The 20 Things People Miss Most After Leaving New Hampshire

Maybe I'm biased now...

But after living in a few different places and now calling New Hampshire home, there are some things the Granite State just flat-out nails. Some of these are obvious. Other's I've had to ask questions to get the right answers. Some are weird. And a few are things you don't fully appreciate until you leave and realize not every state does them the same way.

I'm going to list these out for you in no particular order

1. Turning A Random Saturday Into An Adventure

In New Hampshire, you can grab coffee in Dover, hike a mountain before lunch, spend the afternoon on a lake, and catch a sunset near the ocean.

That's not normal everywhere. I love that about NH.

2. Fall

Let's just get this one out of the way. Yes, other states have autumn.

But every October it feels like half the country shows up here to stare at trees.

That should tell you everything you need to know.

3. Ice Cream Stands

I don't know why New Hampshire has so many great seasonal ice cream stands, but I'm not asking questions.  I like Ice Cream.

I'm just getting in line behind the other 50 people at Dover Delight

4. Making Summer Feel Like An Event

Maybe it's because winter lasts approximately 17 years. (at least this last winter did)

But nobody squeezes more life out of a sunny Saturday than Granite Staters.

The grills come out. The boats hit the water. The decks fill up. Everybody's outside.

5. Lake Life

You don't have to own a million-dollar lake house to appreciate it either.

It really doesn't matter if you're spending the day at Lake Winnipesaukee, paddling across Pawtuckaway lake, or just sitting by the water with friends, New Hampshire summer hits differently.

6. Knowing The Best Places Aren't Always The Fancy Ones

Sometimes the best meal comes from a place that looks like it hasn't changed since 1987.

And honestly? That's part of the charm.

7. Covered Bridges

Every state has landmarks.

New Hampshire has covered bridges that make you immediately pull over and take a picture.  In fact, the longest covered bridge is in NH and it's called the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge.

8. Being Outside

Hiking. Fishing. Kayaking. Snowmobiling. Snowshoeing. Skiing. Hunting. Camping.

Around here, "What are you doing this weekend?" usually involves being outdoors.  This is my jam.

9. Fall Weekends That Feel Like A Hallmark Movie

Though I have yet to see a woman fall from a ladder into the arms of a man wearing flannel and Bean boots.

There are... Pumpkins.... Apple cider.... Corn mazes.... Foliage and a flannel shirt you haven't worn since last year.

It's basically New Hampshire's version of the Super Bowl.

10. Small-Town Community

One thing I've noticed since moving here is how connected people are.

You'll be talking to someone and somehow within three minutes they've figured out they know your neighbor, your coworker, or your cousin's best friend and have probably seen you in the produce isle of Market Basket in Somersworth.

11. Scenic Drives

The Kancamagus Highway gets all the attention, and deservedly so—but honestly, there are dozens of backroads like Route 4 or Route 11 in this state that make you want to pull over every five minutes.

12. Roadside Farm Stands

Fresh corn. Fresh flowers. Fresh eggs.

An old coffee can for payment.

And somehow everybody respects the system. I love this.

13. Weather Conversations

Nobody discusses weather quite like New Hampshire residents.

A five-minute forecast can somehow become a 30-minute conversation.

14. Town Names That Instantly Expose Outsiders

Piscataqua.

Chocorua.

Contoocook.

Kancamagus

You either know how to pronounce them... or you don't.

15. Having Four Seasons

Wait a minute... it's actually, five.

Because I'm told that Mud Season deserves its own category.

16. Secret Swimming Holes

Every local has one.

Nobody shares the location.

That's the rule.

17. Loving The State While Complaining About It

This might be the most New Hampshire thing on the list that I've learned.

Nobody complains about New Hampshire more than people who absolutely love New Hampshire.

READ MORE: Most New Hampshire Families Don't Realize This Is Free This Saturday

18. Living Close To Everything

Mountains? Check.

Lakes? Check.

Beach? Check.

Boston? Close enough.

You can get almost anywhere without making it an all-day commitment.

19. Raising Kids Outdoors

A lot of New Hampshire kids still grow up exploring woods, riding bikes until dark, climbing rocks, building forts, fishing, and coming home covered in dirt.

That's pretty special.

20. State Pride

I've learned that people here genuinely love New Hampshire.

Not in a loud, look-at-us way.

More in a "Yeah, we're pretty lucky to live here" kind of way.

After spending time here, I get it.

Now I'm sure I left something off the list.

So what's the most New Hampshire thing that belongs here?  Let me know on the app

Because if there's one thing Granite Staters love almost as much as New Hampshire... it's debating lists about New Hampshire. LOL