Spending 8 weeks in New Hampshire and looking for some recs for when family and friends come to visit and also for when it's just my 9 year old and me. Our base will be in Thornton, NH from early June through early August, but we want to experience as much of New England as we can and plan to take some day/overnight trips. Would love recs on the following:

* 4th of July in Boston. I've booked the Liberty Hotel and tables at Community Boating for the fireworks. Open to hearing suggestions for better locations or options to spend the day and then watch fireworks.

* Whale watching. Best friend has her heart set on this. Willing to drive several hours for a great experience.

* Any hikes, tours, sites, experiences that you've had in New England that you absolutely loved.

Thanks!

aglaohfour said:

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Spending 8 weeks in New Hampshire and looking for some recs for when family and friends come to visit and also for when it's just my 9 year old and me. Our base will be in Thornton, NH from early June through early August, but we want to experience as much of New England as we can and plan to take some day/overnight trips. Would love recs on the following:

* 4th of July in Boston. I've booked the Liberty Hotel and tables at Community Boating for the fireworks. Open to hearing suggestions for better locations or options to spend the day and then watch fireworks.

* Whale watching. Best friend has her heart set on this. Willing to drive several hours for a great experience.

* Any hikes, tours, sites, experiences that you've had in New England that you absolutely loved.

Thanks!

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Climb Mt. Monadnock in SW NH. There are shorter, steeper trails, and some that are longer and less steep. My son was about that age when we climbed it.

Flume Gorge near Franconia Notch, NH is an easy hike and fun for kids.

The Maine seacoast will be beautiful that time of year. Favorite spots for us were Cape Elizabeth and Bar Harbor.

Mt. Washington auto road is fun. If you don't like white knuckle driving there are shuttle vans you can take to the top. Pack a jacket.

Freedom Trail in Boston is a must do.

Woodstock, VT is a beautiful small town with great shopping and dining. You can hike the Quechee Gorge which is a fun, easy hike.

In Thornton you'll be close to many great hikes in the White Mountains. The Kancamagus Highway runs from Lincoln to Conway, and there are numerous places you can pull off, park, and hike.

Conway Scenic Railroad in Conway is fantastic, our kids loved it.

While you're in Boston grab a pizza at the original Regina's in the North End.

Mt Washington is worth going to the top

I forget which ski resort, but in the summer, they have a long fast slide down a curvy run. You sit on a burlap bag and your kid will love it

Ah, these are all awesome recommendations. Exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you both!

These are great recs! We are spending a few weeks in NH this summer also

Make sure you watch this classic movie from 1986 before you go. One of my favorites.

This sounds fantastic. Went to Hampton Beach, NH a few years ago. 52 degree water in the Summer is a bit of a jolt. I remember Portland, ME being pretty cool. Really, New England in the Summer time is just nice to be outside, even if you're not doing anything.

We really enjoyed a day at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.
https://www.osv.org/

Also the Norman Rockwell museum was worth the time

We 4 nights in Grafton Vt as a base exploring Vt.
Was a great little town.