As Granite Staters start venturing out, don’t neglect what’s in our own backyard

Now that 70% of New Hampshire residents wisely are vaccinated, and as we experience the novelty of what formerly was routine — like walking down the street without masks, going to restaurants and actually seeing people in person – visits to some of New Hampshire’s gems come to mind. Having such attractions close to home should be a reminder how lucky we are to live here:

1. Currier Museum of Art. The worldclass art museum in Manchester is the envy of small cities across America. Starting June 10, tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Zimmerman House and recently acquired Kalil House, both on Manchester’s North End, resume. This experience is a chance to see a part of the Queen City unknown to many state residents.

2. Canterbury Shaker Village. Located on a quiet and peaceful lane in Canterbury, the Shaker Village has new vitality, with tours and exhibits that display the creativity, hard work and beliefs of the Shakers. A calm, peaceful place, it is a delight to discover or rediscover, and the perfect place to take visitors who thought they had seen it all but haven’t.

3. St. Gaudens National Historic Park. New Hampshire’s national park, in Cornish, is a treasure where the work of the famous sculptor can be seen inside and outside. The visit can be combined with a ride over a long covered bridge, a visit to towns in eastern Vermont or a visit to Hanover.

4. Dartmouth College. In reality a major university, it always has something to offer. The town of Hanover is a delightful place to shop, eat and tour, and the college itself offers art and cultural exhibits. Ambitious visitors can head on to Quechee Gorge and Woodstock in nearby Vermont, or take the picturesque ride up Route 10 to Lyme, Orford and North Haverhill, one of the nicest towns in New Hampshire.

5. Odiorne State Park and Nature Center. The entire New Hampshire coastline is a great place to visit, and Odiorne State Park in Rye has a nature exhibit explaining the area’s natural inhabitants and history. More adventurous explorers can take a trip to the Isles of Shoals from Portsmouth, for a real experience on the water. Later, visit one of the many fine restaurants in Portsmouth and explore Strawbery Banke and Prescott Park in Portsmouth.

6. Lake boating. Every few years, circumnavigating Lake Winnipesaukee on the MS Mount Washington, or one of the other mail or tour boats, is a must activity, and a reminder of what a wonderful lake it is and how many attractions exist.

7. Mt. Washington Cog Railway. I like to remind people that, “If God had meant for us to climb Mt. Washington, he wouldn’t have given us the Cog Railway.” The Cog is an experience in itself, and the views from the top of New England are spectacular. The Auto Road also is available, and many still enjoy the climb.

8. The Great North Woods. The northernmost part of New Hampshire has something for everyone who enjoys nature. Route 3 winds north to the Canadian border, and there is a great hike to the First Connecticut Lake right from the border crossing. The Connecticut Lakes, Lake Frances (one of the state’s largest and generally unknown) and other bodies of water have great fishing, hiking trails and, recently, all-wheel vehicle trails that go on for miles and miles.

9. State House. Visitors can roam the halls and read about the many historical figures whose pictures line the walls, learning a lot of state history in the process.

10. Lake Sunapee region: This writer’s favorite part of the state, at its center, is the charming town of New London, with the Barn Playhouse, Colby-Sawyer College, New London Historical Society grounds, Lake Sunapee, Pleasant Lake and Little Sunapee Lake. Tour and dinner boats provide tours of Lake Sunapee from Sunapee Harbor. Mt. Sunapee State Park has summer activities, including rides to the summit, and, at the beginning of August, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair. A network of trails from Mt. Kearsarge to Mt. Sunapee and beyond, known as the Kearsarge-Ragged- Sunapee Greenway, provides outdoor opportunities for novice to experienced hikers.

This is just a sample of what is available.

Don’t miss the opportunities in your own backyard.

Brad Cook is a Manchester attorney. The views expressed in this column are his own. He can be reached at bradfordcook01@gmail.com.