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Go retro on New Hampshire's Route 3
Taking the fast cut through New Hampshire on highways is one thing if you're saving time. Hitting the back roads to get the true feel of the Granite State is quite another if you've got time to spend, and the state’s new “Route 3 Retro Tour” does just that, tourism folks said. They’ve added the tour to the www.visitnh.gov website; look for it under “Planning Travel and Tools” and then under “culture itineraries.”
“Travelers to and within New Hampshire are always looking for fun things to do and our latest itinerary really highlights some cool stops from a bygone era when getting there was half the fun,” said Tai Freligh, communications manager for the state’s tourism division.
There are some 133 miles of scenic byways between Tilton and Pittsburg that contain a slew of affordable, 1950s and 1960s-era, owner-operated motels, motor courts, and attractions, she said.
Fun stuff: Located along Route 3 in Stewartstown is historical marker number 64 – also known as the 45th parallel – marking the exact location halfway between the equator and North Pole.
A lot on the tour is stuff for fair weather, Santa’s Village, Riverside Speedway, and Whale’s Tale Waterpark among them. But there’s lots to see in fall and winter; just following the Pemigewasset River winding through Campton, Lincoln, and North Woodstock affords great scenic views.
And to fire up your energy levels, check out Chutters Candy Store in Littleton, said to house the world’s largest candy counter, with 112 feet of gleaming glass jars stuffed with things that may not be good for you but make a long New Hampshire drive that much more enjoyable.
“Travelers to and within New Hampshire are always looking for fun things to do and our latest itinerary really highlights some cool stops from a bygone era when getting there was half the fun,” said Tai Freligh, communications manager for the state’s tourism division.
There are some 133 miles of scenic byways between Tilton and Pittsburg that contain a slew of affordable, 1950s and 1960s-era, owner-operated motels, motor courts, and attractions, she said.
Fun stuff: Located along Route 3 in Stewartstown is historical marker number 64 – also known as the 45th parallel – marking the exact location halfway between the equator and North Pole.
A lot on the tour is stuff for fair weather, Santa’s Village, Riverside Speedway, and Whale’s Tale Waterpark among them. But there’s lots to see in fall and winter; just following the Pemigewasset River winding through Campton, Lincoln, and North Woodstock affords great scenic views.
And to fire up your energy levels, check out Chutters Candy Store in Littleton, said to house the world’s largest candy counter, with 112 feet of gleaming glass jars stuffed with things that may not be good for you but make a long New Hampshire drive that much more enjoyable.
contributors
- Anne Fitzgerald, Globe Travel Editor
- Paul Makishima, Globe Assistant Sunday Editor
- Eric Wilbur, Boston.com staff
- Kari Bodnarchuk writes about outdoor adventures, offbeat places, and New England.
- Patricia Borns, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs travel, maritime, and historical narratives as well as blogs and books.
- Patricia Harris, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Paul E. Kandarian, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs New England and Caribbean stories.
- Chris Klein is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. His latest book is ‘‘The Die-Hard Sports Fan’s Guide to Boston.’’
- David Lyon, a regular contributor to Globe Travel, is author or co-author of more than 20 books on travel, food, and popular culture.
- Hilary Nangle is a regular contributor to Globe Travel. Her latest guidebook is Moon Maine (Avalon Travel, 2008)
- Joe Ray, a frequent contributor to Globe Travel, writes and photographs food and travel stories from Europe.
- Kimberly Sherman writes about unique happenings throughout New England.
