Our trip in Cctober!!! (Concord, Portsmouth: cul-de-sac, rentals, condo)

[dzmjp]

I'm so excited!! It looks like we will be traveling out to NH from Oct. 8 - 12/13!! We are trying to see the whole state - and I would love to travel up to Mt. Washington as well.

The purpose of our trip is to see as much of NH as we can.... (is 4 to 5 days enough? )esp. the small towns (pop 4 - 8,000) in a good school district, possible park near by and river/lake within 20 minutes ) My hubby is a Hunter, and we both love to fish, camp, and go to the water as much as possible in the summer.

Does anyone have a good road trip route that we can take?

I"M SO EXCITED!!!!

Thank you!!
dzmjp

PS I'm a NH highly qualified teacher, if that helps you with what our route my be

[JFRRACING]

i could give you a million places to see but you won't be able to see the whole state in that time frame. you will be able to see alot though. there are so many attractions to see. up north and down south. your talking about going up mt washington, that's a whole day event. if you narrow down your trip to a certain area i can help you see alot. if you were going to stay for a week or two you might be able to cover alot more but not in 3 or 4 days. it's quite a drive from up north to down south. also you might not even be able to go up mt. washington in oct it might be closed they get snow up there very early in the year so check online to get there schedule.

[newhampshiregirl]

Mt. Washington Auto Road hours are:
Early May - May 169:00 AM–4:00 PMMay 17 - June 68:00 AM–5:00 PMJune 7 - September 17:30 AM–6:00 PMSeptember 2 - 148:00 AM–5:30 PMSeptember 15 - October 58:00 AM–5:00 PMOctober 6 - 138:00 AM–4:30 PMOctober 14 - Closing8:00 AM–4:00 PMEarly May - May 169:00 AM–4:00 PMMay 17 - June 68:00 AM–5:00 PMJune 7 - September 17:30 AM–6:00 PMSeptember 2 - 148:00 AM–5:30 PMSeptember 15 - October 58:00 AM–5:00 PMOctober 6 - 138:00 AM–4:30 PMOctober 14 - Closing8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Here's a list of activities & events during the time you'll be in NH (I got this information from Event Calendar (http://www.visitnh.gov/best-time-to-visit/event-calendar.aspx?dt=10/8/2008&category=ALL&region - broken link)= ) You'll need to click on the state's website to get links to the events...I didn't realize they wouldn't show up when I copied and pasted.

October 8, 2008
(7:00am - 5:00pm) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(9:00am) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(2:00pm) - 11th Annual Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

October 9, 2008
(7:00am - 5:00pm) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(9:00am) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(2:00pm) - 11th Annual Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit
(3:30pm - 6:00pm) - Great Glen Fall Trail Running Series

October 10, 2008
(7:00am - 5:00pm) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(9:00am) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(1:00pm - 1:00am) - LSSC Casino Nights
(2:00pm) - 11th Annual Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit
(5:00pm - 8:00pm) - Art 'Round Town Portsmouth Gallery Walk
(7:30pm - 10:00pm) - Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Rides

October 11, 2008
(7:00am - 5:00pm) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(8:00am) - Sandwich Fair
(8:00am - 1:00pm) - Portsmouth Farmers Market
(9:00am) - Fall Carnival
(9:00am) - 25th Annual Wool Tour
(9:00am - 10:30am) - Comfort and Convenience Tour
(9:00am) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(9:00am - 3:00pm) - Harvest Fair and Cafe-Bounty of the Great North Woods
(10:00am - 5:00pm) - Lincoln Crafts Festival
(10:00am - 3:00pm) - Fall Color Festival
(10:00am - 3:00pm) - Guided Hikes
(10:00am - 5:00pm) - Rumney Artists Studio Tour
(10:30am) - Fall Foliage Trains - Meredith NH Lakeside
(11:00am - 3:00pm) - Foliage Trains - Livermore Falls - Meredith NH
(11:00am - 3:00pm) - Pumpkin Patch Trains Hobo RR Lincoln, NH
(12:00pm - 3:00pm) - Free Concert in Town Square
(12:00pm - 4:00pm) - Fishing Rentals
(12:00pm - 4:00pm) - GPS Rentals
(1:00pm - 2:00pm) - Joe English Discovery Hike
(1:00pm - 1:00am) - LSSC Casino Nights
(2:00pm) - 11th Annual Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit
(7:00pm - 11:30pm) - Country Western Bands and Dancing
(7:00pm) - Full Moon Hike
(7:30pm - 10:00pm) - Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Rides

October 12, 2008
(6:00am - 2:00pm) - Flea Market and Antique Show
(7:00am - 5:00pm) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(8:00am) - Sandwich Fair
(8:00am - 4:00pm) - Antiques and Collectibles Flea Markets
(9:00am) - Fall Carnival
(9:00am) - 25th Annual Wool Tour
(9:00am) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(10:00am - 5:00pm) - Lincoln Crafts Festival
(10:00am - 3:00pm) - Guided Hikes
(10:00am - 3:00pm) - Guided Hikes
(10:00am - 5:00pm) - Rumney Artists Studio Tour
(10:30am) - Fall Foliage Trains - Meredith NH Lakeside
(11:00am - 3:00pm) - Foliage Trains - Livermore Falls - Meredith NH
(11:00am - 3:00pm) - Pumpkin Patch Trains Hobo RR Lincoln, NH
(12:00pm - 3:00pm) - Free Concert in Town Square
(12:00pm - 4:00pm) - GPS Rentals
(12:00pm - 4:00pm) - Fishing Rentals
(2:00pm) - 11th Annual Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit
(7:30pm - 10:00pm) - Ghoullog Halloween Haunted Chairlift Rides

