Great Things to Do in NH

In fourteen hundred and ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue. But was he really the first European to reach North America? At America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire, some say there's evidence others got here first, perhaps by a thousand years. The pine woods here are full of stone megaliths like those built throughout Great Britain by Druid priests. Were they the first arrivals? Or maybe some other group with knowledge of astronomy and stone construction? Wander our woodland trails with your family, and let your kids see for themselves. We're near the New Hampshire seacoast, which makes America's Stonehenge a great destination for days when clouds keep you off the beach. We're got a picnic area, a museum, and a herd of friendly alpacas to greet you.

You might not really hit a hole-in-one on the giant mini-golf courses at Chuckster’s two New Hampshire locations. But you’ll feel like you did after spending time at these fun-filled activity parks. In Hooksett, NH, tackle the 18-hole Fire Tower or Cave courses then let the winner buy cones at the ice cream barn. In Chichester, NH, if golf isn’t your thing, no worries: there's 16 different games & attractions to choose from! There’s the go-kart speedway, and the brand new 265-foot Zipline where you can zip through the trees 10-35 feet off the ground, our new & unique Klime Wallz courses, an enormous new bumper boat pond with waterfall and fountain! Or bounce and flip up to 18 feet on the Jumpster. Feeling competitive? How about ChucksterBall, Frantic Hoops, or Shoot-N-Shower (guess what happens to the loser)? It's a full day of fun, with and without water or golf!

At Scenic Railriders, they ask this question: When’s the last time you did something for the first time? You have the opportunity to do just that when you reserve a trip on the custom-built Rail-Bikes of Scenic Railriders. You’ll pedal along 6.2 miles of scenic abandoned railroad tracks, passing over bridges and along the Merrimack River. The two- and four-seat “bikes” are custom-built, for all ages, and can be joined together for larger groups. No helmets are required, and child seats can be strapped right onto the Rail-Bike seats for little ones. The trip, which lasts about an hour and 45 minutes and is led by guides at the beginning and end of the “bikes,” includes two turn-around points where you can stretch your legs and admire the scenery.

Here’s a chance to get the fun of flying without the fear of flying. SkyVenture , located on Poisson Road in Nashua, is a vertical wind tunnel where visitors can experience the freedom of flight. There is no falling sensation. You just float above the trampoline floor with ease. The indoor vertical wind tunnel is not only used by the world’s best skydivers to train in but it was also designed for the general public to experience the sport of body flight. No experience necessary! Also: indoor rock climbing, indoor surfing. and water slides. Open Wednesdays through Sundays. 603-897-0002.

Founded in 1932, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country. The League was formed during the Depression to help New Hampshire craftspeople make a living through difficult financial times by building an audience and market for fine handmade craft. The League operates seven retail galleries throughout New Hampshire. The galleries present the work of juried craftspeople, along with demonstrations, exhibits and educational programs. Visit their gallery in Concord to see new collections and exhibits or to join in one of the crating classes that are offered.

New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a 230-mile walking trail across New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Canada. Plymouth’s portion of the Heritage Trail, a 5.6-mile loop with 16 points of interest, begins at the Railroad Depot, constructed in 1909 for the Boston and Maine Railroad. Other highlights are a cottage where Robert Frost lived while teaching at Plymouth Normal School and Silver Cultural Arts Center, once a stop on the underground railroad. Park at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center on Green Street. The trail begins north of the Senior Center, past the District Courthouse. Follow the brown Heritage Trail directional signs. 603- 536-1001.