Although it’s the capital of New Hampshire, the city of Concord doesn’t have quite as large of a population as many would believe, yet it still boasts plenty of things to do for both travelers and local residents alike. Incorporated originally as Rumford in 1734, the city became Concord in 1765 and is home to one of the country’s oldest State Houses and largest legislatures. Today, visitors can explore history in abundance, as well as spend some time outdoors at farms, dine on delicious food, and explore space at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center among much more.
1. New Hampshire Historical Society
Established back in the year 1823, the New Hampshire Historical Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and sharing the history of the state of New Hampshire. The historical society’s museum is home to thousands of photographs, maps, documents, books, and many other artifacts that help tell the state’s history to visitors. The building itself dates back to 1911 and is considered to be one of New Hampshire’s best examples of architecture, featuring a Greek temple-esque exterior and sculpture. Visitors can see state memorabilia, nineteenth-century paintings of the beautiful White Mountains, Native American creations, and much more.
30 Park St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-228-6688
2. New Hampshire State House
The New Hampshire State House is New Hampshire’s state capitol building and is home to the Governor, the Executive Council, and the General Courts. Constructed back in 1819, the State House is the oldest in the United State of those where the legislature of the state still occupies the original chambers. The New Hampshire State House houses the country’s largest legislative body. Referred to as “The People’s House,” visitors can take a self-guided tour of the building and its artwork and artifacts. Guided tours are often available as well.
107 N Main St, Concord, NH 03303, Phone: 603-271-2154
3. Red River Theatres
First opening its doors in 2007, the state-of-the-art Red River Theatre in Concord began as a project by the local community to create a place to show art house films. The cinema features three movie screens and doesn’t show mainstream movies, but instead focuses on local movies and art house productions. Many people in the community have a special place in their hearts for the Red River Theatres and the cinema has become an important aspect of the cultural scene of New Hampshire. Guests can enjoy soft drinks and popcorn, just like most movie theaters, and other food at the Indie Cafe.
11 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-4600
4. Carter Hill Orchard
The Carter Hill Orchard in Concord is a family-owned and operated farm that consists of much more than simply an apple orchard. The grounds also include hiking trails, an on-site bakery, and a country store, as well as an observation tower that offers great views of the occasional raptor and the mountains of the New Hampshire region. The fruit available to visitors at the Carter Hill Orchard, varies throughout the year. Depending on the season, the orchard has cantaloupe, watermelon, pears, plums, raspberries, blueberries, and over ten varieties of apples. Most of the apples are available in September and October.
73 Carter Hill Rd, Concord, NH 03303, Phone: 603-225-2625
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5. Capitol Center for the Arts
One of the premier venues in New Hampshire for theatrical productions and concerts, the Capitol Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts center in the city of Concord that offers everything from comedy to Broadway shows, as well as family-friendly events, dance performances, and music performances. The Egyptian-motif decorated history theater is known in the community for having some of the best volunteers, a friendly staff, and a high quality, eclectic mix of performances. Originally built back in 1927, the theater has since been modernized with air conditioning and more, yet still retains its original charm.
44 S Main St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-1111
6. McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center was established in honor of two New Hampshire natives: Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard. The first was a high school social studies teacher who was chosen as the first teacher to go to space, and the second was the first American to go into space, as well as one of the few to walk on the Moon. McAuliffe tragically died aboard the Challenger space shuttle. This interactive museum was designed to provide inspiration for future generations to “reach for the stars” and to provide a place for people to learn more about space exploration.
2 Institute Dr, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-271-7827
7. Concord Craft Brewing Company
The Concord Craft Brewing Company is one of New Hampshire’s local craft breweries in the city of Concord, located within the historic downtown district. The brewery is the city’s nanobrewery and visitors can find eight of the current brews on tap in the Concord Craft tap room, many of which boast names featuring political overtones, such as the Ballot Box Brut IPA. In addition to sampling the local flavors of beers in the tap room, guests can also pick up beer gear in the retail store or take a tour of the steam-powered, fifteen-barrel Concord Craft Brewery.