October 13, 2008
(7:00am - 5:00pm) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(8:00am) - Sandwich Fair
(9:00am) - Return of the Pumpkin People
(9:00am) - 25th Annual Wool Tour
(10:00am - 4:00pm) - Along the Trail Art Exhibit
(10:00am - 5:00pm) - Lincoln Crafts Festival
(10:30am) - Fall Foliage Trains - Meredith NH Lakeside
(11:00am - 3:00pm) - Foliage Trains - Livermore Falls - Meredith NH
(11:00am - 3:00pm) - Pumpkin Patch Trains Hobo RR Lincoln, NH
(2:00pm) - 11th Annual Invitational Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

[newhampshiregirl]

Here's another good website that you should check-out:
New Hampshire State Parks - Welcome!

[dzmjp]

JFRacing - I thought of that while I was driving around today! But, Newhampshiregirl - WOW, thank you for that schedule of activities! That is so helpful! After looking at a map, We are thinking about going up to Bristol (our farthest north town) and also driving along Rte 89 and 202. ** want to see Bristol, Contoocook, Hopkinton, Weare, Antrim...** Do you think that is possible to get that far up in 4 days?

Also, does anyone have any MUST SEE towns along that route? We are coming south from NJ-- we are borrowing a car from my parents who live there -- So, probabily taking the turnpike to Concord one way and then the side roads . 202, 89 the other way. If anyone who lives there, knows a better scenic route for October... just let me know. Thank you so much again for all of your help!!

[Verseau]

I think you should have more than enough time to see those towns. I would really recommend using the extra time to go up north, to see Franconia Notch / the Kancamagus Highway / Mt. Washington. You certainly wouldn't regret it.

Generally speaking, it's hard to find a road that *isn't* scenic during the fall, although I would recommend avoiding the highway if possible.

I happen to live in Bristol, so I can also provide some info on the town if you need it. One of the best places to go in the fall is Inspiration Point, a short hike that gives you a wonderful view of the town and the surrounding hills. From Central Square (the center of town, where 104 and 3A meet), go south on 3A, then bear right at the Bristol Historical Society (the old fire department) onto High St. Follow High St. and bear right onto New Chester Mountain Rd. Keep going up the hill until you reach the Slim Baker Lodge. From the lodge parking lot, there's a trail to the left that leads you to Inspiration Point. A short walk and definitely worth it.

A lovely drive to do in the fall is along Old Bristol Rd., which runs from the center of town to New Hampton, parallel to 104 on the other side of the Pemigewassett River. Unfortunately the bridge that connects the road to the center of town is currently under construction, but hopefully it'll be finished by October.

Of course, if you're looking at Bristol because of Newfound Lake, then I can also give you a tip on a great viewpoint over the lake. If you're heading north towards the lake on 3A from downtown Bristol, then take a right onto Wicom Rd. shortly after passing the foot of the lake (there's a sign for "Red Fox Condominum Village"). Follow Wicom Rd. up the hill, and bear right onto a cul-de-sac. There are some pretty fancy summer homes up here, but there's a lot with an unfinished foundation that gives you one of the best views of Newfound.

Out of curiosity, though, is there any reason you chose those particular towns? I hate to say it, but the Newfound school district isn't especially good...

[JFRRACING]

wow, how about that new hampshire girl. ain't she just right on the ball...hat's off to you for that schedule...

[newhampshiregirl]

Hee hee JFR!!

Well, dz, I'm from the Waterville Valley region and I can't help but suggest you head north, too. Of course, I'm partial to....yup, you guessed it....Waterville Valley!

Check out this website: www.visitwatervillevalley.com for information about the resort. It's an easy 11 miles off I-93. Lots of hiking/walking/biking trails. Depending upon Mother Nature, the color could still be beautiful. Even if it's not, the mountain views are to die for.

Then, it's a nice drive north to Franconia Notch.

Gotta run for now!

[JFRRACING]

Here are some pic's of mt. washington for ya...

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112/JFRRACING/COG.jpg (broken link)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112/JFRRACING/mtwashingtonatthetop.jpg (broken link)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112/JFRRACING/ONTHEWAYUPTOTHETOPOFMTWASHINGTON.jpg (broken link)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112/JFRRACING/PARKINGLOTATTHTOPOFMTWASHINGTON.jpg (broken link)
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm112/JFRRACING/SUMMERONMTWASHINGTON.jpg (broken link)

[dzmjp]

JFRacing - thanks for the pictures ...go ahead.. rub it in... Now, we def. have to make the trip up there! My parents have offered to watch our daughter for the first couple of days...so we may have to go up their our second day! How long of a ride is it from Concord? I was thinking about out first day going from NJ -> Concord.. and since we won't have our daughter... day 2 - Mount washington and then stop by Belmont on the way back down - is that on the same route? Do you mind if I DM you for some time frames and if the trip I'm setting out would work? Being in WA it is kind of hard to test the road times Thank you again for those amazing pictures! I've seen your other ones on the picture thread... I can't wait for this trip!!!: