area in the 18th century.
Capitol Center for the Arts: This performing arts center hosts a variety of concerts, shows, and events throughout the year.
Mary Baker Eddy Historic House: This historic home was the birthplace of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science religion. It is now a museum dedicated to her life and work.
New Hampshire Historical Society: This museum and research center showcases the state’s history and culture with exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs.
Carter Hill Orchard: Visit this orchard to pick your own apples, enjoy hayrides, and sample homemade cider and donuts.
Rollins Park: This park features a playground, baseball field, tennis courts, and a pavilion for picnics and events.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Concord, New Hampshire. The city is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and outdoor attractions, including hiking trails, ski resorts, and scenic drives.
How to get around in Concord
Concord, New Hampshire, has several options for getting around the city and the surrounding area:
Car: The most convenient way to get around Concord is by car. There are several car rental companies located in the city, and major highways like I-93 and I-89 run through the area.
Public transportation: Concord Area Transit (CAT) operates a bus system that serves the city and surrounding areas. The buses run Monday through Saturday and have several routes that cover popular destinations.
Bike: Concord has several bike trails and bike lanes, making it easy to get around on two wheels. The city is also part of the East Coast Greenway, a 3,000-mile trail that runs from Maine to Florida.
Walking: Concord is a walkable city, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions located within walking distance of each other. There are also several parks and walking trails in the area.
Taxi and ride-sharing services: Concord has several taxi companies and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft that are available for transportation around the city and to surrounding areas.
Overall, Concord is a small city, and most of the popular attractions and destinations are within a short driving or walking distance of each other.
Where to eat in Concord
Concord, New Hampshire, has a variety of restaurants and cafes that offer delicious food and drinks. Here are some of the top places to eat in Concord:
The Common Man: This popular restaurant serves American cuisine and features a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and rustic decor.
The Works Bakery Cafe: This cafe offers fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a casual setting.
O Steaks & Seafood: This upscale restaurant specializes in steaks and seafood, with a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Hermanos Cocina Mexicana: This restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and margaritas, in a colorful and festive atmosphere.
The Red Blazer Restaurant and Pub: This family-owned restaurant and pub serves American comfort food and has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Barley House: This gastropub serves American fare, craft beer, and cocktails in a casual and lively setting.
Dos Amigos Burritos: This casual restaurant serves made-to-order burritos, tacos, and salads with fresh ingredients and homemade salsa.
Angelina’s Ristorante Italiano: This Italian restaurant serves traditional dishes like pasta, pizza, and seafood in a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
Cheers: This iconic restaurant and bar, made famous by the TV show, serves American pub fare and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Concord, New Hampshire. The city also has many coffee shops, bakeries, and specialty food stores that are worth a visit.
Famous street stalls in Concord
Concord, New Hampshire, is a small city with limited street food options. However, there are a few local food trucks and street vendors that offer delicious eats. Here are some of the top street stalls in Concord:
Conehead’s Ice Cream: This ice cream truck serves up soft serve and hard ice cream in a variety of flavors. Look for the truck parked around downtown Concord in the warmer months.
Tacorrito: This food truck serves up Mexican-inspired cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, with a variety of fillings and toppings.
Pho Queen: This food truck serves up Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, banh mi sandwiches, and spring rolls, made with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
The Sausage Guy: This food vendor serves up grilled sausages with a variety of toppings and condiments, including peppers, onions, and sauerkraut.
The Cheese Board: This food truck offers a selection of artisanal cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, served on a board with bread or crackers.
Gusto Mini Donuts: This food vendor serves up hot and fresh mini donuts, made to order with a variety of toppings and dipping sauces.
These are just a few of the street stalls and food vendors in Concord, New Hampshire. Keep an eye out for local events and festivals, where you may find additional food trucks and street vendors serving up delicious eats.
Where to stay in Concord
Luxury accommodation
Concord, New Hampshire, offers a few luxury accommodation options that provide high-end amenities and exceptional service. Here are some of the top luxury accommodations in Concord:
The Centennial Hotel: This historic hotel, located in the heart of downtown Concord, features elegant rooms and suites with antique furnishings and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center.
Courtyard by Marriott Concord: This modern hotel, located near downtown Concord and the Capitol Center for the Arts, features spacious rooms and suites with premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant and bar.
Residence Inn by Marriott Concord: This all-suite hotel, located near downtown Concord and the New Hampshire State House, features spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas, full kitchens, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an indoor pool, fitness center, and outdoor patio with a fire pit and barbecue grill.
The Hotel Concord: This boutique hotel, located in downtown Concord, features stylish and modern rooms and suites with luxury amenities like heated bathroom floors, Nespresso coffee makers, and smart TVs. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center.
The Maples at Warner: This historic inn, located in the nearby town of Warner, offers luxurious rooms and suites with antique furnishings, fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs. The inn also has an on-site restaurant and bar, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and hiking trails.
These are just a few of the luxury accommodations available in and around Concord, New Hampshire. Each offers a unique and upscale experience for travelers looking for a high-end stay.
Where to stay in Concord
Budget accommodation
Concord, New Hampshire, offers a few budget accommodation options for travelers looking to save money on their trip. Here are some of the top budget accommodations in Concord:
Comfort Inn Concord: This budget hotel, located near downtown Concord and the Capitol Center for the Arts, features simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and indoor pool.
Holiday Inn Concord Downtown: This budget hotel, located in the heart of downtown Concord, features basic rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Days Inn by Wyndham Concord: This budget hotel, located near downtown Concord and the New Hampshire State House, features no-frills rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
Best Western Concord Inn & Suites: This budget hotel, located near downtown Concord and the New Hampshire State House, features basic rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast, fitness center, and indoor pool.
Motel 6 Concord: This budget motel, located near downtown Concord and the New Hampshire State House, features simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The motel also offers a complimentary breakfast, laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool.
These are just a few of the budget accommodations available in and around Concord, New Hampshire. Each offers a simple and affordable option for travelers looking to save money on their stay.
Travel Tips Concord
Here are some travel tips for visiting Concord, New Hampshire:
Dress appropriately for the weather: Concord experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
Explore downtown Concord: The downtown area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic sites, including the New Hampshire State House and the Capitol Center for the Arts.
Visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center: This science museum is named after New Hampshire natives Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who died in the Challenger space shuttle disaster, and Alan Shepard, the first American in space. The museum features interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
Take a walk in White Park: This park in downtown Concord features walking trails, a pond, and a playground. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Check out local events: Concord hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Capital Arts Fest, the Market Days Festival, and the New Hampshire Film Festival. Check the calendar of events before your trip to see what’s happening.
Rent a car: While Concord is walkable, having a car will make it easier to explore the surrounding area, including nearby lakes and mountains.
Enjoy the local cuisine: New Hampshire is known for its seafood, maple syrup, and dairy products. Be sure to try some of the local specialties while you’re in Concord.
Overall, Concord offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With these travel tips, you can make the most of your trip to this charming New England city.