The Best Places to Visit When Road Tripping from Bedford, NH to Andover, MA

There’s something undeniably special about hitting the open road and exploring new places on a road trip. And when the route is scenic and full of interesting destinations, the experience becomes even more unforgettable. That’s precisely what you’ll experience on a road trip from Bedford, New Hampshire to Andover, Massachusetts. The winding roads, quaint towns and stunning attractions along the route ensure that every mile is full of excitement. Here are some of the top places to visit during your journey.

Stop 1: New Hampshire Farm Museum

As you make your way out of Bedford and into Wolfeboro, the first attraction you must visit is definitely the New Hampshire Farm Museum. You’ll get to learn more about the history of farming in colonial America and witness first-hand how farming was done over a hundred years ago. You can see exhibits of vintage farm tools, antique farm machinery, and even domestic tools like butter churns. If you plan your visit between June and September, you can explore the museum’s period farmhouse, which has been authentically restored and furnished with period objects.

Stop 2: Lake Winnipesaukee

Stretching over 72 square miles, Lake Winnipesaukee is undoubtedly the biggest highlight of your journey. The lake’s clear waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, boating and exploring the more than two dozen islands that are on the lake. During the boating season, you can take a relaxing boat ride, rent paddleboards, or go on a sailing adventure. The lake hosts several summer events such as the Wooden Boat Parade, Antique Boat Show, and the Band Concerts that are held every Saturday night in Wolfeboro.

Stop 3: Canterbury Shaker Village

Coming to your third stop on the journey, the Canterbury Shaker Village. Just about an hour’s drive from Wolfeboro, this has been a place of preservation since the mid-20th century. With over 50 acres of land and more than 20 well-preserved buildings, the Shaker Village offers visitors a glimpse into the history, culture, furniture, and craftsmanship of the Shaker religious sect. The tour guides dressed in period costume will take you through the various rooms teaching you everything about the Shaker faith and how they lived their lives.

Stop 4: Addison Gallery of American Art

Next on the list is an art museum, you’ll find the Addison Gallery of American Art. Located on the grounds of Phillips Academy, the Addison is home to one of the most extensive and exceptional collections of American art in the world. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs from more than three centuries. One of the most impressive sections of the museum is the photography collection, with more than three thousand photographs that show the progression and evolution of the art form over the years.

Stop 5: Harold Parker State Forest

To cap off your road trip, head to the Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover. The sprawling forest covers over 3,000 acres and offers visitors plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in one of the two ponds within the park. The trails range from easy to challenging, and you’ll find picnic areas and campsites within the state park. The activities here are perfect for families or those looking for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Conclusion

As you can see, the journey from Bedford, NH to Andover, MA has plenty of sights, activities, and attractions. Driving along the scenic route and stopping at these destinations will make for an enjoyable, unforgettable road trip. The New Hampshire Farm Museum, Lake Winnipesaukee, Canterbury Shaker Village, Addison Gallery of American Art and Harold Parker State Forest are all worth seeing, and there is undoubtedly more to explore this beautiful region of the country.