117 Storrs St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-856-7625
8. Pierce Manse
Pierce Manse in Concord is the former residence of New Hampshire native President Franklin Pierce, the country’s fourteenth president and only president from New Hampshire. Open year-round to the general public, visitors can take a guided tour of the historic house. Inside of Pierce Manse, many objects can be seen from Franklin Pierce’s day-to-day life and guests can also learn about what things were like during the middle part of the nineteenth century. In 1971, the home was almost destroyed, however, a volunteer group known as the Pierce Brigade saved the property and transformed it into the museum that exists today.
14 Horseshoe Pond Ln, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-4555
9. Dimond Hill Farm
The Dimond Hill Farm offers a place for relaxation, reflection, exploration, exercise, adventure, and natural beauty. It also provides a wide selection of tasty local products and produce, as well as one of the city’s best sitting porches. Visitors are welcome to come to the farm walking along the trails, take in scenic views, or just simply sit and relax. Guests at the farm can also pick their own berries, visit with a llama, and buy fresh berries, soda, and natural ice cream among other activities. The Dimond Hill Farm is also home to its very own labyrinth.
314 Hopkinton Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-496-8218
10. Apple Hill Farm
The Apple Hill Farm has been around for more than thirty-five years, establishing “pick-your-own” opportunities for apples and other small fruits in 1995. Visitors wanting to pick their own fruit at the farm will find apples from around Labor Day through Columbus Day, black currants and raspberries from the middle of July through early August, blueberries from the middle of July through the beginning of September, and strawberries from the middle of June to the middle of July. Along with the pick-your-own fruit, the Apple Hill Farm also offers a bakery and expansive modern farmstand selling homemade farm products.
580 Mountain Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-8862
11. Mary Baker Eddy Historic House
The Mary Baker Eddy Historic House in Concord, New Hampshire stands on the outskirts of the city as a reminder of Eddy’s work that she carried out for around twenty years in Concord. The museum displays a collection of artwork, artifacts, documents, and much more related to the life and work of Mary Baker Eddy, as well as the Christian Science movement. Visitors can tour the historic home on certain days. Several events are also held at the house throughout the year.
62 N State St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-3444
12. Kimball-Jenkins Estate
The Kimball-Jenkins Estate in Concord, New Hampshire features two different art exhibition spaces. Located in the Carriage House, the Carolyn Jenkins Gallery hosts changing contemporary art exhibitions of work by students and faculty of the Kimball-Jenkins School of Art, in addition to solo and group exhibitions highlighting some of the finest practicing artists in the region. The Jill C. Wilson Gallery, located on the Mansion’s ground floor, hosts exhibitions showcasing artwork by nationally and internationally known artists.
266 N. Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-3932
13. Steeplegate Mall
The Steeplegate Mall strives to provide a mall experience to guests that meets the community’s ever-changing needs. The mall is home to numerous popular stores, including more than twenty specialty shops and department stores, such as Bath & Body Works, Talbots, and Chico’s among many others. In addition to the many shops, the Steeplegate Mall also includes the Hatbox Theatre, Zoo Fitness, and the Altitude Trampoline park, offering visitors and residents alike with much more than just shopping.
270 Loudon Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-1523
14. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
The Margaritas Mexican Restaurant serves delicious and authentic food and beverages that are freshly made-to-order everyday. The restaurant aims to make guests feel like they’ve traveled to Mexico, featuring furnishing and art handcrafted in Mexico. Playing to the building’s history as the Concord Jail, several of the tables at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant are placed inside of jail cells, however, guests don’t need to worry about being locked in them. The restaurant is especially great for any fans of spicy food, including salsa. The co-founders of Margaritas have traveled extensively throughout Mexico to create something truly different in Concord.
1 Bicentennial Square, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-2821
15. Makris Lobster & Steak House
The Makris Lobster and Steak House is owned and operated by the Makris family, who have had a notable and long-standing association with eating good in Concord, New Hampshire. This restaurant association started during the early part of the 1900s after Ed Makris’s father opened the Priscilla Restaurant along the city’s North Main Street. The menu at Makris Lobster and Steak House features a wide variety of fried seafood, salads, soups, appetizers, an array of fresh seafood, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, steak, crab legs, and of course, lobster dinners. The restaurant also hosts entertainment on occasion throughout the year.
