DAY TOURS

Connecticut River Valley Scenic Tour: "What's Old is New"

The Connecticut River Valley runs the length of New Hampshire's western border and features beautiful views of the lush green valley, classic New England villages and a variety of historic sites. This tour highlights some of New Hampshire's best kept secrets.

Begin your tour in Charlestown and visit the Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum. Experience life in the northern-most outpost of the frontier between New England and New France, from 1740-1760. See 18th century skills demonstrated, such as open hearth cooking, candle making and others. If visiting in November, join them for an authentic Thanksgiving dinner.

Next we suggest traveling north to Cornish and visit Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. This site consists of the home, gardens and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), one of America's greatest sculptures. His sculptures can be seen around the world today.

After visiting Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, conclude your tour by traveling northeast to the Enfield Shaker Village, in Enfield. Here one can see how in 1793, the Shakers established their Chosen Vale, a village of quietly majestic buildings, gardens and fields. Today the Shaker heritage is preserved at the Enfield Shaker Museum and the Dana Robes Wood Craftsmen workshop. Walking tours, exhibits, craft demonstrations, workshops, special programs and events, and extensive gardens bring new life to Shaker culture at the Museum. Reproduction Shaker furniture and furniture inspired by Shaker design, is made by and at Dana Robes' workshop.

Madams and Merchants: Portsmouth Harbor Trail

Settled in 1623, Portsmouth, NH sits on the banks of the Piscataqua River only four miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is a vital working port steeped in history and rich in cultural offerings. The Portsmouth Harbor Trail is an ideal way to explore this pedestrian friendly city.

The Portsmouth Harbor Trail leads visitors through downtown Portsmouth, along the waterfront and past 17th and 18th century mansions. You can follow at your own pace or take a guided tour. Harbor Trail Guides and Maps are found throughout the city in many of the local shops, hotels and the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Information Center located off of exit 7 on Route I-95. The Portsmouth Harbor Trail Guide and Map leads you along three different routes marked with bright blue street signs. Each loop begins and ends at Market Square. The entire tour takes about 90 minutes. Regularly scheduled tours are available at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from July Fourth Weekend to Columbus Day. To schedule a guided group tour at a specific time and learn more about the events and personalities that made Portsmouth what it is today, call 603-436-3988.

After taking the tour, spend the day in Portsmouth visiting places like Strawbery Banke, Prescott Park, and The Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. If you plan on staying in the area for dinner you may want to consider catching an after-dinner show at one of the local theaters.

A couple of suggestions would be; The Music Hall and The Seacoast Repertory Theater. The Music Hall is a great historic theater in downtown Portsmouth offering the best of performing arts and films. Advanced reservations are recommended 603-436-2400. The Seacoast Repertory Theater produces a full season of plays, musical and children's shows. For reservations call 603-433-4472.