staycations

Ah, the vacation. 

No work. No stress. And no worries. 

If you’re like most physicians, you can’t wait to get away from the hospital or clinic a few times a year. Perhaps you’ve escaped to the islands or traveled across the pond to explore Europe. Maybe you’ve dropped in on Disney World.

This year, it might be time to stay close to home.

New Hampshire offers an array of interesting, entertaining and relaxing staycation options. Here’s a look at a week’s worth of fabulous staycation ideas for New Hampshire physicians:

1) Monday: Head for the Hills

No matter the season, the White Mountains offer something for everyone. There’s shopping in the summer, scenic drives in the fall, skiing in the winter and outdoor dining in the spring. 

Whether you’re into wildlife, water or a little fine dining, you can’t go wrong with a quick day trip to the hills. The White Mountain National Forest is less than a three-hour drive from Manchester, making it the perfect Monday getaway for your staycation. 

You’ll love exploring the historic White Mountains, the areas quaint villages and opportunities to see why people from all over the East Coast make annual visits to the region. 

2) Tuesday: Love the Lake

When a well-respected lifestyle magazine recognizes a nearby lake as one of the “prettiest lakes in New England,” you’d be remiss not to seriously consider it among your staycation ideas. 

So why not take a drive over to Wellington State Park in Bristol and spend some time enjoying the local paradise that is Newfound Lake? 

You’ll love the scenic views of the hemlock-covered mountains, the crystal-clear water and the largest freshwater swimming beach the state park system has to offer. 

Learn more about Newfound Lake here. 

3) Wednesday: Get Serious About Having Some Fun

Now that you’ve enjoyed the serenity of the White Mountains and the beauty of New England’s most beautiful lake, it’s time to let loose and get serious about having some fun — especially if you have kids. 

Water Country over in Portsmouth has been entertaining New Hampshire families for three decades with its rides, slides, waves, rivers and pools. With 26 exciting acres of attractions, it’s the perfect way to spend a day burning off some energy during your summer staycation. 

4) Thursday: Appreciate Art

By now you’re probably looking for something a little more refined and relaxing. On Thursday, make plans to visit the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester. 

It boasts a collection of 13,000 American and European works of art in nearly every medium, from modern to decorative to contemporary. It also offers a full range of studio classes so you can do more than simply appreciate art–you can create it. 

5) Friday: Eat Your Day Away

One of the best kept secrets about New Hampshire is that it’s an awesome place for foodies–and it’s small enough that you can eat your way through the state in a single day. 

Start with breakfast at the Friendly Toast in Portsmouth, which has been ranked as the best breakfast spot in New Hampshire. Then make your way over to Skinny’s Pizzeria in Manchester for a little lunch. Then finish your day by enjoying dinner at The Common Man in Claremont, where you’ll feel like you are a part of history in an old mill located along the Sugar River. 

Of course, there are many more great dining options in New Hampshire, so your Friday staycation ideas shouldn’t be limited to this list. 

Saturday and Sunday: Get Out and About

There’s always something exciting happening in New Hampshire! Get out and enjoy the events!

—

Would you like to read more blogs like this one? Subscribe!