What's there to do in Concord? Lots!

Come visit the friendly downtown of Concord, New Hampshire! Whether you come to be a part of our gleaming arts community, the local food movement, or the plethora of outdoor recreation sites, you’ll be sure to find plenty to do in our Capital City. With a wide range of events hosted year-round, Concord is a lively New England city full of fun-filled opportunities.

Come visit the friendly downtown of Concord, New Hampshire! Whether you come to be a part of our gleaming arts community, the local food movement, or the plethora of outdoor recreation sites, you’ll be sure to find plenty to do in our Capital City. With a wide range of events hosted year-round, Concord is a lively New England city full of fun-filled opportunities. Whether you are moving, visiting or just passing through, Concord has something for everyone!

Downtown Attractions

With tax-free shopping and plenty of parking, the downtown boasts wonderful opportunities for shoppers. In between consignment galleries, cafés and boutiques, you may just come across street music, be it on the public piano tucked away off Main Street, or the saxophone player often camped outside Candle Tree Soy Candles shop.

On a stroll through Main Street, you’re bound to notice the art installation sprinkled along the pedestrian-friendly walkway. The glistening displays compliment the city’s historic State House, open to the public with a welcoming courtyard, inviting city guests to wander about the green and appreciate the wonders Concord offers. On a sunny summer day, you’ll find a robust Farmer’s Market humming along throughout Saturday mornings, hosting vendors from all over the state. Beyond the courtyard, there are many welcoming patio spaces sprinkled about town, tucked off Main Street near locations like Tandy’s Top Shelf Pub, a lively location for late night drinks. White Mountain Gourmet Coffee is right on Pleasant Street, and has just been renovated, offering gourmet coffees, wonderful muffins and lots of tasty treats!

Across from the State House is the best-known tavern in town, the newly renovated: The Barley House. It’s creative menu and tasteful spirit selection, coupled with friendly table service make it a State House favorite. It is accompanied by notable coffee shop Revelstoke, home goods and the new Company C Outlet, among many other businesses. For local dining, the Concord Co-Op offers a hot buffet bar, along with a diverse 100% organic produce selection. And, Granite State Candy Shoppe is now offering delicious smoothies: Backstreet Berry, Hawaiian Heaven and Grinch smoothies. down the street, the Works Café is another delicious local option, featuring fresh, New England based breakfast and lunch food and beverages. Up the road is a classic Concord family owned/operated diner, the Windmill Restaurant - newly redone interior - and serving freshly-made breakfast, lunch and dinner- including Greek specialties. Look for the real windmill on Loudon Road.

Beyond local cuisine, local artisans continue to thrive in Concord. The League of NH Craftsman is housed right in town, and proudly hosts Concord’s annual Capital Arts Fest. Here you will find displays from local artists, in addition to the traditionally available galleries and jewelers with shops downtown. The Capitol Center for The Arts is a proud events venue, hosting performance arts of all kinds, including music and comedy. Across the street, you will find Red River Theatres, an independently owned movie theater. These entertainment options, accompanied with more causal music venues like Dos Hermanos Lounge & Tequila Bar, are sure to keep you going day and night around Concord, New Hampshire!

Outdoor Recreation

Many folks opt to stop in Concord on their way to The White Mountains, just a short 60 miles from the city. However, there are many options for outdoor recreation right in our State’s Capital. Whether you are looking for hiking trails, family friendly parks, or cross-country skiing adventure, Concord has plenty to offer. Within town, there are 26 public trail systems and ten family-friendly parks.

White Park, found on Concord’s West Side across from University of New Hampshire’s School of Law, is a family favorite. Whether you come for the fields and courts, the interactive playground, or the wintertime sledding and ice skating, you’re sure to have a great time. The 20+ acres include walking trails, a seasonal pool, and a roller hockey rink. For groomed cross-country ski trails, with rentals onsite, visit Carter Hill Orchard. In the summertime, come back for Pick-Your-Own apples! They also have a bakery and country store.  Hiking and biking with a view can be found on Batchelder Road Trails, located just outside of town, among many other locations. 

By Erin Turner