Best Classic Attractions in New Hampshire | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

There’s a lot to see in do in the Granite State, but some activities really stand the test of time. Read our picks for the best classic attractions in New Hampshire. BEST BEACH HAMPTON BEACH, Hampton Take a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline (nhstateparks.org) and add a splash of kitsch and you have yourself a memorable New Hampshire beach. Document your visit by stepping into a photo booth at Playland Arcade (211 Ocean Blvd., 603-926-3831), and then try your hand at some classic boardwalk games while you’re there, such as Skee-Ball and pinball. 115 Ocean Blvd. 603-926-8717; hamptonbeach.org BEST LOCAL TREASURE SAINT-GAUDENS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, Cornish Visitors may stroll through the home, studios, and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens–one of the most notable American sculptors, responsible for iconic statues and monuments such as the Shaw Memorial and the Standing Lincoln. Extend your stay and bring a picnic to enjoy on the park’s grounds. 139 Saint Gaudens Road (off Route 12A). 603-675-2175 x100; nps.gov/saga/index.htm BEST HIKE MOUNT MONADNOCK, Jaffrey It’s a National Natural Landmark and one of the most-climbed mountains in the world for a reason. Take your pick from any one of its beautiful trails, and from the summit look out nearly 100 miles toward Boston. Surrounded by thousands of acres of protected highlands, it’s a stunning vista. The bare upper slopes host a variety of rare alpine and subalpine vegetation alongside the trails. Monadnock State Park, 116 Poole Road. 603-532-8862; nhstateparks.org BEST HISTORIC VILLAGE STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM, Portsmouth This cluster of 42 historic homes and buildings gives visitors a glimpse of New Hampshire’s coastal life stretching back more than three centuries. 14 Hancock St. 603-433-1100; strawberybanke.org BEST COVERED BRIDGE STARK BRIDGE, Stark Built in 1862, the Stark Bridge (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is picturesque yet useful. Spanning the Upper Ammonoosuc River, it connects North Road with Route 110, saving travelers a four-and-a-half-mile detour. Route 110. nh.gov/nhdhr/bridges/p71.html

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