When people move to moderate climates, a common sentiment that you hear is about missing the seasons. New Hampshire is beautiful in every season and loaded with things to do in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Embrace the seasons and New Hampshire will come to life for you.
Fall
A good list of fall festivals, fairs, scenic drives is on the NH.com website. If you have ever picked apples, you know that a fresh-picked apple off a tree can’t be beaten and the varieties are amazing. Many orchards offer free tasting, pumpkin picking, and other fall activities and New Hampshire has more than its fair share of Halloween and haunted events.
Pick Your Own and New Hampshire Living list apple orchards (as well as other farms) throughout New Hampshire. All of the general outdoor websites have very informative sections about how to enjoy our spectacular fall foliage – determining peak times, scenic drives, specialty hikes, and more.
Haunted New Hampshire and Haunted House - lists many “haunted” activities
Haunt World - another haunted activity list
NH Pumpkin Festival– everyone should get to Laconia at least once for their spectacular pumpkin display.
Milford Pumpkin Festival - a weekend-long event with a large variety of activities.
The New Hampshire Highland Games - is the largest Scottish cultural festival in the Northeast right here in NH!
Winter
If you have never tried skiing or boarding, ski resorts all offer excellent learn to ski/board programs that can get you sliding successfully in no time.
Check out Ski NH for great ski deals and information.
Maple Sugaring - From mid-February to mid-April, maple sugaring is in full operation. Maple sugar houses are scattered all over New Hampshire and most are open to the public.
The Travel Channel even gets in on the action calling New Hampshire a “Winter Wonderland”. Read their article and suggestions.
Visit New Hampshire offers winter itineraries for both on-the-slope and off-the-slope activity-filled days.
Spring
Spring is a good time to check out the 101 things-to-do list. The weather can change quickly so if it isn’t a great day, go hit the Antiques Trail or if it is one of those early gorgeous spring days, go explore a covered bridge or hit the beach.
The Lupine Festival is held in June when the lupines are in full bloom. Be sure to eat at Polly’s Pancake Parlor - amazing breakfast and lunch! This is #2 on the 101 things to do on the New Hampshire list!
Summer
When it comes to summer, most people think about swimming, boating, and beaches. Be sure to look through our Outdoor Adventure section for lots of ideas. Try something new by joining a running or biking club. They all welcome beginners and new members. Take in an outdoor concert at the Bank of NH Pavilion, which offers a full concert calendar of events from May through September near Lake Winnipesaukee. Monkey Trunks Zipline Park offers a zipline and adventure course tours in the Lakes Region. Summer fairs - you are sure to find a summer fair somewhere in NH on any summer weekend. Take a food tour – Try the Wine and Cheese Trail - or the Chocolate and Martini Trail. Both will show you scenic New Hampshire and treat you to a tasty and fun experience. Prescott Park is the Seacoast’s only outdoor theater is open from June through October with productions throughout the summer.
Tip: Check out the Yankee Dollar Stretchers on the NH Tourism site for seasonal discounts and special offers.