The Best Places to See When Driving From Acton, Massachusetts to Concord, New Hampshire

If you're looking for a scenic road trip from Acton, Massachusetts to Concord, New Hampshire, you're in for a treat. This route takes you through beautiful New England countryside, with quaint towns and gorgeous vistas along the way. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the best places to stop and see during your drive.

First, make a plan. Know your start time, plan for rest stops, and pack snacks and drinks. Keep your phone or camera charged to capture the sights. From there, you're ready to hit the road!

Quaint Towns Worth Seeing

Aside from the beautiful views, quaint towns on this drive offer an array of picturesque places to stop, shop, and have a bite to eat.

1. Lexington, Massachusetts – Start your trip off by visiting the historic town of Lexington, where the first shot of the American Revolution was fired. Here, you can wander past well-preserved colonial houses and take a walk on the Battle Green to see the site of the first battle between the British and Americans in 1775.
2. Concord, Massachusetts – Stopping here at the start of Emerson and Thoreau's stomping ground, you'll see plenty of literary landmarks. Check out the Alcott family home, now known as the Orchard House, where Louisa May Alcott wrote her classic book "Little Women". Right next door to the Alcott home sits the beautiful home of author, Nathaniel Hawthorne. You can tour both locations and take a stroll through Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau penned his masterpiece "Walden".
3. Manchester, New Hampshire – This small city has a charming downtown area, complete with historic mills now converted into trendy restaurants and stores. You can take a stroll along the Merrimack River or visit the Currier Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of American art from the colonial era to the present day.
4. Hopkinton, New Hampshire – This idyllic little town is a perfect place to stop for a picnic. Fuel up at the local country store before heading to nearby Hopkinton State Park, where you can relax on the beach, swim in the lake or rent a kayak.

Amazing Outdoor Activities

New Hampshire offers so many opportunities for outdoor recreation that it's hard to know where to begin. Here are a few standouts to add to your itinerary.

1. White Mountains National Forest – This stunning national forest is located just a bit north of Concord. You'll find hundreds of miles of hiking trails here, ranging from easy jaunts to strenuous climbs. You can take a scenic drive up the Kancamagus Highway, where you'll be surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains.
2. Lake Winnipesaukee – This enormous lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing in New England, and it's just a short drive from Concord. You can rent a boat or jet-ski and explore the water, or simply relax on the shore and take in the gorgeous views.
3. Mount Monadnock – This mountain in southwestern New Hampshire is a popular spot for hikers, offering many trails for all levels. With its 360-degree views, it's also a prime spot for taking in the fall foliage.
4. Franconia Notch State Park – Another stunning spot in the White Mountains, this park boasts some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Northeast. Take the Flume Gorge trail to see a beautiful waterfall cascade into a narrow gorge, or hop on the aerial tramway to the summit of Cannon Mountain for even more spectacular views.

Delicious Places to Eat

No road trip is complete without sustenance – and New England has plenty of great spots to choose from. Here are a few we highly recommend for a yummy meal or snack.

1. Kimball Farm – This family-friendly farm in Jaffrey, New Hampshire is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. They offer burgers, hot dogs, and other classic American fare, along with delicious homemade ice cream.
2. Polly’s Pancake Parlor – If you're craving a hearty breakfast, stop by Polly's in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire. Famous for their pancakes, you can choose from a variety of flavors and add toppings of your choice to make a hearty and delicious meal that will surely start your day off right.
3. Harman's Cheese and Country Store – No trip to the Granite State is complete without trying some of its famous cheddar cheese – and there's no better place to do it than at Harman's Cheese and Country Store in Sugar Hill. They offer a wide variety of cheese and other local products, and you can grab a sandwich (made with their delicious cheese, of course) for a quick and tasty lunch.
4. Tuckerman Brewery – This popular brewery in Conway, New Hampshire is a great spot to grab a beer and a snack. Their tasting room offers flights of their best brews, as well as snacks like pretzels and pizza from the in-house restaurant.

Final Thoughts

No matter what your interests are, there's plenty to see and do on this road trip from Acton, Massachusetts to Concord, New Hampshire. From charming towns to gorgeous national parks, there's something for everyone. Make sure to take your time and really enjoy each stop – you won't regret it!