New Hampshire offers a remarkable concentration of natural beauty and historical depth in a compact New England state. From the towering White Mountains and the iconic summit of Mount Washington to the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the pristine Atlantic coastline at Hampton Beach, visitors encounter dramatic landscapes at every turn. Portsmouth anchors the seacoast with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a thriving culinary scene, while the Lakes Region provides summer watersports and leisurely cruises. Fall foliage transforms the state into a mosaic of crimson and gold each October, drawing leaf-peepers from across the Northeast. The state's 'Live Free or Die' ethos permeates everything from its lack of sales and income taxes to its independent political culture.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
New Hampshire maple syrup
Price: $8–$18 per bottle (USD)
Where: Any sugarhouse, farm stand, or Price Chopper; also NH Maple Producers website (nhmaple.com)
White Mountain photography prints
Price: $25–$200+ (USD)
Where: League of NH Craftsmen galleries; online at nhcrafts.org
Handmade pottery and woodcraft
Price: $15–$150 (USD)
Where: League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Gallery, 36 N Main St, Concord NH; also at Canterbury Shaker Village gift shop
NH craft beer (local brewery cans and bottles)
Price: $3–$8 per can; $12–$25 per 4-pack (USD)
Where: Total Wine & More (various NH locations); directly from Throwback, Stoneface, or Woodstock Inn Brewery taprooms
Old Man of the Mountain merchandise
Price: $5–$30 (USD)
Where: Most gift shops statewide; Franconia Notch State Park visitor center
L.L. Bean gear (outlet pricing)
Price: 15–40% off retail (USD)
Where: Settlers Green Outlet Village, North Conway, NH
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Concord Farmers Market
Local produce, cheese, maple syrup, honey, baked goods, fresh eggs
Where: Concord, NH
Hours: Saturday 8am–12pm, mid-May to late October
Portsmouth Farmers Market
Organic produce, artisan bread, local seafood, cut flowers, fresh pasta, artisan cheese
Where: Portsmouth, NH
Hours: Saturday 8am–1pm, May–November