"Live Free or Die” is the state motto of this tax-free New England state, home to the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee. The White Mountains are said to have the most rugged terrain in New England. The range is part of the Appalachian Trail with its highest peak on Mount Washington. With an elevation of 6,288 feet, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States. Fifty-two acres of state forest encompass the mountain, which attracts visitors from all over who love the outdoor adventures of camping, hiking, and mountain climbing. The weather here can be quite challenging and the mountain has taken many lives. In fact, Mount Washington holds a world record for achieving a wind speed of 231 MHP. As I write this article this January morning, the summit conditions are quite warm: -13 degrees with a wind chill of 50 below and 64mph wind gust. For some really fascinating information and statistics, visit the Mount Washington Observatory website.

During New England’s cold stretch, New Hampshire is a winter utopia for alpine or cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice skating, sledding and more. Some of the best ski resorts are in New Hampshire including Waterville Valley , which was host to several World Cup races. There are also many ski resort and lodges at places like Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, and Cranmore. It is because of the mountains that New Hampshire is blessed with over 50 waterfalls including Arethusa Falls, Jackson Falls, and Paradise Falls At Lost River. Pack a picnic- spring is a great time to take in the beauty of these natural cascades. Hampton Beach is quite the happening place during the hot summer months. You can find anything there and everything from greasy burgers and ice cream, clothing and candy shops, to water slides and mini golf, live entertainment, bars, and restaurants. Fireworks are held weekly and there are all kinds of festivals held throughout the summer. The boardwalk is a great place to just kick back, people watch and take it all in. There are also several lakes in New Hampshire including Squam, Winnisquam, Sunapee, Ossipee, and Newfound. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest-with 72 miles of water surface, it's the sixth largest lake in the United States. The activities and attractions there are endless-beachcombing, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, boating, sailing, jet skiing and more. The New Hampshire mountain range makes for a gorgeous backdrop while out on the water. For spectacular autumn views and colors you must drive the Kancamagus Trail, a 26-mile scenic byway that passes through the White Mountains and the side of Mt Kancamagus. The scenery and overlooks are absolutely breathtaking during the New England fall foliage. With all of these mountains and water, you must know there are bridges. Of the 750 covered bridges in the entire United States today, 54 of them are in New Hampshire (107 in Vermont). The Bath-Haverhill Bridge, constructed in 1829, is the oldest covered bridge in the U.S. and the Cornish-Windsor Bridge which is the longest covered bridge in the U.S. at 460-feet long . Whatever you should decide to do while visiting New Hampshire, I can assure you, you won’t be bored. Be sure to  visit our directory for information on places to stay.