29 Things To Know About New Hampshire Before You Move There

1. Fall In New Hampshire Makes Everywhere Else Look Like A Boring Hot Mess

Not only is fall New Hampshire's prime harvest season, it's also the time of year where the foliage will blow your mind! You don't want to miss your chance to be a leaf-peeper, especially at Lake Winnipesaukee. The colors are truly spectacular.

2. Ski And Snowmobile To Your Heart's Delight

Little known fact: The snowmobile was actually invented in Ossipee, N.H. Because the state is the creator of this incredibly fun mode of transportation, it's no wonder they love to snowmobile so much! And the trails for snowmobiling are beautiful. But if snowmobiling isn't your thing, than hit the slopes for some of the best skiing in New England. New Hampshire's third largest ski resort, Attitash, and its sister ski resort 20 minutes away, Wildcat, both make for excellent places to ski in Mt. Washington Valley.

3. You Haven't Been Hiking Until You've Hit The Trails Here

New Hampshire is, by far, the best place to hike in New England. It boasts 48 mountains with peaks higher than 4,000 feet, access to the Appalachian Trail, and numerous trails of various distances and difficulties throughout the state. So if you're headed this way, you better enjoy the altitude!

4. And The Views From The White Mountains Will Make You Weep

New Hampshire is home to the tallest mountain in the Northeast, Mount Washington, which affords a 100-mile view of three states and Canada—It's one heck of a climb, but the view can't be beat.

5. You'll Learn How Not To Be A Flatlander—And How To Make Fun Of Them

Flatlander, or “flatlandah” as a true person from New Hampshire would pronounce it, is a tourist (generally from the surrounding New England area) who likes to come hike the New Hampshire trails and leaf peep in the Fall. The nickname “flatlander” comes from their elevation status compared to New Hampshire's wonderfully mountainous region.

6. Dear California, Florida, And Hawaii—Bad News Our Beaches Are Better

Most people know about New Hampshire's mountains, but did you know about their beautiful coastline? The beaches there are phenomenal. At the Hampton Beach State Park, there are plenty of places to swim in the ocean, go fishing, campout, or visit the amphitheater for a concert.

7. Sales Tax… What's That?

Let's be real people, there's nothing better than being able to shop with no worries about sales tax. And every other New Englander knows it, which is why they're all willing to drive from Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island to buy New Hampshire's clothes, liquor, and tobacco. And who can blame them? New Hampshire has the best prices in the Northeast.

8. Need A J.O.B.? Come To Portsmouth

Portsmouth, one of the nicest and most exciting cities in New Hampshire, is also one of the most coveted places to live: it has one of the lowest unemployment rates out of 372 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and has been rated among the 50 Best Markets to Find a Job. Not too shabby, Portsmouth. Not too shabby at all!

9. You'll Feel Safe And Sound Here

According to the US Institute for Economics and Peace, New Hampshire ranks No. 3 in “Safest States to Live” (behind only Maine and Vermont, NH's two next-door-neighbor States!) Basically, if you're looking for a comfortable, cozy place to settle down, New Hampshire is your best bet—statistically speaking!

10. Welcome To Health Nut Central

New Hampshire is the third healthiest state in the nation and is ranked first for health care quality. So, if you're looking for a place to breathe easy—literally—New Hampshire is the place for you.

11. Get Some Much Needed Peace And Quiet On The Porch At The Mountain View Grand

The Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, N.H. is a Colonial Revival, constructed in 1865, that sits on 400 acres of wilderness at the edge of the White Mountains. The front porch here is epic. So, pull up a comfy rocking chair and take in the view of pines stretching as far as the blue peaks of the Presidential Range and, above, and a sky so big as to rival Montana's.

12. Stuff Your Face With The Best Dessert In The World Is At Grandma's Kitchen

Take Route 3 into town in Whitefield, N.H. and stop in at Grandma's Kitchen, a diner that looks exactly like its name—seriously. Order some eggs for a dollar and don't be ashamed if you want dessert for breakfast, because these are some of the best sweets you'll ever taste in your life!

13. Brace Yourself For An Avalanche Of Old Man Of The Mountain Memorial Trinkets

After 200 million years of keeping watch over Franconia Notch, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed in a landslide. The 40-foot profile, carved by ice and wind from five granite ledges, had been deteriorating for years, but this didn't make it any easier to say goodbye! That's probably why the Great Stone Face is now more visible than ever: shops here are flooded with refrigerator magnets, Old Man bobble-heads, and T-shirts with slogans like “NEVER TAKE HIM FOR GRANITE” and “MAY HE LIVE FREE AND NEVER DIE.” Some people even talk about rebuilding the face. And the former Old Man viewing area off I-93 is now almost as crowded with mourners as it ever was with tourist sightseers.

14. Driving Route 12 South At Sunset Will Break Your Heart And Blow Your Mind

Trust me: this drive is 30 minutes of pure beauty. This windy, New England road is bound to give you great views of farms, meadows, covered bridges, lakes, and pastures. And at sunset: the entire thing turns to gold. It truly is one of the most beautiful drives in America.

15. Live Free Or Die Is More Than Just A State Motto—Its The New Hampshire Way Of Life

New Hampshire's state motto is, without a doubt, one of the most well-known of the 50 states. And it makes sense! It represents the American spirit and is said to have been the words spoken by a dying revolutionary soldier from the Granite state. And, come on, what other state has a Bruce Willis movie title referencing its motto? The answer is none. New Hampshire deeply prides itself on being a state concerned with personal liberties and freedoms so get ready to voice your right to, well, do whatever you damn please!

