10 Easy Road Trips From Contoocook, NH: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Merrimack County
If you live in or around
Contoocook, New Hampshire, you already know it’s a peaceful little village that’s easy to love. But what about those days when you’re itching to get in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new?
The good news: within about an hour or so of Contoocook, you’ve got lakes, mountains, covered bridges, breweries, beaches, and small towns that feel like movie sets.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Contoocook, all in nearby New Hampshire counties (not Merrimack). These are perfect for day trips or relaxed weekend getaways.
1. Lake Winnipesaukee & Weirs Beach (Belknap County)
When folks in New Hampshire talk about classic summer fun, they usually end up talking about
Lake Winnipesaukee. From Contoocook, you can reach the popular
Weirs Beach area in about an hour.
- Walk the long boardwalk along the lake.
- Swim at the public beach on a hot July afternoon.
- Play old-school arcade games and grab ice cream.
- Hop on a scenic cruise boat and enjoy the views.
If you go in the evening, the sunset over the lake is hard to beat. I once sat on the pier with a slice of pizza and watched the sky fade from orange to purple while boats slowly came back in for the night. Simple, but unforgettable.
Tip: On busy summer weekends, parking fills up quickly. Get there before lunch if you can.
2. Meredith’s Lakeside Charm (Belknap County)
Just a short drive up from Weirs Beach is
Meredith, a picture-perfect town sitting on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. If Weirs Beach is louder and more playful, Meredith is quieter and a bit more polished.
Things to do in Meredith:
- Stroll the Meredith Bay waterfront boardwalk.
- Visit small shops and local galleries at Mill Falls Marketplace.
- Grab coffee and sit on a bench overlooking the water.
- Enjoy a lakeside lunch or dinner — many spots have outdoor seating.
This is a great day trip from Contoocook if you want lake views without the carnival vibe. In fall, the drive alone — with all the foliage along the road — is worth the gas.
3. Hanover & Dartmouth College (Grafton County)
Head northwest from Contoocook and in about an hour and 15 minutes, you’ll reach
Hanover, home of
Dartmouth College. Even if you’re not a college-town person, Hanover might surprise you.
What makes it a fun road trip:
- Walk through the Dartmouth campus and around the Green.
- Browse independent bookstores and outdoor outfitters downtown.
- Grab lunch at a casual café or diner-style spot.
- Walk over to the Connecticut River and watch rowers glide by.
There’s a relaxed, intellectual feel to Hanover. On a nice day, you’ll see students spread out on the grass, reading or tossing a frisbee. It’s a different kind of New Hampshire vibe, and that’s what makes it a great change of pace from small-town life around Contoocook.
4. Lebanon & the Covered Bridge Scene (Grafton & Sullivan Counties)
From Hanover, it’s a quick hop over to
Lebanon and nearby spots around the
Connecticut River in both Grafton and Sullivan Counties. This area has a cozy, slightly rural feel with a few hidden gems.
Ideas for your Lebanon-area visit:
- Walk around Colburn Park, the town green.
- Check out the local shops and cafés downtown.
- Drive out to seek out classic New England covered bridges in the region.
- Explore rail trails if you like walking or biking.
If you like photography, the mix of small-town streets, river views, and bridges makes for a great day behind the camera.
5. Keene’s Classic New England Downtown (Cheshire County, via Hillsborough County)
Yes, this trip takes you along the bottom of Hillsborough County and into
Cheshire County, but the start of the drive from Contoocook passes through parts of southern Hillsborough, so it still feels like part of your region.
Keene is best known for its large, walkable downtown and old brick buildings.
Things to enjoy in Keene:
- Walk down Main Street and explore the shops.
- Stop into a local bakery or coffee shop.
- Visit the town common and check out seasonal events.
- Drive a short distance out of town for great foliage views in the fall.
On one fall visit, I remember pulling off onto a side road outside Keene just to stare at a hillside that looked like someone had dumped a giant bag of red, orange, and yellow confetti all over it. That’s New Hampshire fall in a nutshell.
