On a recent try to Portsmouth, New Hampshire we had the opportunity to explore a popular National Historic Landmark, the USS Albacore Park. The park includes a maritime museum, memorial garden, and the 206 foot long submarine, all open to the public to enjoy and explore.
On a recent weekend in New Hampshire, we decided to explore a few state park sites: Lost River Gorge and Caves in and nearby Flume Gorge in Lincoln, inside Franconia Notch State Park.
Ever since our love of National Parks began over a decade ago, we have started to enjoy hiking a little bit more, especially anytime hiking involves exploring water features like waterfalls and lakes. So, when I recently heard about Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and saw its close proximity to a family event we were attending, I knew we had to stop and explore the area.
On a recent weekend in Portsmouth, New Hampshire we had the opportunity to explore the Seacoast Science Center, a marine science nonprofit with a beautiful, hands-on museum located inside Odirone Point State Park, in Rye, New Hampshire. Opened in 1992, the center offers several, hands on indoor exhibits featuring maritime life, conservation programs, and the history of the area, as well as numerous programs and special events on (and in!) the water that the whole family will enjoy.
One of the most popular historical sites in New Hampshire, and New England, the Strawbery Banke Museum is a 10 acre living history museum that tells the story of the oldest neighborhood in New Hampshire, founded by English settlers in the 17th century. The property includes 16 restored buildings (all of which sit on their original foundation), almost a dozen gardens, daily demonstrations from skilled craftsmen, and engaging exhibits the whole family will enjoy.
Arguably, one of the best things about living in New England is fall: fall weather, fall food, and fall foliage. People travel from all over the country world to see the vibrant colors of New England landscapes. Over the years, we have enjoyed exploring many parts of each New England state, in every season. And while children might be entertained by many things during a long car ride, foliage usually isn’t one of them.
So this week we’re sharing 10 great spots (all four hours or less from our Connecticut home and the greater New England area) that showcase the beautiful colors of fall in their scenery (and each spot has tons of public recreational spaces and walking and biking trails) as well as many family friendly attractions.