A Guide for First-Timers to Concord, NH
Concord, NH, has so much to offer. The Capital Region offers a quality of living that rivals any community in the nation. Excellent schools produce a well-educated workforce. The Concord region boasts one of the finest healthcare networks north of Boston. In Concord, anyone can experience national politics firsthand and get access to all the amenities of a charming Main Street, known for its booming food and arts scene.
Concord, NH, has so much to offer. The Capital Region offers a quality of living that rivals any community in the nation. Excellent schools produce a well-educated workforce. The Concord region boasts one of the finest healthcare networks north of Boston. In Concord, anyone can experience national politics firsthand and get access to all the amenities of a charming Main Street, known for its booming food and arts scene.
CLASSIC EXPERIENCES
Every four years Concord transforms into the center of American political activity as presidential candidates flood to the Granite State to win the hearts of voters for the first presidential primary in the nation. You can't win the oval office without coming through Concord and rubbing elbows with the voters. And, as the seat of government, politics is a contact sport in this city, home to the massive 400 seat New Hampshire House of Representatives, 24 seat State Senate, the five seat Executive Council, and the Governor.
As you wander through the wealth of locally-owned shops and restaurants in downtown Concord, it is not unusual to see photographic evidence of a politician’s visit hanging proudly on the wall. Especially during the winter months, it is common to run into national politicians at coffee shops and restaurants as they make stops on the road to the White House. And with this year’s bumper crop, there are weekly events.
Lastly, there is the natural world – with miles of hiking, cycling and Nordic skiing trails, river and lake beaches, downhill skiing, and more.
Small-scale, locally owned businesses build a community that is more prosperous, connected, and better off. When you buy from independent, locally owned businesses, like the ones that line our Main Street, a greater portion of your money is then cycled back into the local Concord economy — strengthening the base of our whole community.
Every winter, locals love to skate on White Pond. Concord is home to the first Pond Hockey game, and White Park has rinks where as many as six games may be going on at once.
ICONIC SIGHTS
The New Hampshire State House is a fascinating place to explore. Right as you enter, you’ll see more than 100 (107, to be exact) battle flags displayed, giving you a very clear idea of both the intensity of war and the troops’ dedication to carrying the flag throughout even the hardest fought battles. It’s awe-inspiring. When you wander the halls, you’ll notice portraits of former Governors and legislators of varying sizes… these were usually commissioned by the subject of the paintings, and I like to think the really big ones are the equivalent to having a flashy car in modern times. Just showing off their status and wealth for posterity, you know?
The eagle that sits atop the State House dome is actually the second one to perch atop that gold dome. The first was created facing left, symbolizing war. It was replaced in 1957 with one facing right, symbolizing peace. The original is in the New Hampshire Historical Society building just up the street if you’d like to compare the two. The dome itself is lit all night, every night, like a lighthouse to direct you right to the heart of downtown Concord and the state itself.
White Park covers 20.17-acres in a polygonal shape surrounded by traditional homes and the UNH Law School. The park is centered on a large pond, with basketball and handball courts, and a baseball diamond. The pond is frozen in winter, transforming into Concord’s outdoor skating rink with new skate house open to the public. A small granite footbridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for being built by Franklin Pierce.
Canterbury Shaker Village, NH, is one of the oldest and best-preserved Shaker sites in the nation. Starting in 1792, the Canterbury Shakers built their own community on 3,000 acres of land, investing in new technologies, boosting growth and establishing community businesses in a self-sustainable environment. Their shared ownership system and their sense of progress based on equal benefits to everyone became reliable and competitive in the outside markets. Shakers became known for their entrepreneurship spirit, integrity and reliability.
PLACES TO STAY
The AAA Four-Star, rated Hotel Concord, is the area's first boutique hotel. Offering visitors to the Capital City a new level of classic elegance and comfort, guests enjoy the intimate and modern amenities of a small independent hotel. The hotel occupies the fourth and sixth floors of the Capital Commons building right in the heart of historic downtown Concord, steps away from the State House.
The stylish Centennial Hotel was voted a top hotel in New England in the Condé Nast Traveler's 2018 Readers Choice Awards. That's because The Centennial Hotel is a beautiful blend of Victorian-era charm and sleek contemporary style. Each of the Centennial's 32 rooms is a combination of timeless Victorian-style perfectly blended with contemporary décor. With creative, muted wall colors, boutique furniture pieces, and chic art, each room is a unique experience for guests.
LOCAL FLAVORS
Within the last few years, a host of cool eateries have sprung up – places like Revival, led by star chef Corey Fletcher – Revival uses fresh locally sourced ingredients and creative thinking. And poke bowls are to be found off Main at Splendid Sushi. Or, try the vegan treats at Col's Kitchen.
Nearby a microbrewery is offering its own brews just off Main Street on Storrs St. And on Main Street a host of new eateries have opened, from Whiskey & Wine with a big variety of gourmet dishes, to Splendid Sushi with a fresh spin on Asian classics, to Wow Fried Chicken – also know for its Middle Eastern specialties.
The Smokeshow Barbeque on Ft. Eddy Road, minutes from downtown, offers what may be the state’s best variety of ribs, brisket, and turkey with all the sides. All affordably priced, authentic, and tasty.
Go Food Basket on Washington Street is serving up Asian fare, including homemade Kimchi and hand rolled sushi – they offer traditional Korean dishes for take out. Off Loudon Road, there is a Asian/Nepali eatery called the Katmandu Bazaar Restaurant. Off of Loudon road, the café offers a rich mix of Indian and Nepali food in the back of Concord’s Asian food market. Look for samosas, momos and other tasty treats.
The Lithermans Limited Brewery offers more than a dozen of its own beers. The tasting room invites guests to explore new beers, and buy the local brews to enjoy at home.
Classics include the Barley House – an elevated Irish eatery with too many beers to count- and really great burgers. This is a prime stop for would-be presidents, too – so look out, the next leader-of-the-free-world may be at a table next to you!
O Steak and Seafood next to the Red River Theatres, is elegant and urban, with an impressive offering of fine steaks and seafood. Down Pleasant Street, the Granite Room is know for its high thinking and local take on food, and its very impressive brunch. NH’s own Common Man has an eatery on lower Main Street, serving up classic recipes and comfort food. And the Newell Post is bringing great breakfasts to Main Street.
But, the good eats don’t stop there… Within the nineteenth-century brick architecture, Downtown Concord hosts a smattering of different international restaurants and bakeries. You can grab lunch or dinner at the House of India, a family owned and operated Indian restaurant. You can dine on authentic Indian cuisine prepared by the Kaur family using family recipes passed down through generations.
Siam Orchid located in a newly renovated space on Main Street, the sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant only enriches the taste of unique Thai dishes. For a romantic dinner or lunch, Angelina’s Italian Restaurant is the place to be. The authentic taste of hand crafted Italian food made from only the finest and freshest ingredients is a treat.
And yes, there are classics such as Cheers with a huge deck, and Washington Street Café offering great Middle Eastern classics... And so many other great places to dine in this city. Concord is more of a city in a food coma now.
