What makes for the best romantic getaways in New Hampshire?
Are you into hiking the AP? SUPing on charming lake-ponds? Exploring quirky former mill towns (with incredible wine and chocolates)? Discovering little-known, but historic New England islands? Enjoying a fresh-picked lunch at Little Red Riding Hood’s Grandma’s House?
Then you’ll love the following Romantic New Hampshire suggestions.
Find more nearby romantic getaways in Vermont here. For even more weekend getaway ideas, check out our bucket list of romantic getaways in Northeast USA.
Best Romantic Getaways In NH
HANOVER NH
Are you a pair of through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, a bit tired of camping out, and looking for some luxe digs for one night? You’re in luck. Just 431 miles from its northern end in Katahdin ME (1,713 miles from its starting point in Georgia), the trail runs right by the front door of the luxury Hanover Inn, basically on the Dartmouth College campus.
MANCHESTER NH
New Hampshire’s largest city not only spawned some of the great comedians of our day – Adam Sandler, Seth Meyers and Sarah Silverman – it gave innovators in wine (LaBell Winery) and chocolate (Dancing Lion Chocolate) a place to experiment and thrive. Hmm… wine and chocolate….?
If you’re the kind of sweethearts who are into confections and fruit of the vine, or who gravitate to quirky and charming turnaround industrial towns, Manchester is a must. Sure you can stay in any number of franchise hotels. But you’ll want to bed down in the adorable Ash St. Inn, just a block from the famed Currier Art Museum.
PORTSMOUTH NH
Perhaps more than in any other New England seacoast town, it’s easy to imagine what life was like in this country when it was new and growing thanks to Portsmouth’s living history museum, Strawbery Banke, which isn’t a “museum” so much as a collection of 32 homes and establishments, most in their original locations and manned by costumed guides who interpret the lives and duties of the actual families who lived and worked in them.
Just one of the draws of Portsmouth, this romantic seacoast town is also known for great dining, and fun shopping.
Nearby, also in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region – find the charms of Exeter NH – home to the famous Phillips-Exeter Academy and the incredible American Independence Museum.
SOUTHWEST CORNER/KEENE/PETERBOROUGH
Couples with a fondness for unexplored (or less explored) territories will want to escape to the area of New Hampshire that screams “New England.” (So much, in fact, the region’s prime publication, Yankee Magazine, is based here).
On this Romantic New Hampshire adventure, you’ll find Little Red Riding Hood’s “Grandma’s House,” the boyhood home of “Uncle Sam,” breathtaking hikes, Ken Burn’s restaurant, and one of the most charming Inn’s in the State – The Chesterfield Inn.
SQUAM LAKE AND LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE
The most iconic old-age romance movie of all time – On Golden Pond – was filmed right on Squam Lake (which served as “Golden Pond”), but lovers of all ages will appreciate the quiet beauty of Squam or the more active spots around the larger Lake Winnipesaukee. Stay at Manor on Golden Pond for classic elegance, afternoon tea, and superb lake views.
WHITE MOUNTAINS
The majestic White Mountain Region in New Hampshire is so vast, that the Getaway Mavens broke it down into two sections. Each area encompasses attractions old and new (mostly old) – perfect for the hiking couple seeking fresh mountain air and classic, old-fashioned resorts and hotels. This is, um, “peak” Romantic New Hampshire!
- 21+ Incredible Things To Do in the White Mountains
- 11 Incredible Things To Do In Waterville Valley NH For Adventurous Couples
