New Hampshire
Mountains, glaciers and wilderness have shaped the character of the “Granite State” as much as the Industrial Revolution, the European settlements of the 17th century and the state’s extraordinary political clout. New Hampshire, after all, is the venue of the first Primary Election of each presidential campaign. And while its towns and villages may be described as delightfully ‘New England-quaint’, they are also well accustomed to hosting would-be world leaders.
Divided into seven regions (Merrimack Valley, Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee, White Mountains, Great North Woods, Monadnock, Seacoast, and Lakes), New Hampshire is diverse, to say the least. With more than three-quarters of its landscape covered by forest, the state offers miles and miles of pristine scenery complete with snow-capped peaks, rolling farmlands, crystal-clear lakes (there are 273 in the Lakes Region alone), and 18 miles of glorious coastline. Add to this New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping, quaint Colonial villages, bustling cityscapes, gracious hospitality, and around-the-calendar festivals and events, and you have a recipe for the ultimate group tour getaway.
Bordered by Vermont to the west, Maine to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and the Canadian province of Québec to the north (many communities in the Great North Woods Region are French-speaking, thanks to this proximity), New Hampshire is easy to reach by motorcoach and easy to drive around. Interstate Routes 89, 93 and 95 provide convenient multi-lane access to most points in the state and once there, distances between points of interest are short and roads are scenic.
Just 70 miles from Boston, MA, and 150 miles from Burlington,VT, the state capital, Concord, is a popular jumping-off point for groups touring New Hampshire. With less than 40,000 inhabitants, this attractive and busy business center still manages to retain its small-town charm. Concord is home to the largest state legislature in the United States, and the fourth largest in the world, and boasts a myriad of attractions including museums, historic homes, art galleries, factory outlets and restaurants.
From Concord, your group can continue its tour of New Hampshire, either by heading north to the Lakes, White Mountains or Great North Woods Region; West to the Ivy League center of Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region or the quintessentially New England Monadnock Region; or east to the winding coastline and 17th-century settlements of the Seacoast Region.
