Spring

Snow melts, streams flow and baby bunnies appear to remind the world that another long winter has been put to bed.

Spring has reemerged in Southern New Hampshire, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. From festivals to fishing, hiking to seaside hotels, there is much to do see and and explore on the south side of the Granite State. 

Here is a look at 10 reasons people love spring in Southern New Hampshire:

1) Peanuts, Cracker Jacks and the crack of the bat

No, this area doesn’t have a major league baseball team, but it is home to the Southern New Hampshire Penmen. Swing by the on-campus stadium in Hooksett and get your hardball fix. 

2) Golf

For many in the Granite State, springtime fun can be summed up in one word: golf. Southern New Hampshire offers a variety of great courses for golfers of all competitive levels, including the Manchester Country Club and Candia Woods. 

3) Fishing

New Hampshire is known for its world-class fishing in large part to the quality and quantity of its lake trout–and the trout ponds open the fourth Saturday in April. 

4) Outdoor Dining

Spring is a fabulous time for foodies. It’s when the weather begins to warm and the restaurants open their patios for the outdoor dining season. Find out when your favorite patios are planning to open this year. 

5) Hiking

When it comes to hiking, Southern New Hampshire is sometimes overshadowed by the better-known trails up in the White Mountains. But the south side of the Granite State offers several hikes that are often overlooked by the masses, meaning you might have them all to yourself. 

6) Biking

When it comes to springtime outdoor activities, New Hampshire truly offers something for everyone–especially when it comes to biking. From recreational paths to untamed trails, you’re sure to find the right bike route for your family. 

7) Farmers Markets

Is June considered spring or summer? Either way, it can’t come soon enough for fans of the Manchester Farmers Market. It runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday starting in June through October. It’s also the perfect place to get your locally sourced fresh produce, meat, cut flowers, baked goods and more. 

8) Lilacs

There is a good reason the lilac is New Hampshire’s state flower. It’s hardy character symbolizes the wonderful people who founded the Granite State. That and the beautiful flower is ubiquitous across the area–and it blooms in the spring. It doesn’t really matter where you go in the south side of the state, you’re sure to see blooming lilacs if you’re traveling in during that time. 

9) Hampton Beach

If you’re like a lot of people, you’re ready to breathe in some of that salty air after a long, snowy winter. There’s no better place to take in the sites, sounds and smells of the Atlantic than the Hampton Beach boardwalk. There are restaurants, attractions and tons of fun things to do–making the boardwalk well worth the drive. 

10) Grilling and Backyard Games

You know it when you smell it. The smell of briquettes burning beneath a grill. The searing sounds of steak sizzling over an open flame. Horseshoes clanging, bottles clinking and frisbees flying through the air. That’s right, when spring swings through Southern New Hampshire, it’s time to get back to grilling and games with friends and family. 

There’s a lot to love about the south side of the Granite State–especially when the warm spring winds swing in from the west.

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