1. Unwind with the Family at Watson Park
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Families, nature lovers, picnic-goers, casual athletes, and event hosts.
What I Love: ♥ "A charming riverside retreat. It’s peaceful, playful, and perfect for all ages."
- Stroll through the butterfly garden and along riverside paths.
- Play hopscotch or beach volleyball on three full courts.
- Gather under the reservable picnic pavilion for celebrations or relaxed lunches.
Cost: Free to visit; pavilion rental fees apply for private use.
Best time to visit: Spring to early fall for full use of gardens and courts; winter for seasonal ice rink fun.
Local tips: Bring charcoal if you plan to grill. The open lawn is ideal for impromptu games and small events.
Distance: About 20 minutes south of Manchester, NH; 1 hour from Boston, MA.
How to Get to Watson Park: Take US-3 (Daniel Webster Highway) to Merrimack. The park is located near the intersection with Baboosic Lake Road, just north of the town center.
2. Wander the Waterfall Trails at Wildcat Falls Park and Conservation Area
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Hikers, nature walkers, families, photographers, and casual explorers.
What I Love: ♥ "A quiet forest path, the rush of Wildcat Falls, and wildlife around every turn—it’s the kind of place where kids can run ahead and you still feel at ease."
- Hike the 11.5-mile Wildcat Falls Trail—perfect for all skill levels.
- View Wildcat Falls and spot native flora and fauna along the way.
- Explore the peaceful conservation area just minutes from downtown Merrimack.
Cost: Free to enter and hike.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trail accessibility and waterfall views; early mornings for wildlife sightings.
Local tips: Wear bug spray in summer, and check trail conditions after rain. Parking is limited—arrive early on weekends.
Distance: Just 10 minutes from downtown Merrimack; about 25 minutes south of Manchester, NH.
How to Get to Wildcat Falls Park: From US-3, take Exit 11 and head west on Continental Boulevard. Follow signs for Wildcat Falls Conservation Area.
3. Refresh and Rejuvenate at Innovations the Salon & Spa
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Spa-goers, wellness seekers, bridal parties, beauty enthusiasts, and those in need of pampering or professional care.
What I Love: ♥ "From the soothing ambiance to expert hands, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and you leave feeling like the best version of yourself."
- Relax in elegant treatment rooms offering massages, facials, tinting, and more.
- Transform your look with salon services like cuts, extensions, and conditioning.
- Rejuvenate with advanced treatments like Botox® and derma-fillers by medical professionals.
Cost: Varies by treatment; packages and gift cards available online or in-store.
Best time to visit: Year-round; book ahead for weekends and holiday seasons for best availability.
Local tips: Schedule consultations for personalized service plans; bridal and group bookings welcome with advance notice.
Distance: About 20 minutes from Manchester, NH; 1 hour north of Boston, MA.
How to Get to Innovations the Salon & Spa: From the Everett Turnpike (US-3), take Exit 11 and follow Naticook Road west. The spa is just past the intersection with Turkey Hill Road.
Address: 228 Naticook Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone: 603-880-7499
4. Play and Explore at Twin Bridge Park
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Families, young children, history lovers, walkers, and local sports fans.
What I Love: ♥ "History meets playtime—massive colonial bridge stones, shaded trails, and the joy of kids climbing through Kids Kove. It's where heritage and childhood imagination collide."
- Play at Kids Kove—an exciting playground designed for energetic young adventurers.
- Stroll the peaceful walking trails lined by the Baboosic Brook.
- Discover remnants of colonial-era bridges and stone anchors along the water’s edge.
Cost: Free to enter and enjoy.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for outdoor play, sports, and scenic walks.
Local tips: Pack a picnic—shady spots near the brook are perfect for lunch. Bring sneakers for trail walking and field games.
Distance: Less than 5 minutes from downtown Merrimack; 25 minutes south of Manchester, NH.
How to Get to Twin Bridge Park: Take US-3 (Daniel Webster Highway) through Merrimack Town Center. The park entrance is clearly marked across from Town Hall.
5. Crack into Coastal Flavor at the Lobster Boat Restaurant
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Seafood lovers, families, casual diners, and fans of New England fare.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s the kind of place where the lobster is always fresh, the portions are hearty, and the vibe is cozy and classic—like dining with old friends by the coast."
- Dine on fresh seasonal seafood, sizzling steaks, hearty burgers, and vegetarian dishes.
- Enjoy a relaxed setting with craft beers, casual wines, and classic cocktails.
- Visit the original 1984 location that inspired two additional restaurants in Litchfield and Exeter.
Cost: Moderate; prices vary by dish—great value for fresh seafood and generous portions.
Best time to visit: Daily for lunch or dinner; weekends can be busy, so come early or call ahead.
