This weekend’s race will be held at the New Hampshire Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. Lucky for you, this small state is jam packed with fun things to do!
This week’s list is a can’t miss. The hot spots around the New Hampshire Speedway have a little something for everyone – from adventurous families to solo travelers. So, in addition to cheering on Blake from the stands this weekend, make sure to add these top 9 hot spots to your vacation itinerary.
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Gilmanton Winery and Restaurant
Gilmanton, New Hampshire
Gilmanton Winery and Restaurant is one of the friendliest places around. If you’re 21 and over, this is definitely a place to stop. This place has tons of delicious home made wines – from your typical Merlot to more unusual flavors like Pumpkin Pie – which means you’ll find a drink to suit any mood. If you come on the right day, you’ll also have the chance to experience a gourmet 5-course meal paired with fantastic live entertainment. Oh, and before you go, don’t forget to grab a bottle or two to take home – they make wonderful souvenirs and gifts!
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Canterbury Shaker Village
Canterbury, New Hampshire
Canterbury Shaker Village pays a beautiful homage to the over 200-year old traditions of the area’s Shaker population. You’ll spend hours exploring the village’s 700 acres full of gardens, walking trails, and 25 authentically restored buildings. The Shaker Box Lunch and Farm Stand is the perfect place for a quick, refreshing lunch, too! Past visitors tout the village as “one of the most tranquil and lovely spots in all of New Hampshire,” and we couldn’t agree more. Come here to recharge during your busy weekend.
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McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
Concord, New Hampshire
If your kids are tagging along this race weekend, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a must stop. You can stargaze in their planetarium and learn all about space in their many educational exhibits. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, so make sure to ask them all your questions about the solar system while you’re there! Star Trek fans will also get a kick out of their memorabilia displays, including an original suit and chair straight from the set. Before you go, check out the gift shop and grab a souvenir to commemorate the visit.
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Castle in the Clouds
Moultonborough, New Hampshire
The Lucknow Estate, aptly nicknamed the Castle in the Clouds due to its placement high on the Ossipee Mountain Range, is one of the best sightseeing destinations in the area. The gorgeous estate was built in the early 1900s, and stands as a testament to New England architecture. Take a tour of the museum and art gallery, grab a bite at their widely acclaimed Carriage House Restaurant, and top your whole day off with a sweet treat at the Cones in the Clouds ice cream shop.
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Wright Museum of World War II
Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
If you’re a history buff, this is just the place to go during your New Hampshire vacation. This museum has so many artifacts, it would be easy to get lost inside for hours. If you like Americana art, you’re also in luck! Right now, the museum even has a collection of Norman Rockwell paintings. The Wright Museum is incredibly dedicated to education, so be sure to support their efforts by stopping by this weekend!
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FunSpot
Laconia, New Hampshire
The FunSpot is a great place to blow off some steam during an exciting race weekend. With bowling, bingo, arcade games, mini golf, and so much more to do, the FunSpot is well…a super fun spot! Once you work up an appetite, we suggest grabbing a slice of pizza at the Braggin’ Dragon, or, for those 21 and over, ordering a cold one at the D.A. Long Tavern. Oh, and if you visit FunSpot, you can officially say you’ve visited the largest arcade in the world. What are you waiting for?
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Lake Winnipesaukee Museum
Laconia, New Hampshire
The Lake Winnipesaukee Museum captures small town charm and bottles it into one of the best local museums around. You’ll find old-time souvenirs on display alongside winsome Weirs Ski Club trophies and summer camp artifacts, all things that are pillars of this little town. You can go even further back into the area’s history by taking a look at the steamboat exhibit, which highlights the lake’s long nautical history. So, this weekend, take a break from the track, and slow down a little bit as you meander through this quaint museum.
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Lighthouse Inn B&B
Laconia, New Hampshire
This delightful little inn is the best place to get some rest and relaxation while you’re in town. With five cozy suites and private cabins, there’s plenty of options for lodging here. Their courtesy breakfasts are mouth wateringly delicious (seriously, just wait ’till you take a bite of their blueberry gingerbread pancakes!). Make sure you take a picture next to the replica lighthouse out front before you go!
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The Common Man
Concord, New Hampshire
We don’t usually pick chain restaurants for our hot spots list — but this is just one exception we simply had to make! The Common Man is a small local chain that keeps close ties with its roots. This restaurant is great at hitting that perfect intersection between comfort food and taste explosion. Great examples (and customer favorites) include their lobster corn chowder and pulled pork mac.The Nantucket Pie is certainly a must try as well. Whether you hit up the Concord location or choose to stop at another branch during your travels, you really can’t go wrong!
Come cheer on Blake in the Auto Lotto 200, and don’t forget to check out these awesome local businesses while you’re in the area!
What are your favorite places to visit around the New Hampshire Speedway? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
