Merrimack Valley

The Merrimack Valley Region is New Hampshire's government and business center. It is home to the state capital, Concord, as well as the cities of Manchester and Nashua. Things to See and Do Attractions Charmingfare Farm in Candia - The farm is home to over 200 animals consisting of 30 different species. Great for children and adults alike! Covered Bridges Henniker Bridge is located in Henniker, NH (Merrimack County). Built in 1972, spanning the Contoocook River. Located south of State Route 9. Railroad Bridge is located in Hopkinton, NH (Merrimack County). This bridge, built in 1849-50, spans the Contoocook River. Located east of State Route 103 on the old Concord and Claremont Railroad line. Rowell's Bridge is located in Hopkinton, NH (Merrimack County). Built in 1853 and spans the Contoocook River. Located north of State Route 127 on Clement Hill Road. Historic Sites Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury - The village covers 694 acres and features gardens, trails and 25 historic Shaker buildings. Shop at the museum store and enjoy a meal at Creamery Restaurant. Museums Currier Gallery of Art - Zimmerman House in Manchester - Internationally renowned art museum featuring European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculptures. Museum of New Hampshire History in Concord - Explore New Hampshire's past! Parks & Trails Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown - This 10,000 acre park is the largest developed state park in New Hampshire. There is plenty to do including hiking, biking, fishing, and, of course, leaf peeping! Northwood Meadows State Park in Northwood - This wooded park is adorned with a pond and wetlands and provides for excellent nature hikes. Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham - Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, offering much to do. There are many hiking trails leading to a mountaintop fire tower, a marsh full of wildlife, and a geologically unique field where large boulders (deposited during glacial ice melt near the end of the Ice Age) can be seen. Scenic Drives Apple Way, Londonderry - Begin this 10 mile route at Londonderry Town Offices. From there, take Gilcrest Road and then turn east when you hit Pillsbury Road. Take the following roads (in order): High Range Road, Elwood, and Adams. The last road, Mammoth, will bring you back to the beginning of this scenic byway. Route 127 from Hopkinton to Salisbury. Routes 13 & 77, Mount Vernon to Salisbury. Science & Nature Related America's Stonehenge in North Salem - One of the oldest man-made constructions in the United States (over 4,000 years old). The naturally beautiful surroundings make this both an ecological and archaeological adventure. Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord - Enjoy a trip through deep space on their 40-foot domed theater. The planetarium is a living memorial to Christa McAuliffe, the teacher who died in the 1986 space shuttle Challenger tragedy. She was to be the first civilian in space.

Calendar of Events