6. Nashua: Big-Box Meets Riverfront (Hillsborough County)
If you’re craving a mix of shopping, restaurants, and some outdoor space,
Nashua is a solid choice. It’s one of the larger cities in New Hampshire and an easy road trip from Contoocook.
Things to do in Nashua:
- Shop at the big retail centers along Amherst Street or Daniel Webster Highway.
- Enjoy a walk or bike ride on the Nashua River Rail Trail.
- Explore Nashua’s downtown area for local restaurants and bars.
- Check out seasonal events along the riverfront.
This is a good spot when the weather isn’t ideal. On a rainy Saturday, you can shop, linger over lunch, and still feel like you “got away” from Contoocook for the day.
7. Portsmouth’s Historic Harbor & Seaside Vibe (Rockingham County)
If you only pick one road trip from Contoocook this year, make it
Portsmouth. You’ll trade the quiet rivers of central New Hampshire for the salty air of the coast in about an hour and 15 minutes.
Must-do experiences in Portsmouth:
- Wander the narrow, historic streets downtown.
- Visit local shops and grab a lobster roll or bowl of chowder.
- Walk along the waterfront and watch the tugboats work.
- Visit a nearby state park beach along the short but beautiful NH coastline.
Portsmouth feels like a mini vacation: cobblestone sidewalks, old brick buildings, and that little hint of ocean breeze you can’t get back in Contoocook.
Tip: Parking can be tight in summer. Public garages are often your best bet.
8. Exeter’s Small-Town History & River Walks (Rockingham County)
Not far from Portsmouth,
Exeter offers a calmer, more small-town feel. It’s another great option if you want to mix a bit of history with a relaxed day trip.
What to do in Exeter:
- Walk along the Squamscott River and enjoy the views.
- Explore downtown shops and cafés.
- Take a short walk around the grounds near Phillips Exeter Academy, with its classic New England architecture.
- Stop by local historical sites if you’re into the early days of New Hampshire history.
Exeter is the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. You grab a coffee, sit by the water, and next thing you know, an hour has gone by and you’re actually relaxed.
9. Dover: Small City, Big Personality (Strafford County)
Drive east from Contoocook and you’ll hit
Dover, one of the larger towns in
Strafford County. Dover has a mix of old mill buildings, river views, and a growing food and drink scene.
Things worth checking out:
- Walk around the downtown area and old mill district.
- Have lunch or dinner at a local restaurant or brewpub.
- Follow the riverside paths for some light walking and photography.
- Pop into local shops for gifts and New Hampshire-made products.
Dover gives you that “small city” energy without feeling overwhelming. It’s a nice change of pace from quiet village life back in Contoocook.
10. Claremont: Mill Town Revival (Sullivan County)
If you head west, you’ll find
Claremont in
Sullivan County, a former mill town that’s been slowly reinventing itself. The drive from Contoocook takes you through rural back roads, which is half the fun.
In Claremont, you can:
- Check out the old brick mills along the Sugar River.
- Walk around the small downtown and town square.
- Look for local events or markets, especially in warmer months.
- Explore nearby back roads for scenic views and quiet photo stops.
Claremont is a great reminder that New Hampshire isn’t just pretty lakes and mountains — it’s also these old industrial towns with stories in every brick and smokestack.
Final Thoughts: So Many Day Trips, All Close to Contoocook
Living in or visiting
Contoocook, NH puts you in a sweet spot. In just an hour or so, you can:
- Swim in Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Walk across campus in Hanover.
- Eat seafood by the ocean in Portsmouth.
- Shop, hike, or just wander classic New England downtowns.
You don’t have to plan a huge vacation to feel like you’ve gone somewhere special. Sometimes all it takes is a full tank of gas, a good playlist, and a simple day trip out of Merrimack County.
Now it’s your turn:
Where’s your favorite place to visit outside Contoocook? Did I miss a must-see spot in Belknap, Grafton, Hillsborough, Rockingham, Strafford, or Sullivan County?
Share this post with friends and family who love New Hampshire road trips, and
drop a comment with your own tips and favorite hidden gems. Your ideas might inspire someone’s next great day on the road.
Comments
Post a Comment