New Hampshire offers a remarkable concentration of natural beauty and historical depth in a compact New England state. From the towering White Mountains and the iconic summit of Mount Washington to the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and the pristine Atlantic coastline at Hampton Beach, visitors encounter dramatic landscapes at every turn. Portsmouth anchors the seacoast with its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and a thriving culinary scene, while the Lakes Region provides summer watersports and leisurely cruises. Fall foliage transforms the state into a mosaic of crimson and gold each October, drawing leaf-peepers from across the Northeast. The state's 'Live Free or Die' ethos permeates everything from its lack of sales and income taxes to its independent political culture.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
- Respect religious and historic sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Don't
- Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
- Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
- Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
- Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.