Looking for a peaceful New England town rich in history and outdoor fun? Head to Claremont! Nestled along the Connecticut River, Claremont blends industrial heritage with small-town charm. Explore historic mills, scenic trails, and the vibrant arts scene—all just a short drive from both Vermont and the White Mountains.
Claremont, NH Highlights:
- For Families: Play and picnic at Moody Park – This forested city park offers hiking, playgrounds, and scenic overlooks.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Kayak or fish the Connecticut River – Paddle peaceful stretches or cast a line with stunning river views.
- For Kids: Visit Arrowhead Recreation Area – Seasonal tubing and skiing in winter, and biking and hiking in summer.
- For an Adventure: Hike Sugar River Rail Trail – Explore converted railroad paths through covered bridges and forested scenery.
- For Shoppers: Explore shops in downtown Claremont – Browse local boutiques, bookstores, and antiques in a walkable historic center.
Best Time to Visit Claremont, NH
The best time to visit Claremont is late spring through fall (May to October), when you can enjoy river adventures, colorful foliage, and outdoor events. Winter also brings snow sports at Arrowhead and a cozy, festive atmosphere downtown.
How to Get to Claremont, NH
- If you are traveling by car: Claremont is located on NH Route 12 and Route 103, about 2 hours from Boston and 1 hour from Concord, NH or Springfield, VT.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Vermonter service stops in Claremont Junction, with routes to Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
- By Air: Lebanon Municipal Airport is 30 minutes away and offers regional flights; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is about 1.5 hours away for major carriers.
Where to Stay in Claremont, NH
- Common Man Inn & Restaurant – Charming mill-turned-inn with cozy rooms, river views, and a popular New England eatery on site.
- The Moody House B&B – Quaint bed and breakfast in a historic home near downtown and Moody Park.
- Holiday Inn Express Springfield – Modern, convenient lodging just across the river in Vermont.
Best Things to Do in Claremont, NH
⮕ Dine at North Country Smokehouse
The North Country Smokehouse is located on the exact piece of the countryside of New England as it has for more than one hundred years. While the smokehouse has been making some of the region’s finest artisanal cheeses and meats in Claremont since 1912, its 65,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility was opened in October of 2018. The North Country Smokehouse uses natural, hand-selected ingredients in its products and has received several awards over the years, including “The Best Bacon in America” by Food and Wine, “New England’s Best Meat” by Yankee Magazine, and “America’s Top 10 Best Bacons” by Men’s Journal. North Country Smokehouse does not offer a retail location to shop products on-site but pick up orders for curbside delivery is available. Pick up orders receive special pricing and must be placed 48 hours in advance.
19 Syd Clarke Drive, Claremont, NH 03743, Phone: 603-542-8323
⮕ See a performance at the Claremont Opera House
The Claremont Opera House is a historic venue in Claremont, New Hampshire to watch a variety of exciting and interesting performances. The opera house is more than one hundred years old, with the building’s dedication taking place in June of 1897. Designed by Charles Rich, the Claremont Opera House building features an Italian Renaissance Revival style. For over thirty years, the opera house hosted films, vaudeville performances, and stage shows. While it closed in 1963, the venue was added in 1973 to the National Registers of Historic Places, had a grand re-opening in 1979, and is now a performing arts venue.
58 Opera House Square, Claremont, NH 03743, Phone: 603-542-4433
⮕ Check out Claremont Spice & Dry Goods
Claremont Spice & Dry Goods is a unique shop just off of historic downtown Claremont’s square and is a true “feast for the senses.” Customers are greeted by the aromas and palette of colors of the fresh spices. There is a spice wall for guests to browse with sample jars provided for people to really explore the many different spices available. Claremont Spice aims to provide fresh and gourmet specialty herbs and spices at affordable prices and in smaller quantities that are better able to meet the needs of home cooks, however, larger quantities are available as well.
12 Tremont St, Claremont, NH 03743, Phone: 603-542-9050
⮕ Have dinner at the Common Man Restaurant Claremont
Housed inside a former mill building dating back to 1901, the Common Man Restaurant Claremont, New Hampshire serves a wide array of creative cuisine, ranging from American cuisine with New England flair to Italian-American fare to comfort foods. The award-winning dining establishment features a garden walkway, a vibrant social buzz, mouth watering aromas, an outdoor patio, and sweeping views of the river. Among the many options on the menu at the Common Man are the famous crab cakes, prime rib, and home-baked macaroni and cheese. The Common Man Restaurant Claremont is open seven days a week for dinner.
