1. We’re Still Mourning The Old Man Of The Mountain
Once upon a time….there was an Old Man that was the protector of the realm that is New Hampshire. He was old and wise. And made of stone.
…. Even though he eroded in 2003, people still have “RIP Old Man Of The Mountain” bumper stickers. So if you’re in New Hampshire, treat the memory of the Old Man with respect.
2. When We Say We’re On Top, We Mean It
The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway and it’s still in operation, chugging its way up Mount Washington every day. Yep, that’s right. We were the first to be on top.
What? You have to climb to your tallest peaks? What is this, the 18th century?
3. Sales Tax? What’s Sales Tax?
When an out-of-towner visits NH, their reaction is pretty much the same: WHAT? No sales tax? Really? Yes. That is correct. Shop away, my friend. Shop away.
4. Sometimes A Snowmobile Is The Best Mode Of Transportation
The snowmobile was actually invented in Ossipee, NH and, naturally, New Hampshire is all about the snowmobile. Plus, they can be used recreationally or for racing.
However, every Granite Stater has had a moment during those long NH winters where the snowmobile really and truly is the only way to get from point A to point B….
5. And Skis Are A Close Second
Don’t come to NH unless you know how to ski. It’s just the law here. Okay, well maybe not the LAW but it certainly should be. It snows from October-April, so you might as well learn to ski!
6. If You Haven’t Had Pancakes In NH, Then, Sorry, You Don’t Know What Pancakes Are
New Hampshire makes the best pancakes. This is just a fact. The pancakes from Polly’s is worth the trip to the White Mountains alone.
Put some real maple syrup on them and you will find nirvana.
7. Fluffa Nuttah = YUM.
While some people in New England may know this delicious treat as a “fluffernutter,” in NH it’s “Fluffa nuttah”. And they’re WICKED good (plus so simple to make).
You just get two pieces of bread, put Marshmallow fluff on one slice and peanut butter on the other. Wham! Put them together and… you’re welcome.
8. Granite Staters Are Very Welcoming. But Prepare To Be Called Names.
… Or, specifically, be prepared to be called a” flatlandah.” A flatlander is anyone from south of New Hampshire — especially those who come up to New Hampshire to leaf-peep, or explore quaint towns and covered bridges.
9. Be Prepared To Be Called A LOT Of Names If You’re From Massachusetts.
Most Flatlanders are okay. The same can’t be said about the ones from Massachusetts. People from New Hampshire have grown accustomed to the invasion of their lakes and ski hills by flatlanders from the Bay State.
Plus…have you seen them drive? Up here, the term “masshole” is completely accurate.
10. Except For Their Sports Teams...They Can Stay…
Despite being skeptical of all things “Masshole,” most people in the Granite State are Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots fans. And proud ones at that!
At least they’re big enough to admit it.
11. Living Free Is Kind Of...Well…Imperative
You can forget that “everything in bigger in Texas” or that “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Sorry but New Hampshire is the best-branded place in America, with the coolest motto around.
Live free OR DIE is a pretty strong statement. But that’s just the way things are in New Hampshire.
12. In New Hampshire, It’s Cool To Cover Up
New Hampshire is famous for its beautiful covered bridges. They are quintessential to New Hampshire’s scenery and it just wouldn’t be the same here without them.
13. You’ve Never Seen Autumn Until You’ve Seen It Here
This state has THE best Autumn in the country. No where else will you see such an explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges, or get to experience the crisp Autumn air, like you can in New Hampshire.
14. A Cardigan Isn’t A Sweater...It’s A Beautiful Mountain
New Hampshire is home to a number of breathtaking mountains with incredible hikes. Cardigan Mountain is one of the best: it has hiking for all levels of experience and it truly has some of the most beautiful views in the whole state.
15. Hiking, In General, Is Just Better Here
We’re not saying you HAVE to hike if you visit New Hampshire but if you don’t, you might want to get your head checked. New Hampshire has the best hiking in the region and with the White Mountains right here, there’s no excuses.
16. American Chop Suey Will Make All Other Comfort Food Seem Like Chopped Liver
American Chop Suey is the epitome of comfort food in this state.
Get some elbow macaroni, some “hamburg” (what Granite Staters call ground beef), onions, peppers, and tomato sauce and, congratulations, you have yourself some good old fashioned American Chop Suey.
17. Granite Staters Can Spell “Winnipesaukee” In Their Sleep
Being able to spell really difficult words is a Granite Stater’s special talent. With words like “Kancamagus” and “Winnipesaukee” flying around, it’s kind of just part of the deal when to be an A+ spelling student.
18. If You Don’t Have A “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” Bumper Sticker, Why Even Have A Car?!
Everyone and their mom has a “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker on their car in this state. Basically, if your car hasn’t climbed Mount Washington and you live in the state of New Hampshire, you’re probably doing something wrong with your life.
19. The Best Highway In The World Is The Kanc
The Kancamagus Highway, better known as “The Kanc,” is one of the most gorgeous drives in the country. So slow down and enjoy the gorgeous scenery as you drive through the state.
20. Yes, New Hampshire Has Beaches
Really? Yes, really. They’re not as famous as Florida or South Carolina beaches, but that’s actually something New Hampshirites take pride in. We love our rocky, dramatic coast.
21. Steak Bombs Are The Bomb
Steak Bombs (not to be confused with Philly Cheesesteaks!) were invented in New Hampshire. And we are OH so glad they were. Steak bombs are submarine sandwiches with steak and salami plus some green peppers, onions, and mushrooms on top.
Philly, you can keep your cheesesteaks.
22. Not Trying To Brag But Our Fireworks Are Better Than Yours
Fireworks are super cheap, and super legal, in NH (you’re welcome, rest of New England, for supplying you with your Fourth of July entertainment!). So, naturally, Granite Staters put on the best fireworks shows.
23. Wicked Does Not Mean Evil… At All
This is just one of those things all Granite Staters say. It’s their way of saying “REALLY” as in, “This is WICKED good” or “This snow is wicked bad!”
24. They-ah = There. He-ah= Here. And You Can’t Get They-ah From He-ah...
New Hampshirites definitely have an accent, even if they try to deny it. Do you want some buttah with ya pancakes? It’s wicked good.
25. And You Keep Your Socks In A “Draw”
Along with their accent comes the dropping of the “-er” sound at the ends of words. That’s why everyone in New Hampshire keeps their socks in a draw.
26. ManchVegas Isn’t As Scandalous As It Sounds...
Las Vegas is the city of sin — not Manchester.
Although, it does have some of New Hampshire’s ONLY night clubs, there’s really not much of a dark side to ManchVegas.Lots of flannel shirts and mechanical bulls.
27. There’s One Right Way To Hit A Moose: Don’t
When you visit New Hampshire, people will give you some advice on how to hit moose properly. But we all know the only correct way to hit a moose is to not hit it at all.
Granite Staters have mad fear, and mad respect, for the moose.
28. We Practically Invented The Sunrise
… Or at least we perfected it. The way the mist settles throughout the forest. The way the sun rises over the lake. The tranquil beauty of a New Hampshire sunrise is incomparable to anything else you’ll ever experience in your life.
29. No One Has More Pride Than A Granite Stater
There are NO prouder people than the people of New Hampshire. Remember, “Live Free Or Die?” New Hampshire takes immense pride in their lifestyle, their personal freedoms, and—of course—the beauty of the state.
So don’t mess with a Granite Stater. And definitely don’t ask them if they’re from Massachusetts or Maine.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about New Hampshire? Tell us in the comments below! 
