New Hampshire Attractions 2009

ATTRACTIONS

Best Historic Walking Tour:
PORTSMOUTH HARBOR TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR, Portsmouth
Delve into the city’s rich past on this hour-long walking tour of Colonial residences and historic landmarks, and hear the stories of early townspeople (merchants, politicians, and laborers) who helped build it into a four-star destination. Call for seasonal schedule. Reservations recommended. Greater Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 603-610-5510, reservations 603-436-3988; portsmouthchamber.org

Best Revolutionary War Experience:
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE MUSEUM, Exeter
The Ladd-Gilman House and Folsom Tavern were pivotal meeting places in the 1770s. Today these historic buildings contain exhibits documenting early New Hampshire history and the role New Hampshire colonists played in founding a new nation. 1 Governors Lane. 603-772-2622; independencemuseum.org

Best short family hike:
PONDICHERRY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, Jefferson
A level 1.5-mile hike (the State Rail Trail) takes you to a platform with sweeping views of Cherry Pond and the White Mountains. Off Airport Road. Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, 413-548-8002; fws.gov/r5soc

Best Children’s Theme Park:
STORY LAND, Glen
Most parents who were raised in New England visited here as kids. You’ll see why the tradition continues when you ride the “Turtle Twirl,” watch the “Farm Follies” barnyard show, and more. Route 16. 603-383-4186; storylandnh.com

Best Way to Keep Your Cool:
KAHUNA LAGUNA, North Conway
Surf’s up way up north, thanks to the 40,000-square-foot aqua park at Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. You’ll find two tube slides, two body slides, wave and swimming pools, a water basketball court, and one big (25-person) hot tub. 2251 White Mountain Highway. 603-356-5411; kahunalaguna.com

Best Roadside Attraction:
SHRINE TO OUR LADY OF GRACE, Columbia
Find more than 50 monuments at this open-air venue. A favorite sculpture represents the annual “Blessing of the Motorcycles” held here each June. Route 3; columbianh.org/theshrine.htm

Best Kids’ Rainy-Day Activity:
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, Dover
Two floors feature old favorites such as “Dino Detective,” plus new exhibits where kids can try on masks, get a bird’s-eye view of the Cocheco River, and play with kaleidoscopes. 6 Washington St. 603-742-2002; childrens-museum.org

Best Covered Bridge:
CORNISH-WINDSOR BRIDGE, Cornish
The country’s longest wooden bridge (450 feet) features lattice trusses and rough-hewn boards. It spans the Connecticut River and connects to Vermont, but New Hampshire lays claim to it. Off Route 12A. Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce, 603-543-1296; claremont.accountsupport.com

Best Scenic River Drive:
THIRTEEN-MILE WOODS, Berlin/Errol
Even the U.S. Postal Service agrees with us. Last May, it issued a Scenic American Landscapes series stamp of this section of forest and river. Places to picnic, go bird- and moose-watching, take pictures, and enjoy the natural springs and undeveloped beauty. Route 16. 603-482-3906; umbagogchambercommerce.com

Best Museum Gift Shop:
CURRIER MUSEUM OF ART, Manchester
The Currier’s reopening last spring, after a two-year expansion project, reinvigorated its gift shop by tripling the space and adding inventory. Here you’ll find New Hampshire artisans and exhibition-specific merchandise, plus items inspired by the permanent collection, such as a zodiac pendant. 150 Ash St. 603-669-6144 x128; currier.org

Best Wedding-Gift Ideas:
SIMON PEARCE, Hanover
Hand-blown glass pieces, from vases and pitchers to cake platters and stemware, are beautiful and elegant for any occasion. 10 South Main St. 603-643-0100; simonpearce.com

Best Traditional Salt-Glaze Pottery:
SALMON FALLS STUDIO AND SHOP, Dover
This historic brick building is stuffed with pottery featuring American country-blue designs such as blueberries and vines. The Engine House, 75 Oak St. 603-749-1467; salmonfalls.com

Best Cottage-Style Home Decor:
HOME COMFORT MARKET SHOP, Center Harbor
Furnishings and linens, candlesticks and pillows, all featuring country charm befitting a lakeside camp or North Woods cabin. Look for carved decoys, botanical print quilts, hooked rugs, and bentwood furniture. Route 25B. 603-253-6660; homecomfortnh.com

Best Place to Find Something for Everyone:
RUGGLES & HUNT, Walpole
This small dry-goods store in an old firehouse is packed with items for every room in the house, plus gifts for the reader, child, or fashionista in your life. 8 Westminster St. 603-756-9607

Best Hand-Turned Burl Wood Bowls:
Dustin Coates Gallery on the Hill, Etna
The artist favors timber that has unique features such as whorls and live edges. Some people use his bowls for serving salad; others treat them as works of art. 5 Trescott Road; 603-643-3499

Best Independent Bookstore:
VILLAGE BOOK STORE, Littleton
This storefront spans about a half-block and stocks more than 75,000 titles and an outstanding children’s section. Find books by regional authors, plus a sizable selection of local maps and outdoor guides. 81 Main St. 800-640-9673, 603-444-5263; booksmusictoys.com

Best Baby Gifts:
STORK ORGANIC BABY BOUTIQUE, Milford
New mothers and moms-to-be will appreciate the emphasis on organic-cotton products, from necessities such as onesies, blankets, and cloth diapers to much-used items such as biodegradable soaps, organic-cotton toys, and natural-rubber pacifiers. 273 Union Square. 603-673-5381; storkorganicbaby.com

Best Nursery Display:
BETHLEHEM FLOWER FARM, Bethlehem
Long identified with its pink-painted barn, Bethlehem sells more than 150 varieties of daylilies. Enjoy the gardens and mountain views and order some stunning blooms. 4123 Main St. (Route 302). 603-869-3131; bethlehemflowerfarm.com

Best Chocolates:
BYRNE & CARLSON, Portsmouth
This small shop offers handmade treats, created in small batches nearby. 121 State St. 888-559-9778, 603-559-9778; byrneandcarlson.com