21 Water St, Claremont, NH 03743, Phone: 603-542-6171
⮕ Try your skill at Escape Factory
Escape Factory in Claremont, New Hampshires could be described as an “interactive performance,” in which the guests are “part of the show” This unique escape room experience features environments that have been designed by actual designers of theatrical sets to provide a more immersive experience for participants. Guests at Escape Factory have one hour to work together in one of the themed rooms to solve clues and complete their mission in order to escape the live-action, interactive puzzle of a room. In addition to escape rooms, Escape Factory has a full-service restaurant, more than 20 draught lines, themed cocktails, and more.
101 Mulberry St, Claremont, NH 03743, 603-504-4058
Where to Eat in Claremont, NH
- Revolution Cantina – A fresh take on Mexican cuisine in a lively downtown setting with cocktails and weekend live music.
- Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza – Casual pizzeria with brick-oven pies, pasta, and a relaxed vibe near the riverfront.
- The Common Man Restaurant – Cozy dining inside the historic mill with comfort food, seasonal specials, and rustic charm.
If you are interested in local events:
- Claremont Brewfest & 5K (September) – Sample craft brews and run a scenic 5K followed by live music and food trucks.
- Moody Park Summer Concert Series (Summer) – Outdoor concerts featuring local and regional talent.
- Winterfest (February) – Celebrate the snowy season with sledding, games, bonfires, and family fun at Arrowhead.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Claremont, New Hampshire:
- Woodstock, VT (25–30 min) – Stroll this charming village, visit Billings Farm, or hike Mount Tom.
- Springfield, VT (15–20 min) – Tour artisan shops, check out the riverwalk, or attend the Stellafane telescope festival.
- Newport, NH (15–20 min) – Visit the historic town common or explore the trails at Corbin Covered Bridge.
- Charlestown, NH (20–25 min) – Explore Fort at No. 4, an 18th-century colonial living history museum.
- Lebanon, NH (30 min) – Browse the AVA Gallery, enjoy local theater, or explore riverside trails downtown.
- Mount Ascutney State Park (30 min) – Hike scenic trails or drive to a summit lookout across the river in Vermont.
- Sunapee (30 min) – Spend the day by the lake, ride the ski lifts, or hike at Mount Sunapee State Park.
- Hartland, VT (25–30 min) – Discover hidden waterfalls, rural scenery, and peaceful backroad drives.
- Ascutney Village (25 min) – Enjoy farm stands, local cheese, and views of the Connecticut River Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Where is Claremont located?
- A: The small town of Claremont is located in New Hampshire, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty.
- Q: Who were the original inhabitants of Claremont?
- A: The Algonquin peoples were the first to inhabit this part of New England, but they were largely displaced after the arrival of European settlers.
- Q: When did European settlement occur in Claremont?
- A: European settlement of the area happened in 1764, and many of the old Colonial-style structures from that era can still be seen around Claremont today.
- Q: What is the landscape like in Claremont?
- A: Green pastures and wooded forests make Claremont a rather picturesque area, perfect for nature lovers.
- Q: What activities can visitors enjoy in Claremont?
- A: There are several things to do in town, ranging from the performing arts to historical sites and delicious tasty food.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes.
Common Man Inn & Restaurant – A cozy and rustic stay with great dining.
Explore Moody Park – Hike scenic trails and enjoy nature walks.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures.
Claremont Motor Lodge – A budget-friendly and convenient stay.
Go kayaking on the Sugar River – Enjoy peaceful waters and beautiful scenery.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant foliage, and harvest festivals.
Best Western Springfield Hotel – A comfortable option near Claremont.
Take a scenic drive through the Connecticut River Valley – Experience New England’s stunning autumn colors.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and great for winter sports.
Royal Inn Claremont – A cozy and affordable stay.
Go skiing or snowboarding at Mount Sunapee – A top winter destination just a short drive away.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
In Summary, We Highly Recommend:
Why Trust Us
Helping travelers find the best destinations, hotels, and attractions.
Expert articles, vacation tips, and exclusive offers.
User-friendly features for trip ideas, reviews, and bookings.
Secure bookings and verified business listings.