The classic New England town of Concord has plenty to keep you occupied – from the strong historical connections and thriving culinary scene, to the prestigious arts centre and one of the state’s finest movie theaters.
Discover the city’s history
Start your tour of the city at the gold-domed New Hampshire State House. Built in 1819, it’s still home to the governor, courts and Executive Council today. The building itself is incredible, and well worth a visit – just be sure to bring along your camera.
Next up, head to the home of President Franklin Pierce. The 14th President of the United States was a native of New Hampshire and his former home, Pierce Manse, is open all year round to the public. Take a guided tour and find out about his life around the middle of the 19th century.
A short way north of Downtown Concord is the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. This fascinating museum celebrates the lives of two of the city’s sons and daughters - Christa McAuliffe, a local high school teacher who became the first teacher in space, and Alan Shepard, the first American in space and one of the few people to walk on the moon.
Among the interactive displays is a full size replica of a Mercury Redstone Rocket, which first took American’s into space. If you’re spending sometime here, be sure to see a Planetarium show. Displayed on the dome inside, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the show.
Visit the state’s oldest Shaker Village
A short distance from Concord is the Canterbury Shaker Village - a National Historic Landmark since 1993. It was one of a number of Shaker communities founded in the 18th century and at its height in the 1850s, 300 people lived and worked in this idyllic setting.
This picturesque site and museum is one of the oldest and best preserved of the surviving Shaker villages. As well as exploring the original buildings on a self-guided tour, you can see craft demonstrations and do some shopping.
Head for the lakes
Concord is ideally situated for visiting the Lakes Region - New Hampshire's favourite playground and the most precious jewel in its tourist crown.
There are dozens of lakes to choose from, many with their own beaches. The granddaddy of them all is dazzling blue Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the state at almost 200 square kilometres. It’s surrounded by towering mountain ranges and its shores are lined with beaches where you can swim and enjoy every water sport you can possibly imagine.
Smaller, but no less lovely, are the Squam Lakes – Big Squam, Little Squam and White Oak Pond – sitting at the base of the White Mountains. This is a popular destination for adventure sports when the winter snows arrive.
The nearby town of Moultonborough is home to the wonderful Castle in the Clouds, an Arts and Crafts mansion built in 1913-1914. You can tour the castle and explore the 5,500-acre estate with its cascading waterfalls, hike its mountain trails, feed the trout on Shannon Pond or simply admire the spectacular views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
See the true New England when you travel around Concord with a rental car from Hertz.
