I know we are not the only family this year that has decided to stay local during this summer vacation. At $4 or around per gallon of gas, driving is not considered economical anymore. And well, let’s not even mention flying and body scanning :-).
I have partnered with bloggers across the United States to highlight fun things to do in our local areas. Since I live in the area of Manchester, NH I want to share with you some of the fun things you can do around my “neighborhood.”
About Manchester, NH
Manchester is the largest city in the state of NH. It is also conveniently located barely 50 miles north of the city of Boston and about 40 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean.
Here are some cool facts: In 2009 CNNMoney.com rated Manchester 13th in a list of the 100 best cities to live and launch a business in the United States. In addition, Kiplinger voted Manchester the second most tax friendly city in the United States, second only to Anchorage, Alaska. Also in 2009, Forbes magazine ranked the Manchester region first on its list of “America’s 100 Cheapest Places to Live.”
Fun Things to do Around Here
Millyard Museum: Learn about the past and history of the city of Manchester at the Millrad Museum. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. You will find history fromthe natives that lived in the area 11,000 years ago to the present.
See Science Center: This science center is open to the public seven days a week. Entrance is just $8 per person 3 years and older. There are lots of hands on learning activities and the See Center is also the home of the Lego Millyard project. This is a miniature of the Old Millyard Buildings built out of Legos.
Zimmerman House: This is in my list of things to do this year. If you are a fan of Franklin Lloyd Wright, you can stop by the Zimmerman House and tour this house designed in its entirety by the famous architect. It is also the only FLW house open to the public in the New England Area. Tours are offered Mondays at 2pm and Thursdays through Sunday at 11:30am and 2pm and reservations are required.
Livingston Park: We love this park. It has a big play area for almost every age group. After you are done playing you can go for a walk around the lake. it takes about 30 minutes with little kids (we have 6 and 3 years old). Last summer we often had picnics there too. From late June- late August you can stop by the Livingston Pool, just make sure to check the schedule for resident and non-resident hours. After you are done visiting the park, stop by The Puritan Backroom to get some of the most delicious ice cream around.
Stonyfield Visitor Center: Stop by the Stonyfield Visitor Center and you will get to sample their delicious products. Plus the center also has a play area that is a frequent family stop.
Blueberry Bay Farm: We love picking fruit. I do not think there is a family activity we love doing better. While we like picking apples our favorite is to pick out favorite fruit Blueberries. With 12 acres dedicated to blueberry bushes you will run out time
Hampton Beach: Must stop if you want to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t be fooled though, the water is still cold, brr! (Sorry but I am used to Caribbean beaches). Still it is a fun place to visit with the family for a day trip. Play in the sand, stroll down the boardwalk and enjoy the scenery.
I have only been living in New Hampshire so I admit my knowledge of the area is limited. But I have been to most of these places I have suggested and do recommend them. I however also know that I have other readers that live in the area. please feel free to add other places in the area you would like to suggest.
Tomorrow I will post a list of links of similar posts but for other areas in the country. Then you can find suggestions of what to do in areas near to all of you.