Local tips: Ask about seasonal specials and don’t skip the clam chowder—it’s a local favorite.
Distance: Located right in Merrimack; about 25 minutes south of Manchester, NH.
How to Get to the Lobster Boat Restaurant: Take US-3 (Daniel Webster Highway) to central Merrimack. The restaurant is just south of Twin Bridge Park, easily visible from the road.
Address: 453 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone: 603-424-5221
6. Dine Fireside at The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Families, date nights, comfort food fans, and anyone seeking warm ambiance with quality American fare.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s like dining at your best friend’s farmhouse—crackling fireplaces, hearty plates, and that perfect balance of cozy and refined. The deck in summer? Just icing on the cake."
- Dine on made-from-scratch meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Unwind in the inviting tavern with a well-stocked bar and soft lighting.
- Enjoy alfresco-style dining on the outdoor deck during warmer months.
Cost: Moderate to upscale; great value for scratch-made cuisine and warm atmosphere.
Best time to visit: Year-round; cozy up by the fireplace in winter or enjoy deck seating in summer.
Local tips: Make reservations for weekend evenings. The bar is perfect for a casual drink before dinner.
Distance: Just 5 minutes from downtown Merrimack; about 30 minutes from Manchester, NH.
How to Get to The Homestead Restaurant & Tavern: Located on the Daniel Webster Highway (US-3), head north from Twin Bridge Park; it’s on the left past Baboosic Lake Road.
Address: 641 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone: 603-429-2022
7. Scoop Up Something Sweet at Hayward’s Ice Cream
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Ice cream lovers, families, casual diners, and nostalgic foodies.
What I Love: ♥ "There’s something magical about a hand-scooped cone from a place that’s been perfecting the craft since 1940. It’s summer in New Hampshire, in every bite."
- Treat yourself to premium, homemade ice cream with 70+ years of tradition.
- Grab specialty hot dogs, kids’ meals, and light lunch or dinner options.
- Visit one of several locations across the state for a nostalgic, local favorite.
Cost: Affordable; prices vary by serving size and menu items.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for full menu availability and outdoor seating; summer for peak flavor variety.
Local tips: Expect lines on warm days—worth the wait! Try their weekly specials for seasonal surprises.
Distance: Centrally located in Merrimack; 25 minutes from Manchester, NH.
How to Get to Hayward’s Ice Cream: Located on the Daniel Webster Highway (US-3), just south of Twin Bridge Park and near many other local dining stops.
Address: 364 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone: 603-424-5915
8. Raise a Pint at Able Ebenezer Brewing Company
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Craft beer fans, history buffs, locals, weekend explorers, and live music lovers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s not just beer—it’s heritage in a pint. With bold names like 'Burn The Ships' and a backstory rooted in rebellion, every sip feels like a toast to history."
- Sample signature brews like Auburn Ale, Broad Arrow IPA, and Burn The Ships Smoked IPA.
- Relax in a modern tasting room offering flights, growlers, and kegs to go.
- Enjoy weekly events including trivia nights and live music in a laid-back atmosphere.
Cost: Tastings and pints are affordably priced; growlers and kegs available for purchase.
Best time to visit: Wednesday–Sunday for tastings and events; evenings for live entertainment.
Local tips: Ask for a guided tasting if you're new—staff are knowledgeable and passionate about brewing history.
Distance: Less than 10 minutes from downtown Merrimack; about 25 minutes south of Manchester, NH.
How to Get to Able Ebenezer Brewing Company: From US-3 (Daniel Webster Highway), turn onto Columbia Circle; the brewery is just a few minutes off the main route.
Address: 31 Columbia Cir, Merrimack, NH 03054
Phone: 844-223-2253
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9. Find Your Peace at Wasserman Park
Location: Merrimack, NH
Recommended For: Families, pet owners, athletes, swimmers, nature lovers, and trail hikers.
What I Love: ♥ "Whether it’s kids laughing at the playground, dogs bounding at the park, or casting a line by the shore—Wasserman Park is Merrimack’s true all-in-one outdoor escape."
- Play on sports courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis—or swim on warm days.
- Relax at shaded picnic areas, a dog-friendly park, and a peaceful fishing spot.
- Hike the Quarry Trail into Horse Hill Nature Preserve through scenic forest paths.
Cost: Free to enter; some amenities may have seasonal availability or fees.
Best time to visit: Late spring through fall for full access to recreation and trails; summer for swimming and family picnics.
Local tips: Bring sunscreen and bug spray, especially if hiking. The Norma French Memorial Playground is a local favorite for young kids.
Distance: About 5 minutes from central Merrimack; 25 minutes from Manchester, NH.
How to Get to Wasserman Park: From US-3, take Naticook Road west. The park entrance is well-marked on the right just past Baboosic Lake Road.
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