16. Get Some Of That Sweet, Sweet Cheddar In Sugar Hill

The Harman Cheese & Country Store in Sugar Hill, N.H. is by far the best cheese you will ever taste in your life. Made with the freshest ingredients from the happiest of cows, this cheddar cheese will blow the taste buds out of your mouth!

17. Madame Sherri's Haunted Castle Ruins Will Totally Give You The Heebie Jeebies

Madame Sherri's “Haunted” Castle Ruins in Chester, N.H. are exquisite, yet terrifying, stone ruins in the middle of a forest. They definitely have sparked many a legend. It's one of New Hampshire's favorite “haunted hikes” and it's bound to be a beautiful (but potentially spooky!) experience.

18. And The Mount Washington Cog Railway Will Thrill You

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway and it is also the second steepest rack railway in the world with an average grade of over 25 percent. The railway is approximately three miles long and ascends Mt. Washington's western slope beginning at an elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level and ending just short of the mountain's summit peak of 6,288 feet. So, yeah, you'll definitely be thrilled!

19. New Hampshire Has Lakes On Loch

While New Hampshire's lakes are all beautiful, like Ossipee Lake or Squam Lake, it is definitely Lake Winnipesaukee that takes the cake for most beautiful lakes in the Northeast. It is the largest of the lakes in New Hampshire, and spans 21 miles across. The lake contains at least 253 islands, half of which are less than a quarter-acre in size, and is indented by several peninsulas, yielding a total shoreline of approximately 288 miles. Trust us: There's nothing better than spending the day exploring this beautiful lake.

20. Put On Your Explorer's Hat At Hampton Beach

Approximately 15 miles south of Portsmouth, you will find the town of Hampton Beach. Hampton Beach is a small beach town that sits on the Atlantic Ocean—not only are the beaches phenomenal, but the town is a ton of old-timey beach town fun. You're bound to have fun exploring. Plus, everyone knows the best sand castles in New England are in Hampton Beach!

21. You Can Crack A Freshly-Brewed Beer In Every Corner Of The State

New Hampshire boasts a ton of spectacular breweries. Take a tour or do a tasting at any number of New Hampshire breweries: Portsmouth Brewery, One Love Brewery, Canterbury AleWorks, Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing Co., and so many more!

22. And The Pancakes—Oh Dear God The Pancakes...

Everyone knows New Hampshire diners are by far the best places to get pancakes in New England. Don't believe me? Try Red Arrow 24-Hour Diner in Manchester, New Hampshire—order a short stack and get ready for the best pancake experience of your life.

23. I Guarantee You've Never Seen A Trading Post Like Clark's

Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln, N.H. is perhaps home to the only Trained Bear Show in the Northeast. Plus, it's home to the White Mountain Central Railroad. So if you feel like watching a trained bear show and stocking up on railroad memorabilia and antique goods, Clark's Trading Post is where you want to be!

24. Not A Covered Bridge Geek? New Hampshire Just Might Make You One

Fifty-four of the remaining 750 covered bridges in all of the United States are located in New Hampshire. Each bridge is unique to its town and design. Because of their beauty and the history behind them, covered bridges became the first type of historic structures specifically protected by state law in New Hampshire.

25. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway Isn't For Wimps

Warning the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in Franconia State Park will bring you to new heights, so it is not for the faint of heart. It's a fact that Cannon has the most vertical slopes of any ski area in New Hampshire, measuring at 2,330 feet, making it the seventh largest in New England. So, naturally, the tramway has some incredible aerial views! Also… AAAAAAAAA!

26. The Wonder Of Flume Gorge Will Have You Saying “Holy Smokes!”

Flume Gorge in Lincoln, N.H., is by far one of the most magnificent sites in the state. The Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. Its towering granite walls rise to a spectacular height of 90 feet! This stunning natural wonder will leave you breathless as you walk the path to the Flume and back. You'll walk among giant, moss-covered granite walls, past cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial boulders and more.

27. New Hampshire's Steak Bomb Is Sure To Blow You Away

New Hampshire is home to the famous Steak Bomb: a dish all locals know and love. What is a steak bomb you might ask? A steak bomb is a hot sub-sandwich stuffed with shaved steak or steak tips, topped with salami, melted provolone, and sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms on a grilled submarine roll. This regional-off shoot of the Philly Cheese Steak makes Philly seem blasé and boring. Trust us! If you need to see for yourself, head to Crossroads Diner in Dover, N.H. for the best Steak Bomb in the state!

28. Gilley's PM Lunch Is The Best Lunch Spot In New England

Voted best burgers and hot dogs in New Hampshire, the burgers, hot dogs, and chili cheese fries at Gilley's PM Lunch in Portsmouth are definitely the most delicious you'll ever taste. This cheap, greasy, hot-off-the-grill lunch and dinner spot is sure to fill your stomach and your heart with pure joy! Also...cholesterol. But when it tastes this good, who cares?

29. Set The Sky On Fire!

New Hampshire is known for their fairly lax fireworks laws—add the fact that there's no sales tax and you know what that means: fireworks galore! Try Atomic Fireworks in Seabrook, N.H., where you can buy 550 different kinds of fireworks, with over 25 assortments, and buy 1 get 1 free deals. This is the largest selection in New Hampshire, so come prepared to do some serious firework shopping!