What You Must See in New Hampshire If You Only Have 24 Hours

If you had 24 hours to visit New Hampshire, what would you do?

I guess the proper way to phrase this question would be, if someone who has never been to New Hampshire was visiting the Granite State, what would they HAVE to see in the 24-hour time frame?

Below is what I think are the must-hits in a 24-hour period.

Sunrise Hike of Mount Monadnock:

3 AM start. This is the most climbed mountain in the world. On a clear day, you can see Boston's skyline from the top of the mountain.

The 24-hour timetable starts with a hike, sunrise from the top, and a descent down to begin exploring the rest of New Hampshire.

Hit a Theme Park in New Hampshire:

10 AM - 2 PM (or so). New Hampshire's Canobie Lake Park has been open since 1902. It is a staple in the Granite State, and if you have a few hours to hit the Yankee Cannon Ball, you should.

An alternative option would be Water Country - the catchiest jingle of all time.

Eat Beach Pizza at Tripoli's or Cristy's

2 PM (or so), you cannot do both. You have to pick a side...

Trying a slice (or a box of eight in one sitting) of beach pizza is a must when cruising the coast.

Eat Lobster at Browns or Markeys

(3 PM or so) Similar to the Tripli's VS. Cristy's debate is the Browns vs Markeys debate. Two lobster shacks directly across the street from one another. Bottom line is, if you are only in New Hampshire for 24 hours, you should certainly be getting a lobster.

Or a lobster roll...even better!

Next up...the White Mountains...perhaps the most important part of New Hampshire.

Getting to the top of Mount Washington, New Hampshire

(5 PM or so) With 24 hours, hiking to the top may be difficult, but there are many ways to summit the tallest mountain in New England: hike it, ride the cog railway, or drive the auto road.

Drive the Kancamagus Highway:

(6 or 7 PM or so), just do it. This is the most beautiful, long, windy road in New England. Be ready for stops to take pictures.

Exploring a Mountain Town in New Hampshire: North Conway or Lincoln

(8 PM or so) Both North Conway and Lincoln, New Hampshire, are quintessential small towns in New Hampshire. Both towns have rich history and small shops that have been around forever...like Zebs!

Catch the Northern Lights over Lake Winnipesaukee.

(10 PM - 3 AM) Remember, you started the morning at 3 AM.

So to conclude the 24-hour period, I would sit on a beach near Lake Winnipesaukee and hope to catch a glimpse of the northern stars over New Hampshire's most popular lake.

This Secluded A-Frame Cabin in New Hampshire's White Mountains Looks Like a Fairytale

There is no better place to get away from it all that the A Frame Cabin at Oliver Lodge. It's located on it's own island in the middle of Lake Winnipesaukee!

Take a tour of the inside.

Gallery Credit: Kira Lew