354 Sheep Davis Rd, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-225-7665
16. Brookside House of Pizza III
The Brookside House of Pizza III is part of the Brookside Pizza pizzerias that have been serving the local communities of Concord and Loudon in New Hampshire since 1987, specializing in offering fast service and quality food. The original Brookside Pizza first opened in Loudon, New Hampshire, but due to high demand, soon expanded to more locations. Both regular and specialty ten-inch and sixteen-inch pizzas are served at each location, as well as dinner plates, pasta, salads, appetizers, and subs.
151 Manchester St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-224-6905
17. Nadeau's Subs Salads Wraps
Nadeau's Subs Salads Wraps provides customers with a wide variety of premium quality subs, wraps, and salads featuring the finest and freshest ingredients available served within a family-friendly setting with great service. The first location of Bob Nadeau’s subs first opened on Pinard Street in March of 1969, and after numerous years of offering quality food and service, expanded to a second location in 2001, and now includes six different locations of Nadeau’s. The local restaurant chain still stays true to its founding principles of superior service and fresh ingredients that made it successful more than forty years ago.
11 Eastman St, Concord, NH 03301, Phone: 603-715-1474
What is Concord, New Hampshire known for? What are the top attractions to visit in Concord, New Hampshire?
The top attractions to visit in Concord, New Hampshire according to local experts are:
- New Hampshire Historical Society
- New Hampshire State House
- Red River Theatres
- Carter Hill Orchard
- Capitol Center for the Arts
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
- Concord Craft Brewing Company
- Pierce Manse
- Dimond Hill Farm
- Apple Hill Farm
- Mary Baker Eddy Historic House
- Kimball-Jenkins Estate
- Steeplegate Mall
- Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
- Makris Lobster & Steak House
- Brookside House of Pizza III
- Nadeau's Subs Salads Wraps
Attraction Spotlight: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway is located in Loudon, New Hampshire, approximately one hour north of Boston. Every year, two events of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series are hosted at the speedway, which opened in 1990. The site is can be easily reached from all the northeastern United States' metropolitan areas, as well as eastern Canada, by Interstate highways.
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway's multi-use complex spans throughout around 1,200 acres, and is New England's largest sports facility. The grounds include a 1.058-mile oval speedway that seats up to eighty-eight thousand spectators, as well as a 1.6-mile road course. Having a reputation as one of the most unique stops on the NASCAR schedule, the speedways is the only race track in New England to host a race in the NASCAR National Series, and is situated six hours from NASCAR's next closest stop on its schedule.
There are several reasons why New Hampshire Motor Speedway is unique compared to other motor speedways. One reason for its uniqueness is the surrounding landscape. One of New Hampshire's main industries is tourism. The picturesque White Mountains and Lakes Region are located fairly close to the speedway, just a small distance to the north. Many racing fans use NASCAR week as an excuse for a vacation in New Hampshire, and take advantage of affordable prices nearby for RV camping.
The weather of the region is another reason why the speedway is a unique stop on the NASCAR schedule. Winters can be harsh in New England, by the summer weather can make it all worth it. The state of New Hampshire has some of the best weather for enjoying racing. The warm temperatures of summer make a day at the speedway a great replacement for another day at the beach thanks to the lack of extreme humidity often found in the country's southern region. Early fall brings just a slight chill to the air, offering the most comfortable weather for an outing and a great chance to soak up the last bit of summer air.
The track itself used for racing is another one of the many reasons that New Hampshire Motor Speedway is unique. The layout of the track is unlike any other track on NASCAR's schedule. The 1.058-mile oval race track features tight corners that create a demanding and challenging race and is relatively flat. The speedway's track is often called the "World's Greatest One-Mile Oval" and drivers regularly rave about its challenges. Winning a race on the oval track is a major accomplishment for any of the world's best racers.
Even in the cold winters of New England, the New Hampshire Motor Speedway offers enjoyment for visitors with the Gift of Lights. Four hundred light displays in more than sixty holiday scenes span more than two miles during the holiday event. The course of lights winds its way around the outside of the grandstands and a portion of the speedway's Road Course. Gifts of Lights also features the Tunnel of Lights, a trip through the infield tunnel, before driving down VIP Street.
1122 Route 106 North, Loudon, New Hampshire, Phone: 603-783-4937
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